Detailed Itinerary

Unique Horse Trails South Africa

Arrival (Friday): Upon your arrival, our team will meet you at the airport and transport you by vehicle to our comfortable tented camp near Kenton-on-Sea. After a welcome and briefing, we’ll set off for a short river ride along the scenic shores, followed by drinks and snacks. Relax in the evening with a freshly prepared fish dinner at the camp.

Day 1 (Saturday): After a hearty English breakfast, we drive to the start of the trail at the Fish River mouth. Mounting up, we begin our journey along beautiful, largely deserted beaches, interspersed with rocky outcrops. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at the iconic “Three Sisters” rock formation before continuing with exhilarating canters, often alongside the surf. The day’s 30 km route brings us to Port Alfred, where refreshments and transportation await to bring us back to the Beachcomber Bushcamp for the night.

Day 2 (Sunday): Today’s ride takes us further east from Port Alfred, with more beach canters along pristine shores. We pause at “Ship Rock” for a scenic picnic lunch, then continue to Kasouga lagoon, where you’ll have the chance to swim with the horses—an unforgettable experience. Our accommodation for the evening is a charming seaside village inn, ensuring comfort and style after a full day’s adventure.

Day 3 (Monday): Ready early, we saddle up for an adventurous ride covering approximately 30 km. We’ll cross two tidal rivers, navigating landscapes where you can enjoy faster-paced riding. A lunch stop awaits at the historic Diaz Cross, followed by our arrival at a cozy beach house in the seaside village of Cannon Rocks. Here, you can unwind with views of the sea and relax before another eventful day.

Day 4 (Tuesday): Following breakfast, we embark on a spirited ride toward Beachcomber Bush Camp, alternating between fast-paced sections and scenic moments. Along the way, we’ll explore an ancient Bushman pottery site and pause atop a hillside for views from “The Cross.” The journey includes a crossing of the Bushmans River before we follow the lush river valley back to camp, where a satisfying meal and comfortable accommodations await.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Today is a rest day from riding, as we take a vehicle trip to Addo Elephant National Park, renowned for its abundant elephant population and other wildlife. Spend the day spotting Africa’s iconic species in their natural habitat, with plenty of opportunities for remarkable photographs. We return to the camp in the evening to relax and enjoy a restful night.

Day 6 (Thursday): Reuniting with our horses, we ride into Sibuya Game Reserve, offering a chance to view diverse wildlife from horseback, such as giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and possibly even elephants and rhinos. In the afternoon, we’ll take a leisurely boat ride up the Kariega River, where you can swim, savour refreshments, and enjoy potential wildlife sightings from the water. We cap off the evening with a traditional outdoor barbeque on the camp deck under the stars.

Day 7 (Friday): On your final morning, we’ll take a short, relaxed river ride to close out the experience, depending on your departure schedule. Following the ride, you’ll be transported to the airport, concluding your unforgettable South African horse safari adventure.

Please note: The route is subject to change based on tides, weather conditions, availability and logistics.

Helpful Horse Trail Information

Required Skill & Fitness Level:
To make the most of our horseback trails, we recommend that riders are healthy and have a relatively good level of fitness (we’ll help you get fitter while on the ride!).  Riding with us needs a degree of physical fitness, as these rides are not recommended for inexperience or unfit riders (we do offer beach rides for those who feel like doing shorter rides and completely experienced enough for the longer trails. The Beachcomber trail includes different types of riding including long canters on sand, to relaxed walks with the wildlife we encounter along the way. We also swim with our horses through two rivers and do a few shallow crossings.

Our Horses:
Our horses are smallish, super fit, hardy local breeds. They are safe, well mannered and are very lively when needed but also happy to plod along with inexperienced riders. 

The Tack and Gear:
We use McLellan trail saddles, made locally, designed for the comfort of both horse and rider alike. We use soft bits on all our horses. We recommend you wear half or full chaps with comfortable riding boots and a light weight riding helmet, preferably with good ventilation. We do have a limited number of chaps and helmets at the stables, but we highly recommend that you bring your own helmet and chaps.

Transfers:
Private transfers are available from Port Elizabeth or East London. We can also book you on a scheduled transfer.

Accommodation:
It’s important to spend the evenings in comfortable accommodation after long days in the saddle. You will stay over in a beautifully located tented camp on the banks of the Kariega River which will be your base. Our tented camp offers comfortable rooms with views over the river. Meals are served on the central deck. This is also where we relax after our rides to enjoy a drink around the camp fire.

Meals:
We pride ourselves on the wholesome meals we provide our guests. From breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as snacks along the way, we cater for the active traveler. The food is hearty, home cooked and we cater for all dietary requirements.

Horse Trail Rates

2025:
EUR 1705 per person

Includes:
Riding hats (or bring your own)
Expert guiding throughout
Comfortable accommodation in a variety of locations (beach lodge, farm cottage, guest house, safari tents)
Delicious meals
Wildlife Safari entrance fees, game drives and game activities
Transfers from/to Port Elizabeth and East London (available on request)

Excluded:
All flights
Visas
Travel Insurance
Any additional activities (we will gladly assist with suggesting and booking any pre- and post activities)

Horse Trail Dates

Scheduled Trails:
Join one of our scheduled horse trails, generally running twice a month. Please check the availability calendar for exact departure dates.

Tailormade Trails:
Book a private horse trail to experience the Sunshine Coast at your own pace and riding style. Our expert guides will adapt the trail to suit your time and experience.

Things to do before and after your horse trail:

These services are all bookable via the individual operators.
We will gladly provide you with the best options, as well as contact details to book.