Accommodation en route is at good family-orientated beach hotels or cottages, with clean rooms, hot water and incredible food. Accommodation en route is at good family-orientated beach hotels or cottages, with clean rooms, hot water and incredible food.
 
A very comfortable tranquil family orientated hotel, situated right on the beach. Watch the dolphins from the deck and relax the sound of the waves will be heard from your spacious clean bedroom. But it is the friendly hospitality you will receive that will make your stay here a night to remember.



And a hotel situated on rolling grass lawns on the Nxaxo estuary this is a nature and bird a lover’s paradise. The island style bungalows and rondavels are clean, comfortable and functional. It is relaxed enough however, to make guests feel relaxed about coming home barefoot from the beach. The family suites and double room accommodation each have an en suite bath or shower room with an abundance of steaming hot water.
           
And an elegant, rambling, old farmhouse, surrounded by beautiful trees and a magnificent sea view, is situated on a farm. They offer luxury accommodation and typically Eastern Cape hospitality.

Meals may look like this: Highly recommended Seafood platter on Saturday night. Please let me know of any special dietary requirements when you book.
Breakfast- Full English breakfast, fruit, and cereals.
Mid-day Meal: Off the hotels menu. Light meals through to larger courses.
Evening Meal: 5 course meal
Beverages typically included: Not included in trail rate. Full bar available. Clients run bar tab and pay before departing.
Highly recommended Seafood platter on Saturday night. Please let me know of any special dietary requirements when you book.

The climate along the coast is nearly always warm to hot, with humidity levels rising from December to March. Inland, the climate is temperate with warm summers and mild winters. Soft gently falling rain occurs (up to 1000 ml a year), which can affect river crossings

Although every attempt is made to adhere to the itinerary, please note that itineraries are subject to change according to riding abilities, availability of hotel accommodation, rider's preferences and possibility of inclement weather and swollen rivers along the Wild Coast. The beaches also change with the shifting of sand and tides, making some paths inaccessible one day and an easy route the next.

Meet at our stables just outside Morgan Bay at the designated time Approx 9:30.

Allocation of horses.

We pass through a neighbouring farm towards the beach. Riding through open Savannah grassland, riverines and coastal forests we pass Coral trees once used as brakes for the ox wagons. Be on the lookout for a wide variety of birds including Crown Cranes, Egyptian geese, Jackal Buzzards and Fish Eagles. Along the way we pass dams often covered in purple water-lily flowers.

At Morgan Bay, we turn towards the town Kei Mouth.

We ride through the area, which was once a human buffer! In 1820 settlers arrived in South Africa with the high hopes of making a good living. Africa was described as bountiful and fertile, with plenty rain and an ideal climate. At the time Britain was experiencing a depression resulting from the industrial revolution and they had to cope with discharged forces after the Napoleonic Wars. There was a propaganda campaign to lure settlers to South Africa and the theory was to create a British Settler human buffer to defend the Colony against bands of raiding Xhosas.

We reach the Great Kei River (Mkhulu Kei) (The old border post between Transkei and South Africa, in the days of apartheid). The crossing with the horses on the Pont is an experience of its own. Once on the other side of this magnificent river, we ride across the saltpans and onto the beach. Each and every trail is unique as the coastline constantly changes, sometimes black with Titanium, sandy and at other times rocky. Just give your horse a long rein and like mountain goats they will choose the best route to pass. The powerful sea pounds the rocks forming incredible shapes reminding us as to why the area is called the Wild Coast and as to why there are so many ship wrecks along this stretch of coastline.

Look out for Sanderlings and crabs as they scurry across the sand. To the left indigenous forests with a wide variety of plants, Giant Sterculiaceae, Palms, Cycads and around each corner a different bay. We pass estuaries, which are sometimes cut off from the sea, and at other times spilling into the sea with force. These estuaries represent some of the most productive and recreationally important areas of our coast, offering a wealth of plant and animal life, which needs to be protected. We mix our paces, sometimes quietly walking, at other times extending the canter or even a race.

Our destination Seagulls Hotel where both rider and horse are welcomed by friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel at home. Have a sundowner on the deck over looking the sea; fresh oysters are served at the bar before a scrumptious meal. After your meal spend time with your fellow riders in the bar for quality out of the saddle time.

After a full breakfast we saddle up again and take the route to the Jacaranda shipwreck. The Jacaranda was a Greek coaster of which ran a ground in good weather on 18 September 1971. It had a crew of 15 but nobody was injured. It was believed that the empty vessel suffered engine trouble and caught by strong winds. The Jacaranda is a must see by anyone visiting the Old Transkei and a stark reminder of the force of the ocean. Pass ancient Middens, the remnants of the Koi people. To get to the shipwreck depends on the tides. The coastal route takes us along the beaches, which we share with local Nguni cattle with their beautiful colours that gather on the sand.

If tides permit, we take the horses deep into the waves passing the rocks. Alternatively we could take the path, winding above the cliffs over looking the ocean, or the high road over looking the ocean and you will see rolling hills dotted with Xhosa huts. We may pass young Xhosa boys working their ox sled and collecting wood as their ancestors did generations ago, you may see a once forbidden sight, a Marquette - a very important time in a young Xhosa mans life, his circumcision when he transforms from a boy to a man.

Following the winding paths made for speed and beg to be ridden we take in the spectacular views until we reach the Kobonquuba River. The depth of the river depends on the tides and recent inland rain; it can be shallow with a few swimming strides or a good swim across. Either way the horses are strong swimmers, bold and happy to carry you across on their backs with powerful strides. It is important that we do not try to cross on a moving tide or swollen rivers.

Once across on the sandy beach a good way to dry off is at a brisk pace. Taking the ocean route along the rocky coastline, often riding shoulder to fin with dolphin, who seem to set their pace with ours. Take a path through an indigenous forests or high above on one of the many winding ox-sled path to Wavecrest Hotel. A resort situated on a crystal clear lagoon fed by two mangrove-lined rivers which weave through pristine forest where over 300 exotic bird species can be found.

After lunch, relax on the deck overlooking the Nxaxo Estuary, which changes every few minutes as though it has a life of its own. Enjoy the abundance of animal and bird life as coastal and sea birds rub shoulders and compete for sky space. Above it all, the regal Fish Eagle can be heard to shriek his haunting cry. Take a boat trip up the estuary where Black and Red Mangroves compete in their unique environment with their aerial breathing roots and sacrificial leave system and tiny red crabs share this delicate environment. An abundance of bird life can be seen in this special part of the Wild Coast, Long Crested Eagle, Mangrove Kingfisher, Narina Trogan, Knysna Loerie and Trumpeter Hornbill to name a few. This is a bird watcher’s paradise. Before dinner, the Crown cranes dance on the beach as they wait to be fed, a sight well worth watching. Retire to your room after a delicious meal and fall asleep in comfort, listening to the sounds of nature.

After breakfast, tides permitting, we swim the horses over the Nxaxo Estuary to the awesome beach in front of the hotel for a good long canter and to explore the coastline, a stunning beach to race. It is worth seeing the sand dune formation, which has produced Fresh Water pans below sea level and now serves as watering holes for the game on this particular coastline. They were caused by a combination of the ancient San people's migratory route and present wind patterns and are unique phenomena. It is important to limit the time across before the tides change. Alternatively, take a ride on one of the many sandy cattle sled paths that meander through the coastal flora or take a ride parallel to the estuary towards the village. (A visit to a typical rural hut and traditional Xhosa family can be arranged at a small donation to the family). Life here is complex often the head of the house is an old lady with numerous children all living off her small government pension.

We ride over contoured lands once planted with commercial crops by the Europeans in days gone by; we pass the odd tiny patch of planted maize, often planted especially to make beer not to feed the family. Smiling children run with us and adults greet us with enthusiasm. Happy to share their lives with us. Stop and take a photograph, as they love to pose!

After a full breakfast we saddle up and cross the veld to a path that twists through a thick indigenous forest. As we ride we are shaded from the sun by a canopy of huge old trees that intertwine the creepers and shrubs forming a carpet of green under our feet. These trees - Yellowwoods, White Stinkwoods, Milkwoods, Knoblewoods and Sneezewoods to name a few - are hundreds of years old and have been used by local Sangomas for their preparation of “Muti”, medicine and Tribal Ceremonies. White Stinkwoods, are reputed to have magical properties, and used with crocodile fat for protection against lightening. (The locals are incredibly superstitious and lightening is feared). The White Milkwood bark and roots are used to cure broken bones and treat fevers. The Small Knobwood, the bark used as a snakebite remedy, yellow roots for toothache, and crushed with leaves against fever. The Sneezewood tree bark as an insect repellent and Ficus sur for respiratory complaints. Ficus Natalensis is often used for gynaecological complaints, particularly during pregnancy. It is of great interest to me that at the Mkulu Kei homestead my pregnant mares are often seen eating the leaves.

As you ride look out for the stunning Tree Orchids and listen to the sound of your horse's feet echo in the thick forest and in the distance the roar of the sea. The path ends on the beach just before the Kobonqaba River. Again we plunge into the water asking our horses to carry us across. We travel the high road for a while then onto the beach for a canter and sometimes even a race. Alternatively we can take the high road. Riding above the cliffs over-looking the ocean, you will see rolling hills dotted with Xhosa huts. The huts consisting of poles cut from the forest, planted in a circle and interwoven with saplings. The walls covered with mud and cow dung mixture to help bind the together and the roof covered with thatch grass. A watery mixture of cow dung, applied regularly, hardened to a shiny dust-free floor surface.

Passing young Xhosa boys working their ox sled or checking their father’s cattle or women carrying huge buckets of water on their heads, or little black Transkei pigs, who traditionally clean up any human waste. Cattle with their beautiful colours to the Xhosa are very valuable and considered money in the bank and are not slaughtered except on special occasions.  We might see a lone fisherman but out of holiday season (December school Holidays and Easter school holidays) we will probably be the only visitors in this undeveloped area.

Have lunch at Sea Gulls Hotel; an idyllic beachfront hideaway snuggled into a lush and colourful landscape. In the afternoon we give the horses a chance to graze and rest while we enjoy the time out of the saddle. Tonight, weather permitting; moonlight ride after supper is on the itinerary. We ride by the light of the moon and stars; the waves reflect the light adding to the experience. A highly recommended seafood platter can be arranged prior to trail commencing at a small extra cost.

Traditionally this is party night! And many a good evening has been had with new friends in the bar. Listening to Barry on his guitar and singing along to all the old classics, Karaoke or dancing the night away.

After breakfast the choice is yours. We can choose the more direct route along the beach, to the Kei River, once more to cross by the Pont. Alternatively we can ride inland through the Blue Gum forest to see The Gates and Twin Falls, or The Waterfall of Unbelievers, and Nonqawuse's pool. A highly sensitive subject amongst the Xhosa people. “The place of shame”. The pool is where a young orphan Xhosa girl Nonqawuse in 1856 saw strange faces looking up at her, and heard voices from her ancestors that told her that they would help the Xhosa drive the Red coats (British solders) away. Her vision was instrumental in the killing of thousands of Xhosa cattle, resulting in wide spread starvation and in changing the Xhosa history.

The long winding paths give us the opportunity to walk, trot or canter as we make our way to Morgan Bay. The beautiful stretch of beach invites you to canter along the water edge or even in the shallow waves. Ask your horse to take you deeper into the waves or into the lagoon and experience the power of a horse swimming before lunch at Morgan Bay Hotel.

Ride inland through rolling Savannah grasslands and on to a private game farm. You will see Zebra, Impala, Duiker, Wildebeest, Blesbok, Bush pig, Giant Water Monitor and a wide variety of birds some 250 species inland, coastal and sea birds. Then take in the view at the Double Mouth estuary; absorb the sea view of the Indian Ocean from the cliffs at Black Rock, riding high above the coastline over looking the rugged rocky shores. A graveyard of many ships, and then on to Bead Beach where one can still finds pieces of blue and white Ming porcelain and Carnelian beads in the shingle. These treasures are from the shipwrecked Santo Espiritu (early Portuguese Carrack) that came to grief along this piece of the coast in 1608.

Tonight we stay at one of Black Rock Luxury cottages and have traditional braai while overlooking the sea. Smaller riding groups stay at Black Rock B&B. Alternatively we can pass through a game farm a riding Safari through open Savannah grassland, riverines and coastal forests. Be on the look out for Zebra, Impala, Duiker, Wildebeest, Blesbok, Bush pig, Giant Water Monitor and a wide variety of birds including Crown Cranes, Egyptian geese and Jackal Buzzards, Fish Eagles. We pass dams often covered in their purple blanket of water-lily flowers. Fill your water bottle and let your horse drink at one of the rivulets. Head inland towards Mkulu Kei Nature Reserve (the family farm). Mkulu Kei Nature reserve is a very scenic farm, with its rolling hills with many riverines. Experience riding with the mares and foals, out of nowhere the family units join us in a long line consisting of all ages from tiny foals to fat pregnant mares.

Have a picnic lunch under a huge Fig tree. Stay at Cock Inn, a luxury stay at a farm B&B. where your host Tammy will spoil you. Or alternatively in a cottage at Mkulu Kei Nature Reserve.

We make our way back to the beach stable through open Savannah grassland, riverines and coastal forests.Approx 14:30, reflecting on all you have seen and experienced on your special South African equine eco-adventure