Itinerary for a South African Horseback Holiday

An example of a Mkulu Kei Horse Trail and Riding Holidays
Wild Coast overnight horse trekking vacation in South Africa

The following is an example of what to expect, but no two Wild Coast Transkei horse trails vacations are ever the same. Although every attempt is made to adhere to the itinerary, please note that itineraries are subject to change according to clients riding abilities, availability of hotel accommodation, rider's preferences and possibility of inclement weather and swollen rivers. The Wild Coast beaches also change with the shifting of sand by the tides, making some paths inaccessible one day and an easy route the next.

Accommodation en route is at good beach hotels, luxury B&B, and cottages, with clean rooms, hot water and incredible food along with an option of a night in a rural hut and camping out, thereby giving you diversity and assortment and making each night's accomodation as different as the countryside.

Please read... Important Information

Day 1:

Meet at our riding stables just outside Morgan Bay in The Eastern Cape, South Africa at the designated time (approx 9:30), a later departure can be arranged to fit in with your travel plans. If you require a lift from Morgan Bay, Kei Mouth or shuttle from the East London Buffalo City airport please tells and we would be more than happy to collect you. You may require accommodation the night before or after your riding holiday commences depending on your travel plans.

Meet our ponies & horses; an introduction to the different equine personalities and temperaments, help and riding tips if you need to help make your S African horse trekking vacation a memorable experience.

Allocation of horses and tacking up.

We ride through a neighbouring farm towards the beach crossing the little river stopping for your equine to drink. Riding on through open Savannah grassland at a walk or trot while you get accustomed to your mount, proceeding through 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, Fish Eagles. Along the way we pass dams often covered in purple water-lily flowers. The Indian Ocean already in plan view as we enter the village of Morgan Bay and onto the beach, time permitting your first canter on a South African sandy beach. But there is more to come and we need to turn towards the town of Kei Mouth, travelling inland and up a dirt track avoiding the bird sanctuary and nature reserve where the rocks and indigenous forest make it totally impossible for a horse to pass. Hacking over the rise get a view of Kei Mouth, the ocean and a glimpse of where we are heading as we amble on the hiking footpath next to the golf course entering the village of Kei Mouth.

Riding 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 England 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 white settlers to South Africa and the theory was to create a British Settler human buffer to defend the Colony against bands of raiding Xhosas. In 1857 members of the 3rd regiment of the British German Legion (A mercenary unit recruited to fight in the Crimean War) were settled in the area.

The crossing with the horses on the Pont is an experience of its own. Once on the other side of this magnificent tidal river, being influenced by both sea and having a rainfall catchments area extending inland some 200kms, 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 equine 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 coast-line.

Look out for Sanderlings and crabs as they scurry across the sand in front of your steed's feet. 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 from development, but have been known to affect our horse trekking adventure - there are potentially six extra rivers on some trails.

We mix our paces, sometimes quietly walking, at other times extending the canter or even a race. Wait a little, breath the fresh air, feel the sea spray on your face and the wind in your hair take a mental picture or pose for the camera, relax and take in the whole equine horse safari trail. Our destination for tonight is Seagulls Hotel, a family beach hotel on the seashore where both rider and horse are welcomed by friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel at home. The hospitality extends to horses that treat Seagulls Hotel as a home away from home.

Have a sundowner on the deck over looking the sea and watch out for whales and dolphins playing in the surf. After your delicious meal spend time with your fellow riders in the bar for quality out of the saddle time while the equines get a chance to rest or graze in a camp not far from your room. Retire to your comfortable room, listening to the ocean while adsorbing your coastal riding tour with Mkulu Kei.

Day 2:

Spend time bonding with your mount, feeding and brushing him, then after a full breakfast we saddle up again and take the route to the Jacaranda shipwreck. The Jacaranda was a Greek coaster, which ran aground in good weather on 18 September 1971. It had a crew of 15 and nobody was injured.

It was believed that the empty vessel suffered engine trouble and was caught by strong winds. The wreck of the Jacaranda is a 'must see' by anyone visiting the Old Transkei and a stark reminder of the force of the ocean in the Wild Coast. Due to time and huge tides of late the Jacaranda shipwreck is disintegrating fast, so book now before you miss it. With a selection of options of terrain we can travel far and ride further than the hikers with an array of choices of paths, we can take a longer route to the highland over 4X4 tracks and motorbike trails then back through a winding hidden valley trail and through coastal Fynbos on to a sandy long beach for a canter or gallop an all-inclusive equestrian adventure.

At every stage of the equine trek a panoramic view of sea and countryside with wilderness on one side and ocean on the other. Pass ancient Middens, the remnants of the Koi people, seafood being their main diet. The way 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. The Nguni cattle, originating from higher up the continent, are an ancient breed of cattle and extremely valuable to the locals.

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 with a panoramic view of the sea on the horizon. In any direction a vista of scenes; rolling hills dotted with Xhosa huts, deep valleys, estuaries, colours, long beaches and cosy bays.

The horses, being familiar with the different trails, are happy to be ridden in any order, sometimes abreast, at other times in single file and know we extend the pace on the open beaches and love a good gallop. This is not a nose-to-tail trail, and the horses are trained to listen to the rider and if you would prefer to have a quiet canter are they are disciplined not to take off.

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We may pass young Xhosa boys working their ox sled and collecting wood as their ancestors did generations ago. You may also 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.

Pass an ancient grave, most likely to be that of a Hottentot, whose mythology and religious practices believe a mythical devil may hover over a grave. The graves, large mounds of stones, are found all over the country, and no Hottentot will pass, without adding another stone or branch, sometimes also muttering a prayer for good luck in hunting.

Following the winding paths made for speed and begging 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. The horses are happy to oblige on one of the many familiar tracks, they know where they are and love the freedom of riding on trail, sometimes abreast, at other times being competitive. Taking the waters edge along the rocky shoreline, often riding shoulder to fin with dolphin, who seem to set their pace with ours or take a path through an indigenous forest and onto one of the many winding ox-sled paths leading 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. A haven for bird watches or those who love nature.

After a good lunch, relax on the deck overlooking the Nxaxo Estuary, which changes every few minutes as though it has a life of its own. Moving tidal water and sand bars make for an assortment of colours and shapes in the estuary and a very relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy the abundance of animal and bird life as coastal and sea birds rub shoulders and compete for sky space. A haven for nature lovers and bird watches. For the more energetic play squash or tennis, take a canoe up the estuary or enjoy your time out the saddle swimming, at the spa for a treatment, or just gazing at the sights in front of you. Meanwhile the horses are rolling or grazing in the field with their mates after the hours under saddle. This is your riding holiday, both you and the horses need some time out.

Above it all, the regal Fish Eagle can be heard to shriek his haunting cry. An organized boat ride up the estuary with a knowledgeable guide is a must do. On your boat trip up the estuary see Black and Red Mangroves compete in their unique environment with their aerial breathing roots and sacrificial leaf systems, and the tiny red crabs that 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, reflecting on all you have seen and experienced on this equestrian horse holiday.

Along the route we often encounter local children who run out of their huts to greet us and ask for sweets or money, something we ask you to refrain from offering as this only encourages a begging culture. We have a rule; if they help us pick up a fallen cap or sunglasses, hold a horse or offer any kind of assistance we give then something. No work no pay. Now small groups of kids come and ask us about the horses, their English language improving with each trail. They are fascinated by the horse's names, words they would not learn in the classroom.

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 or 4x4 tracks that meander and wind through the coastal flora and dune Fynbos or take a ride parallel to the estuary and wetlands towards the Xhosa village.

A visit a typical rural hut and traditional Xhosa family can be arranged at a small donation to the family, this is someone's home and not a set up for the tourist. Life here is complex, often the head of the house is an old lady with numerous grandchildren all living off her small government pension while the rest of the family work in the bigger canters. Others are child headed homes due to a very high incident of AIDS, having no living parents, they are scratching to make ends meet.

We ride over contoured lands once planted with commercial crops by the Europeans in days gone by; and pass the odd tiny patch of planted maize, often planted by the locals 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! But a women dressed in traditional clothing must be asked first, she will probably agree and bring out her long traditional smoking pipe for a small fee.

Take a packed lunch for more time riding, more sites, more hidden valley trails, winding paths, more canters on the beach or alternatively return for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to take a swim in the sea or pool, a canoe trip up the estuary, visit the spa or just relax and watch as the estuary change before your eyes. A second day is required to absorb what nature has to offer in this special part of the world.

Even better extend your riding trail by a day and add another element to your trip. Sleep in a tent in an indigenous forest on an estuary, listening to the sea. The evening is spent around the bonfire experiencing traditional South African food and chatting about your equestrian trek. Tomorrow we will be back at Wavecrest Hotel, a comfortable bed; hot water and you can visit the spa!

Day 4:

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 with 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 greatly feared). The White Milkwood bark and roots are used to cure broken bones and treat fevers. The Small Knobwood bark used as a snakebite remedy, the yellow roots for toothache, and crushed leaves against fever. The Sneezewood tree bark is used 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 out on your equestrian horse trekking adventure look out for the stunning Tree Orchids and listen to the sound of your horse's feet echo in the thick forest with, in the distance, the roar of the ocean. The path ends on the beach just before the Kobonqaba River. Again we plunge into the water asking our equines to carry us across. We travel the lower track or hiking trails for a while then onto the beach for a canter and sometimes even a race. Alternatively we can take the inland route and travel on a 4x4 track, which makes good hacking as it twists and turns goes up embankments and down the other side. A fun alternative to riding a horse in an arena. Riding above the cliffs over-looking the ocean, you will see rolling hills splattered with Xhosa huts. The huts consist of poles cut from the forest, planted in a circle and interwoven with saplings. The walls are then covered with mud and cow dung mixture to help bind them together and the roof covered with thatch grass or corrugated iron. A watery mixture of cow dung, applied regularly, hardens to a shiny dust-free floor surface.

On our horse trail pass 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 are very valuable to the Xhosa and considered money in the bank and are not slaughtered except on special occasions. Horned cattle constitute their principal wealth, and form a medium of exchange throughout the country. Great care is taken of them, and particular skill is exhibited in their training. They are taught to obey signals, and even to run home upon a certain call or whistle being given. In former days every man of note had his racing oxen, and prided himself upon their good qualities as much as an English squire does upon his stud of blood horses. Ox racing was then one of the institutions in this part of the world, and was connected with all kinds of festivities.

The care of cattle is considered the most honourable employment, and falls entirely to the men. They milk the cows, take charge of the dairy, and will not permit a woman even to touch an udder. The women do not always use the same words as the men, owing to the custom called ukuhlonipa, which prohibits females from pronouncing the names of any of their husband's male relatives in the ascending line, or any words whatever in which the principal syllables of such names occur.

We might see a lone fisherman out of the holiday season or a group of hikers as we sail past on the back of a horse but we will probably be the only visitors in this undeveloped area. Arrive for lunch at Sea Gulls Hotel on you next leg of your South African riding holiday. An idyllic beachfront hotel hideaway snuggled into a lush and colourful landscape.

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In the afternoon we give the horses a chance to graze and rest while we enjoy the time out of the saddle or visit the gates, waterfalls or Norqawuse's pool, Blue gum forest, ride on the airstrip or rural golf course. There are so many winding alternative paths each route seems to be tailor made for your riding ability. Choosing paths up and through river valleys, rocks, hills, down embankments and sand dunes for confident riders and less extreme, easier routes for novice riders. This way we can personalize your pony & horse trek not only by the pace we ride at but the terrain we choose to explore on the Wild Coast. Tonight, weather permitting; a 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 on trail this is party night! And many a good evening has been had with new equine friends in the bar, listening to Barry on his guitar and singing along to all the old classics, Karaoke, music DVDs or dancing the night away.

Day 5:

After breakfast the choice is yours. We can choose the more direct route along the beach, or wind through the hills to the Kei River, once more to cross by the Pont.

Alternatively we could ride inland today through the 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 Xhosa have a system of religion and culture which they carefully observe. It is based upon the supposition of the existence of spirits who can interfere with the affairs of this world, and who must therefore be propitiated with sacrifices. These spirits are those of their deceased chiefs, the greatest of whom has power over lightning. When the spirits become hungry, they send a plague or disaster until sacrifices are offered and their hunger is appeased. When a person is killed, it would be considered rebellion to mourn for one whom the great chief has sent for.

This is your African horse trekking adventure, we want you to have an equine horseback experience of a lifetime and with your new found equestrian confidence we like to give the riders a chance to explore their equestrian capability on patient surefooted horses, by riding routes that they may never have tried before. 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, time permitting we could ride up the Morgan Bay cliffs. As we make our way off the cliff, look out for the resident Giant Monitor Lizard often seen lying dusking in the sun on the rocks. A stunning view awaits you with possible sightings of dolphins and whales frolicking in their playground. Witness the colours of the Indian Ocean and spectacular rock formations that make the Coastline spectacular. Inland, the area was called The Border for much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and this was the region of conflict between the British colonists, moving ever eastwards, and the southward moving Xhosa peoples. (Along the Great Kei River nine major wars took place). Tonight your night stop is at Morgan Bay Hotel, the horses at the riding stable.

Day 6:

With so much riding experience under your belt you may opt for a hotter horse or stay with the mount you have bonded with for your next stretch of safari riding. Today we ride inland through rolling Savannah grasslands on Lalapanzi a private game farm. Zigzagging through the farm to follow and catch up with the herds. You will see Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Duiker, Wildebeest, Blesbok, Bush pig, Giant Water Monitor and a wide variety of birds; some 250 species of inland, coastal and sea birds occur here. Riding safari through open Savannah grassland, riverines and coastal forests.

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 river valleys and with patience we can ride very close to the game. Tonight we stay at a luxury guesthouse Cock-Inn with a spoil you atmosphere on a working ranch.

Day 7:

Your last day with us you may opt for more time riding amongst the wildlife or a ride up the Morgan Bay cliffs with the ocean on the horizon. Take in the view at the Double Mouth estuary; absorb the sea view of the Indian Ocean from the cliffs riding high above the coastline over looking the rugged rocky shores, a graveyard of many ships. 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.

Then a last canter on the beach at Morgan Bay before heading back to the stables.

Reflecting on all you have seen and experienced on your special South African equine eco-adventure.

For those wishing to add a totally different experience speak to us about abseiling, time permitting we could just end your stay with us on a with another adventure.

Equine horses ride through Sub-Tropical coastal hills, river valleys and to long golden sandy beaches of the Wild Coast in South Africa, a horseback-riding holiday, with so much more.

Other Riding Holiday Options

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Two Day or Weekend Getaway Trip

A quick equestrian get away aimed at guests who have very little time but want or need a break, a quick get-away. A ride through to Seagulls Hotel and surrounding areas to accomplish on your horse with stunning scenic views.

Three Day - Two Night Taste of the Wild Coast

On horseback, a mini horse trail for those who want to experience the Wild Coast on horseback and would like to see and explore as much of the Wild Coast as they can in a limited time. A highly recommended equestrian tour, as you will get a taste of the Transkei on a horse ride trek in a short time frame staying at Seagulls hotel literally on the beach sand. The extra day gives us a comfortable ride through to the Jacaranda shipwreck and surrounding coastal areas with a chance to canter on a long beach and awesome views on every horizon.

The Four Day - Three Night Equine Eco Adventure

The three nights will give you a chance to stay at both Seagulls and Wavecrest hotels with the diversity of riding and swimming the Kobonquuba River on your horse. Relax at the spa, witness a nature lovers and bird watchers haven and experience all the extreme routes, trails and terrain we can opt for and explore on your horse treking holiday. You can take the option of a night in the Xhosa village on the returning route.

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The Five Day - Four Night Wild Coast Horse Trekking Holiday

For your adventure travel holiday 5 days gets you two nights at both Seagulls and Wavecrest Hotels. The adventure of a range of countryside and all the extremes in equestrian riding and accommodation with the option to add an extra night camping in a coastal forest and/or a night in a rural hut. The camp option can accommodated within the 5-day trail by forgoing one night at Wavecrest Hotel. This trail option increases the area we can cover on horseback and all the different adventures that go with it. Both in facilities at the accommodation sites, and also the tapestry in visual and riding excursions this option gives guests a good introduction to what the Wild Coast has to offer.

* Our most popular vacation of all our horse treking safaris.

The Seven Day - Six Night A Wild Coast Horse Trek and Mini Safari Holiday

Crossing the Kobonquuba River, spend two nights at both Seagulls and Wavecrest hotels, and on our return to Morgan Bay get to see and ride through the game, Bead beach, Black rock and luxury B&B Cock-Inn. You could also opt to add on a night camping on the other side of the estuary at Wavecrest Hotel adding a whole new perspective to the trail; a night in a tent, good old South African "braai" round the fire with traditional South African food, different scenery and more beach riding activity adventures with the option of staying in a rural hut.

The 8-12 Day Wild Coast a selection of equestrian riding safari holidays in SA

In addition to the pre-planned trail options above we can also offer a longer trail adapted to your requirements with more time to ride and explore this incredible coastline.

Tell us the duration of your holiday, your equine capabilities and what you want to see and do and we will try to accommodate you, making your coastal and safari horse riding adventure personalized.

See You in the saddle soon. Come Riding with Us on trained trail horses ... ...and you will see rolling hills, rich Savannah grasslands and thick-forested valleys with multitudes of rivulets cascading down to rivers that eventually spill out onto quiet sandy beaches, fantastic high rise cliffs and spectacular rock formations that make the Wild Coast in South Africa one of the most beautiful places in the world. An incredible equine vacation with a combination of cross-country horseback riding, the exploration of our beautiful coastline and awesome breathtaking scenery.

And what better way to experience South Africa's best kept secret and beautiful coastline than on the back of a horse on a Mkulu Kei horse riding safari... The sound of the horse's hoofs on the beach, the splash of the seawater, the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. There are so many equestrian trecking holidays and vacations, why choose us? Read on and find out. The Transkei Wild Coast; a scenic underdeveloped coastline experienced on horse back with Mkulu Kei is a must do experience.

An impressive combination of equine riding, exploration and visual encounters, a wild, unspoiled pristine coastline, history, rural life, bird life, game, rolling hills, jagged cliffs, culture and heritage. A kaleidoscope of equestrian experiences, scenery and terrain on each day.

Ever thought you would like to canter your horse with the African sun on your face along a sandy beach, play in the waters edge or in the sea waves?

You could be here on your coastal horseback holiday in South Africa.

We at Mkulu Kei Horse Trails, the two and the four legged would like to say a big Thank you to all our guests for sending us their horse trekking photos, these are your vacation memories. Thank You, Cheryl.