Beach-Escape Riding Getaway: Where Luxury and Adventure Meet

Wild Coast Horse Trails has stepped off the beaten path to explore new opportunities for our riders. Redefining the classic horse-riding holiday, Wild Coast Horse Trails has teamed up with Storyscape Travel to create an unique experience that blends adventure with genuine hospitality. 

For those who cherish their creature comforts yet crave the experience of riding along pristine coastlines, this beach-escape riding getaway is the perfect choice. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or new to horse-riding holidays in South Africa, this is your chance to indulge in fun rides, savour authentic hospitality, and enjoy spacious beachfront accommodation.

For those who cherish their creature comforts yet crave the experience of riding along pristine coastlines, this beach-escape riding getaway is the perfect choice.

A Unique Collaboration: StoryScape Travel Meets Wild Coast Horses

To craft this one-of-a-kind experience, Wild Coast Horse Trails has partnered with StoryScape Travel, a company renowned for creating personalised travel experiences for individuals and small groups. Founded by Nita Payne in 2019, StoryScape initially catered to international guests seeking South Africa's beauty. 

When Covid struck and international travel ground to a halt, Nita and her colleagues had to get creative, shifting their focus to the local South African market and targeting travel-hungry women.

This new approach appealed to a broad spectrum of more mature ladies looking to share their stories and connect with like-minded individuals. This camaraderie and sense of belonging became a hallmark of their tours and will be a distinctive feature of their joint venture with Wild Coast Horses.

Discover the Best of the Wild Coast

The collaboration between StoryScape and Wild Coast Horses reflects a shared passion for creating unique experiences. Together, Nita Payne of StoryScape Travel and Julie-Anne Gower, owner of Wild Coast Horse Trails, have designed an itinerary that highlights the best of the Wild Coast. 

By combining Julie-Anne’s experience in equestrian tourism with Nita’s expertise as a travel agent and host, the pair have created a new experience that offers guests a combination of fun-filled rides, heartfelt hospitality, and the breath-taking beauty of South Africa's Wild Coast.

Nita Payne has always loved curating and hosting unforgettable travel experiences. Whether it's discovering the beauty of Bali, trekking through the mountains, or enjoying a laid-back evening in a remote destination, her dedication ensures that each guest departs with cherished memories. Naturally, delicious food, exciting adventures, and laughter remain her top priorities!

Add to this mix a herd of top-class, well-trained trail horses, professional guides, and a landscape that lends itself to outdoor pursuits, and you have the perfect recipe for a riding holiday you’ll never forget.

The collaboration between StoryScape and Wild Coast Horses combines the best of excitement, relaxation, and connection, offering guests an experience that is as invigorating as it is luxurious.

The Itinerary: Blending Adventure, Luxury, and Relaxation

Each day of this getaway is meticulously planned to balance exploration, leisure, and indulgence. You'll spend time riding along the unspoiled coastline and through picturesque villages at a pace that suits your ability, while still having plenty of opportunity to relax and immerse yourself in the local culture. 

Evenings allow you to connect with fellow guests over sundowners and delicious dinners, as you reflect on the day’s adventures.

Day One: A Warm Welcome, Scenic Rides, and Delicious Cuisine 

When you arrive, Nita will welcome you to her beachfront accommodation — a tranquil haven where you can unwind and freshen up before getting your first taste of her South African-style cuisine.

After a light lunch, a member of the Wild Coast Horses team will guide you through a detailed safety briefing, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for your horseback adventure. A relaxed afternoon ride gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the horses, tack, and spectacular countryside. The ride concludes with sundowners at the horse yard, where you'll soak in sweeping views of the Cwili River mouth as it merges with the Indian Ocean.

As the evening unfolds, you’ll enjoy a leisurely dinner, savouring more of Nita’s home cooking while getting to know your fellow travellers. With the soothing sound of waves in the background and the company of like-minded people, it’s the perfect start to your Wild Coast getaway.

Day Two: Fast Canters, Slow Food, And Local Charm

Today marks the start of your horse-riding pursuits! Get ready to explore the charming village of Morgan Bay and the breathtaking Wild Coast.

Start your day at a leisurely pace, sipping your morning coffee while soaking up the breathtaking views and the feel of soft sand between your toes. If that sounds too tame, why not dive into the waves for a more exhilarating start to the day?

Nita will treat you to a hearty breakfast, ensuring you’re well-fueled for the ride ahead. By 10 a.m., you’ll be at the horse yard, ready to mount up and embark on a journey along winding coastal trails and the pristine beaches that define this remarkable region.

As you ride into Morgan Bay, you’ll discover its mile-long beach and the famous cliffs where rock dassies dart between crevices and majestic birds of prey glide overhead. These cliffs offer unparalleled ocean views, creating the perfect place to watch for dolphins frolicking in the surf below.

Midday brings a well-deserved break at one of the local eateries, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and soak in the village’s laid-back charm, after which you’ll ride back to the yard before returning to the guest house for a relaxed dinner. Spend your evening sharing stories over a glass of chilled champagne, with the fresh sea air filling your lungs.

Day Three: Relaxation And Discovery

After yesterday’s activities, today is all about relaxation and rejuvenation. Begin your morning with a laid-back breakfast, savouring the fresh flavours and unhurried pace. 

For those eager to spend more time in the saddle, an optional ride is available, tailored to match your energy levels and enthusiasm. But if you prefer to embrace a more leisurely pace, the rest of the morning is yours to enjoy as you wish—whether that means exploring the village, basking in the sun, strolling along the shoreline in search of seashells, or curling up with a good book while the soothing ocean breeze surrounds you. This free time allows your muscles to recover and your mind to absorb the tranquil beauty of the Wild Coast.

After a morning well-spent, you’ll reconvene at the guest house for a leisurely lunch before embarking on a sundowner cruise up the Kei River. Aboard the Fish Eagle Cruise, a flat-bottomed motorised barge, you’ll drift along the meandering river, gazing at the lush vegetation and vibrant birdlife.

Raise a glass of bubbly as you soak in the natural beauty and historical significance of the mighty Kei, celebrating life’s simple pleasures with your newfound friends.

Once back on dry land, you’ll have time to freshen up before Nita introduces you to the culinary delights of one of the area’s local restaurants. It’s a fitting end to a day of relaxation, discovery, and connection.

Day Four: Riding the Edge of Africa

This itinerary has no unexpected early mornings, allowing you to ease into your penultimate day with a leisurely breakfast. After breakfast, it’s time to saddle up and ride to the edge of Africa, where land meets ocean in a breathtaking display of raw, untamed beauty.

Your journey takes you across the Kei River via the iconic pontoon, a unique experience in itself. Once on the other side, you’ll discover the empty beaches and untouched natural beauty of the Wild Coast. Today gives you a real taste of what adventure riding is all about, blending long beach canters with inland tracks that meander through coastal villages and rolling countryside. 

Your lunchtime stop at one of the local hotels gives you the chance to cool off with a refreshing dip before enjoying a hearty lunch at a local pub, where your guide will share stories about the local area and its historical significance.

With your tummy full and your mind buzzing with new information, you’ll return to the horse yard, where Nita will greet you with sundowners and light snacks. The sweeping views and relaxed atmosphere make for a perfect conclusion to an idyllic day.

As the evening unfolds, you’ll reflect on the day’s adventures over another of Nita’s delectable dinners. The cosy ambience of the guest house, combined with the shared stories and laughter, ensures a warm and memorable end to your day.

Day Five:  A Last Ride and Lasting Memories

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and on this, the day of your departure, you’ll enjoy a final hearty breakfast before bidding farewell to the Wild Coast and its memories. If you’re lucky, you’ll have time for one last ride before it’s time to leave.

Why This Getaway Stands Out

This isn't just a horse-riding holiday—it's a journey of connection and discovery. You'll bond with like-minded individuals, immerse yourself in the relaxed pace of Eastern Cape life, and create memories to last a lifetime. 

While the experience is tailored for comfort, it still focuses on horse-riding and guests should be comfortable spending up to four hours in the saddle. Riders also need enough experience, that rising to the trot and adopting a light or hunter seat at canter feels at least comfortable, if not effortless.

Join Us on the Wild Coast

Whether you’re looking for an introduction to horse-riding holidays or a luxurious getaway with a dash of adventure, the Beach-Escape Riding Getaway offers the best of both worlds. Step into a world where land meets ocean, and let the Wild Coast captivate you with its breathtaking beauty, warm hospitality, and scenic rides.