5 Day Mini Beach Trail - Wild Coast South Africa
Beach Horse Riding Trail - a Horseback Journey along South Africa’s most Untouched Coastline
Do you crave adventure and long to ride free? The Mini Beach Trail is a 5-day, 4-night horseback journey along South Africa’s most untouched coastline - crafted for intermediate to experienced riders who want a spirited, soul-stirring taste of the Wild Coast. Your adventure begins with an introduction ride to connect you with your horse and the journey ahead. Then the trail opens up - three days of immersive riding through shifting landscapes: thundering beach canters, quiet forest paths, and wide-open headlands kissed by the sea breeze. You'll spend two restful nights at the tranquil Wavecrest Hotel and Spa, before returning to Kei Mouth for one final ride above the sea, along the cliffs of Morgan Bay. It may be a mini trail - but it leaves a lasting imprint it's raw, real, and wildly memorable.
Key information
- Rider weight limit: 95 kilograms / 209 pounds
- Horse height range: 14.2 hh to 16 hh
- Tack type: South African trail and endurance saddles
- Horse breed: Arab, Boerperd, and other cross breeds
Dont see a date that suites you? Pop us a message and we can see if we can do a Mini Trail for you.
Highlights
- 1 night Kei Mouth Guest Lodge
- 2 nights Wavecrest Hotel
- 1 night Kei Mouth Guest Lodge
- All meals, accommodation and riding included
- 4 nights 5 days riding.
Skill level
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Types
5 days with instruction in English
Accommodation
- 1 night accommodation in Kei Mouth
- 2 nights at Wavecrest Hotel (or other location depending on availability)
- 1 night in Kei Mouth
Program
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to the Wild Coast
Your journey begins with your arrival at East London Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to Kei Mouth—the relaxed coastal village that’s home to Wild Coast Horse Trails.
After settling in at Kei Mouth Guest House and enjoying a light snack, you’ll change into your riding gear and meet the team. Your first ride is a gentle introduction—an hour or so to ensure you and your horse are perfectly matched. It’s your first chance to breathe in the sea air, dip your toes (and hooves) into the Indian Ocean, and canter along the wide, open beaches of the Wild Coast. Overnight: Kei Mouth Guest House
Day 2 – Into the Wild
Today, the adventure begins in earnest. You’ll set off on a full day in the saddle, weaving between tidal beaches, grassy headlands, and winding inland paths. There’s always a chance to spot dolphins playing in the surf as you canter through the surf.
A saddlebag picnic lunch gives you time to pause, take in the views, and soak up the sun. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon at the tranquil Wavecrest Hotel and Spa —your home for the next two nights—where cold drinks, a warm shower, and a hearty dinner await. Overnight: Wavecrest Hotel
Day 3 – Beaches, Estuaries & Easy Afternoons
The rhythm of the tides guides today’s ride. Whether you set off along the beach and return inland, or begin in the hills and finish with an exhilarating low-tide gallop, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Expect rolling green landscapes, rural villages, and the pure joy of riding fast along wet, packed sand.
After lunch the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Choose from kayaking or a boat trip up the Nxaxo River estuary, a hike through coastal trails, or simply unwinding in the hotel’s jacuzzi and spa as the sea breeze drifts in. Overnight: Wavecrest Hotel
Day 4 – Homeward Bound
This morning, you’ll begin the ride back to Kei Mouth, heading inland through high paths and forest tracks. The ride offers plenty of open stretches for cantering as you wind back toward the coast. A stop for a pub lunch and swim in the pool breaks the day before crossing the Kei River again on the ferry—a Wild Coast icon.
On returning to the guest house for your final evening on the trail, you will enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Kei Mouth Guest House
Day 5 – One Last Ride
Your final morning brings a farewell ride above the cliffs of Morgan Bay, with sweeping sea views and a final canter along the beach. After returning to the guest house, you’ll have time to shower, change, and reflect on the journey before your transfer back to the airport.
You’ll say goodbye—but know that the Wild Coast has a way of calling you back.
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.
Location
A Short Escape, Wild and Free
Custom dates available on request - listed dates are confirmed departures
Do you crave adventure and long to ride free? The Mini Beach Trail is a 5-day, 4-night horseback journey along South Africa’s most untouched coastline—crafted for intermediate to experienced riders who want a spirited, soul-stirring taste of the Wild Coast.
The perfect safari extension, come and stay for a while between your travels and soak up the glorious splendour of the Wild Coast, its incredible nature and empty beaches. Kei Mouth is perfectly located for a horse riding stop over on your South African road trip. Midway between Ado Elephant Part, Port Elizabeth and the mighty Drakensberg en-route to Kruger Park - Our relaxed hospitality and lovely horses welcomes you.
Food
The following meals are included:
- Full English breakfast
- Pub lunches or packed lunch for picnics
- Evening dinners
- Water bottles will be provided while out riding
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Pescatarian
Things to do (optional)
- Abseiling in Morgan Bay
- Beach walks
- Bowling
- Day hikes to waterfalls
- Day trips to Seagulls
- Ferry crossing into Transkei
- Fish Eagle River cruise
- Golf
- Mountain biking
- Swimming
- Township tours
- Walks and hikes around Kei Mouth, Morgan Bay, and across the Kei
What's included
- 1 night accommodation in Kei Mouth
- 2 nights at Wavecrest Hotel (or other location depending on availability)
- 1 night in Kei Mouth
- Light breakfast (cereal, toast, yogurt, fruit, preserves, tea and coffee) or full cooked breakfast
- Pub lunches or packed lunch for picnics
- Evening dinners
- Water bottles will be provided while out riding.
- Horse riding
What's not included
- Flights to and from South Africa - East London
- Airport transfers (we are able to book transfers for you)
- Drinks - guest will be required to pay for all extra soft drinks, wine, beer and any other beverage when out for lunch, at restaurants and at the hotel bars. There is a bottle store just around the corner from the guest lodge if other beverage is required.
- Items of a personal nature, spa treatments & gratuities.
- .
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 92 per person
East London Airport
63 km away from your destination
Directions
- From the N2 take the R349 to Kei Mouth.
- As you enter the village you will see a Petrol station on the left.
- Turn left. (follow the sign)
- At the T-junction turn right.
- We are the 3rd house on the right. (you will see the sign)
- Nearest airport is in East London
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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