A couple of weeks ago, we explored the influence over-50s women are having on the future of travel. While that demographic is reshaping tourism in meaningful ways, it’s not the only one driving change. According to Rene Hill, Managing Director of the IIE School of Hospitality & Service Management (IIEHSM), “millennials and Gen Z travellers” are also redefining the landscape.

Unlike their predecessors who favoured whirlwind tours of iconic landmarks, today’s travellers are craving something deeper. They’re looking beyond the usual tourist hotspots in search of meaningful experiences that connect them with a place, its people, and a different lifestyle. 

Rather than ticking off Instagrammable locations, they’re choosing to slow down and immerse themselves in travel experiences that offer real engagement, cultural exchange, and the potential for personal growth. Racing from Table Mountain to Kruger may still appeal to some, but it’s no longer the only way to experience South Africa.

As more people seek out experiential travel—adventures that make a genuine difference to both themselves and the local community—so places like the Wild Coast have the potential to capture their interest.

Holidaying in the Heart of the Wild Coast Community

While you won’t encounter lions or elephants on our trails, you will discover a lifestyle that’s remained largely unchanged for generations. Our horse trails take you deep into the communal lands of the Xhosa people, offering a rare glimpse of a world still in tune with the rhythms of the past—though now with a few modern conveniences like the ubiquitous mobile phones!

Instead of luxury safari tents and imported cuisine, our guests stay in traditional, family-run coastal hotels—accommodation more often enjoyed by local holidaymakers than overseas visitors. These small businesses are often among the few sources of employment in these remote areas, making them an essential part of both the local economy and the Wild Coast’s unique charm and authenticity.

Even if you’re only with us for a few nights, the impact goes far beyond creating good memories. Your visit supports a fragile local economy that plays a crucial role in preserving both traditional ways of life and the delicate ecosystems that sustain them.

Off the Beaten Track and Onto the Wild Coast

One of the greatest advantages of a horse riding holiday is access. On horseback, you can reach places that remain out of bounds for most vehicles—rugged cliff paths, deserted beaches, winding riverine valleys, and ancient forest tracks. You’re not just riding through; you’re participating in a living, breathing landscape.

As researchers Cocks, Dold, and Vetter (2012) note, the Wild Coast is often framed as a developmental challenge because of the tensions between economic need and environmental fragility. But it’s this very contrast that makes the region so compelling. With one of the most untouched ecosystems in the world, the Wild Coast has enormous potential to attract travellers looking for authentic, low-impact, eco-friendly adventures.

The region’s natural diversity from its clifftop views, rolling hills, and indigenous forests to its waterfalls, and rivers is a huge part of the appeal. But this beauty also needs protection which tourism, when done thoughtfully, can offer — but only with your help.

Supporting the Land that Makes the Journey

When tourism is handled responsibly, as it is here at Wild Coast Horses, it can foster cultural pride, environmental awareness, and long-term sustainability. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (2011), this kind of mindful travel can uplift communities rather than exploit them.

According to their 2011 report, the World Travel and Tourism Council concluded that tourism can “bring cultural pride to many communities, whereas environmentally it is seen as a tool for sustainable environment.”

But that balance isn’t guaranteed. Coastal tourism can either uplift or exploit. That’s why experience-driven, ethical models—like our trails and working riding holidays—are so important. They don’t just minimise harm; they actively support and sustain the communities and environments that make the journey possible.

More Than a Holiday: Living Like a Local

The longer you stay, the deeper your connection—and the further your influence ripples out through the community. Those joining our 12-week working riding holiday don’t just get to live like a local, they also make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re helping exercise trail horses, discovering the local beaches, or just chatting with villagers at the local bowls competition, you become part of a shared story.

Living like a local isn’t about playing dress-up or mimicking a lifestyle. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and respecting the rhythms of a different lifestyle. It’s watching cows graze as the sun rises over the hills. It’s learning to pronounce someone’s name properly in isiXhosa. It’s laughing over a braai and hearing a story you’ll never forget.

This kind of travel doesn’t just leave you with stunning photos—it has the potential to fundamentally impact the way you live. And it leaves the place a little better than you found it.

Ready to Ride, Connect, and Belong?

The Wild Coast isn’t for everyone—but it’s exactly what many of us are searching for right now: connection, purpose, and a slower, more meaningful way to experience the world. Whether you're escaping burnout, chasing adventure, or looking for something real—you'll find it here.

Come and ride with us. Connect to a deeper sense of self. Belong to something bigger than a bucket list.