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Wild Coast Trail

7 nights from €3200

Uncover South Africa's hidden gem on the Wild Coast, where authentic culture meets deserted beaches and tranquil hinterlands during an immersive 8-day trail ride.

  • South Africa, Wild Coast

  • Set arrivals

  • 7 nights

  • 4-8 hours of riding per day

  • King Phalo Airport, East London

  • Group size: 8 max

The Wild Coast is South Africa’s best-kept secret! Here, you can immerse yourself in South African culture, largely untouched by tourism. Explore endless sandy beaches and experience authentic rural South Africa from the saddle of a horse.

Traverse deserted beaches and meander over the gentle hills of the hinterland. Delve into the travel blog featuring Ingrid Klimke!

The Wild Coast Trail offers a particularly diverse riding experience: revel in the vast sandy beaches, encounter authentic rural South Africa, and venture into the African bush within a nearby game reserve. Post-trail, you have the opportunity to visit the private Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, observing and studying the behavior of Africa’s wildlife on a Land Rover safari.

Embark on rides along desolate beaches and across the soft undulating hills of the hinterland. On certain days, savor the allure of the coastal landscape, galloping along endless beaches to reach sleepy coastal villages where a hearty lunch awaits in a local pub. On other days, explore the grassy expanse of the hilly hinterland, punctuated by colorful round huts that define the Transkei landscape.

Miles of uninhabited beaches beckon for a spirited gallop over pristine sand. If you and your horse crave a refreshing break, take a dip in the sea or one of the idyllic lagoons. Accompanied by our horses, an old-fashioned ferry transports us across the Great Kei River, leading into the former Transkei—the rural heart of the Eastern Cape, where the untouched villages of the Xhosa await. Comfortable, down-to-earth hotels provide cozy havens and ideal rest spots for both horse and rider.

Immerse yourself in the diverse facets of South Africa’s rainbow nation and a community united through tourism. Discover the wonderfully varied culture of South Africa!

The Wild Coast remains South Africa’s best-kept secret.

The proficient leaders of Wild Coast Trails, Julie-Anne and Clint Gower, extend a warm welcome with authentic South African hospitality. Residents of this area for a lifetime, they expertly introduce you to their home in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Guides well-acquainted with the land and its people, coupled with attentive staff, ensure a pampered experience. The rides are diverse, the beaches pristine, and the cuisine delightful! The horses are not just companions but also embody friendliness, diligence, and ease of riding. You’ll find yourself on a horse that you’d wish to take home.

In October 2015, we embarked on this adventure with Ingrid Klimke! Dive into the travel blog for more.

Overview

○ Engage in a dynamic trail ride along the Wild Coast
○ Stay in characterful, local hotels
○ Suitable for riders ranging from intermediate to experienced
○ Children with solid riding skills and non-riders are also welcome

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary – subject to change at any time. 

Day 1

Arrival

Upon landing at East London Airport, a seasoned transfer service will whisk you away to Kei Mouth. There, the Wild Coast Trails team and your equine companions for the upcoming days eagerly await. At the Kei Mouth Country Club, a light lunch is served, providing an opportunity to don your riding gear. Following this, you’ll be escorted to the stables. A short introductory ride allows you to explore the immediate surroundings, shake off travel fatigue with a refreshing gallop, and acquaint yourself with your horse. A leisurely dinner and a comfortable night’s stay await at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge.

Day 2

The equestrian adventure kicks off after a light breakfast. We ride down to the Kei River, cross it on an old ferry, and our guides lead us through rocky paths and sandy beaches to hidden waterfalls for a picnic and swim. Today’s destination is either Trennerys or Seagulls Hotel, both authentic South African establishments. Enjoy beachside relaxation or a poolside beer before reuniting for dinner. The flexible schedule allows ample time to explore the hotel.

Overnight at Trennerys or Seagulls Hotel.

Day 3

Embark on a 40-kilometer journey, riding up the coast through gentle hills, valleys, rural settlements, and inland holiday villages. After crossing numerous river streams, the ride returns to the beach for lunch. If tides permit, an exhilarating ride over endless, untouched beaches awaits in the afternoon. Check into Mazeppa Bay Hotel, characterized by its own island connected to the main beach by a bridge, for a pleasant evening to recharge.

Overnight at Wavecrest Hotel.

Day 4

The adventure continues through “The Gorge,” a route through a beautiful gorge and slightly more challenging terrain. After crossing the river, ride through valleys and riverbeds before reaching Kob Inn for lunch. Enjoy the hospitality of this coastal gem with breathtaking views of the sea and private beaches. Kob Inn offers an exclusive location synonymous with pure relaxation.

Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel.

Day 5

Refresh for a full day of riding, approximately 20 km along the coast to hidden coves and lagoons. The guide selects a picturesque spot for a picnic, followed by the journey towards Kob Inn for another evening of camaraderie, excellent meals, and perhaps a cocktail.

Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel.

Day 6

Start the return journey along the coast, crossing rivers and engaging in brisk gallops along the beaches. After a ride of approximately 30 kilometers, indulge in the Wavecrest Spa or explore a rare mangrove forest by boat or canoe. Conclude the evening with a delightful dinner in a cozy gathering.

Overnight at Wavecrest Hotel.

Day 7

Depart from Wavecrest to return to the safari’s starting point in Kei Mouth. Experience a swift beach ride if tides align, followed by a late lunch in Kei. Alternatively, an inland ride includes a lunch break and spirited gallops on the beach before returning to Kei Mouth. The final evening at Julie-Anne & Clint’s lodge is a time to share stories of the unforgettable experiences.

Overnight in Kei Mouth.

Day 8

Departure

Around 1 PM, your transfer takes you back to the airport. Before departure, enjoy one last ride through adjacent farmland, take a few jumps, or swim with your horse in the dam. Bid farewell to your faithful four-legged partner and embark on the journey home.

Getting here

The designated airport is East London in South Africa. Transfer arrangements are coordinated through the farm at specified times to guarantee prompt and secure transportation. All transfers are settled in cash directly with the driver. For arrivals on Saturdays until 12 PM and departures on Saturdays from 4 PM, a group transfer option is available. For arrivals or departures on different days or alternate Saturday times, a private transfer will be organized.

DATES

28/06 – 05/07/2026; 09 – 16/08/2026; 06 – 13/09/2026; 23 – 30/09/2026; 07 – 14/10/2026; 21 – 28/10/2026; 08 – 15/11/2026;
25/11 – 04/12/2026 (horse-safari special – enquire for details)
20 – 27/01/2027; 17 – 24/02/2027; 06 – 13/03/2027; 04 – 11/04/2027; 05 – 12/05/2027; 16 – 23/06/2027; 03 – 10/07/2027; 17 – 24/07/2027; 01 – 08/08/2027; 29/08 – 05/09/2027; 15 – 22/09/2027; 29/09 – 06/10/2027; 13 – 20/10/2027; 27/10 – 03/11/2027; 13 – 20/11/2027

PRICES

INCLUDED

All overnight stays in double rooms, All meals, All rides with a guide and backup rider, Team for the horses

NOT INCLUDED

Arrival, Transfers, Drinks, Insurance, Tips and personal expenses, SPA treatments, Additional activities

Please note that any bank fees incurred for international transfers are not covered and should be borne by the participant.

NEAREST AIRPORT

King Phalo Airport, East London

HELMET REQUIREMENTS

Wearing a riding helmet is mandatory for this journey. Although we recommend bringing your own helmet, a limited selection is available on-site.

WEIGHT LIMIT

The weight limit for riders is 95kg.

The accommodation

The guesthouses during the Wild Coast Trail may vary based on availability and can change to an equally high standard without prior notice. Throughout the Wild Coast Trail, you’ll journey from one guesthouse to another.

Trennerys Hotel
Trennerys stands out as a popular holiday haven in South Africa, boasting tradition and charm.

Trennerys Hotel
Tradition and Charme make this hotel a popular holiday destination in South Africa.

Kob Inn
Poised on rocks overlooking the sea, this delightful hotel offers breathtaking views. We’ll spend two nights in this picturesque setting.

Wavecrest Hotel
This establishment features charming rondavels with thatched roofs and offers stunning panoramic views.

Kei Mouth
On the final night, accommodations will be at the Kei River Guest Lodge & Backpackers (depending on the group size).

Catering
For breakfast, guests can choose between a continental or a full English breakfast. Lunch options vary each day and may include stops at a pub, restaurant, our hotel, or a picnic along the route. Dinner is served at 7:30 PM and consists of a delightful 3 or 4-course menu.

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