Riding cantering along the beach in South Africa

Wild Coast extension

A fantastic alternative to the longer 7-day Wild Coast holiday, this equestrian short break in South Africa offers five days of relaxed riding adventures along the Wild Coast. A great choice for those short on time or wanting to combine this with one of our African riding safaris, for instance.
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Beach Ride
5 days / 4 days riding
From £940
  • Horse standing on the beach in South Africa
    On horseback, discover the stunning coastline of the Eastern Cape
  • A group of riders crossing palm trees with the ocean behind
    Happy riders in the palm trees
  • Horses and riders crossing the estuary on a ferry on the Kei River beach trai
    A horseback trail with few surprises!!
  • Watching the sea from your saddle
    The best views are through the ears of a horse...
  • Rider swimming in a lake with a horse in South Africa
    Trail riding in South Africa
  • Riders on a fast trail ride on the Wild Coast of South Africa
    Enjoy fast canters and gallops on the beach
  • A group of riders on the beach, in South Africa
    Beach riding holiday in South Africa, Wild Coast
  • Horseback riders on a riding holiday in South Africa, trail riding
    Enjoy the beautiful beach views of the Wild Coast on horseback
  • Riding cantering along the beach in South Africa
    Enjoy the Wild Coast in South Africa
  • Horses on South Africa's wild coast
    There is a stable of approximately 40 horses which are calm, energetic and sure-footed.

Itinerary

Highlights

- Long canters that go on and on for miles along deserted and wild beaches
- Discover the stunning coastline of the Eastern Cape
- A chance to see dolphins and whales out at sea (peak viewing months for Southern Right whales and Humpbacks are July - November)
- Groups are usually limited to a maximum of 8 riders
- Comfortable accommodation

For a full week itinerant trail ride, please see our "Wild Coast" itinerary.
  • Day 1 1 : JOHANNESBURG - EAST LONDON - KEI MOUTH - 1-2 hour riding

    On arrival at East London airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth. We recommend flight 4Z915 from Johannesburg, which arrives into East London at 12:00 noon. (If you arrive later than 12:00 noon then you may have to pay extra for a private transfer). You will be collected from East London airport and should arrive in Kei Mouth on time for a light lunch.

    Change into your riding clothes before meeting the horses. This afternoon you will ride for on an hour or a little longer to blow away the travelling cobwebs and give the guides a chance to assess your riding and make sure that they have the right horses allocated. Down by the river mouth you will have your first chance to canter along the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.

    Overnight and dinner at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.
  • Day 2 2: KEI MOUTH RIVER - WAVECREST - 4-5h riding

    Wavecrest Hotel
    Your overnight adventure trail begins! A full day riding along the coast, and the scenery is simply stunning. There is a good chance of spotting dolphins in the surf as you canter along the beautiful stretches of beach. Lunch is a saddlebag picnic with the chance to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea before heading to your hotel in the afternoon.
  • Day 3 3: Wavecrest - 3 hours riding

    Wavecrest Hotel
    Departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. A fantastic three-hour ride across country awaits you, through rolling hills and traditional villages. You will ride along stretches of beach at low tide – the gallops are exhilarating. There will be a river crossing at the start or the end of the ride (tide dependent) which will complete this magical morning. You will be back at the hotel in time for lunch or if the weather and tide are favorable, this will be a picnic lunch.

    This afternoon you will have a choice of activities, you can take a boat trip up the river and explore the stunning mangrove estuary of the Nxaxo river, go walking or just relax at the spa or in the jacuzzi. This afternoon is totally flexible as there are so many options to consider.

    Overnight and dinner at Wavecrest Hotel.
  • Day 4 4: WAVECREST - KEI MOUTH - 3 hours riding

    Today you start our journey back to Kei Mouth. You ride inland this morning, crossing the river high up and away from the tides' influence. The slay paths and track offer great canters as you wind our way back to the beach. Then you head towards Kei Mouth and the pontoon crossing before dropping the horses off at the paddocks before a late lunch at one of the local restaurants. Then it is a time to wander back to the guest house, and your final night on the Wild Coast.

    Overnight and dinner at Kei Mouth Guest House
  • Day 5 5: - EAST LONDON - JOHANNESBURG

    On your last morning, you will explore the cliffs and village of Morgan Bay and have one last canter down the beach. You will be able to shower and change before departure.
    You will be collected at 14:00 for flights departing after 17:00 or you can be dropped off at another address as arranged (we can organise an extension: safari in the Kruger, riding safari in Botswana, a visit to Victoria Falls, or even a relaxing beach holiday in Mozambique!).

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.     

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride. Single rooms are provided if available and subject to availability only.

- Rides are confirmed for a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 6 riders.

- Airport transfers are an extra c. 1200 ZAR (c. £70) per person per transfer at a set time. Transfers are payable locally in ZAR only and the cost is shared between the number of passengers.

- There is a maximum weight limit of 15 stones/95 kg - please contact us if you weigh more than this as it may be possible to pay a supplement for an extra horse.

- Please note that these prices are based on the South African Rand rate which can be volatile, we will confirm all prices to you upon booking.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Inland transport

Support vehicle and driver

Accommodation

Double or twin rooms in guesthouses

Meals

Full board from lunch arrival day to breakfast on departure day

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

Transport

Return airport transfers - See dates and prices
International or domestic flights

Extras

Staff gratuities

Insurance

Visas and personal purchase
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Extras

Trip extensions or additional activities
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    22/04/2024 26/04/2024 £940 €1,081 $1,166
    Guaranteed departure
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    20/05/2024 24/05/2024 £940 €1,081 $1,166
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    08/07/2024 12/07/2024 £940 €1,081 $1,166
    Full
    05/08/2024 09/08/2024 £940 €1,081 $1,166
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    02/09/2024 06/09/2024 £940 €1,081 $1,166
    Guaranteed departure
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    30/09/2024 04/10/2024 £940 €1,081 $1,166
    Guaranteed departure
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    28/10/2024 01/11/2024 £940 €1,081 $1,166
    Guaranteed departure
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    21/11/2024 25/11/2024 £940 €1,081 $1,166
    Guaranteed departure
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Equestrian info

Horses

There is a stable of approximately 40 horses which are calm, energetic and sure-footed. Many are home-bred and have been bred by your host. They are a mixture of Arabs, Thoroughbreds, crossbreeds or local African horses such as Boeperds.

Guide & local team

Julie-Anne and her team of guides are your hosts on this riding holiday. They will share with you their love for their horses and this beautiful part of South Africa.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This trail is open to riders from low intermediate to experienced. At the minimum you should be able to control your horse at a walk and trot and be able to enjoy a nice controlled canter. Complete beginners are not accepted. You will ride out in groups of similar ability and we will not mix novice and experienced riders. Experienced riders will be in their own group to enjoy a faster pace and longer rides.

There is a maximum weight limit of 15 stones/95 kg - please contact us if you weigh more than this as it may be possible to pay a supplement for an extra horse.

Pace

The riding is at mixed pace, with plenty of opportunities for long trots and canters along the beaches or on inland paths. You are divided in groups of similar ability and the pace of your ride depends on your riding levels.

Tacking ability and participation

Your guides will feed, care for and saddle your horses, but you may wish to help untack at the end of the day.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be physically fit for long hours in the saddle in the African sun.

Equestrian equipment

The saddles are comfortable for riders with a high pommel and shallow seat which permit a good seat - most also have a
sheepskin seatsaver on top. Each saddle also has a small saddle bag sufficient for carrying bottles of water and sunscreen necessary for the entire riding day.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Kei Mouth Guest Lodge is near to the stables, so a great base. It's a short walk from the Kei River and the ferry crossing and also from the beach. There are three ensuite twin/double bedrooms.

Wavecrest has the most amazing setting on the banks of the estuary of the Nxaxo River. This area is known for its breathtaking scenery. The ensuite rooms overlook the river, beach and sea. Alternative accommodation depending on availability is Trennery's hotel that operates to the same standards.

Meals

Meals are provided by each hotel you stay at.

Breakfast is usually buffet style and includes cereals, bread, tea and coffee, fruit.
Lunch may be a picnic carried in your guides saddlebag or something light at the hotel.
Dinner usually consists of three courses and is local fare - hearty and tasty. Fish is often available!

Guests will be required to pay for all extra soft drinks, wine, beer and any other beverage when out for lunch, at restaurants and at the hotel bars. There is a bottle store just around the corner from the guest lodge if other drinks are required.

Vegetarians and special diets can be catered for to a certain degree but must be advised at the time of booking.

Climate

The rainy season is between November and the end of March, with some storms at the end of the day. The warmest months are January and February: expect around 26°C. The South African winter (July/August) is cooler with 10°C during the day on average.

May: temperatures between 13°C-23°C during the day
June/July/August/September: the South African winter (July/August) is cooler with an average of 20°C during the day.
October: between 14°C-22°C
November: lovely riding weather with temperatures between 16°C and 23°C
December: 17°C - 25°C

Tips

We would recommend approximately £10 per guest per day which you can give to your guide to distribute amongst the team

Packing list

Head
- Hard hats are compulsory and we recommend you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - required all year round, but particularly during the winter months (May - October) when there can be rain or thunderstorms
- Casual clothes for the evening

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged (they can also be hot!)
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for when not riding
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear - pyjamas

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for the pools - the sea is generally not safe for swimming
- Binoculars for spotting dolphins/whales along the coastline
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...

Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Any liquids in your hold luggage, such as shampoo, moisturizer, over 100ml should be decanted into small, clear, plastic ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- In your hand luggage take any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your boots/ hiking shoes and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in you hand luggage is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

This short trail riding holiday in Africa was modeled after our 7-night trail ride along the Wild Coast.

This is a great option for those short on time or who want to combine a fun beach riding adventure with a horse safari or another riding holiday in Africa. We can even help organise non-riding extensions – a visit to Cape Town in South Africa, a beach holiday in Mozambique or a stay in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia.

For competent riders who have enough time, we strongly recommend you look into our 7-night mobile trail ride. See: “The Wild Coast Trail”.