Wild Coast Horses
Overview

What to Pack for a Wild Coast Horse Riding Adventure

Getting ready for your Wild Coast horse riding holiday? Whether you’re joining us for a five-day trail, the full eight-day adventure or a fully immersive working riding holiday, we thought we’d help you figure out what to bring, as it’s not always easy!

This handy packing list is designed to help you prepare for your time in the saddle and on the coast, while bearing in mind the local shops and facilities. From riding essentials to everyday clothing and a few little extras, here's what we'd recommend bringing along.

The good news? You don't need to bring the kitchen sink. Pack sensibly, keep things comfortable and leave a little room for the memories you'll be taking home! 

ride. connect. belong.
Pack for the weather

Sunshine, sea breezes and the odd shower – pack for all four seasons!
Pack for comfort

No fancy dresses required - pyjamas are perfectly acceptable at dinner!
Pack smart

You'll be spending hours in the saddle - leave the fashion experiments at home.

Riding Essentials

Clothing

  • Jodhpurs or riding pants
    - Riding tights recommended (quick-drying, cool, with phone pocket)

  • Riding chaps or long boots
    - Half-chaps ideal (easy to remove, cooler)
    - Avoid bringing expensive equipment (salt water damage)

  • Riding helmet (meeting international safety standards)

  • Sports bra (for ladies)

  • Long socks

  • Riding gloves (if commonly used)

  • Rainproof coat that you can ride in

  • Lightweight rain jacket/windbreaker (for tying to saddle)

  • Shorts

  • Walking shoes/boots for riding - bring two pairs. ( One to wear/ one to dry out from river crossings!)

  • Trainers for everyday use

  • Slip-slops or sandals

  • Light long-sleeved shirts with collars (sun protection)

  • Wide-brim sun hat or peaked cap

  • T-shirts and tops

  • Light long trousers or jeans

  • Jerseys/jumpers/fleeces for riding and evenings

  • Sarong or kikoi (beach use, doubles as towel)

  • Pajamas

  • Underwear

Sundry Items

Money and Documents

  • Sunblock (Factor 50 recommended)

  • Insect repellent

  • Swimming costume and beach towel

  • Torch (flashlight)

  • Water bottle

  • South African power adapters

  • Cell phone power bank

  • SA SIM card with airtime and data (obtainable at OR Tambo airport) or you can get an E sim if that’s easier

  • Laptop/Tablet for entertainment

  • Medications and small first-aid travel kit
    - Bring prescription medicines in original containers with prescription copy

  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)(you can get basics at the shop)

  • Sunglasses

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Small daypack or backpack for day trips

  • Travel locks for luggage

  • Cash for personal expenses

  • Credit/Debit cards (Mastercard and Visa accepted, no American Express)

  • Valid credit card for emergencies. (This would be used in the unlikely event of you having to go to the hospital if you have a bad fall. The hospitals here require a deposit to be paid upfront. You would be able to reclaim this amount from your travel insurance). NB make sure that you have a direct phone/whatsapp number and email address of your travel insurance. If possible ask your insurance for a Letter of guarantee of payment that can be handed in at emergency on admittance to hospital.
    - Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Important Notes:

  • It is customary to leave a gratuity for good service

  • ATM available at local shop; no forex exchange

  • Dress code: Casual (shorts and T-shirts during day, jeans and fleece tops in evenings)

  • This area is a Malaria free zone, but insect repellent is crucial for ticks and mosquitoes

  • Sunscreen is essential, even on overcast days - factor 50 recommended.

Luggage Allowance

  • Main luggage: One suitcase or holdall weighing no more than 20kg. A medium-sized check-in suitcase of approximately 24–26 inches (60–69cm tall) is ideal.

  • Hand luggage: One small backpack, bag or carry-on suitcase for essentials while travelling. We recommend including a change of clothes and your riding gear in case your checked luggage is delayed.

  • Handbags: If you're travelling with a handbag containing your wallet and other personal essentials, it should be small enough to fit inside your hand luggage, when stored in the backup vehicle.

  • Travelling with extra luggage? If you're joining us for an extended stay and need to bring a larger suitcase, please pack a smaller, soft-sided duffel bag to take on the trail. Your larger suitcase can be safely left at our base in Kei Mouth while you're away.

These luggage restrictions help to ensure there's always enough room for feed for the horses, because even the best trail horses need fuel!
Download our packing checklist