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Wild Coast Surf & Turf Safari
Wild Coast
South Africa
Wild Game, the Sea, Wild Beaches, Wonderful Horses and Warm Hearted People
The "Wild Coast" is the rugged, remote, and fairly unpopulated stretch of South African coastline between East London and Port Edward. This 280 km stretch of cliff faces, perfect beaches and rich tidal estuaries is situated between the Mtamvuna River in the north and the Great Kei River in the south. Meander from surf to savannah, exploring hidden coves and beaches while game viewing on horseback.
Enjoy a luxury game lodge exploring the rolling Kei River bush veld in search of African plains game. Then we are off on an adventure horse ride along the Wild Coast while staying in small seaside inns. We finish at a luxury guest house and add on an optional Big 5 game drive on the final morning.
This horse riding holiday along the coast is exhilarating and exciting! We experience one sweeping bay after another, rolling hillsides, river crossings and warm lagoons ensure adventure filled days of fabulous horseback beach riding. You will be enthralled by the wonderful combination of endless beaches and unrestricted cross country riding!
The trip starts with the first two nights at the luxurious Endalweni Game Lodge where we can explore the private reserve on horseback while looking out for wild game. We then start our coastal ride in Kei Mouth; this trail is about experiencing Africa like you have never seen it before. We explore local legend sites and rural villages, interacting with the Xhosa people en route to experiencing the untouched beauty of the Wild Coast coastal environment. The beach canters are endless!
Meander from beach to beach, from surf to savanna, past shipwrecks while spotting whales and dolphins in the scintillating expanse of the Indian Ocean. We gallop along deserted beaches and explore hidden coves, cross the mighty Kei River on a pontoon with our horses and dive into the undulating green hills of the Transkei to experience the essence of rural Africa on horseback.
The trail winds down from the cliff tops to deserted beaches and canters to a sleepy coastal village for lunch at a local pub. At sunset we can play with the horses in the warm lagoon waters before returning to our comfortable room at a small family-run beachside hotel for a memorable meal of fresh seafood and local produce complemented by South African wines.
Our trail networks throughout the community ensuring that we encounter the wonderfully diverse South African culture. The Wild Coast may just be best kept secret in South Africa
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Safari Ride
Meeting:
Kei Mouth
Airport:
East London Airport
Transfer:
East London Airport
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations (2 nights at 4* safari lodge and 6 nights in 2* guesthouses), all your meals, back up and luggage transfers, entry to local projects, groom and professional guide services, 6 riding days.
| A | 2013 | 8 day Safari, AP | 8d / 7n | €1925 | $2500 |
| B | 2013 | 5 day Safari, AP | 8d / 7n | €1100 | $1430 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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transfer from East London airport at set times-return pp
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R
550
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$75
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2013
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50% solo rider supplement to operate trip for 1 rider only
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R
0
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$0
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4 night / 5 day Getaway is flexible custom dates - choose your own!
Rates do not include:
Beverages from the hotels and guest houses, personal spenditure, gratuities, airport transfers
Day 1 We advise you to try to arrive in East London on SA flight 471 at 11:30 am. It is approximately an hour’s drive to Endalweni Game Reserve from the airport. After settling into the rooms we make our way to the horse paddocks situated near the lodge. After an introduction we take the horses out for the afternoon and explore the reserve, getting our first taste of game viewing on horseback. The first evening we enjoy drinks and dinner before a good night’s rest after the long journey.
Lodging - Luxury Endalweni Game Lodge on a private reserve just out of Kei Mouth.
Day 2 We are up early this morning, a quick cup of coffee or tea and a rusk gets us going up into the saddle. Many of the areas in the reserve are unreachable by vehicle, which makes this ideal horse riding country. We enjoy a leisurely ride out exploring the reserve in search of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, blesbuck, kudu, bushbuck, warthog, and many other antelope species. Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the stunning Kei River Valley and the Rural Transkei we meet the lodge team for a stunning bush brunch at about 11:30 am. We relax for an hour or so before heading to the beach paddocks in Kei Mouth. This afternoon we ride down to the beach and meet the horses that will take us on the rest of our journey. We are treated to a lovely traditional South African Braai this evening.
Lodging - Luxury Endalweni Game Lodge on a private reserve just out of Kei Mouth.
Day 3 We start early again this morning to search for game and come back to the lodge for brunch at around 11:30 am. We have time to relax before leaving for the beach at about 2:00 pm. We head across the Kei River with the horses on the pontoon and enjoy some great beach riding and get to Trennery’s in the late afternoon.
Lodging - Trennery’s Hotel – a South African holiday resort hotel. Simple, comfortable rooms with own bathroom.
Day 4 This morning we meander through the tribal villages and ride onto the Nongqawases Pools and waterfalls, and hear about legends of the Xhosa people. After lunch, we ride to the wreck of the Jacaranda. Depending on the tide, the riding is energetic and exciting as we canter along the beaches and rolling country side.
Lodging - Trennery’s Hotel – a South African holiday resort hotel. Simple, comfortable rooms with own bathroom.
Day 5 Heading north, we pass the Jacaranda and, depending on the tide, either cross the river at the mouth or turn inland across country and through rural villages to cross the Kobonqaba River further upstream. The horses set a steady pace at trot and canter as we head towards Wavecrest in time for lunch. This afternoon is free time. You can take a boat trip up the river and explore the Mangrove swamps, hike, fish, or just kick back and relax in the Jacuzzi. Guests are invited to spoil themselves at the spa, enjoy a massage, manicure, pedicure, or sauna and steam room. We meet for drink on the deck at sunset to watch the great Crested Cranes come in to roost; a perfect end to a perfect day.
Lodging - Wavecrest Hotel – a South African holiday resort hotel. Simple, comfortable rooms with own shower and toilet.
Day 6 The departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It’s a fantastic three hour ride either up the beach and back across country through rolling hills and traditional villages or the other way around, depending on the tides. Either way we ride on the hard wet beach at low tide – the gallops are exhilarating. We are back at the hotel in time for lunch. This gives us time to explore the stunning mangrove estuary of the Nxaxo River (by boat), enjoy a spa treatment or take a short ride through stunning forests – this afternoon is flexible as there are so many options to experience!
Lodging - Wavecrest Hotel – a South African holiday resort hotel. Simple, comfortable rooms with own shower and toilet.
Day 7 Today we start our journey back home. We ride inland this morning, crossing the river high up and away from the tide’s influence. The slay paths and track offer great canters as we wind our way back to the beach. We ride back past Trennery’s and call in at Seagulls Beach Hotel for a great pub lunch. We then head towards Kei Mouth and the pontoon crossing before dropping the horses off at the paddocks around 4:00 pm.
Lodging - The Cock Inn – a delightful luxurious private guest house on a farm about 10km inland from the sea.
Day 8 Riders say good bye after an early morning ride across the Cliff Tops at Morgan Bay. Brunch will be served before you leave. The shuttle will be ready to transfer you to East London at 1:00 pm.
* Add on optional extra: jeep safari drive at Inkwenkwezi Private Game reserve to view Lion, Rhino, and elephant interaction with a incredible lunch before heading back to the airport at 2:00 pm (flights need to be after 4:00 pm out of East London).
NOTE All riding and itineraries are subject to change due to variations in local conditions, influences of the sea tides and during the rainy season the conditions of the rivers at the time of riding..
5-day Beach Ride -- 4 nights with 5 riding days
Day 1. We meet at the horse paddock in Kei Mouth in the afternoon at 2pm and ride through to Trennery's. Dinner & accommodation at Trennery's Hotel
Day 2. After breakfast we ride through to Wavecrest, exploring the ship wreck of the Jacaranda along the way and get to the hotel in time for lunch. During the afternoon we explore a coastal path and forests. Dinner & Accommodation at Wavecrest Hotel.
Day 3. We cross the Nxaxo river in front of the hotel and head towards Cebe and loop back to Wavecrest across country. If the weather and tides are good, we may take a picnic with us and have lunch along the way! Depending on what time we get back, you will have time to do a boat trip up the river or spoil yourself in the spa!!
Day 4. We head back across country this morning to Sea Gulls for a pub lunch, then its another 2 hours back to the paddocks for 4pm. We then transfer you by road to the delightful Cock Inn Guest House for a night of pampered luxury with your host Tammy.
Day 5. This morning you up up bright and early, and depending on your preferences we either do a game ride at Endalweni, of ride the cliffs at Morgan Bay, either way, the morning light and cool is stunning. We then head back to The Cock in for brunch. Trail ends at 1pm.
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Meeting:
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Kei Mouth
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Airport:
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East London Airport
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Transfer:
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East London Airport
We suggest to arrive on the following flights (airline schedule may change):
SA flight 471 departing from Johannesburg @ 10.35 arriving East London @ 12.05
SA flight 1365 departing from Cape Town @ 10.00 arriving East London @ 11.30
SA flight 1408 departing from East London @ 15.45 arriving Johannesburg @ 17.20
SA flight 1368 departing from East London @ 15.55 arriving Cape Town @ 17.25
Or
SA flight 480 departing from East London @ 17.20 arriving in Johannesburg @ 18.50
SA flight 1376 departing from East London @ 19.00 arriving in Cape Town @ 20.35
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Level:
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 Low Moderate
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All paces 4- 5 hrs per day
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Participants:
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Min
2
participants
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Max
6
participants
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This is a full service riding holiday. Your guides and grooms will prepare the horses for you in the morning and take care of them after the ride. You just show up and enjoy - unless of course you want to get involved - the choice is yours.
Your hosts and horses
Your professional guides and hosts will receive you with true South African hospitality, having lived their whole lives in this area they ensure that you get the most from your adventure into the malaria-free Eastern Cape Province. Their high standard of service, love of horses, and passion for what they do make this horse riding holiday exceptional.
The guides are expert and the staff will pamper you. The riding is plentiful and varied the beaches pristine and the food is delicious. You will be enthralled by the unique combination of cross country riding and the exploration of our beautiful coastline. The horses are friendly, easy to ride and lively to command. You will ride a horse that you wish you could take home with you!
We breed a selection of horses each year to meet the demand for quality trail horses, and outstanding endurance prospects. There are two different types of horses, both requiring excellent athletic ability, kind natures and sound confirmation. The trail team is a selection of home bred and handpicked horses, chosen for their temperament, size, sure footedness and reliability. The horses are a selection of Boerperd, Part Arab, Anglo Arab, TB, Percheron crosses. They stand between 14.2 hh and 16 hh. The average being 15.2 hh. Our horses are relaxed, easy to ride, fit and forward going, Most have snaffle mouths; we ride in Liversage trail and endurance saddles. Trail horses are very special equines; they have to be lively and forward going enough to keep up with the rigorous riding days and kind enough to accept that each week they will have a different rider. Our horses are all much loved and cared for.
How well do I have to be able to ride?
Our horses are of a very high quality and are well schooled. Our holiday is for riders who have ridden before and are comfortable and confident at a trot and canter. Less experienced riders can be accommodated by splitting the riding groups. The horses are gentle and reliable enough for the holiday rider, but also of such a standard that the more experienced rider will have a good time.
The trail pace varies from walking through the country side to enable good wild life viewing, long trots and canters on open plains, to fast gallops down the beaches if wanted. If in doubt it is a good idea to contact us and discuss your needs and expectations. We can put you in touch with another guest, probably in your own country, who has visited us in the past.
Competent child riders are welcome. We have some super ponies suitable for confident children who ride regularly. Nannies are available to take care of the little ones who are not riding.
The riding is paced according to the rider’s abilities. Generally, we walk along cattle paths and cliff tops, take long trots and canters on sandy tracks, and enjoy fast canters and an occasional gallop along the beaches. We generally ride 2 to 3 hours in the morning and again 1 ½ to 2 hours in the afternoon, depending on the weather, sea tides and what the riders can manage. Sometimes it is a little shorter, and sometimes a little longer.
We strongly recommend that you wear a hard hat when in the vicinity of horses. We have a selection, but it is always best to bring your own to ensure a good fit. We recommend you also bring a wide brimmed hat for protection from the sun before you leave.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Passport NotePassport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. Th. more
The Indian Ocean creates a sub-tropical land of flora and fauna from different climates all flourishing side by side like nowhere else in Southern Africa. The east coast, encompassing KwaZulu-Natal and the Wild Coast, is sub-tropical, with high humidity.
The climate along the coast is nearly always warm to hot, with humidity levels rising form December to March. The climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters. Soft gently falling rain occurs during the summer months (November to March) although it can be wet it is never cold.
The average minimum temp rarely goes below 10 C and the days are around 25 C .
The best time to visit, fish and ride is from the end of March through to August. During September, October and November the weather is generally good but can be unpredictable as this is when we have our spring rains!
Flora and Fauna
The flora rejoices in a vast array of indigenous coastal forest, prehistoric Cycads, tree orchids, Kiepersol, Sneezewood and Yellowwood. Lush vegetation with plentiful water, forest and fruit trees provides a beautiful environment for over 250 species of birds. Inland, 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
Suitable gear for the great African outdoors:
Jodhpurs or riding pants
Own hardhat.
Shorts for walking and hiking.
Walking shoes or boots with rubber soles.(Full length boots and cowboy boots are acceptable.)
½ or full length riding chaps
Slip slops or sandals.
A couple of light long sleeved shirts with collars to protect you from the sun while riding.
T shirts and tops.
Light long trousers. Jeans will do
Smart/casual outfit to change for dinner at the hotels.
Also bring:
Warm clothing jersey/jumper/fleece
A good warm rain proof coat.
Light weight rain jacket that will be tied to your saddle.
Sunhat (that stays on) and sun block.
Swimming costume and swimming towel.
A torch (Flashlight) each.
A camera, film and binoculars. (battery chargers)
Reading material
Other items of a personal nature.
1 bag of Mr Johnson's Equiglo Treats. A delicious herby snack for horses and ponies – if you have room in your suitcase!
Laundry
Laundry can be done for you during your holiday. There is a full laundry service at Trennery’s and Wavecrest.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
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..view other reports for different trips
You will be staying at different inns and at a luxurious game lodge. These are the usual overnights:
2 at Endalweni Game Lodge (4*), 2 at Trennery’s Hotel, 2 at Wavecrest Hotel, and 1 at The Cock Inn.
You will find on the Wild Coast that the accommodation is all good: comfortable but simple; authentic South African seaside holiday hotels.
All meals are provided. 
ENDALWENI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE offers a unique retreat where you can indulge yourself in the magnificence of its beauty and broad bio-diversity of fauna and flora. Situated just off the main road into Kei Mouth, the reserve is well stocked with game, and offers unsurpassed views over the ocean and villages of Kei Mouth, Morgan Bay and across the Great Kei River into the Transkei. The following species can be found in the reserve: impala, blesbuck, bushbuck, nyala, kudu, blue duiker, common duiker, red hartebeest, waterbuck, blue wildebeest, common reedbuck, Burchell’s zebra, giraffe, gennet, mongoose, caracal, black-backed jackal, porcupine, bushpig, warthog, leguaan, vervet monkey, baboon as well as a plethora of bird and plant species. Many of the areas in the reserve are unreachable by vehicle, which makes this ideal horse riding country. Rolling hills, and long undulating track offer long canters. The Kei River bush veld is unique to this area, and we ride through long “dob-bo” grass, natural forested thickets and skirt the tops of steep cliffs that plunge into the Great Kei River.
EWANRIGG LODGE
The NYALA ROOM sleeps 2 people; 2 singles or a king size bed is available. There is a fully stocked kitchenette, full en suite bathroom and you will also have access to the reception areas of the guest lodge.
The NYALA ROOM offers full DSTV. A laundry service is available. Ironing can be arranged at an additional cost.
The COTTAGE offers 2 en suite bedrooms, a reception area and an open plan kitchen and dining area. 2 single beds or a king size bed is available in the 2nd bedroom. You will also have access to the reception areas of the guest lodge.
The COTTAGE offers full DSTV. A laundry service is available. Ironing can be arranged at an additional cost.
Smoking is not permitted inside the lodge and no pets are allowed in the reserve
The lodge sleeps a maximum of 6 guests. While at the lodge, we have early morning tea/coffee and rusks before the morning ride and either have a bush brunch in some spectacular location or it is served at the lodge at about 11:30 am. There is then time to relax and enjoy the natural environment before afternoon tea followed by riding again. We also offer the option to ride from our beach paddocks in Kei Mouth, and for those staying on a base ride, we can do a full day ride up the coast.
Dinner is typically South African fare, and we will have at least one “braai”. Drinks/cool drinks/wine/malt are offered from an honesty bar and are paid in cash direct to the lodge on departure.
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Tack:
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Liversage trail & endurance saddles with snaffle mouths
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Horses:
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Mainly Boerperd, Thoroughbred, & home bred Anglo/Part Arabs and Percheron crosses.
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Pace:
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All paces 4- 5 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Weight:
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Max
210
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Riders:
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Min
2
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Max
6
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This is a full service riding holiday. Your guides and grooms will prepare the horses for you in the morning and take care of them after the ride. You just show up and enjoy - unless of course you want to get involved - the choice is yours.
Your hosts and horses
Your professional guides and hosts will receive you with true South African hospitality, having lived their whole lives in this area they ensure that you get the most from your adventure into the malaria-free Eastern Cape Province. Their high standard of service, love of horses, and passion for what they do make this horse riding holiday exceptional.
The guides are expert and the staff will pamper you. The riding is plentiful and varied the beaches pristine and the food is delicious. You will be enthralled by the unique combination of cross country riding and the exploration of our beautiful coastline. The horses are friendly, easy to ride and lively to command. You will ride a horse that you wish you could take home with you!
We breed a selection of horses each year to meet the demand for quality trail horses, and outstanding endurance prospects. There are two different types of horses, both requiring excellent athletic ability, kind natures and sound confirmation. The trail team is a selection of home bred and handpicked horses, chosen for their temperament, size, sure footedness and reliability. The horses are a selection of Boerperd, Part Arab, Anglo Arab, TB, Percheron crosses. They stand between 14.2 hh and 16 hh. The average being 15.2 hh. Our horses are relaxed, easy to ride, fit and forward going, Most have snaffle mouths; we ride in Liversage trail and endurance saddles. Trail horses are very special equines; they have to be lively and forward going enough to keep up with the rigorous riding days and kind enough to accept that each week they will have a different rider. Our horses are all much loved and cared for.
How well do I have to be able to ride?
Our horses are of a very high quality and are well schooled. Our holiday is for riders who have ridden before and are comfortable and confident at a trot and canter. Less experienced riders can be accommodated by splitting the riding groups. The horses are gentle and reliable enough for the holiday rider, but also of such a standard that the more experienced rider will have a good time.
The trail pace varies from walking through the country side to enable good wild life viewing, long trots and canters on open plains, to fast gallops down the beaches if wanted. If in doubt it is a good idea to contact us and discuss your needs and expectations. We can put you in touch with another guest, probably in your own country, who has visited us in the past.
Competent child riders are welcome. We have some super ponies suitable for confident children who ride regularly. Nannies are available to take care of the little ones who are not riding.
The riding is paced according to the rider’s abilities. Generally, we walk along cattle paths and cliff tops, take long trots and canters on sandy tracks, and enjoy fast canters and an occasional gallop along the beaches. We generally ride 2 to 3 hours in the morning and again 1 ½ to 2 hours in the afternoon, depending on the weather, sea tides and what the riders can manage. Sometimes it is a little shorter, and sometimes a little longer.
We strongly recommend that you wear a hard hat when in the vicinity of horses. We have a selection, but it is always best to bring your own to ensure a good fit. We recommend you also bring a wide brimmed hat for protection from the sun before you leave.
Passports
Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. This cannot include the 'endorsement' page at the back. Passengers who also require a visa must have a passport with two blank facing pages, one for the visa and one for their entry stamp. Anyone attempting to enter South Africa without the required pages will be returned to their country of origin.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days for business and tourist purposes, except:
1. nationals of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic who may stay for up to 30 days, and nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia who do require a visa, unless transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (advance notice of overnight stay is required).
Visa Note
(a) Proof of financial means may be required. (b) Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 years must hold written consent from their parents when travelling alone. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (d) After entry, extensions of stay may be sought from the Department of Home Affairs.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visa fee: £35. UK nationals are exempt from visa fees.
Validity
Dependent on length of stay requested. Permits may be extended if done so 30 days prior to expiry of original permit.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications to the embassy in the nearest country.
Working Days Required
Five to 10 days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
Some |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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Wild Coast Surf & Turf Safari
Tour Code:
IT-SART09
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,500.00
Dates: Available all Year
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Luxury Christmas Ride
Airport:
East London Airport
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF 
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