From the Saddle to the Spotlight

Over the years, we’ve welcomed riders from around the globe. From Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, the US, and beyond, our guests come to the Wild Coast seeking something more than just a riding holiday. They come for the wide-open spaces, the thrill of cantering on deserted beaches, and the deep connection between rider, horse, and land that is almost impossible to replicate elsewhere. Now, all of that is being recognised on a provincial stage, and we couldn’t be more proud.

To be one of just three finalists in this highly competitive category is an honour that reflects decades of hard work, passion, and dedication to offering a world-class experience in one of the most remote corners of South Africa. 

It also means we’re standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names in the Eastern Cape adventure tourism industry, including Face Adrenalin’s Bloukrans Bungy (the highest in Africa) and Blackwater Tubing Tsitsikamma, a long-established operator in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It feels like a bit of a David and Goliath story—and yet, here we are, proving that passion, authenticity, and a deep connection to the land can stand toe-to-toe with the biggest names in adventure tourism.

What Makes Wild Coast Horses an Ultimate Adventure?

The awards aim to celebrate adventures that truly stand out — the ones that leave a lasting impact on travellers, foster community involvement, and showcase the region’s natural wonders. At Wild Coast Horses, we tick all those boxes and then some.

What we offer isn’t your typical trail ride or your standard horseback safari. Our week-long adventures cover up to 200 km of coastline, racing along deserted beaches and weaving through rolling hills, coastal forests, and traditional Xhosa villages. 

It’s immersive, breathtaking, and potentially life-changing. One moment you’ll find yourself galloping along the shoreline with the sea spray on your face; the next, you’ll be meandering along rugged clifftops with sweeping views that take your breath away and remind you of the fundamental joy of being alive.

Along the way, you cross rivers (some shallow and still, others wild and wide), pass ancient kraals, wave at curious herders, and sleep to the rhythm of the Indian Ocean. It’s a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the rhythms of nature, guided by horses that quiet your mind and know the land like the backs of their hooves.

Riding with Heart: The Local Spirit of Wild Coast Horses

While you might travel a long way to ride with us, the heart of Wild Coast Horses beats right here in Kei Mouth, South Africa. We are a locally owned and operated business, deeply embedded in the community and proud to support it in every stride we take.

When you arrive on the Wild Coast, you won’t spend all your time in the saddle (even if you’d like to). You’ll eat and sleep at local guesthouses, ride horses fed by crops grown by nearby farmers, and get shuttled to and from the airport by local transport providers. 

Our veterinary professionals and equine therapists are trusted provincial specialists, and our guides, grooms, and behind-the-scenes team all live in the local area, bringing local hospitality, knowledge, and authenticity to every ride.

Going even deeper into the local community, our Working Riding Holidays offer international riders the chance to live and work on the coast, building horsemanship skills while contributing to daily operations and connecting with rural village life.

In other words, we don’t showcase the Wild Coast — we invest in it.

The Road to the Awards — Where Hard Work Meets Reward

The journey to becoming a finalist in the Eastern Cape Tourism Awards has been as challenging as one of our signature trails. Starting back in February, we secured a formal nomination before submitting a detailed portfolio of evidence, demonstrating how we meet the awards’ criteria of adventure, safety, sustainability, visitor satisfaction, and community engagement.

The next step includes an online interview and a public voting phase, open until 31 July 2025.

Which is where you come in.

Help Us Cross the Finish Line in First Place

We’re reaching out to our global riding community — past riders, future riders, and all those who believe in wild places and powerful experiences — to ask for your support.

Public voting is open now, and every single vote will help us pass the finish line and prove to the world that Wild Coast Horses is the Eastern Cape’s Ultimate Adventure Attraction. It only takes a minute, but it will make all the difference to our little team and our big dreams.

👉 Vote here:https://ecta.co.za/finalists/tourism-attraction-finalists/#wild-coast-horse-trails

To vote, you’ll need to register with a name and email address, but the process is quick and easy. Then scroll down to "Ultimate Adventure Attraction" and click to support Wild Coast Horse Trails.