
From the horse’s mouth
Itinerary
Highlights
- Horseback trails along the stunning coastline of the Eastern Cape and its beaches
- Ride inland through Transkei and past local traditional Xhosa villages
- The deserted and wild beaches are perfect for long canters and gallops
- Watch for dolphins and whales out to sea (peak viewing months for Southern Right whales and Humpbacks are July - November)
- Groups are usually limited to a maximum of 8 riders
- Varied and interesting, comfortable accommodation
Dates & prices
Price details
- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room. There is no solo rider supplement. Single rooms will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please let us know in advance if you'd like a single room, but there is no guarantee.
- Rides are confirmed for a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 8 international riders plus guides.
- Airport transfers are an extra c. 1200 ZAR (c. £70) per person at a set time, each way. Transfers are payable locally in ZAR only and costs are divided by the number of riders in the vehicle.
- 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
- 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.
- Wild Coast Trails are available throughout the year at set dates to coincide with the tides. Rides are possible all year round on a semi-itinerant basis - contact us to find out more or see "Kei River Beach Trail".
SPECIAL GROUP DISCOUNTS, valid for riders booking together
- 2 riders booking together: -10% for the first rider
- 3 riders booking together: -25% for the first rider
- 4 riders booking together: -50% for the first rider
- For 5 or more riders booking together, the first rider will get a free space.
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
Logistics
1 assistant groom who looks after the horses
Accommodation
Meals
Additional equipment
Price doesn't include
Meals
Price does not include breakfast on day 2 or lunch on day 9
Transports
International flights
Extra
Insurance
Equestrian info
Horses
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.
Guide & local team
Your luggage is moved by vehicle and the driver may join you for dinner in the evenings as well.
Minimum riding ability
Minimum riding ability
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
Tacking ability and participation
Trip conditions and Requested experience
Equestrian equipment
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
They are basic, but clean and comfortable. Tea and coffee making facilities are available. Meals are had from the set menus at the hotels and are prepared with local fresh produce. Special dietary requests can be accommodated for with advance notice. Please note that only the hotels on the first and last night have WiFi.
Meals
Drinks are not included but are very cheap! You will put drinks on your room bill each evening and settle up before departing in the morning. Tea/coffee/water are provided.
Vegetarians and special diets can be catered for to a certain degree but must be advised at the time of booking.
Climate
May: temperatures between 13°C-23°C during the day
June/July/August/September: average of 20°C.
October: between 14°C-22°C
November: lovely riding weather with temperatures between 16°C and 23°C
December: 17°C - 25°C
Tips
Packing list
- 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
- 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!). Please note riding in salty water can damage the leather so don't bring your brand new boots.
- 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
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take or needed for this trip
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
Our Recommendations
- In your hold luggage: Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant over 100 ml and all bottles can be decanted into small, clear, plastic Ziplock bags. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc. We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Sustainable tourism
- 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!).
- Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
- 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.
- Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
- Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
- Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The Eastern Cape has slightly different weather to other areas of southern Africa and so the following guide may help you when planning your riding holiday.
January / February: It’s summer, and the weather is hot & humid with afternoon thunder showers and possible flooding rivers! While riding, you can cool off by playing with the horses in the sea and lagoons.
March: Days are long and warm but there is still some chance of rain as the wet season tapers off. The riding is good and the sun is not too harsh.
April / May : It's Autumn, with warm days and blue skies. Good riding weather.
June / July / August: Winter days are dry and warm, with cool nights. The sun sets early, but the weather is so fine you can be out on your horse all day. Good riding weather.
September: The end of winter. It can be windy and wet.
October / November / December: Lovely time of year, everything is green and fresh as the spring rains bring relief to the parched earth. Riding is mostly fine during the day, with late afternoon rainstorms and you have to be careful with the river crossings. The temperatures are pleasant until around mid-December when the summer heat kicks in.
Average temperatures in summer (Oct - Feb): 15-26° C (60-80° F) with highs up to 32° C (90° F) occasionally in Dec, Jan and Feb.
Average temperatures in winter (Jun - Aug): 10-22° C (50-70° F)