Join Mkulu Kei Horse
Trails group on
Please add your Mkulu Kei riding photos.
Mkulu Kei
horse trails will take you through the picturesque terrain along the
Transkei, Wild Coast of South Africa. 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 Wild Coast
on an equestrian trail is stunning horse riding country; see panoramic
views, pristine shoreline, rural traditional villages, nature, birds,
game, dolphins and whales. 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 vacation
is uniquely different to suit your riding preferences, time and equine
competency. Horse trekking safaris with us an equine overnight adventure
aimed at your requirements and preferences.
This spectacular safari horse trail in S Africa offers a complete
riding holiday experience. An unforgettable horseback eco-adventure
along the, Eastern Cape, Wild Coast, 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.
Before you choose a 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? 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 equus accomplishments, scenery and terrain
on each day.
At Mkulu Kei horse trails we do not have predetermined trail dates
and happy to try to accommodate you with your travel plans. By joining
another group and increasing the number of riders in the saddle we
pass on a discount to all on that trail. When booking take advantage
of our out of season rates on the months we offer specials, see below.
Established since 1998 a family business passionately run and personally
guided by Don and Cheryl. With a trained working team of 22 trail
horses, doubling to meet our demands in the next few months. 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?
A scenic underdeveloped coast experience with Mkulu Kei Horse Trails
a must do beach riding adventure. The Wild Coast, Transkei, north
of East London on the R349 off the N2 highway just past Cintsa.
Horses at Mkulu Kei horse riding trails and safaris are trained
to suit various rider capabilities and a pleasure to ride.
"A real ride to many places at any paces"
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.
Accommodation on trail is three star: A 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.
A selection of top quality trail horses all trained for a wide selection
of different equus 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 easy to work with on
the ground but responsive in the saddle. In good condition, soft
in the mouth trained on the bit and all ridden in snaffles.
Each encounter en route totally different adding quality to your
experience in incredible horse riding country, an equine adventures
a long a beach for all from child to grandparent. Our youngest client
to complete a 7 day trail was 6 years the oldest 79, some clients
have been new to horse riding while others have been accomplished
riders in a variation of equine disciplines. Equestrian horse riding
with Mkulu Kei Horse Trails offers various packages to suit you
and is not a nose to tail horse trek.
Seagulls Hotel ***, Wavecrest Hotel ***, Morgan Bay Hotel
***, Optional night of camping in tents, Cock Inn B&B,
a luxury stay at a farm, Black rock luxury beach cottage
See you in the saddle soon!
A pleasing combination of horse trail riding and the exploration of
our beautiful coastline hours of quality time in the saddle in any
direction.
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.
Choose a trail that suits your travel plans, the number of days in
the saddle and what you would like to experience. Contact us with
your preferred tour dates and we will suggest a package that either
joins another group there by reducing the daily rate for all or when
we can accommodate you on your own trail.
In the South African government school holidays Mkulu Kei horse trails
we take huge volumes of day 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 we would like to offer you
a special rate in the out of season period. Please contact us directly
if you would like to take advantage of the months of February,
May, August, September or November when booking your trail.
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 be aware that from the 15th January – 15th December,
and over the Easter weekend the hotels we overnight at are full. You
need to contact us at least a year prior to be sure we can 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.
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.
See the itinerary page for more details. Book direct or through an
agent.
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.
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.
Hope to 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 Trip.
A quick get away, sampling the Transkei side of the Wild Coast.
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. 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.
Three Day - Two-Night Taste of
the Wild Coast on horseback.
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.
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.
Duration:
Three days, two nights, 3-6 hours in the saddle per day.
General:
Suits adventure enthusiasts, beginner to advanced riders.
See Rates Page. [here]
Four Day - Three
Night Wild Coast equine eco adventure.
A sensational Wild Coast experience.
Depending on your travel plans we depart from the riding stable
at +- 9:30. A horse ride past the village of Morgans Bay and
proceeding through Kei Mouth and crossing the Kei River by putting
the horses on the Pontoon Experiencing the sea sand, rocky bays,
Fynbos and highland of the coastal areas. Our first night stop
at Seagulls Hotel before making our way past the Jacaranda shipwreck,
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 returning back to the riding stables either on 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 Adventure enthusiasts to advanced riders.
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. 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 in the saddle.
We ride the same route the day riders do, staying at Morgan
Bay at night.
The third day we head off into the Transkei. Spending 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 the adult
or families. A riding adult must accumulate children under 10
years.
Five Day - Four Night Wild Coast
horse trekking holiday, for your adventure travel.
(With the option of 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 depart from the
horses stable at +- 9:30 to fit in with you. 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 at Seagulls Hotel after breakfast 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, arriving at the stables early or late afternoon depending
on your flight plans.
Duration:
Five days, Four night, 3-6 hours in the saddle per day.
General:
Suits Adventure enthusiasts and advanced riders.
* Our most popular vacation of
all our horse trekking safaris.
Seven Day - Six Night Wild Coast a horse trek and mini safari
holiday. (With the option of adding a night camping for more
exposure of this panoramic countryside).
A combination of coastal equine riding and safari adventure.
Depending on the time you arrive in Morgan Bay we depart from
the stable at +- 9:30 to fit in with you. 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 on different hiking paths we make our
way past the Jacaranda shipwreck, crossing Kobonquuba River.
Depending on tides we aim to arrive at Wavecrest Hotel in time
for lunch, the afternoon 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. 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. This morning
on to the stable either via the beach or inland via the waterfalls,
to night we stay at Morgan Bay Hotel. You could opt for the
same horse or choose another steed. We are making our way to
see and ride through the game. Riding more in the game or riding
on, ether way to night you will be spoilt at a luxury B&B
Cock-Inn. Leaving you to see the ocean from the Morgan Bay cliffs
before returning to the stables early or late afternoon depending
on your flight plans.
Duration:
Seven days, Six nights, 3-6 hours in the saddle per day. (Extra
day and night if take camping option)
General:
Suits Adventure enthusiasts and advanced riders.
Description:
A good mixture of inland, game and beach riding.
8-12 Day Wild Coast a selection of equestrian
riding safari holidays in Sa.
A 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 try to accommodate you
making this trail personal.
Duration:
Eight - Twelve days. 3-6 hours in the saddle per day.
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 moving than others to suit
your preference.
We ride with English style saddles and snaffles and our tack
is kept in excellent condition.
To best match the correct equus 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.
All your necessary kit and personal items that you require for
your horse trek is carried by your mount in a saddlebag. We
supply. Please consider the weight pack 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 making
a backup vehicle an unnecessary luxury. 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 in small bottles.
Pack only what you will require.
Come Ride with Us ...
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.
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, 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.
We cannot stress enough, just because you have sat on a horse before
and 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 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 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 sea waters
edge?
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 vacation. Book your
space in the next trail.
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.
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, equus
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.
Thank You.
Cheryl
P O Box 25, Haga Haga 5272,
Eastern Cape, South Africa.
During the day please contact me on the cell, I am
probably horsing around.
Signal can be irregular, please leave a message or phone
me on the landline in the evenings.
Please
read 
