Eastern Cape Trail
This is an exhilarating point-to-point ride for intermediate and advanced riders, from beach to beach all while spotting whales and dolphins in the Indian Ocean. Cross rivers either on horseback or on a pontoon (with the horses on board!). The trail takes in a long stretch of coastline with accommodation in remote hotels in beautiful settings.
The trail pace varies from walking through the game reserve to enable good game viewing, long trots and canters on open plains, to optional fast gallops down the beaches. Riders on this trail are strong intermediate or advanced level riders who are comfortable at walk, trot and canter and happy to gallop on the beach. The horses are fit and forward going but gentle and reliable enough for the holiday rider, and also of such a standard that the more experienced rider will have a good time. Riding fitness is helpful in order to enjoy the 30-40km days.Children can be accepted on the trails as long as they are confident advanced riders who ride regularly and are 12 years and older. There are several excellent ponies available. Riders are required to wear a hard hat on this ride.
- Ride the untamed Wild Coast
- Gallop along endless empty beaches
- Spot Whales and Dolphins from horseback
- Cross rivers by horse and a historic ferry
- Six days of varied and exciting riding
- Stay in charming coastal hotels
- Meet local communities along the way
- End rewarding days in the saddle with ocean sunsets
- Delicious South African cuisine
itinerary
Day 1
On arrival at East London Airport, you will be transferred to Kei Mouth where a light lunch is served, after which you will change into your riding clothes and head to the horse paddocks 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
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 cold beers and a friendly beach vibe. Here you can 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
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. After a light lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore, or relax as you wish. Soothe aching muscles at the spa, explore the river on a kayak, or brave the restless waves of the Indian Ocean. 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 the day
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. 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 into hidden coves and beautiful lagoons. Your guide will select a suitable spot for you to enjoy a picnic and possibly even a swim in a lagoon 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
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. 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.
Day 8
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.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.
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Eastern Cape Trail
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
This trail is suitable for strong intermediate and experienced riders only. Good riding fitness is required as you’ll be covering up to 30-40km and spending 6 hours in the saddle each day. There can be long and fast canters and gallops along the beaches and riding over challenging terrain.
Hard hats mandatory.
Weight limit: 95kg / 14,9 stone

Your guides are relaxed, professional and have many years of experience in guiding these trails, they know the terrain and are experts when it comes to the horses. They’ll make sure every rider is very well looked after. The maximum number of riders in a group is 8.

There is a large selection of horses to choose from including Arab crosses, Anglo Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Boerperds and Percheron crosses. They all stand between 14.2hh and 16hh and are mostly ridden in snaffles. The horses are selected and trained for trail riding with great care; they are the other half of the team that makes your holiday a fantastic experience. Just as your guides are professional and know the area in which they operate, so the horses are familiar with the environment and conditions in which they are ridden. Each horse is handpicked and trained for trail riding. They are sturdy, comfortable to ride, beautiful, forgiving, easy to ride and control, yet lively at command and enjoy their work.

The saddles are especially designed for trail riding by Leon Liversage. The saddle distributes the weight equally on the horses back and is very comfortable for the rider. The design with a high pommel and cantle makes one sit straight automatically and is therefore better for you and the horse. Each horse has its own saddle to ensure a comfortable-and perfect fit. Each saddle is equipped with a splash-proof saddlebag carrying 2 water bottles and can hold a camera and other essentials while out riding for the day. The tack and equipment is scrupulously maintained.

Price includes
- 6 full days of riding
- Short introductory ride upon arrival
- Short ride on departure day
- Trail riding horse, tack and saddlebags
- Shared accommodation
- Breakfasts
- Lunches
- Evening meals
- All arrangements for duration of holiday
- Services of guides
Price Excludes
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Drinks
- Other activities or spa treatments
- Tips






Accommodation
Accommodation along the trail includes a handpicked selection of remote coastal hotels that reflect the charm of South Africa’s Wild Coast. Kei Mouth Guest Lodge offers a friendly base at the start of the ride, while Trennerys and Seagulls hotels provide relaxed, beachfront stays in beautiful, unspoiled surroundings. Wavecrest Hotel & Spa adds a touch of indulgence with stunning views and spa treatments, and Kob Inn Hotel set right on the beach, is known for its warm hospitality and dramatic coastal setting. Each stop offers some welcome respite after a rewarding day in the saddle.
Breakfast: A variety of cereals, farm yogurt, toast, home made jams & preserves, homemade butter, free range eggs, home made sausage, bacon, tomatoes, fruit juice and filter coffee and tea. So you can choose between a traditional English breakfast and the continental equivalent. Breakfast is buffet style.
Lunch: A variety of cold meats, cheese, salads, fresh bread, pudding, fresh fruit juice and fresh fruit are available. Some days we enjoy a pub lunch at one of the local hotels whilst others are a saddlebag picnic. In the late afternoon we savor the last glow of the day while enjoying a selection of wine and malt available. This gives you the perfect opportunity to relax and relive the day's events.
Dinner: At the restaurants there will be a variety of entrees to choose from, including fresh seafood. Dinners are 3 or 4 courses long and a sociable affair! Usually on one evening there will be a traditional South African "braai” or “potjie" with all its trappings. Sizzling tender farm-style beef, venison steaks and mussels bubbling on the coals satisfy a hungry rider after a long day in the saddle and in South Africa many friendships are made around the campfire. Dinners will be accompanied by a selection of good South African wines to complement the meal and finish with a nightcap of local liqueurs.
Special diets and allergies can be catered with advance notice. There is a full laundry service at all the hotels (payable separately). Luggage will be transferred by car between the overnight stops.
Eastern Cape Trail
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Flight and transfer information
Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com
- Arrival airport: East London (IATA ELS)
- Arrival time: By 12h00 (midday)
- Departure time: 12h00 or 17h00
- Depature transfer arrangements: 9h00 for flights at 12h00, or 14h00 collection for flights at 17h00
- Transfer prices start at 1 person at R1150.00 up to 9 people at R1400.00 per trip. Payable locally to the driver in South African Rand
Single room supplement: Subject to availabilty please contact us.