Head to the Wild Coast and Dodge the Summer Crowds

Before We Ride On…
We promised you the next instalment in our historical blog series, “Wild Coast Horses and The Ride of the Peacemaker,” and we haven’t forgotten! But with summer fast approaching and trail bookings filling fast, we thought it more important to share something a little more urgent — how to dodge the crowds and discover the Wild Coast’s best-kept secret this June and July. Don’t worry, history lovers — we’ll be saddling up for the next chapter of Dick King’s legacy very soon!

With the European winter truly behind us, if you haven’t started planning your summer holiday, you’re in danger of missing the boat altogether.

While it might be tempting to stick to European destinations and save the hassle of a long-haul flight, many of those popular tourism hotspots will be inundated with crowds of people looking for the same sun-soaked escape.

A Journey Well Spent: More Flying Time = More Adventure

Beach resorts across Spain, Italy, and Greece will see prices surge as availability dwindles, and those Instagram-worthy spots will be anything but peaceful. Meanwhile, on the Wild Coast, the weather will rival the best Europe has to offer but the only crowds you’re likely to experience are the large pods of dolphins that frolic in the waves as you canter down the beach.

It may take a little longer to get to South Africa compared with the short-haul flights that dash across the channel in under 2 hours, but when most of that flight takes place overnight, you won’t be wasting time flying when you could be riding.

With little to no jet lag or time changes to contend with, your overnight journey becomes part of the adventure rather than a drain on your precious holiday time

Upon landing, you'll discover that the extra flight time translates to an experience worlds away from the typical European getaway.

Get More Holiday for Less With
South Africa's Summer Savings

The Wild Coast's untamed beaches, dramatic cliffs, and local culture offer something genuinely different from the well-trodden paths of the Mediterranean. Plus, with South Africa's favourable exchange rate, your holiday budget stretches significantly further, giving you more time in the saddle and less worrying about your wallet.

It’s not only the exchange rate that tilts in your favour either - the flights from the UK to South Africa in June are almost half that of those taking off during the peak season which traditionally falls during the European winter.

The savings you make on your plane tickets can be spent extending your holiday so, instead of settling for five days on the Wild Coast, you could join one of our 8-night Wild Coast Horse Trails and experience the ultimate coastal adventure.

The Wild Coast's Sunny Winter
Makes A Splash

Even though it’s winter on the Wild Coast, June and July offer some of the best weather conditions for riding holidays. Picture sunny days with temperatures of around 23℃ and cooler evenings (13℃) that make for a comfortable night’s sleep. These are not the only benefits of making the most of winter on the Wild Coast. It’s also the perfect time for whale watching from horseback - an activity few destinations can offer.

During the winter months of June and July, Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate northwards from the cold Antarctic waters off Cape Town to the warm, coastal havens of Madagascar and Mozambique. Later in the year, usually around November through to early December, the whales and their newly birthed offspring head back down to the nutrient-rich waters of the Cape where they feast on the abundant krill and small fish that populate these productive southern oceans.

This remarkable journey, spanning thousands of kilometres along Africa's eastern coastline, provides wildlife enthusiasts with exceptional viewing opportunities from the Wild Coast's elevated vantage points. On trail, we often witness these magnificent creatures breaching and slapping their tails just offshore - a sight that adds some magic to any ride.

The dolphins are also more active at this time, coming closer to shore to show off their athleticism in the water.

How to Experience an Idyllic
Summer Escape

With so much to see, it's a miracle the Wild Coast isn't packed with people seeking these extraordinary experiences. But that's precisely what makes it special – while European beaches heave with sunbathers and resort towns buzz with tourism, here you'll find pristine landscapes shared only with your fellow riders and the incredible marine life that calls these waters home.

As you canter along empty beaches, climb coastal paths offering breathtaking panoramas, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area, you'll understand why those in the know choose the Wild Coast as their summer escape. This isn't just a holiday – it's an adventure that combines the exhilaration of horseback riding with wildlife encounters that will stay with you long after you return home.

It's not only the absence of crowds that makes the Wild Coast a great destination in June and July. The cooler winter temperatures naturally reduce insect activity, meaning your scenic rides along dramatic shorelines won't be interrupted by swatting mosquitoes or dodging flies. Instead, you can fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes, focusing entirely on the rhythmic sound of hooves on sand and the spectacular whale and dolphin sightings offshore.

Limited Saddles Left – Make This Summer One to Remember!

With saddles still available on the following trails, you'd be foolish to miss out on such a remarkable opportunity to experience this pristine coastal paradise at its best:

8th to 15th June - 7-night Wild Coast Horse Trail

20th to 27th June - 7-night Wild Coast Meander

23rd to 27th June - 4-night Mini Beach Trail

6th to 13th July - 7-night Wild Coast Horse Trail

18th to 25th July - 7-night Wild Coast Meander

21st to 25th July - 4-night Mini Beach Trail

Conclusion

Our June and July departures offer the perfect balance of comfortable riding weather, extraordinary wildlife encounters, and the serenity that comes with visiting during the quieter season.

With each trail itinerary created to showcase the best the Wild Coast has to offer, from cantering along deserted beaches to exploring traditional villages tucked into rolling hills, these adventures deliver experiences simply unavailable in crowded European destinations.

So, what are you waiting for? Get some friends together and come and discover the best-kept secrets of winter on the Wild Coast!

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Ready to swap crowds for coastlines?

Book your Wild Coast escape and experience the summer holiday of a lifetime – before the saddles fill up!

Book now