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Overnight Horseback Trails
with Mkulu
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Our range of 2-12 days overnight equestrian riding holidays in South Africa on the Wild Coast
For a quick reference to the trails see below and for a more detailed itinerary See Basic itineraries
Mkulu Kei horse
trails & riding holidays for your multi day horseback riding
holiday in South Africa, an equestrian over night riding tour from
two to twelve days, riding from one night's accommodation to the
next through incredible riding country. Beach, inland and safari
riding though the African bush and wildlife on a game farm. Mkulu
Kei horse trails will take you through the picturesque terrain along
the Transkei, Wild Coast of South Africa.
All riding abilities, single riders through to large groups of riders
welcome
On your horse-riding holidays see the wilderness of this coastline at its best from the back of a horse suitable for your riding ability. The South African coast and surrounding area on an equestrian trail is stunning horse riding country; see panoramic views, pristine shoreline, rural traditional villages, nature, birds, game, dolphins, whales and open countryside with no fences. An equine adventure travel with Mkulu Kei horse trails, tour operators that make your safari holiday with horses and ponies a personalized experience.
Each equestrian riding holiday is uniquely different to suit your riding preferences, time and equine competency. Horse trekking safaris vacation with us an equine overnight riding adventure aimed at your requirements and preferences, for two - 12 days of breathtaking riding treks.
A scenic underdeveloped coast experience with Mkulu Kei Horse Trails a must do beach riding adventure. The Wild Coast, Transkei, about an hours drive north east of Buffalo City - East London on the R349 off the N2 highway just past Cintsa. To get an idea where we are situated see the map page. See Maps
Mkulu Kei Horse Trails & Riding Holidays
Overnight Equestrian Riding Holidays 2-12 Days
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For a horse riding holiday hopping along the Wild Coast from one alternative night stop to the next stay at various family beach hotels on route, stunning beach riding and awesome scenery. * 2-12 day trips, 3-6 hours in the saddle per day, with no predetermined trail dates. Choose a horse back riding holiday that suits your travel plans and tour dates, the number of days in the saddle and what you would like to experience. Contact us with your requirements and we will accommodate you with your dates or alternatively suggest another a date with a suitable existing trail, thereby reducing your daily rate.* Daily cost is determined by the number of riders on trail. By joining another group and thus increasing the number of riders in the group we pass on a discount to all on that trail. Rates and discounted specials on offer during certain months and conditions. Contact us for more details.Take advantage of the months we give discounts. See Rates * Novice through to advanced riders can be accommodated, single rider through to larger groups welcome.* You pack your personal kit in a saddlebag, which your horse carries. We are more than happy to lay on a back up vehicle but please be aware of the extra expense due to the logistics. If you require a back up vehicle please contact us for a quote. * Contact us through an agent or directly / via email / booking form. See Contact Details For more detail of what to expect on trail see Basic Itineraries No two trails are the same for so many reasons, it is just a basic outline of what you can expect to see and do while on your overnight equestrian adventure. Please be aware of the following when booking your flight. East London the airport is about an hours drive from the stables and we require time to allocate horses, saddle up and ride to the Pont, which crosses the Kei River into the Transkei, Wild Coast, before it closes. Book your ticket to arrive the day before trail commences or take an early morning flight. A shuttle service is available either through the airport or we can collect you by prior arrangement.
To find the more detailed information for your horse riding holiday, the help page is a map of the website to help you find the information you need.
Please read... Those looking for a few hours in the saddle for an out ride see. Short day rides |
Our Tourism Awards 
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• See Trail Photo Gallery |
"A real ride to many places at any paces" Seagulls Hotel **, Wavecrest Hotel ***, Morgan Bay Hotel ***, Optional night of camping in tents, night in a rural hut experiencing the Xhosa culture and traditional food, Cock Inn B&B *** a luxury stay at a farm, Black rock luxury beach cottage. |
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Established in 1998 this family business is passionately run and personally guided by the owners Don and Cheryl. With a trained working team of 38 trail horses, we aim to double this number to meet our demands in the next few months. Horses at Mkulu Kei horse riding trails and safaris are trained to suit various rider capabilities and a pleasure to ride. We are not a budget horse trail. We are offering you the opportunity to book directly with us and cut out the middleman. Why pay commission? This offer extends only to those who have found us on the internet and not through an agent. Why pay more? In the South African government school holidays we at Mkulu Kei Horse Trails take huge numbers of out rides, a few hours in the saddle aimed at the holidaymaker already in the area on their annual school break and beach holiday. Due to the high demand in the school holidays we would like to offer you a special rate in the out of season periods (school terms). |
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Please contact us directly if you would like to take advantage of the months of February, May, August, September or November when booking your multi day riding holiday. By booking during these months you will have a wider selection of horses, fresh horses, the hotels are quieter, internal flights cheaper and we will offer you a cheaper daily rate. May, August and September probably being the nicest months weather wise, not too hot and not too cold, very pleasant riding conditions. And they fall before our heavy rains months, making river crossings safer. A good deal for you all round. Please take note that from the 15th December - 15th January, and over the Easter weekend the hotels we overnight at are full. |
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You need to contact us at least a year prior to be sure we get in, it is also the months that we can take up to 50 riders per day on day rides and the horses are tired. We can however normally accommodate you in the rural village, making it possible to go on a totally unique riding holiday. Explore the Wild Coast on an overnight horseback trail. The "Wild Coast" a rugged, remote, unpopulated stretch of South African coastline consisting of sandy and rocky bays, open savannah grasslands, pristine coastal forests and unspoiled long beaches. Rolling hills, hidden valley trails, tidal rivers, sand dunes, aquatic animals, shipwrecks, and scenic bridle paths in every direction. Impressive hacking terrain, the best riding countryside. Hours of stunning in the saddle time with few fences and incredible views. |
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Before you choose an equestrian riding holiday you need to decide what sort of horse riding adventure you have in mind.
Do you want to experience and ride through spectacular scenery? Ride
along golden beaches? To see wildlife from horseback? Or just get
away for a few days and enjoy riding a good horse? With Mkulu Kei you
can combine a riding vacation, safaris on horseback and a riding
expedition all on a good riding horse. A breathtaking, exhilarating
combination of horseback riding, on your riding holiday. Stunning ocean
views on the horizon, a wild, unspoiled pristine coastline, history,
rural life, bird life, game, rolling hills, jagged cliffs, culture and
heritage. An assortment of equine accomplishments, scenery and terrain
on each day.
Cher-a-Don Mkulu Kei horse trails & riding holidays this spectacular safari horse trail in S Africa offers a complete riding holiday experience. An unforgettable horse back eco-adventure along the Eastern Cape Wild Coast of South Africa. For your African horse treking safari adventure we will take you through the most tranquil riding countryside, each night different accommodation and a million experiences to see or explore.
See you in the saddle soon!
And what better way to experience South Africa, but on the back of a horse ...
Two Day or Weekend Getaway Riding Trip
A quick get away, sampling the Transkei side of the Wild Coast. With the option of a night in a rural hut.
Duration: Two days, one night, 3-6 hours in the saddle per day.
General: Suits Adventure Enthusiasts, beginners to Advanced riders.
Departure +- 9:30 depending on clients travel plans.
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A ride through Morgan Bay and then on to Kei Mouth where we cross the Kei River by putting the horses on the Pont. Riding the beach and coastal areas suited to the clients riding ability and preference to Seagulls Hotel for the night, returning to the stable late afternoon on the second day. Booking essential. For horse trail prices See Rates Page Please read Important Information For Your equestrian horse and pony trekking adventure in South Africa. |
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Three Day - Two Night Taste of the Wild Coast on Horseback
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We highly recommend you choose this option if you are short of time, the scenery and riding on the extra day is spectacular and well worth it. With the option of spending a night in a traditional Xhosa hut. Departing from the stables at +- 9:30 depending on the riders travel plans. A ride though Morgan's and Kei Mouth to the Kei River and cross by putting the horses on the Pontoon. Ride on the seashore and coastal areas suited to the clients riding level and preferences. We stay at Seagulls Hotel for two nights. The extra day makes this get away special and gives us the chance to ride to the waterfalls, Nonqawuse's pool, Jacaranda shipwreck, and Kobonquuba River for a picnic on the second day, before returning back to the horse barn late afternoon of the third day. Duration: Three days, two nights, 3-6 hours in the saddle per day. General: Suits adventure enthusiasts, beginner to advanced riders. Booking essential. For horse trail prices See Rates Page Please read Important Information For Your equine SA trekking adventure.
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Four Day - Three Night Wild Coast Equine Eco AdventureA sensational Wild Coast experience with the option of spending the night in a rural Xhosa hut. Depending on your travel plans we depart from the riding stable at +- 9:30. A horse ride past the village of Morgan Bay and proceeding through Kei Mouth and crossing the Kei River by putting the horses on the Pontoon. Experience the sea sand, rocky bays, Fynbos and highland of the coastal areas. Our first night stop is at Seagulls Hotel before making our way past the Jacaranda shipwreck and crossing Kobonquuba River. Depending on tides we aim to arrive at Wavecrest Hotel for lunch, the afternoon spent out the saddle at the spa, swimming or going for a boat trip up the estuary. The morning of the third day we start heading back by taking a different route, stopping at Seagulls for the night. The fourth day we return to the riding stables either along the beach or inland, arriving at the stables early or late afternoon depending on your flight plans. Duration: Four days, three night, 3-6 hours in the saddle per day. General: Suits the adventure enthusiasts to advanced riders. Booking essential. For trail prices See Rates Page Please read Important Information For Your horseback safari adventure in South Africa.
See You in the saddle Soon! |
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Five Day - Four Night "My First Equine Trail" |
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New Trail: A great way to introduce riding holidays to non-riding partners. Duration: Five days, Four night, 2-4 hours in the saddle per day. General: For the first time, beginner, novice and nervous riders. Booking essential. For trail prices See Rates Page Please read Important Information |
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For Your First Equestrian
Trail Riding Adventure
Learn to Ride
Our "My first equine trail" Is an Introduction to the horse, Equus and equestrian riding and your first horse riding experience aimed at the never ridden or beginner rider. So many times we have been asked after a day ride. Would I manage a trail? Could I go on the overnight trek?
The answer is yes!
Our purpose is that you should feel at home with your horses and enjoy being in the saddle as you travel along the paths and tracks. We spend 2 days getting you comfortable near and on top of a horse. In an intensive riding experience, teaching you all you require to take your first comfortable trail. This is your chance in a practical way to learn to ride without going for formal lessons.
We introduce you to the horses, explain why they behave the way they do. We help you understand their language and how you can talk to them using your body language. Even those with little or no previous experience will soon be prepared for a short trail.
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You will learn how to catch, feed, groom, and tack up. Because the course is absolutely practical it is ideal for those wishing to introduce a non-riding friend to the pleasures of horseback travel and horse riding holidays. Time is taken to allocate the correct horse. The basics of riding are explained, and during the ride help is given to encourage you to try the next pace. It is not unusual for our first time day riders to be balanced enough to canter on their first ride. The instruction and guidance we offer is relaxed, friendly and informal. The horses are patient and understanding. By the end of the first two days you will be controlling your horse at the walk, trot, canter, up and down steep slopes, dismounting and remounting. In two days you will be balanced and comfortable enough in the saddle to undertake your first trail. |
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During the introduction phase we ride the same route the day riders do, staying at Morgan Bay at night. The third day we head off into the Transkei, then spend the next 3 days exploring what the Wild Coast has to offer and bonding with your horse. And for the guys we will show you where the brakes and clutch are. After this trail you will be ready to look at the longer trails. A value for money, learning to ride experience aimed at children, adults or families. A riding adult must accumulate children under 13 years of age. |
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Five
Day - Four Night Wild Coast Horse Trekking Holiday
With the option to experience the Xhosa culture and spend a night in a rural hut and adding a night camping for more exposure of this breathtaking countryside.
An extra day to ride this incredible coastline, unbelievable horse riding country.
Depending on the time you arrive in Morgs, we try to depart from the horses stable at +- 9:30, can be a bit later to fit in with your travel plans. A horse trail through the village of Morgan Bay, proceeding on through Kei Mouth mixing our paces before crossing the Kei River by putting the horses on the ferry. Experiencing the sea sand, rocky outcrops in each bay and exploring highland of the coastal areas. Our first stop tonight is at Seagulls Hotel. After breakfast the following morning we make our way past the Jacaranda shipwreck, crossing Kobonquuba River, on different coastal tracks. Depending on tides we aim to arrive at Wavecrest Hotel for lunch, the afternoon spent out the saddle at the spa, swimming or going for a boat trip up the estuary. The next day we spend time exploring one of the many alternative routes, inland or over the Nxaxo Estuary to an awesome long beach to extend our pace. After breakfast we tack up again and by riding a different route back to Seagulls for the night. On day 5 we return back to the horse's barn either via the beach or inland, aiming to arrive at the stables early or late afternoon depending on your flight plans.
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Duration: Five days, Four night, 3-6 hours in the saddle per day. General: Suits Adventure enthusiasts and advanced riders. Booking essential. For trail prices See Rates Page Please read Important Information For Your equestrian trail riding vacation in SA. See You in the saddle Soon! |
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* Our most popular vacation of all our horse trekking safaris.
Seven Day - Six Night A Wild Coast Horse Trek and Mini Safari Holiday
With the option to experience a night in a rural hut and by adding a night camping for more exposure to this panoramic countryside.
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A combination of coastal equine riding and safari adventure. Depending on the time you arrive in Morgan Bay we aim to depart from the stable at +- 9:30, can be a bit later to fit in with your travel plans. We ride one of the paths through the village of Morgan Bay, proceeding on through Kei Mouth mixing our paces before crossing the Kei River by putting the horses on the ferry. Experiencing the different sandy beaches, rocky outcrops in each bay and exploring the higher land of the coastal areas. Our first night stop Seagulls Hotel. After breakfast we make our way along different hiking paths past the Jacaranda shipwreck, then cross the Kobonquuba River. Depending on tides we aim to arrive at Wavecrest Hotel in time for lunch, the afternoon is spent out the saddles giving the horses much needed grazing time. Enjoy the spa, swimming, going for a boat trip up the estuary or relaxing. |
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The next day we spend time exploring one of the many alternative routes, inland or over the Nxaxo Estuary on a long beach to extend our pace or have race. After breakfast we tack up again and by riding alternative routes sometimes 4x4 tracks, oxen sledge paths, hiking trails or exploring we head back to Seagulls for the night. The following morning we go on to the stables either via the beach or inland via the waterfalls, to stay at Morgan Bay Hotel for the night. The following morning you could opt for the same horse or choose another steed before making our way to see and ride through the game. Tonight you will be spoilt at a luxury B&B; The Cock-Inn. On our return trip we take a different route to see the ocean from the Morgan Bay cliffs before returning to the stables early or late afternoon depending on your flight plans.
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Duration: Seven days, Six nights, 3-6 hours in the saddle per day. General: Suits Adventure enthusiasts and advanced riders. Description: A good mixture of inland, game and beach riding. Booking essential. For trail prices See Rates Page Please read Important Information For Your South African horse trekking adventure. |
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8-12 Day Selection of Wild Coast Equestrian Riding Safari Holidays in South AfricaA trail adapted to your requirements with more time to ride and explore this incredible coastline. A coastal and safari horse riding adventure. Tell us the duration and what you want to see and we will personalize this itinerary for you Duration: Eight - Twelve days. 3-6 hours in the saddle per day. General: Suits more advanced riders. Booking essential. For trail prices See Rates Page Please read Important Information For Your equine horse trekking vacation in ZA.
See You in the saddle Soon! |
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Accommodation On Our Wild Coast Horse TrailA three star relaxing family-style hotel on the beach with a welcoming atmosphere. Bungalow or rondavels situated on grass lawns rolling down to the Nxaxo estuary (a nature and bird lover's paradise). A friendly family hotel with good food, big clean rooms and a home away from home feel over looking the ocean. A luxurious B&B offering luxury accommodation and typically Eastern Cape hospitality and an option to camp out, an evening round the fire with traditional South African food and a night in a rural hut experiencing the Xhosa culture and traditional food. See you in the saddle soon! |
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Come riding with us ... ...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 combination of cross-country horse riding and the exploration of our beautiful coastline. Join us on one of our horseback safaris a horse riding holiday in ZA, your South African reitsafari / pferdetrekking. Paardrijroute / strand ritten Our Riding Horses |
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Our relationship and holistic approach to our horses Our Horses Meet the working horses Our Working Horses A selection of top quality trail horses all trained for a wide selection of different equine competency, personality and temperament preferences. More forward moving for advanced riders and responsive to leg and bit, others more patient with an economical pace and predictable personality. All easy to work with on the ground, people friendly mounts you will enjoy riding. Experienced riders, you will surprised at the quality of our horses, not only are they easy to work with on the ground but responsive under saddle. In good condition, soft in the mouth, trained on the bit and all ridden in snaffles. Whether you dream of riding along open savannah grasslands, pristine coastal forests or unspoiled Wild Coast beaches, there's an Mkulu Kei Horse Trail tour that suits your available time, riding level and budget. A horse riding journey through Sub-Tropical coastal hills and rivers to the beaches of the Wild Coast in South Africa, a horse riding holiday, with so much more. A pleasing combination of horse trail riding and the exploration of our beautiful coastline with hours of quality time in the saddle in any direction. Each encounter en route totally different adding quality and variety to your experience in incredible horse riding country, an real equine adventure. Our youngest client to complete a 7 day trail was 6 years old, the oldest 79, some clients have been new to horse riding while others have been accomplished riders in a variety of equine disciplines. Equestrian horse riding with Mkulu Kei Horse Trails offers various packages to suit you and the Wild Coast Trails into the Transkei are not a nose to tail horse trek. |
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We keep a big mix variety of horses and ponies. Friesians, Boerperd, Nooitgedachts, part breeds and Arabians to compliment your personal preference and horse riding capability. The size of our horses vary from 12 to 17 hands and they are fit and in good condition. They all have even temperaments and are forward moving, some more forward moving than others to suit your preference. We ride in our own purpose made trail saddles, a mix of an English style and stock saddle and all horses use snaffles. Our tack is kept in excellent condition. To best match the correct equine for your riding ability and to give you the best horse trekking holiday adventure, we spend time describing each horse's personality and temperaments before allocating you a horse. |
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All the necessary riding kit and personal items that you require for your horse trek is carried by your mount in a saddlebag, which we supply. Please consider the pack weight as if you had to carry it yourself on a soft Wild Coast beach.
A back up vehicle can be arranged at an extra charge. Ask for a quote. Please be aware there is no direct route to the hotels by vehicle so the back up entails driving a bad dusty dirt road for hours and the cost of the driver's expenses. The horses are happy to carry your necessary personal items. You do not need hairdryers, towels, bedding and yes bring a book but not the library. Books are heavy. Decant your shampoo and conditioners into small bottles. Pack only what you will require for the duration of the trail.
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It is our experience that clients that have not had formal training are inclined to play up their riding ability while those that really can ride often say they have only had a few rides. We need to allocate you the correct horse for you to enjoy your ride. If you can ride but want a gentle steed tell us but all our horses have brakes and will not take off, enjoy a forward moving horse if you can ride. If you are nervous or had a bad experience please say so. We are very happy to help you. If you cannot control a horse in any situation please don't tell us you are experienced, just because you can stay on does not make you advanced. |
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And never be embarrassed if you take a tumble or fall, that's how we learn. Very seldom do you actually hurt yourself, the fear of falling is way worse. Bake a chocolate cake and celebrate! You can't call yourself a rider until you have taken 7 tumbles/falls, 36 for a good rider. We still fall off! Relax and don't put your hands out to try to break your fall. Very important get back on the horse even just to walk. Assessing your riding ability.Use the following criteria to judge your horse riding abilities. (It is important that you are honest, as this affects your own safety and the other riders within the group.) * Can't ride: Has never been on a horse, or as been on a horse a few times and has some kind of idea of how to stay on. * Novice: Ridden a few times recently, but still not rising at the trot. * Intermediate: Rides regularly and had formal lessons, can rise at the trot, canter, gallop, and can handle a horse in most situations. These riders are divided into prefer a 'calm' or a 'hot' horse. * Experienced: Has been riding for many years, and has had formal training, and has his or her own horse and can handle any horse in any situation. These riders are divided into prefer a 'calm' or a 'hot' horse.
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We Cannot Stress This EnoughJust because you have sat on a horse before or even gone on a nose to tail walk before does not make you an experienced rider. We would really like to teach you. We are one of the few trail companies that do teach in an informal environment. Take advantage, let us give you the correct horse and help you. The most novice rider sets the pace for safety reasons both for the rider and the horse. Our best: A 28-year-old man told us he was an experienced rider! After questioning him we discovered his riding experience was some 24 years prior at nursery school! (pre school) They used to bring ponies to school and take the children on lead rein. He still insisted he was an experienced rider and could handle any horse in any situation. He is asking for a serious accident. Everything with riding is timing. To rise at the trot, moving your legs or hands takes practice. The more flighty horses will catch you out. Don't over estimate your equestrian experience. Likewise if you can ride tell us so we can give you a horse that moves forward more easily for your comfort level. We are not going to give you a horse that can't be controlled. Ever thought you would like to canter your horse along a long beach, or play in the waves, canter your mount through the waters edge? |
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There
are so many equestrian safari holidays and equine trekking vacations,
why choose us? Read on and find out.
You could be here on your coastal horse riding holiday vacation.
The sound of the horse's hoofs on the sand or splash as you canter in the edge of the sea with the wind in your hair will live with you forever.
Book your space on the next equine trail. Make a Booking Now
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Whether you dream of horse riding along open savannah grasslands, pristine coastal forests or unspoiled Wild Coast beaches, there's a Mkulu Kei Horse Trail that suits your available travel time, equine riding level and finances ... Come riding with us ... ...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 S Africa one of the most beautiful places in the world. An incredible combination of cross-country horse riding and the exploration of our beautiful coastline. And what better to experience South Africa's beautiful coastline than on the back of a horse ... 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 holiday memories.
Come ride with us ... |
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