One of the things that make horse riding holidays so damn addictive is the fact that there are always elements of the unexpected to keep you and your horse on your toes! From random pedestrians popping out of bushes miles from the nearest village to confused seals lazing on the rocks—it's amazing the things our horses remember not to spook at.

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 Right Horse, Guaranteed

The first thing you can expect on a Wild Coast Horse Safari is a horse that fits you like a glove. Our experienced guides invest great care and expertise to select the perfect horse for each guest. Those annoying questions you get asked about your riding experience? It's those answers our guides rely on to match you with your ideal equine partner.

The more accurate that information, the better your chances of getting a horse that suits your riding style and preferences down to the ground.

Of course, it helps that they know the horses so intimately that if you want a horse that loves cuddles, they know exactly who will fit the bill, just as a rider looking for some fun will get a horse with just the right attitude.

Ride The Dream: Canters You’ll Never Forget

The next thing you can expect, once you’ve been allocated the horse of your dreams, are some bucket-list-worthy canters along the type of beach most people only get to dream about. Some of our beaches extend several miles along the coastline and unlike the ones you might encounter in Europe, are literally deserted. If you must dodge a lone fisherman at some point on an 8-day trail, consider it a plot twist rather than part of the usual experience! 

Beyond the Beach: The Heart of the Wild Coast

One of the things many people don’t expect from a Wild Coast Horse Safari is just how much variety there is beyond the beaches.

Because the truth is, there’s more to this untouched wilderness than just long stretches of sand and crashing waves. Just a kilometre or two inland lies a scattering of little Xhosa villages, complete with rondavels (traditional round homes), kraals (traditional animal enclosures), and of course the villagers themselves—who greet us with warmth and, from the kids at least, hopeful cries of “Sweets!”

These villages pepper a landscape that rolls and shifts beneath your horse's hooves—one minute you’re cantering across open grasslands dotted with aloes and wild date palms, the next you’re winding through thick coastal forests or picking your way along clifftop paths where the land falls away into the crashing sea below.

The only thing that’s really guaranteed about this ever-changing landscape is that there’s a new breathtaking view around every corner.

Where You’re More Than Just A Guest

Genuine, heartfelt hospitality is a hallmark of our horse riding holidays. You’ll soon think of your trail guides as friends, and the ladies serving you at our overnight stops will nurture you like a long-lost cousin just arrived from the hills—muddy boots, windswept hair and all. It might not be a five-star safari lodge, but when it comes to genuine care, nothing beats Wild Coast hospitality.

Splash, Swim, Kayak: The Ultimate River Crossing

Another thing you can expect on a Wild Coast Horse Safari? River crossings—with character.

Scattered liberally throughout your Wild Coast adventure are a series of rivers that vary wildly in personality. Some barely reach the horses’ knees, while others feature gentle waves that splash against your boots (so much for keeping them dry!). Then there are the deep ones—those broad, tidal rivers that require a bit more strategy.

Instead of asking our horses to swim with riders on board, we do things the Wild Coast way. Local kayakers from nearby hotels paddle across with you perched in the back, guiding your horse as they swim alongside. It’s unconventional, sure—but it works beautifully for us, for the horses, and for your camera roll.

Ride, Rest, Repeat: The Rhythm of the Wild Coast

As well as the adventure, the challenges, the ever-changing scenery, and the long days in the saddle, our Wild Coast riding holidays all incorporate some element of rest and relaxation. These aren’t endurance-crazy 50km days that leave you broken and sore. These are well-planned trail rides—challenging enough that you’ll know you’ve been riding, but gentle enough that you can savour every moment in the saddle rather than spending half of it wishing it was over.

The secret? A perfect balance of riding time and time to just breathe and absorb the unique atmosphere of this wild place. You can expect one of the best massages you’ll find anywhere in the world—for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. You can also expect a comfortable bed and, in most cases, your own room.