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Wild Coast - Surf and Turf Safari
Wild Coast
South Africa
Wild Sea, Wild Beaches, Wonderful Horses and Warm Hearted People
The "Wild Coast" is the rugged, remote, fairly unpopulated stretch of South African coastline between East London and Port Edward. This stretch of some 280 km 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.
This horse riding holiday along the coast is exhilarating and exciting! You will 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!
Starting 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 along the way; Before experiencing the untouched beauty of the Wild Coast coastal environment. The beach canters are endless!
This is an exhilarating point-to-point ride north along the coast of the Eastern Cape, known as the South African Wild Coast. Meander from beach to beach, from surf to savanna, past shipwrecks while spotting whales and dolphins in the scintillating expanse of the Indian Ocean. You will gallop along deserted beaches and explore hidden coves, and cross the mighty Kei River on a pontoon with your horse, 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 then canter to a sleepy coastal village for lunch at a local pub. At sunset you can play with the horses in the warm lagoon waters before returning to your 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 you encounter the wonderfully diverse South African culture. The Wild Coast is the best kept secret in South Africa
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Meeting:
Kei Mouth
Airport:
East London Airport
Transfer:
East London Airport
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Six nights accommodations, all meals, back up and luggage transfers, entry to local projects, a groom and service of professional guide, 5 riding days.
| A | 2009 | 7 day Trip, AP | 7d / 6n | R15000 | $2100 |
| Small group supplement (1 rider only) | R1500 | $210 |
| Single supplement (requested) | R1500 | $210 |
| Rider over 210 lbs - supplement | R2500 | $350 |
| D | 2009 | 7 day Trip, AP Holiday Season | 7d / 6n | R17250 | $2415 |
| Rider over 210 lbs - supplement | R2500 | $350 |
| Single supplement (requested) | R1725 | $245 |
| Small group supplement (1 rider only) | R1725 | $245 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer included from East London airport at set times
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Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2009
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10/17
- 10/23
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7d / 6n
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7 day Trip, AP
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2
/6
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Expired
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| A |
2009
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11/14
- 11/20
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7d / 6n
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7 day Trip, AP
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2
/6
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Expired
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| A |
2009
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12/05
- 12/11
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7d / 6n
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7 day Trip, AP
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| D |
2009
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12/12
- 12/18
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7d / 6n
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7 day Trip, AP Holiday Seaso...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| D |
2009
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12/19
- 12/25
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7d / 6n
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7 day Trip, AP Holiday Seaso...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| D |
2009
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12/26
- 01/01
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7d / 6n
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7 day Trip, AP Holiday Seaso...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages at the hotels. Gratuities.
Transfers for flight arrival and departure not listed below. There will be additional charge if transfer is not at these times:
East London arr 12:05 PM. Depart East London 4:15 PM.
Pre trip arrangements: If you are concerned about jet lag after a long flight, you may want to spend an extra couple of days before the ride - to relax and acclimatize. We can arrange for a pick up from the East London airport and transfer to the Kai River on the "Wild Coast" for your overnight at the Black Rock Cottages - or similar (Approx. $330 per person per day incl. meals and activities.) Or we can just book a B&B accommodation for you if you prefer.
Day 1 We advise riders to try and plan to arrive in East London on SA flight 471 @ 12.05. It is approximately 1 hours drive to Kei Mouth from the airport. After settling you into your room we make our way to the horse paddocks situated a short distance from where you are staying. After a brief introduction, we will take the horses out for the afternoon and explore the village and river front of Kei Mouth. The first evening we will join you for drinks and dinner, before a good nights rest after you long journey.
Day 2 After breakfast we are ready to go to the horses at about 9.30 am and go to the paddocks to start the trail. We head across the Kei River and enjoy some great beach riding and get to Trennery’s in time for lunch. The horses are given a few hours off and you get to laze around the swimming pool, walk, play tennis or head for the beach. During the afternoon, we take the horses across country and explore some unusual river formations at “The Gates”. We finish with a sunset canter down the mile long beach.
Day 3 This morning we ride to the nearby local community development project and discover some Xhosa traditions and customs. We then 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 the beaches and rolling country side.
Day 4 Heading north, we pass the Jacaranda and turn inland across country and through rural villages to cross the Kobonqaba River. 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, sauna, steam room. If the sea is right, Conrad will take you out in his ski boat to see the dolphins. Drinks on the deck at sunset as we sit and watch the great Crested Cranes come in to roost, end a perfect day.
Day 5 The departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It will be a full day ride either up the beach and back across country through rolling hills and traditional villages, or the other way round - depending on the tides. Either way you get to ride on the hard wet beach at low tide - the gallops are exhilarating. You take a picnic and stop at a secluded beach for lunch. Alternatively we can make the same ride slightly shorter so that we are back at the hotel in time for lunch. This will give us time to explore the stunning mangrove estuary of the Nxaxo river by boat, enjoy a spa treatment or take an hour or so ride through stunning forests - today is flexible as there are so many options to experience!!
Day 6 Today we start our journey back home. This time we cross the Kobonqaba river at the river mouth. This crossing is a comfortable wade through at low tide, and our departure time will depend on this. We ride back past Trennery’s and call in a 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 o’clock.
Day 7 We say good bye, before returning you to the East London Airport. Depending on your flight schedule we will fit a final ride before departure.
... or extend for a day of riding ...
Extension:
Your holiday can be extended to include a game viewing safari at a nearby private game reserve. Accommodation in luxury safari tents, view elephants, rhino, lion, giraffe, zebra, and many other game species
~$695 per person for 2 nights
Included: All meals & drinks, game drives, horse back game viewing (on reserve horses; typical trekking ponies!) included.
Transfers from the coastal resorts and back to the Airport included
Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve
This reserve is over 100 square kilometers in size. This unique haven is home to a spectacular variety of vegetation, game and birds.
You will see giraffe, zebra, rhino, blue and black wildebeest, Cape buffalo and numerous species of antelope from kudu to impala. The bird life includes Stanley bustard's, gracious crested cranes, secretary birds, ground hornbills and ostriches. The area offers great varied riding terrain with great views over the ocean. It is truly a stunning game reserve and the big plus is that there is absolutely no hunting done on this reserve.
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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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Moderate
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All paces 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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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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If you prefer not to wear a riding helmet, you can sign a waiver form
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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. The 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. 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 & endurance saddles. Trail horses are very special equines; they have to be lively and forward going enough to keep up with the
rigorous of days of riding 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 walking along cattle paths and cliff tops, long trots and canters on sandy tracks, with 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: 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 page. 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 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 winters are perfect.
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!.
Fauna & Flora
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.
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You will be staying at different inns and lodges along the way. These are the usual overnights:
1 night Morgan Bay/Sunray Lodge, 2 nights Trennery’s, 2 nights Wavecrest, 1 or 2 nights The Cock Inn. You will find on the Wild Coast, the accommodation is all good, comfortable but simple; authentic South African seaside holiday hotels.
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. The 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. 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 & endurance saddles. Trail horses are very special equines; they have to be lively and forward going enough to keep up with the
rigorous of days of riding 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 walking along cattle paths and cliff tops, long trots and canters on sandy tracks, with 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.
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Tack:
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McClellan-type trail saddles
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Horses:
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Mainly Boerped, Thoroughbred, & home bred Anglo/Part Arabs.
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Pace:
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All paces 5 hrs per day
| Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
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Level:
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(3 to 4 out of 5)
Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max 210
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Riders:
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Min 2 |
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. The 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. 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 & endurance saddles. Trail horses are very special equines; they have to be lively and forward going enough to keep up with the
rigorous of days of riding 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 walking along cattle paths and cliff tops, long trots and canters on sandy tracks, with 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 and Turf Safari
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