Riding on the Edge of Africa

This unique experience has you riding along the breathtaking Wild Coast of Africa. Ride along miles of sleepy trails, dramatic cliffs, gorgeous beaches and estuaries, with hidden tribal villages scattered along the way. Let yourself become completely immersed with nature, while taking in the Great Kei River and Transkei landscape. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a diverse culture of the Xhosa people, who are rich in community and values of hard work. This experience isn’t just a beach ride, it’s an adventure!

Home Bred for Endurance

The horses you’ll ride in the long distance rides are very fit and suited for accomplished riders. The pace is fast and exciting. They’re perfectly conditioned for the type of physicality that the Wild Coast terrain requires, and are often described as brave, strong and responsive. They are a mixture of Arab, Boerperd, Thoroughbred and Percheron crosses, most of them home bred and practically made for trail riding. Among them, there are options for all levels of riding, from advanced to beginner.

Long Rides, Short Rides

The Kei River Horse Trail

The Kei River Horse Trail starts on a pontoon to cross the Kei river, with marvels of nature to explore along the way. Discover hidden African villages, undulating green hills, and nestled coves all waiting for you to uncover. The Transkei landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for horse riding adventures, with endless rolling hills, savanna grasslands and cliff tops that plunge into the ocean. The Wild Coast Horse Trail takes riders along the coast into the southern region of the Wild Coast, staying at coastal hotels along the way which provide comfortable stop-overs for horse and riders. There are many options to choose from, from the short rides suitable to both beginners and more advanced riders, all the way to the multi day treks that should be left for quite fit and accomplished riders.

Itinerary for Wild Coast Horse Trail (8 Days, 7 Nights) Ride:

Day 1:

On arrival at East London airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, the base of Wild Coast Horse Trails. A light lunch is served, then you will change into your riding clothes and be taken up to the beach paddock. The afternoon is a short introductory ride around the local area. It will give you the opportunity to blow away those travelling cobwebs and get to know your horse for the week. A relaxed, friendly evening meal awaits you back at the guesthouse along with a good night’s sleep. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.

Day 2:

Your horse riding adventure starts now! After a light breakfast it’s back up to the paddocks. A short ride down to the Kei River and then a crossing by ferry, to ride over rocky headlands and long stretches of beach. The guides will take you to hidden waterfalls for a picnic lunch and a swim if you choose! Then it’s to Trennerys or Seagulls Hotel (both quaint, authentic hotels that give guests a real taste of traditional South African holidaying). Here you can stretch your legs on the beach or unwind with a beer by the pool before enjoying a great dinner, and time with your riding group. Our unhurried itinerary will give you plenty of time to explore the hotel. Overnight at Trennerys or Seagulls Hotel.

Day 3:

You will awake to the sound of the sea, and the solitude of being somewhere on the edge of Africa. Now it’s time to move on with a distance of 40km to be covered. Heading out from the hotel you will continue up the coast, traversing rolling hills and sandy beaches and pass through rural settlements. You cross a number of inland river drifts, then the ride veers back to the sea for a breakfast or lunchtime picnic. Tides permitting, the rest of the day is a breath-taking ride on long, endless beaches, which mean faster riding and the thrill of a good horse in a great location. Another traditional beach hotel, Mazeppa Bay is your next stop. Exploring the secluded beach will lead you to a suspension bridge onto one of the only islands along the coast. A pleasant evening spent soaking up the relaxed atmosphere gives riders the opportunity to unwind after a challenging day in the saddle. Overnight at Mazeppa Bay Hotel.

Day 4:

The next leg of your adventure is “The Gorge”. This route takes you through a beautiful river ravine and over some tricky terrain. Once through the rocky river bed, the ride heads back to the sea through valleys and along winding cattle tracks before reaching your next destination – Kob Inn. You arrive just in time for lunch. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to relax and soak up the laid-back hospitality of another coastal treasure. With a pub on the rocks overlooking the wild seas and sheltered private beaches on either side, this is an exquisite location in which to kick back and truly embrace ‘Africa time’. Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel.

Day 5:

Today you should be fresh and ready for a full day in the saddle. The tides dictate the day’s schedule which will take you about 20kms up the coast along sheltered beaches, into hidden coves and beautiful lagoons. Your guide will select a suitable spot for you to enjoy a picnic and a swim in a lagoon before heading back to Kob Inn for an evening of delicious dining and maybe a few cocktails! Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel.

Day 6:

It’s time to head back down the coast again. Once more, the timing of the day’s riding will be dependent on the tides as you cross rivers, climb hills and speed along beaches on your way to Wavecrest Hotel. After a good +/- 30km ride, in the afternoon you can choose to indulge in a little pampering at the Wavecrest spa; maybe explore the rare mangrove forests by either boat or canoe. More South African coastal hospitality awaits you as you relax and allow yourself to be spoilt by the Wavecrest team. Overnight at Wavecrest Hotel.

Day 7:

From Wavecrest, if the tide is right, the ride back to Kei Mouth will be fast-paced and along the beach. After dropping your horse off at the beach base for a well-earned rest, you will have a late lunch in Kei. Alternatively, after an inland start, you will stop for lunch en route and hit the beaches at low tide for some fast canters in the afternoon before arriving back in Kei Mouth. Your last night of trail is spent, once again, at the home and guest lodge of Julie-Anne & Clint, where they will treat you to a typical South African Braai; finishing off a week of unforgettable riding with the warm hospitality that the Wild Coast is known for. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.

Day 8:

Depending on your departure time, you could squeeze in one more ride before the shuttle picks you up to transfer you back to the airport.



Itinerary for Kei River Horse Trail (8 Days, 7 Nights) Ride:

This is a 8 days, 7 nights Home Stay Base Ride at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge with a 2 night 3 day mini beach trail up the coast. Riding included is 2 to 4 or 5 hours per day, split into morning & afternoon rides or a full day. The Kei River Horse Trail is an excellent horse riding holiday option for all levels of rider that wants to experience our wonderful Wild Coast riding and enjoy the home from home hospitality of our guest lodge in Kei Mouth.

For the first few days you will enjoy being with the horses and exploring the local area. You will visit waterfalls & cliff tops, hidden coves and local favourite pubs and restaurants for delicious lunches, canter the beaches, and play in the ocean. Then it’s off on a mini trail up the coast for 3 days of riding adventures and 2 nights at the lovely Wavecrest Beach Hotel & Spa. The last night is back at the guest lodge and we will squeeze in a final ride if you have time on the morning of departure. This is a very personal riding holiday, and you will really get to know us, who we are and how the horses are entwined into our way of life. 2 - 4 hours of riding per day.



Itinerary for Beach Trail to Trennerys and Wavecrest (8 days, 7 Nights) Ride:

Day 1:

On arrival at East London airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, the base of Wild Coast Horse Trails. A light lunch is served, then you will change into your riding clothes and be taken up to the beach paddock. The afternoon is a short introductory ride down to the beach. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.

Day 2:

Morgan Bay Cliffs and lunch at Yellowwoods. Overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.

Day 3:

Cross the Kei on the Ferry, waterfalls ride with picnic. Overnight at Trennerys Hotel Day 4:

Explore the area, The Gates and beaches of Qolora. Overnight at Trennerys Hotel Day 5. Morning ride to Wavecrest. River cruise, Spa or ride in the afternoon. Overnight Wavecrest Hotel. Day 6

Stunning morning ride. River paddles, spa or ride in the afternoon. Overnight Wavecrest Hotel.

Day 7:

Return to Kei Mouth via the beaches and inland. Overnight Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.

Day 8:

Depending on your departure time, you could squeeze in one more ride before the shuttle picks you up to transfer you back to the airport.



Itinerary for Mini Beach Trail (5 Days, 4 Nights) Ride

Afternoon ride, dinner and overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge. Full day ride with saddle bag picnic , dinner and overnight at Trennerys or Wavecrest hotel.

3 to 4 hour morning ride, lunch at hotel & free afternoon, dinner and overnight at Trennerys or Wavecrest Hotel.

Full day ride back to Kei Mouth with pub lunch en route, dinner and overnight at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.

2.5 hour Morgan Bay Cliff top ride before departure after lunch.

Kei Mouth Guest Lodge

Between your equestrian endeavours at Wild Coast Horseback Adventures, stay at the magical Kei Mouth Guest Lodge. You’ll be able to unwind in one of the three relaxing suites, with spacious rooms and free Wifi. Although this is the perfect place to just lounge around on the sandy beaches, Kei Mouth offers a slew of activities from paddling to deep sea fishing.

Equestrian Connection - Long-Term Stays

The Equestrian Connection riding holiday is a program designed for those horse lovers who are interested in all aspects of the sport. One of the most important aspects of riding, is the inter-connection between horse and rider. It is Wild Coast Horseback Adventures' philosophy to ensure that they live in the most comfortable and natural way possible so they can do their job to the best of their abilities. During this experience you’ll become a part of these horses' lives, in and out of the saddle.
Read more about a personal experience from one of our riders on our blog: https://blog.mycavago.com/en/trail-riding-along-south-africas-wild-coast-with-sanne-westera

Gallery

Location

Car

18 Coral Street, Kei Mouth, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Airport

East London Airport

Food & Drink

Food & Drink (Food & Drink)

Breakfast is your choice of continental and/or full English cook up. Lunch changes from day to day, it could be a pub lunch, set lunch at one of the hotels or a picnic along the way.