Feel the ocean breeze as your horse gallops along endless, deserted beaches. Cross rivers, scale cliff paths, and discover hidden waterfalls. Each day brings a new horizon, a fresh connection—with your horse, with the land, and with yourself.
This is not just a trail. It’s freedom in motion.
It’s the Wild Coast, and it will leave hoofprints on your heart.
Day 1
On arrival at East London Airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth Guest Lodge, the base of Wild Coast Horse Trails. A light lunch is served, after which you will change into your riding clothes and head up to the paddock where you’ll meet your horses. A short introductory ride gives you the chance to get to know your horse and blow away some of those travelling cobwebs. A relaxed, friendly evening meal awaits you back at the guesthouse along with a good night’s sleep. Overnight in Kei Mouth.
Day 2
Now your horse riding adventure starts in earnest! After breakfast, you’ll head back to the paddocks to mount up ready for a short ride down to the Kei River. Here, you and your horse will climb aboard the historic ferry and head over the river into the Old Transkei - where the real Wild Coast begins! The morning will be full of excitement and exploration as you ride over rocky headlands and discover freedom on the long, empty beaches. The ride will take you through forests and rolling hills to a hidden waterfall where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and one of the most scenic swims you’re ever likely to encounter! The afternoon ride meanders back towards the coast where Seagulls Hotel awaits with its friendly beach vibe. Here you can enjoy a cold beer, stretch your legs on the beach, cool down in the pool, or simply sit and enjoy the sound of the waves as they crash into shore. The evening promises a generous meal, and the chance to share stories with your fellow riders. Our unhurried itinerary gives you plenty of time to explore the hotel and the nearby beaches. Overnight at Seagulls Hotel.
Day 3
You will awake to the sound of the sea and the sense of solitude that comes with sleeping on the edge of Africa. After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to move up the coast to Wavecrest Hotel and Spa.
A brisk morning ride sees you traversing rolling hills, clambering up rocky outcrops, and, enjoying never-ending canters along unspoilt sandy beaches. Friendly locals greet you as you pass through rural settlements that remain largely untouched by time.
You’ll encounter several inland river drifts, open grasslands, and winding sandy paths before veering back towards the sea where the warm hospitality of Wavecrest Hotel awaits.
With its traditional thatched cottages and breathtaking views, Wavecrest is a favourite among guides and guests alike. After a light lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore, or relax as you wish. Soothe aching muscles at the Wavecrest spa, explore the river on a kayak, or brave the restless waves of the Indian Ocean - let the spirit of the Wild Coast guide you!
As the sun dips below the horizon, the group will reconvene for sundowners to celebrate the day's journey. Later, you’ll enjoy a simple meal of home-cooked local dishes - the perfect end to a day of Wild Coast adventures. Overnight Wavecrest Hotel
Day 4
The tides dictate the next leg of your adventure as you embark on a fast-paced ride to your most remote destination – Kob Inn. Heading inland, you’ll cross several rivers before dropping back onto the beach for some exhilarating canters and thrilling stretches along pristine shorelines.
Enjoy breakfast "on the hoof" as you traverse the everchanging landscape that is the Wild Coast. From rolling hills and open grasslands to narrow winding cattle paths that hover over the crashing waves below, you’ll experience a living tapestry of land and sea.
With one final river crossing under your belt, you’ll arrive at Kob Inn just in time for lunch. In the afternoon you can relax and soak up the laid-back hospitality of another coastal treasure. With a pub on the rocks overlooking the wild seas and sheltered private beaches on either side, this is an exquisite location in which to kick back and truly embrace ‘Africa time’. Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel
Day 5
After an afternoon of relaxation, you should be fresh and ready for a full day in the saddle. Once again, the tides dictate the day’s schedule which will take you about 20 km up the coast along sheltered beaches, past lagoons and hidden coves.
Your guide will select a picturesque spot for you to enjoy a saddlebag picnic before heading back to Kob Inn for an evening of delicious dining and maybe a few cocktails! Overnight at Kob Inn Hotel.
Day 6
Time is flying by and it’s already time to turn around and head back down the coast. Once more, the timing of the day’s riding will depend on the tides as you cross rivers, climb hills and speed along beaches on your way to Wavecrest Hotel. After a good +/- 30km ride, the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish, whether that’s another massage at the Wavecrest spa; or a canoe trip into the rare mangrove forests that line the Ngqusi and Nxaxo Rivers. More South African coastal hospitality awaits you as you relax and allow yourself to be spoilt by the caring Wavecrest staff. Overnight at Wavecrest Hotel.
Day 7
The penultimate day of your adventure is full of riding with fast-paced stretches along the beach, winding canters through the grasslands, and some technical sections that will put your newfound partnership with your horse to the test.
Soak up every moment of the adventure as you traverse narrow coastal paths, and shallow river crossings that sparkle in the sunlight, and weave through scattered rural homesteads where children wave excitedly as you pass.
This varied terrain showcases the full tapestry of Wild Coast riding, demanding concentration and skill while rewarding you with ever-changing vistas that capture the untamed essence of this remarkable coastline.
Stop off at one of the coastal hotels for a much-needed break and a chance to refuel, before continuing your journey to the Kei River where the ferry awaits.
The ride ends with a quick trot through the village, or a final canter along the Kei Mouth beach depending on the tide, before arriving back at the paddock where your horse will receive some well-earned pampering and a hearty meal.
You’re in for some similar treatment as you head to the local restaurant, The Yard, to sample some of the region’s best seafood as you soak up the laid-back atmosphere and relive the week’s adventures. With its delicious seafood and warm hospitality, The Yard is the perfect place to unwind after an unforgettable ride. Overnight Kei Mouth.
Day 8
Depending on your departure time, you could squeeze in one more ride before the shuttle picks you up to transfer you back to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE All riding and itineraries are subject to change due to variations in local conditions, hotel accommodation availability, riders' abilities, the weather, influences of the sea tides and the conditions of the rivers at the time of riding.
DATES FOR 2025
02 to 09 August 2025 (confirmed departure)
06 to 13 September 2025 (confirmed departure)
05 to 12 October 2025 (confirmed departure)
02 to 09 November 2025
30 to 07 December 2025 (confirmed departure)
DATES FOR 2026
18 to 25 January 2026 (confirmed departure)
15 to 22 February 2026
15 to 22 March 2026
17 to 24 May 2026
28 June to 5 July 2026
9 to 16 August 2026
6 to 13 September 2026 (confirmed departure)
4 to 11 October 2026
8 to 15 November 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.
Kei Mouth Guest Lodge (1st and 7th 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.
Seagulls Beach Hotel (2nd night)
Seagulls welcomes our trail riders with old-school coastal charm and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Set just steps from the beach, it’s the perfect place to kick off your boots, enjoy hearty home-style meals, and share stories of the day’s ride under wide Wild Coast skies. Simple, warm, and full of character—just like the trail itself.
Wavecrest Hotel & Spa (3rd and 6th 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.
Kob Inn (4th and 5th night)
Right on the edge of the ocean, Kob Inn is a much-loved stop for our riders. With sweeping sea views, welcoming hosts, and delicious full-board meals, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and Wild Coast energy. After a long day in the saddle, this is where you’ll laugh, relax, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
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.
Jan to Dec 2025 - R57 750.00
Jan to Dec 2026 - R59 950.00
7 nights 8 days beach trail
1 night Kei Mouth, 1 night Seagulls, 1 night Wavecrest, 2 nights Kob Inn, 1 night Wavecrest, 1 night Kei Mouth
Includes meals, accommodation and horse riding
Excludes airport transfers, drinks at local bars, restaurants and hotels, spa treatments and items of a personal nature.
Please ask about our SA resident's discount.
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.
The Wild Coast Horse Trail is for STRONG INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED riders ONLY.
Riders need to be good riders, who love adventures on horseback and are riding fit, confident in the saddle and able to keep up with the fast pace of the ride.
The weight limit is 90 kg
Your riding ability is required on the booking form.
STRONG 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.
ADVANCED 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.