Wild Coast, South Africa
Programmes
• Five Day Four Night Eco Adventure
• Seven Day Six Night Wild Coast Eco Adventure
• Four Day Three Night Eco Adventure
• Riding and Development Programme
Horses
Type of horses:
Friesians, Boerperd, Nooitgedachts and Arabs
Nature of horses:
Forward going, wonderful temperaments
Height of horses:
14 hh - 17.0 hh
Weight limit:
95 kg
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Unknown, 27 C
Forecast:
Fri - Clear. High: 24 Low: 19
Sat - Sunny. High: 24 Low: 17
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Five Day Four Night Eco Adventure
The price for this trail is dependent upon the number of people taking part and varies as follows:
1 Single Rider (Private Trail) £762
2-3 Riders £613
4-8 Riders £494
9-10 Riders £463
11+ Riders £400
Please contact the office for 2009 prices
Single supplement for those not wishing to share accommodation £160
Transfers from East London 1065 ZAR (£75 return per car -1-4 people).
During the high season (15th December - 15th January and during Easter holidays) an additional 50% is charged.
Seven Day Six Night Wild Coast Eco Adventure
The price for this trail is dependent upon the number of people taking part and varies as follows:
1 Single Rider £1065
2-3 Riders £858
4-8 Riders £695
9 -10 Riders £648
11+ Riders £560
Transfers from East London 1065 ZAR (£75) return per car - up to 4 people.
Single supplement for those not wishing to share accommodation £240
During the high season (15th December - 15th January and during Easter holidays) an additional 50% is charged.
Four Day Three Night Eco Adventure
The price for this trail is dependent upon the number of people taking part and varies as follows:
1 Single Rider (Private Trail) £615
2-3 Riders £370
4-8 Riders £494
9-10 Riders £375
11+ Riders £320
Single supplement for those not wishing to share accommodation £120
Transfers from East London 1065 ZAR (£75) return per car - up to 4 people.
During the high season (15th December - 15th January and during Easter holidays) an additional 50% is charged.
Riding and Development Programme
Contact the office for information.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Ever thought you would like to canter your horse along a beach, or play in the waves? And what better way to experience it, but on the back of a horse... and you will see rolling hills, rich Savannah grasslands and thick-forested valleys with multitudes of rivulets cascading down to rivers that eventually spill out onto quiet sandy beaches, fantastic high rise cliffs and spectacular rock formations that make the Wild Coast one of the most beautiful places in the world.
A warm welcome and unforgettable experience awaits you. Situated on the Morgan Bay road, trails here will take you along some of the finest undisturbed coastlines on the sub-continent. The warm water of the Agul has current, wide golden beaches, rocky shores supporting a fascinating and diverse animal kingdom, deep river valleys and wide lagoons, cosy family-style hotels, magnificent indigenous coastal forests, and bird, animal and plant life in profusion.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is at hospitable beach hotels which we can recommend having been used by your supplier for several years. You will stay at the Morgan Bay, the Wavecrest and Sea View all of which will make you very welcome.
Morgan Bay Hotel is family-owned on the unspoilt Wild Coast. 30m off the beach, with cosy pub, outstanding cuisine and rooms with exceptional views. Explorable beaches, lagoons and awe-inspiring cliffs. The hotel has a swimming pool, pool room, cyber cafe and golf course.
Sea Gulls Hotel is a family holiday resort footsteps from the beach on the southernmost tip of the "Transkei" Wild Coast. There is a swimming pool and kiddies swimming pool. Excellent dinners and breakfasts; traditional, sumptuous South African Braais (barbecues). There is a scrumptious Pub-lunch menu.
Wavecrest's newly refurbished accommodation is clean, comfortable and functional. It is simple enough, however, to make guests feel relaxed about coming home barefoot from the beach. The island style bungalows and rondavels are set in manicured lawns and gardens, many of which enjoy the most stunning views of the sea and estuary. The family suites and double room accommodation each have an en suite bath or shower room with an abundance of steaming hot water.
All breakfasts and dinners are eaten at the hotels along the coast. Lunches are either at the hotel or packed and eaten along the trail. You will have the opportunity to experience traditional South African cuisine along with the excellent sea food served along this coast.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: None
Age limit: None
Tuition: No
Included: Hotel accommodation, food, riding and guiding and saddle bag.
Not included: Transfers from East London, gratuities and hotel bar tabs. Back up vehicles can be arranged at an extra cost.
Travel Information
Please contact the office for advice on flights. There are many flights to South Africa and you will not suffer from jet lag. We can arrange transfer from the airport. Transfers from East London will be 1065 ZAR return (£72 approx) for a car up to 4 people.
Airport: East London
Programmes
Five Day Four Night Eco Adventure
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Day 1: You will meet at our stables just outside Morgan Bay at the designated time, You ride through a neighbouring farm towards the beach over open Savannah grassland and coastal forests. Be on the look out for duiker, wildebeest, blesbok, bushpig, giant water monitor and a wide variety of birds including crown cranes, egyptian geese and jackal buzzards. You will passing dams often covered in purple water lily flowers. Let your horse drink at one of the rivulets running through the thick forested valleys. The long winding paths give you the opportunity to walk, trot or canter as you make your way on to the cliffs at Morgan Bay. A stunning view awaits you with possible sightings of dolphins and whales frolicking in their playground. It is the colours of the Indian Ocean and spectacular rock formations that make the coastline so amazing. As you make your way towards the sand, look out for the resident giant monitor lizard often seen lying basking in the sun on the rocks. The beautiful stretch of beach invites you to canter along the water edge or even in the shallow waves. The sound of the horse's hooves on the sand or splash of the water will live with you forever. Ask you horse to take you deeper into the waves or into the lagoon and experience the power of a horse swimming. You then turn towards the town of Kei Mouth and ride onto Kei Mouth Hotel for lunch on the lawn overlooking the sea or a unique pub lunch experience at a pub with a difference. After lunch you head for the Great Kei River crossing by Pont (the old border between Transkei and South Africa in the days of apartheid). The crossing with the horses on the Pont is an experience of its own (see our photo gallery). Once at the other side of this magnificent river, you ride across the salt pans and onto the beach. Just give your horse a long rein and like goats they will choose the best route to pass. The powerful sea pounds the rocks forming incredible shapes reminding you as to why the area is called the Wild Coast and as to why there are so many ship wrecks along this stretch of coastline. To the left indigenous forests with a wide variety of plants and palms and around each corner a different bay. You will pass estuaries which are sometimes cut off from the sea and at other times spill into the beach with force. Sometimes you will walk quietly and at other times extend into a canter. Our destination is the Sea Gulls Hotel where both rider and horse are welcomed by friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel at home. Have a sundowner on the deck overlooking the sea, fresh oysters are served at the bar before a scrumptious meal (a highly recommended sea food platter can be arranged prior to the trail commencing at a small extra cost). Day 2: After a full breakfast you saddle up again and take the route to the Jacaranda shipwreck. Following the winding paths made for speed you take in the spectacular views until you reach the Kobonquuba River. The depth of the river depends on the tides and recent inland rain; it can be shallow with a few swimming strides or a good swim across. Either way the horses are strong swimmers, bold and happy to carry you across on their backs with powerful strides. Once across on the sandy beach a good way to dry off is at a brisk pace. Taking the ocean route along the rocky coastline, often riding shoulder to fin with dolphin, who seem to set their pace with yours. Take a winding path through an indigenous forests or high above on winding paths to the Wave Crest Hotel. After lunch relax on the deck overlooking the Nxaxo estuary, enjoy the abundance of animal and bird life as coastal and sea birds rub shoulders and compete for sky space. Above it all, the regal fish eagle can be heard to shriek his haunting cry. Take a boat trip up the estuary where Black and Red Mangroves compete in their unique environment with their aerial breathing roots and sacrificial leaf system. An abundance of bird life can be seen in this special part of the Wild Coast. long crested eagle, mangrove kingfisher, narina trogan, knysna loerie and trumpeter hornbill to name a few. Before dinner watch the crown cranes dance on the beach as they wait to be fed. Retire to your room and fall asleep in comfort, listening to the sounds of nature. Day 3: After breakfast, tides permitting you will swim the horses to the beach in front of the hotel for a good long canter and explore the coastline or alternatively take a ride parallel to the estuary towards the village. (A visit to a typical rural hut visiting a traditional Xhosa family can be arranged at a small cost). The sand dune formation which has produced fresh water pans below sea level which now serves as watering holes for the game on this particular coastline which was caused by a combination of the ancient San people's migratory route and present wind patterns is a unique phenomena and has to be seen. Take a ride on one of the many sandy cattle sled paths that meander through the coastal fauna before you return for lunch. The afternoon is yours to take a swim in the sea or pool, a canoe up the estuary, a ride or just relax and watch as the estuary change before your eyes. A second day is required to absorb what nature has to offer in this special part of the world. Day 4: After a full breakfast you will saddle up and cross the veld to a path that twists through a thick indigenous forest. Shaded from the sun by a canopy of huge old trees that intertwine. These trees include yellowwoods and white stinkwoods, milkwoods, knoblewoods and sneezewoods, all of which are hundreds of years old and have been used by local sangomas for their preparation of Muti and Tribal Ceremonies for as long. Look out for the stunning tree orchids while you listen to the sound of your horse's feet echo in the thick forest and in the distance the roar of the sea. The path ends on the beach just before the Kobonqaba River. Again you plunge into the water asking your horse to take you across. You will travel the high road for a while then onto the beach for a canter and sometimes even a race. You will have lunch at Sea Gulls; in the afternoon the horses have a chance to rest while you enjoy the time out of the saddle. Tonight weather permitting a moonlight ride after supper is on the itinerary. You ride by the light of the moon and stars, the waves reflect the light adding to the experience. Day 5: After breakfast the choice is yours as to how much riding you want to do. You can choose to ride inland to see The Gates, Twin Falls (Blue Gum forest, and Nonqawuse's pool, The waterfall of Unbelievers is on your way to the Pont or you could take the more direct route along the beach to Kei River once more to cross by the Pont. On to Morgan Bay for lunch, then back through the Savannah grasslands. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | You will need to be able to trot, canter and gallop for this ride. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 3 - 6 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | Departure dates to suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Seven Day Six Night Wild Coast Eco Adventure
|
This trail may suit the advanced rider who would like to take more time riding and exploring some of the finest undisturbed coastline on the sub-continent. An itinerary and package that will offer the discerning adventurer an experience of a lifetime from the back of an experienced trail horse can be put together for you. The trail can be personalised to suit your preferences. Seven Day Six Night Wild Coast Eco adventure Day 1: Meet at the stables just outside Morgan Bay at the designated time. Saddle up and head inland through a neighbouring farm and the beautiful Mkulu Kei Nature Reserve, the homestead and stud farm. Ride through rolling hills with many riverines. Have a picnic lunch under a huge Fig tree. Stay at Cockin, a luxury stay at a farm B&B where Tammy will spoil you. Day 2: After breakfast take in the sights of the Mkulu Kei Nature reserve and a neighbouring farm. Ride through rolling Savannah grasslands and on to a private game farm. You will see Zebra, Impala, Duiker, Wildebeest, Blesbok, Bushpig, Giant Water Monitor and a wide variety of birds. Then take in the view at the Double Mouth estuary; absorb the sea view of the Indian Ocean from the cliffs at Black Rock, riding high above the coastline over looking the rugged rocky shores. Pass a graveyard of many ships, and then on to Bead Beach where one can still find pieces of blue and white Ming porcelain and Carnelian beads in the shingle. These treasures are from the shipwrecked Santo Espiritu (early Portuguese Carrack) that came to grief along this piece of the coast in 1608. Stay at one of Black Rock luxury cottages. Have traditional braai while overlooking the sea. Day 3 You turn towards the town Kei Mouth and ride on to Kei Beach Hotel for lunch on the lawn over looking the sea. Remounting you head for the Great Kei River (Mkhulu Kei) crossing by Pont. (The old border between Transkei and South Africa, in the days of apartheid). The crossing with the horses on the Pont is an experience of its own. Once on the other side of this magnificent river, you ride across the saltpans and onto the beach. Each and every trail is unique as the coastline constantly changes, sometimes sandy, at other times rocky. Just give your horse a long rein and like goats they will choose the best route to pass. The powerful sea pounds the rocks forming incredible shapes reminding you as to why the area is called the Wild Coast and as to why there are so many ship wrecks along this stretch of coastline. To the left indigenous forests with a wide variety of plants, giant Sterculiaceae, Palms, Cycads and around each corner a different bay. You pass estuaries, which are sometimes cut off from the sea, and at other times spill into the beach with force. You mix your paces, sometimes quietly walking, at other times extending to a canter. Your destination is the Seagulls Hotel where both rider and horse are welcomed by friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel at home. Have a sundowner on the deck over looking the sea; fresh oysters are served at the bar before a scrumptious meal (a highly recommended sea food platter can be arranged prior to the trail commencing at a small extra cost). Day 4 After a full breakfast you saddle up again for a morning ride. You meander to the Jacaranda shipwreck. The Jacaranda is a must see by anyone visiting the Old Transkei and a stark reminder of the force of the ocean. To get to the shipwreck depends on the tides. The coastal route takes you along the beaches where you share the beaches with local cattle that gather on the sand. Pass ancient Middens, the remnants of the San people. If tides permit, you take the horses deep into the waves passing the rocks. Alternatively you can take the high road. Riding above the cliffs over looking the ocean, you will see rolling hills dotted with Xhosa huts and pass young Xhosa boys working their ox sled as their ancestors did generations ago. You then return to Seagulls for lunch. After lunch you head home over the Pont and then through Kei Mouth to Morgan bay for a last canter and then back to Mkulu Kei. Day 5 After breakfast, tides permitting you will swim the horses to the beach in front of the hotel for a good long canter and explore the coastline or alternatively take a ride parallel to the estuary towards the village. (A visit to a typical rural hut visiting a traditional Xhosa family can be arranged at a small cost). The sand dune formation which has produced Fresh Water pans below sea level and which now serves as watering holes for the game on this particular coastline was caused by a combination of the ancient San people's migratory route and present wind patterns. It is a unique phenomena and has to be seen. Take a ride on one of the many sandy cattle sled paths that meander through the coastal fauna before returning for lunch. The afternoon is yours to take a swim in the sea or pool, a canoe up the estuary, a ride or just relax and watch as the estuary changes before your eyes. A second day is required to absorb what nature has to offer in this special part of the world. Day 6 After a full breakfast you saddle up and cross the veld to a path that twists through a thick indigenous forest, shaded from the sun by a canopy of huge old trees that intertwine. These trees: Yellowwoods, and White Stinkwoods, Milkwoods, Knobblewoods and Sneezewoods, are hundreds of years old and have been used by local Sangomas for their preparation of Muti and Tribal ceremonies for just as long. Look out for the stunning tree orchids while you listen to the sound of your horse's feet echo in the thick forest and in the distance, the roar of the sea. The path ends on the beach just before the Kobonqaba River. Again you plunge into the water, asking the horses to take you across. You travel the high road for a while, then onto the beach for a canter and sometimes even a race. Having lunched at Seagulls, in the afternoon you give the horses a chance to rest while you enjoy the time out of the saddle. Tonight, weather permitting, a moonlight ride after supper is on the itinerary. You will ride by the light of the moon and stars with the waves reflecting the light adding to the experience. Day 7 After breakfast the choice is yours as to how much riding you want to do. You can choose to ride inland to see The Gates, Twin Falls, Blue Gum Forest and Nonqawuse's Pool and the Waterfall of Unbelievers on your way to the Pont, or the more direct route along the beach to Kei River once more to cross by the Pont. On to Morgan bay for lunch, then back to Mkulu Kei through the Savannah grasslands. |
|
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Advanced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 3 - 6 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | Dates to suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Four Day Three Night Eco Adventure
|
Day 1: You will meet at the stables just outside Morgan Bay at the designated time. You ride through a neighbouring farm towards the beach over open Savannah grassland and coastal forests. Be on the look out for duiker, wildebeest, blesbok, bushpig, giant water monitor and a wide variety of birds including crown cranes, egyptian geese and jackal buzzards. You will pass dams often covered in purple water lily flowers. Let your horse drink at one of the rivulets running through the thick forested valleys. The long winding paths give you the opportunity to walk, trot or canter as you make your way on to the cliffs at Morgan Bay. A stunning view awaits you with possible sightings of dolphins and whales frolicking in their playground. It is the colours of the Indian Ocean and spectacular rock formations that make the coastline so amazing. As you make your way towards the sand, look out for the resident giant monitor lizard often seen lying basking in the sun on the rocks. The beautiful stretch of beach invites you to canter along the water edge or even in the shallow waves. The sound of the horse's hooves on the sand or splash of the water will live with you forever. Ask your horse to take you deeper into the waves or into the lagoon and experience the power of a horse swimming. You then turn towards the town of Kei Mouth and ride onto Kei Mouth Hotel for lunch on the lawn overlooking the sea or a unique pub lunch experience at a pub with a difference. After lunch you head for the Great Kei River crossing by Pont (the old border between Transkei and South Africa in the days of apartheid). The crossing with the horses on the Pont is an experience of its own (see our photo gallery). Once at the other side of this magnificent river, you ride across the salt pans and onto the beach. just give your horse a long rein and like goats they will choose the best route to pass. The powerful sea pounds the rocks forming incredible shapes reminding you as to why the area is called the Wild Coast and as to why there are so many ship wrecks along this stretch of coastline. To the left you will pass indigenous forests with a wide variety of plants and palms and around each corner a different bay. You will pass esturaries which are sometimes cut off from the sea and at other times spill into the beach with force. Sometimes you will walk quietly and at other times extend into a canter. Youur destination is the Sea Gulls Hotel where both rider and horse are welcomed by friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel at home. Have a sundowner on the deck overlooking the sea, fresh oysters are served at the bar before a scrumptious meal (a highly recommended sea food platter can be arranged prior ro the trail commencing at a small extra cost). Day 2: After a full breakfast you saddle up again and take the route to the Jacaranda shipwreck. Following the winding paths made for speed you take in the spectacular views until you reach the Kobonquuba River. The depth of the river depends on the tides and recent inland rain; it can be shallow with a few swimming strides or a good swim across. Either way the horses are strong swimmers, bold and happy to carry you across on their backs with powerful strides. Once across on the sandy beach a good way to dry off is at a brisk pace. Taking the ocean route along the rocky coastline, often riding shoulder to fin with dolphin, who seem to set their pace with yours. Take a winding path through an indigenous forest or high above on winding paths to the Wave Crest Hotel. After lunch relax on the deck overlooking the Nxaxo estuary, enjoy the abundance of animal and bird life as coastal and sea birds rub shoulders and compete for sky space. Above it all, the regal fish eagle can be heard to shriek his haunting cry. Take a boat trip up the estuary where black and red mangroves compete in their unique environment with their aerial breathing roots and sacrificial leaf system. An abundance of bird life can be seen in this special part of the Wild Coast : long crested eagle, mangrove kingfisher, narina trogan, knysna loerie and trumpeter hornbill to name a few. Before dinner watch the crown cranes dance on the beach as they wait to be fed. Retire to your room and fall asleep in comfort, listening to the sounds of nature. Day 3: After a full breakfast you saddle up and cross the veld to a path that twists through a thick indigenous forest shaded from the sun by a canopy of huge old trees that intertwine. These trees include yellowwoods and white stinkwoods, milkwoods, knoblewoods and sneezewoods, all of which are hundreds of years old and have been used by local Sangomas for their preparation of Muti and Tribal Ceremonies for as long. Look out for the stunning tree orchids while you listen to the sound of your horse's feet echo in the thick forest and in the distance the roar of the sea. The path ends on the beach just before the Kobonqaba River. Again you plunge into the water asking the horses to take you across. You travel the high road for a while then onto the beach for a canter and sometimes even a race. Have lunch at Sea Gulls and in the afternoon give the horses a chance to rest while you enjoy the time out of the saddle. Tonight weather permitting a moonlight ride after supper is on the itinerary. You ride by the light of the moon and stars, the waves reflect the light adding to the experience. Day 4: After breakfast the choice is yours as to how much riding you want to do. You can choose to ride inland to see The Gates, Twin Falls, Blue Gum forest, and Nonqawuse's pool, Take the waterfall of Unbelievers route on your way to the Pont or the more direct route along the beach to Kei River once more to cross by the Pont. On to Morgan Bay for lunch, then back through the Savannah grasslands. |
|
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Comfortable and secure in all paces including gallop |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 3 - 6 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | Departure dates to suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Riding and Development Programme
|
A wonderful project here is the horse riding development programme which is a community project and working riding holiday. The backbone of this project is skills transfer to underprivileged children. The project is aimed at children between the ages of 10 years to 16 years from families who do not have the finances to enable their child to have this kind of experience. Your host Cheryl cannot imagine life without her horses. She watches her own children interrelate with their ponies, they have grown up learning to care, love, and respect horses which she believes encourages them to be better people, better equipped to understand the needs of others. As a qualified tour guide she has tried to encourage others to understand just how much of an impact we have on our environment. Cheryl wants to share her knowledge with those less privileged. There is a sense of freedom, power and confidence when working with horses, Cheryl would like to pass on her love for horses and hopefully some valuable life lessons. This programme will be fun and gives the children a valuable new skill that will give them better employment prospects and hence become less dependent on hand-outs. The aim is to equip the children with the basic skills needed to further develop careers as ranch hands, tour guides, instructors, and stable hands. There is so much unemployment in the Eastern Cape by teaching new skills we are opening job opportunities to the children. The backbone of this project is skills transfer. Cheryl intends to give children the opportunity to learn how to ride and care for horses safely, teaching them riding skills, basic stable management in addition to grooming, feeding and basic medical treatment. She believes that by giving the children a chance to learn to ride, and be responsible not just for themselves but an animal and those around them. They will develop confidence and become leaders in the community. Some of them will develop a passion for horses and take their riding further. The Xhosa nation as a community is not encouraged to be horseman, unlike their inland brethren closer to the mountains who are. The Sotho has their Sotho pony and is internationally renowned for their horsemanship skills, yet there are job opportunities in this area as stockmen and in the bigger cities well paid groom positions. To help with this project Cheryl is offering volunteers the opportunity to come to South Africa on a working riding holiday, to ride along the incredible coastline, and work in the development program. This is hard work, and time consuming but, in the long run, the impact on the community will be noticeable. She is looking for volunteers who want to make a lasting impression on the community. Anyone who is interested in helping us with the programme is encouraged to contact our office. |
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| Minimum group size: | 0 |
| Maximum group size: | 0 |
| Ability description: | To help with this programme, you need to be prepared to put in long hours and work hard but you will find it very rewarding |
| Type of ride: | Helping children |
| Total riding time: | Variable |
| Departure dates: | Please contact the office if you are interested |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |