Beach Trail Getaway

Introduction
Wild Coast South Africa
Do you need to get away and feel the wind in your hair and hear the pounding of hooves as they canter down an empty beach? Then our 5 day Beach Trail Getaway is the perfect escape for you!

The first afternoon you will do an introduction ride to make sure that your trail horse is a right match or you. Then you will go off on for 3 days of fabulous riding along the Wild Coast and a final ride over the cliffs of Morgan Bay. You will be accommodated in lovely beach hotels along the way.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent at different locations.

Description
The hotels used by the trails offer a series of quaint accommodation all with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Only accessible by others by dirt road or airstrip, they offer a break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The hotels are comfortable, old fashioned, family sea side resorts, that are made for sandy feet, sun kissed skin, wind blown hair and they welcome us horse riders with informal relaxed Wild Coast hospitality. All rooms have private bathrooms and WIFI on site. Laundry is available on request for an additional fee.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 4: Kei Mouth Guest Lodge
Night 2 & 3: Wavecrest Hotel



Kei Mouth Guest Lodge
Situated in the village of Kei Mouth and is a short distance away from the horse yard. There are several lovely rooms available for our riding guests, all with modern en-suite shower and toilets, tea making facilities, and everything else expected in a Bed & Breakfast guest lodge. The lodge is within walking distance to the supermarket, pubs, restaurants, the beach, the Kei River & ferry crossing.



Wavecrest Hotel
Stunningly situated, the thatched rondavels make this a very nice retreat. Both pools and hot tubs are available at your disposal. There is a table tennis room, jungle gym and sand-pit, tennis court, squash court and a fishing jetty. Feel free to book some time at the spa (fees not included) for some extra relaxation.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement fee is waived if you are willing to share.



Meals
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day. 

Breakfast is hearty, with a selection of cereals, fruit, yogurt, toast, and the traditional bacon and eggs.
On most days, lunches are enroute and we stop off at a local restaurant, a pub or take a picnic with us. 
Dinner is normally around 7:30 and will consist of a starter, main dish of roast meat/ chicken or casserole-type dish with vegetables, followed by a dessert.

Please, note that drinks & refreshments bought at the local bars, restaurants & off sales are not included in the rates!
Water bottles will be provided while out riding.

Dietary Restrictions
The hotels can cater to a limited degree for vegetarians and gluten intolerance or a food allergy, with prior notice.
It is assumed that people with "special needs" will simply leave what they dont want to eat, choose something from what is available or bring an alternative with them.
There is generally a selection at meal times, and for the most part food is prepared from fresh produce.  We are situated in a remote area, and access to special milk or fancy alternatives is difficult to source.
 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
This trail is suitable for all levels of riders from low intermediate and above. 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.

Pace
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. Riding includes 2 to 4/5 hours of riding per day, split into morning & afternoon rides or a full day. 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.

Horses
Our horses are of a very high quality, endurance fit and well schooled. They are selected and trained for trail riding with great care. Just as your guides are professional and know the area in which they operate, the horses are familiar with the environment and conditions in which they are being ridden. They are sturdy, comfortable to ride, beautiful, forgiving, easy to ride and control, yet lively to command and enjoy their work. Athletic and barefoot, they take you over a wide range of terrain.
Many of our horses are homebred and include Arabs, Anglo Arabs, Arab/ Percheron crosses and of course the trusty Boerperd. The average height of our horses is about 15.2hh.  We find that for trail riders this is a good size horse- making them light and sure-footed along the sandy beaches and rocky headlands.
All types of riders can be catered for, from those that would appreciate gentle, confidence givers to people that like a horse with a lot of personality!

Tack
The saddles are especially designed for trail riding by Leon Liversage. The saddle distributes the weight equally on the horses back and is very comfortable for the rider. The design with a high pommel and cantle makes one sit straight automatically and is therefore better for you and the horse. Each horse has its own saddle to ensure a comfortable-and perfect fit.
Each saddle is equipped with a splash-proof saddlebag carrying 2 water bottles and can hold a camera and other essentials while out riding for the day. The tack and equipment is scrupulously maintained.

Riding Helmet
Helmets are mandatory for this trip. We have a selection, but it is always best to bring your own to ensure a good fit.

Guides
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.
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.

Children
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.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
On arrival at East London airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth, the beach base of Wild Coast Horse Trails. A light lunch is served at the Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, and you will change into your riding clothes. The afternoon will take you on an hour or so ride to blow away the travelling cobwebs and assess your riding. Down by the river mouth you will have your first taste of cantering along our beautiful beaches.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight and dinner at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge

Day 2: Ride to Wavecrest Hotel
Today we start our overnight beach adventure! It is a full days riding along the coast, and the scenery is simply stunning. There is a good chance of spotting dolphins racing us in the surf as we canter long the many beaches. Lunch is a picnic and a chance to soak up the sun and sea before heading off the hotel in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight and dinner at Wavecrest Hotel

Day 3: Morning Ride & Free Afternoon
The departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It a fantastic 3-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 you get to ride on the hard, wet beach at low tide – the gallops are exhilarating. We are back at the hotel in time for lunch. Alternatively, if the weather and tides are favorable we may take a picnic. This afternoon has a choice of activities. You can take a boat trip up the river and explore the stunning mangrove estuary of the Nxaxo river by canoe or boat, hike or just kick back and relax in the Jacuzzi (extra fee) – this afternoon is flexible as there are so many options to experience!!!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight and dinner at Wavecrest Hotel

Day 4: Ride back to Kei Mouth
Today we start our journey back to Kei Mouth. We ride inland this morning, crossing the river high up and away from the tides influence. The slay paths and track offer great canters as we wind our way back to the beach. Then we head towards Kei Mouth and the pontoon crossing before dropping the horses off at the paddocks before we have a late lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Then it is a time to wander back to the guest house, and your final night on the Wild Coast.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight and dinner at Kei Mouth Guest Lodge

Day 5: Departure
Depending on your departure time, you could squeeze in one more ride before the shuttle picks you up to transfer you back to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

Please Note: All riding and itineraries are subject to change due to variations in local conditions, hotel accommodation availability, rider’s abilities, the weather & the influences of the sea tides, and during the rainy season the conditions of the rivers.

Rates and Dates for Beach Trail Getaway

Dates Note: Dates on request subject to availability

Other Info
Meeting: Kei Mouth
Airport: East London Airport
Transfer: East London Airport

Climate:
                                            East London area