Best Horse Riding Holidays in SA: Why the Wild Coast is Unforgettable

Rugged cliffs plunge into churning waves. Green hills roll out like a giant snooker table, unfurling to the horizon. Horses’ hooves beat a rhythm of past lives and ancient landscapes as they pound along pristine beaches unsullied by a single footprint.

This is the magic of the Wild Coast. It won’t give you close encounters with elephants or intimate moments with a family of lions, but it will introduce you to the rhythm of an ancient land—and the even older whispers of the Indian Ocean. It will give you a chance to not just ride but live on the edge of Africa.

But no one books a holiday based on what might happen. They book it based on what the organisers promise will happen—and in our case, that includes a whole lot of riding.

The Diverse Landscapes of the Wild Coast

Drift away from these villages and you’ll find yourself tracing a coastline where sheer cliffs plunge into the surging sea, and deep ravines carve striking paths through the landscape, necessitating meandering tracks and regular diversions.

And yet, over the next hill, after another waterfall, the world suddenly opens up before you, revealing wide grassy plains dotted with vibrant aloes and squat windswept palms.

Sandy tracks wind their way along the coastline, providing higher ground and sweeping views of the sea life, from agile dolphins to the ponderous tail-slapping of the humpback whale.

An Unparalleled Equestrian Adventure

The varied terrain is not just beautiful to look at, but also makes for a dynamic riding experience, where the pace shifts constantly and the landscape presents ever-changing technical demands. This tests the fitness and agility of our horses while also challenging our riders to adapt to conditions they may not encounter on other horse riding holidays in South Africa.

Around every corner is another breathtaking view or expansive beach just willing you to canter on it. Without any dangerous game to look out for, on the Wild Coast we can ride at whatever pace the terrain demands and that means, when we get to the beach, the pace starts to race a little faster — as does your heart!

With few fences and a 350 km coastline to explore, the Wild Coast offers horse riders an unparalleled equestrian adventure. It combines the thrill of cantering along untouched beaches with the tranquillity of being able to ride for hours, just you, your horse, and the spectacular wilderness.

A Journey into the Heart of Africa

This is immersive riding at its most authentic—where every journey on horseback connects you not just to the wild terrain, but to the people who call it home, with locally run hotels serving as lifelines to surrounding villages and stewards of a more sustainable way of travel.

With our riding groups limited to just eight guests and two guides, Wild Coast Horses offers intimate experiences that resonate deeply with the area's culture—introducing riders to Xhosa traditions in a way that is respectful, authentic, and becomes part of the day’s journey.

The Best Beach Riding in the World

Your passionate and informative guides not only know the area—down to every last slippery rock and low-hanging branch—but they also know the horses intimately.

That intimate knowledge, combined with their dedication to giving the horses the best care and our riders the most unforgettable experience, means our riders are matched very carefully to their mounts, creating a safe and enjoyable ride tailored to each individual’s skill and style.

This is a long way from the hustle and bustle of South Africa’s top tourist attractions or even the more popular game reserves—here, you’ll find a rare sense of peace and connection, all while experiencing some of the best beach riding in the world!

When to Ride the Wild Coast

So, now you know why to come, would you like to find out when? One of the Wild Coast’s best-kept secrets is that it’s open for riding all year round. When other destinations are shut down by soaring summer temperatures, the Wild Coast stays mild enough that all you need is a splash in the sea and you’re cool enough to enjoy the ride. Winter also has its appeal with its mild temperatures, sunny days and spectacular sunsets.

One of the other benefits of visiting in our winter months is that this is one of the best times for Wild Coast-style game viewing. As billions of sardines head northwards to Mozambique, they pass by the Wild Coast, and when they do, predators from sea, air, and land descend on them, creating one of the ocean’s greatest natural spectacles.

Dolphins and Cape gannets make up the mainstay of the feeding frenzy, but occasionally a shark or even whale will join in the mix, adding another dimension to the display.

Discover One of the Best Horse Riding Holidays in South Africa

Of course, if it's whale sightings you’re after (and why wouldn’t you be?), then the best time to visit is anywhere between late winter and mid-summer, when the southern right whales and humpbacks make their annual migrations, passing the Wild Coast as they head down to breed and calve in the warmer, more sheltered waters of the Western Cape.

Looking for a horse riding holiday that combines superb horses, varied paces, stunning wildlife encounters, vast open spaces, comfortable accommodations, and breathtaking scenery? The Wild Coast has it all.

Here, you’ll experience riding at its most authentic—where every canter, every gallop, connects you deeply with the land, the ocean, and a vibrant culture that has thrived for generations. With its year-round mild climate, spectacular natural phenomena, and a sense of peace, the Wild Coast is one of the best horse riding destinations in South Africa. In fact, it’s unforgettable.