Day 1
Riding: 1 - 2 hours
On arrival at East London airport you will be transferred to Kei Mouth, where you will have a light lunch at the Country Club and the chance to change into your riding clothes. You then meet the horses and set off on your first ride.
This first ride is only 1-2 hours and the perfect introduction after your long flight - it's a chance to get to know your horse and the saddle - if you aren't happy with your horse then speak up as it's easier to swap now than when you're further along the coast.
Overnight at either your hosts own Guest Lodge or another in the same village, depending on numbers.
Day 2
Riding: 3 - 5 hours
Set off downhill to the Kei River which you will cross by small ferry - with the horses on board as well! You then ride over rocky headlands and along endless stretches of beach before arriving at Seagull's - an old-style rustic family hotel celebrating the old-world charm and ruggedness of the Wild Coast. Here you can stretch your legs on the beach or unwind with a beer on the sundeck overlooking the crashing waves before dinner.
If Seagull's is not available, then you'll stop at Trenery's instead.
Day 3
Riding: 5 - 7 hours
Today you will head off along the coast, covering a distance of c. 40km. You start by heading inland through rolling hills and past rural settlements where the locals still live in thatched huts, before heading back down to the beaches. You will cross a number of rivers - most likely at their source inland where they are simply a trickle and very narrow, but sometimes closer to the ocean (depending on tides and water levels). Stop for a picnic lunch on the beach before spending the afternoon riding along the endless beaches. This is your chance to really appreciate the thrill of riding your horse at speed along the sand with the waves crashing beside you.
Late in the day you reach Wavecrest Hotel located on an estuary with kilometres of sparkling white beaches.
Day 4
Riding: 3 hours
Today's adventure takes you through The Gorge - a beautiful river gorge with some tricky terrain. After crossing the rocky river bed, you head back to the sea along valleys and riverine, reaching The Kob Inn in time for lunch.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this beautiful location - with a bar sat on the rocks overlooking the waves and private sheltered beaches on both sides, you can kick back and relax. During whale-watching season you may even be lucky enough to watch these huge mammals as they migrate past the hotel.
Day 5
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
After yesterday's relaxing afternoon, you will be ready for a full day in the saddle. Today's ride takes you along sheltered beaches and into hidden coves and beautiful lagoons. You will stop for a picnic lunch and a swim in a warm lagoon before heading back to the Kob Inn - I'm sure you'll enjoy yet another pacey canter through the surf!
Day 6
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
It's time to head back down the coast again. The timing of your departure will depend on the tides and you will cross rivers, climb hills and speed along beaches all the way back to Wavecrest. After a ride of c. 30km you have some spare time to relax at the hotel or perhaps make use of the spa (at extra cost). You can also choose to take a boat trip into the mangrove forests or challenge your fellow riders to a game of tennis.
Day 7
Riding: 4 - 6 hours
Depart Wavecrest and continue your journey back to Kei Mouth, meandering through the villages, sand dunes and forests, as well as keeping the adrenaline pumping with regular blasts along the beach.
Your final night is spent in Kei Mouth, at one of a number of guesthouses in the area - the exact one depends on the size of the group. A final dinner and a chance to reminisce about your weeks riding.
Day 8
Riding: 1 - 2 hours
Time for one final, short ride before your transfer to the airport and flight home.
Please note that the exact itinerary is subject to local conditions, such as tides, river depths and weather, but always with your best interests at heart. Dates are set to coincide with the full or new moon for the best tides and lowest river conditions, but routes may need to be altered to keep you safe.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.
