Weekend getaway or safari extension

Mini Beach Trail

A Short Escape, Wild and Free
Do you crave adventure and long to ride free? The Mini Beach Trail is a 5-day, 4-night horseback journey along South Africa’s most untouched coastline—crafted for intermediate to experienced riders who want a spirited, soul-stirring taste of the Wild Coast.

Your adventure begins with an introduction ride to connect you with your horse and the journey ahead. Then the trail opens up—three days of immersive riding through shifting landscapes: thundering beach canters, quiet forest paths, and wide-open headlands kissed by the sea breeze. You'll spend two restful nights at the tranquil Wavecrest Hotel and Spa, before returning to Kei Mouth for one final ride above the sea, along the cliffs of Morgan Bay.

It may be a mini trail—but it leaves a lasting imprint.
Raw, real, and wildly memorable.

4 night 5 day Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to the Wild Coast
Your journey begins with your arrival at East London Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to Kei Mouth—the relaxed coastal village that’s home to Wild Coast Horse Trails.

After settling in at Kei Mouth Guest House and enjoying a light snack, you’ll change into your riding gear and meet the team. Your first ride is a gentle introduction—an hour or so to ensure you and your horse are perfectly matched. It’s your first chance to breathe in the sea air, dip your toes (and hooves) into the Indian Ocean, and canter along the wide, open beaches of the Wild Coast. Overnight: Kei Mouth Guest House 

Day 2 – Into the Wild
Today, the adventure begins in earnest. You’ll set off on a full day in the saddle, weaving between tidal beaches, grassy headlands, and winding inland paths. There’s always a chance to spot dolphins playing in the surf as you canter through the surf.

A saddlebag picnic lunch gives you time to pause, take in the views, and soak up the sun. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon at the tranquil Wavecrest Hotel and Spa —your home for the next two nights—where cold drinks, a warm shower, and a hearty dinner await. Overnight: Wavecrest Hotel 

Day 3 – Beaches, Estuaries & Easy Afternoons
The rhythm of the tides guides today’s ride. Whether you set off along the beach and return inland, or begin in the hills and finish with an exhilarating low-tide gallop, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Expect rolling green landscapes, rural villages, and the pure joy of riding fast along wet, packed sand.

After lunch the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Choose from kayaking or a boat trip up the Nxaxo River estuary, a hike through coastal trails, or simply unwinding in the hotel’s jacuzzi and spa as the sea breeze drifts in. Overnight: Wavecrest Hotel 

Day 4 – Homeward Bound
This morning, you’ll begin the ride back to Kei Mouth, heading inland through high paths and forest tracks. The ride offers plenty of open stretches for cantering as you wind back toward the coast.  A stop for a pub lunch and swim in the pool breaks the day before crossing the Kei River again on the ferry—a Wild Coast icon.

On returning to the guest house for your final evening on the trail, you will enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Kei Mouth Guest House 

Day 5 – One Last Ride
Your final morning brings a farewell ride above the cliffs of Morgan Bay, with sweeping sea views and a final canter along the beach. After returning to the guest house, you’ll have time to shower, change, and reflect on the journey before your transfer back to the airport.

We’ll say goodbye—but know that the Wild Coast has a way of calling you back.

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 at the time of riding.

Set dates 2025 & 2026

DATES FOR 2025 
21 to 25 July 2025   (confirmed departure)
21 to 25 August 2025 (confirmed departure)

16 to 20 September 2025 (fully booked)

22 to 26 September 2025  (confirmed departure)

20 to 24 October 2025   (confirmed departure)
17 to 21 November 2025   (confirmed departure)
10 to 14 December 2025   (confirmed departure)


DATES FOR 2026

7 to 11 January 2026   (confirmed departure)
4 to 8 February 2026  
4 to 8 March 2026
02 to 6 April 2026 (Easter Weekend)
29 April to 3 May 2026
03 to 7 June 2026
21 to 25 June 2026
15 to 19 July 2026
26 to 30 August 2026
23 to 27 September 2026 
21 to 25 October 2026
25 to 29 November 2026
09 to 13 December 2026

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 at the time of riding.

Accommodation & Meals

Kei Mouth Guest Lodge (1st and 4th night) 

You’ll feel right at home at our comfortable Kei Mouth Guest House, where relaxed hospitality and Wild Coast charm comes naturally. Our riding guests stay here for the first and last night of their trail, the guest house offers three comfortable en-suite rooms—each with its own private patio—plus a spacious two-bedroom apartment upstairs. It's the perfect place to unwind, settle in, and soak up the gentle pace of life on the Wild Coast.

Wavecrest Hotel & Spa (2nd and 3rd nights)

Tucked between river, forest, and sea, Wavecrest offers a peaceful pause along the trail. Horse riders are welcomed like family, with comfortable rooms, hearty meals, and space to unwind—whether in the spa, beside the fire, or watching the tide roll in. It’s a place to breathe deeply, rest well, and reconnect.

All meals are included

Breakfast is your choice of continental and cooked. Lunch changes from day to day, it could be a pub lunch, a set lunch at one of the hotels or a saddle bag picnic along the way. Dinner is a set menu. 

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 at the time of riding.

Price and package details 2025

Jan - Nov 2025 ~ R24 500.00
Dec 2025 to Nov 2026 ~ R26 950.00
1-night in Kei Mouth.
2 nights at Wavecrest Hotel
1 night in Kei Mouth.

Includes meals, accommodation and horse riding
Exclusions airport transfers, drinks at local bars, restaurants and hotels, spa treatments and items of a personal nature.

Please ask about our SA residents discount.

Riding level and ability.

The Mini Beach Trail is for a wide range of confident riders and guests should be comfortable in walk, trot and canter for up to 3 or 4 hours in the saddle at a time.   We have a lovely selection of horses that suit a wide range of riding abilities from confident novice level up. 
The weight limit is 90 kg

Your riding ability is required on the booking form.
CONFIDENT NOVICE RIDER = someone who can do rising trot confidently and is comfortable in a light seat canter. A reasonable level of fitness is required to enable you to keep up with the ride.  

INTERMEDIATE RIDER = someone who rides regularly and enjoys a forward, well-schooled horse. They can control their horse independently and are confident trotting and in controlled canters in open spaces.

EXPERIENCED RIDER = someone who is comfortable on most horses in most situations. They ride regularly and may or may not have their own horse. They have a good seat and gentle hands. They can ride in a light seat and can hold a strong horse in a fast canter.

Enquiry

Mini Beach Trail

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