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Concept:
This is one of those rare riding holidays that has it all - from beach riding to wild life viewing, This unique horse trail offers a full trail experience while giving you the chance to sample the undeveloped beauty of the South African Wild Coast. Impala and zebra are commonly sighted against the picturesque backdrop of blue seas and golden sands.
 
A quiet trek through the farm lands allows you to view a wide range of animals in their natural habitat, including wildebeest, zebra, bless buck and impala. Long stretches of deserted beach beg for a gallop along their pristine sands. If you and your horse need to cool off, you can always go for a swim in the sea or lagoon.
               
Once you reach the Great Kei River, a pontoon will transport you and your horse into rural Africa where sleepy tribal villages await you. As you ride through undulating hills, comfortable hotels are nestled in coves along the coast, providing perfect stop off points for the horse & rider
 
Your professional trail operators, Clint and Julie-Anne Gower, will receive you with true South African hospitality and ensure that you get the most from your adventure into the malaria-free Eastern Cape Province Our secluded beach accommodation is tucked away amongst the animals on a private game farm and while sipping your evening drinks around a roaring fire, one takes in the vastness of Africa, and the night with stars so close that you can almost touch them. We explore the reserve from East to West closing in on herds of Wildebeest, Impala and many other species.

On some days we meander along the deserted beaches, cantering into sleepy coastal villages for a great pub lunch. On others we explore the rolling hills and savanna grass lands.
                               
The horses are friendly, easy to ride and lively to command. The guides are expert and our staff will pamper you.  The wildlife is plentiful and varied the beaches pristine and the food is delicious. You will be enthralled by the unique combination of wild life viewing and the exploration of our beautiful coast line.  You will ride a horse that you wish you could take home with you.

Location:
Situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape 70 km from East London, South Africa, the farm is in the gateway to the Transkei Wild Coast ~ 22 km off the N2 main road, 22km from Kei Mouth & Morgan's Bay and 28 km from Haga Haga

Accommodation and Meals:
Black Rock Beach Cottage: The beach cottage is our base while exploring the game farm and its wildlife. It is situated on the rocks overlooking the ocean where whales and dolphins are often seen playing in the surf below. It is not unusual when you wake up to see countless impala grazing outside of your window. The house is simply furnished, clean and comfortable; each bedroom sleeps two and most rooms have their own en suite shower or bathroom.

• Breakfast: A variety of cereals, farm yoghurt, toast, home-made butter, jams and preserves free-range eggs, Sunray Farm's special sausages, bacon, tomatoes, fruit juice, filter coffee and tea. So you can choose between a traditional English breakfast and the Continental equivalent.

• Lunch: When at the reserve, a variety of cold meats, cheese, salads, fresh bread, fruit juice and fruit are available for lunches. Most days we enjoy a pub lunch at one of the local hotels.  In the late afternoon, we savor the last glow of the day while enjoying the selection of beers, South African Wines and spirits available. This gives you the perfect opportunity to relax and relive the day's events.

• Dinner: In the evenings (weather permitting) we have a traditional South African "Braai" or "potijie" with the usual trappings. Sizzling venison steaks and mussels bubbling on the coals satisfy our hungry guests after a long day in the African outdoors and, as Clint explains, "Many friendships are made around the campfire." We offer a selection of good South African wines to accompany the meal and a nightcap of delicious local liqueurs.

Morgan Bay Hotel: This hotel has been owned and run by the same family for the past 50 years. Beautifully appointed rooms over look the sea, their table is excellent and the pub entertaining and cozy.

Trennery's Hotel: The rooms are comfortable and the hotel has a decidedly "colonial" feel. The food is good and wholesome and on Saturday night you will experience the traditional Wild Coast seafood buffet. The hotel is set amongst lush indigenous gardens with its own swimming pool, bar and recreational facilities.

Wave Crest Hotel: The views across the river mouth and sand dunes must be the most spectacular along the wild coast.  Comfortable thatched rondavels with their own shower and toilet provide comfortable accommodation for our clients.  The ethos at Wave crest is one of living as one with the environment and great emphasis is placed on our impact on the ecology of the area.

The Cock Inn: Slightly inland the Cock Inn Guest house is where resplendent luxury envelops you. Tammy, the owner of this private guesthouse, will spoil you with her personal charm and attentiveness. Each en suit bedroom is individually decorated to a special theme and your every need pampered to.  You will wine and dine surrounded by antiques and family air looms that have been collected and past down the generations.  This sumptuous home is the perfect end to your adventure in African.

Yellow Wood Park: This is camping at its most rustic and scenic, you feel like you have stepped into a wooded close in some deep forest.  A natural pool in the river provides a cool dip, and while you laze around in a hammock, Pizza, done the African way is being prepared for you!  One can sleep in the 'African Shelter' or use one of our dome tents.  The delightfully different bathrooms are situated in a communal ablution block.

 ITINERARY # 1

10 Nights Wild Coast Horse Trail:
Day 1 Arrive at East London Airport and be met and driven north along the coast for about 2 hours to the Private Game Farm. We expect you at the farm during the afternoon and you will have a chance to relax, shower, meet the horses and generally unwind after your long journey. Your accommodation for the next few days is a secluded beach cottage right on the sea shore with endless views and curious antelope around you. If you have the energy for an introduction ride at sunset, your horse awaits you, otherwise evening drinks, a delicious supper and a great view are the order of the day. This is the beginning of your African adventure.

Day 2 Awake to the sounds of crashing waves and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. A relaxed ride out into the farm will get everyone into the swing of things! We might get lucky and pick up pieces of porcelain and Carnelian Beads from ancient wrecks that have washed up onto the sands of 'Bead Beach' - a testament to why this is called 'the Wild Coast". Blesbuck are curious to see what we are doing and the indigenous Nguni cattle are unperturbed by our wanderings! We keep our eyes open for zebra, herds of blue wildebeest, impala, bushbuck, mountain reedbuck, common reed buck, grey-and blue duiker, cape grysbok and Vervet monkeys, before going down onto the Western beaches to Haga Haga and gallop onto a local hotel for lunch.  The lagoon at Haga Haga is perfect for swimming the horses and the sea access here is also very safe for you and your horse to play in the waves. A traditional South African Braai is on the menu this evening and if anyone is up to it; a night game drive will leave you tired enough to sleep really well.

Day 3 We rise early this morning and you have a chance to for a dip in the sea on the private beach before breakfast. Today the trail leads us inland as we cross though the game farm and cattle ranch before dropping down into the village of Morgan Bay.  Our horse paddocks are situated a short distance from the Morgan Bay hotel where you will enjoy unsurpassed sea views and an excellent table.  During the afternoon we take in the spectacular cliffs that tower over the bay and finish with a great gallop down the beach!

Day 4 After breakfast, we collect the horses and then make our way through to Kei Mouth.  The pontoon over the great Kei River is an experience in itself as it transports horse and rider across a huge expanse of water and into rural Africa. Long beaches and rocky out crops take us to our destination, the historic holiday hotel of Trennery's in the Transkei in time for lunch. The hotel is a traditional South African hotel with good food, a welcoming pub and many facilities.  During the afternoon you get to choose if you would like to ride, exploring the local area or relax, or perhaps just have a gallop at sunset down a deserted beach!

Day 5 The horses get the morning off and you get to laze around the swimming pool, walk, and mountain bike, play tennis or head for the beach. You can take a tour beyond the gates of the hotel to visit the local traditional Xhosa village and have the local Sangoma (witch doctor) throw the bones for you! There are some unusual handicrafts on offer here too. Once energies have been restored we take an afternoon ride down along the sea to the wreck of the Jacaranda and explore the miles and miles of local sandy beaches. The traditions on the wild coast are still very much the same as it was thirty years ago. We meet for drinks in the pub before a traditional South African 5 course dinner!  A game of friendly "snooker" the Trennery's way and Irish coffees end a perfect day.

Day 6 The next Wild Coast Hotel - Wave Crest, is a comfortable morning's ride.  Along the way, we cross the Kobonqaba River, swimming the horses across the river before riding onto the hotel in time for lunch.  This hotel is situated on a magnificent river estuary, and is worthy of being called a natural heritage site.

Day 7 Another day of sun, solitude and the sea; endless beaches, incredible coastal dune forests and a stunning encounter with nature at its most glorious is what Wave Crest is all about.  Tonight we will meet for 'sundowners' on the deck over looking the river, while the great Crested Cranes come home to roost and the surf pounds upon the rocks - you begin to realize that there is heaven here on earth.

Day 8 This morning we spend our time exploring the area and the local rural villages on horse back as we meander back to Trennery's for lunch. We take a slightly longer route through to Kei Mouth visiting remote rural villages, Nongqawases pool and cross steams and waterfalls that tumble towards the sea or the Great Kei River.  Our home tonight is the
lovely Kei River Guest House.

Day 9 We retrace our steps this morning through Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay before we start our final leg inland to a night of pampered luxury at the "Cock Inn" guesthouse.  Here Tammy will spoil you with her very own special brand of attention, and after a week of riding and African sun, it will leave you feeling like royalty!

Day  10 Today you say good buy to your faithful steed, and we change our means of travel from horse to safari vehicle.  A pleasant drive takes us to the privately owned Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve.  Here we will encounter game to dangerous to get close to on horse back including Rhino and lion!  Your last night on the African Wild Coast is spent in one of the luxury camps out in the reserve.  A truly memorable finale to a perfect holiday!

Day 11 All things must come to an end. You have had a wonderful week of horses, beaches and an African experience that will remain with you forever. After breakfast it is time to say good bye and wish you well. Our guests often return so we hope to see you again, perhaps with another group of friends. The shuttle service is waiting to drive you back to East London Airport and onto the next stage of your African adventure.

 ITINERARY # 2

3 Nights 4 days Yellow Woods Trail:
Day 1 Arrive at East London Air port and be transferred to Yellow wood Park in Morgan Bay.  This camp site is tucked away against a sheer cliff along a beautiful fresh water stream.  The huge indigenous trees provide welcome shade and a deep secluded pool in the stream, a quiet spot for a cool swim.  We will introduce you to the horses and time permitting we have an introductory ride down to the Morgan Bay Beach. A roaring camp fire and tasty dinner await us.  This is the beginning of your African adventure

Day 2 Today we get to explore the local area of Morgan Bay.  The stunning cliff formations form breath taking drops into the ocean.  We will have a pub lunch at the Morgan Bay hotel, and swim with the horses in the sea or lagoon before return to camp for the night.

Day 3 We venture further a field. The pontoon over the great Kei River is an experience in itself as it transports horse and rider across a huge expanse of water and into rural Africa. Long tracks and undulating hills take us to our destination, A holiday hotel in the Transkei in time for lunch. After lunch we head back to Morgan Bay along the beach, we have to make the pontoon by 5pm!

Day 4  We rise early this morning for a final ride to the beach and canter over the cliff tops.  All things must come to an end. You have had a wonderful few days of horses, beaches and an African experience that will remain with you forever. After a late breakfast it is time to say good bye and wish you well. Our guests often return so we hope to see you again, perhaps with another group of friends. The shuttle service is waiting to drive you back to East London Airport and your long flight home. (or link this trail up  to the Black Rock Trail)

 ITINERARY # 3

1 Night 2 days Black Rock Trail:
We welcome you to our horse paddocks at Kei Mouth at about 9am in the morning,  we will introduce you to the horses, give you a safety briefing before mounting and starting our journey.  A pleasant morning is spent exploring the beach and sandy pathways of Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay before stopping at the hotel for lunch. We enjoy good food, a great view and a cold beer, while the horses wait patiently 'hitched' to the trees in the garden.  This afternoon we trek through to our hidden cottage.  The rocky cliffs bar the horses from walking along the sea shore, so we turn inland and take in the fantastic view and rolling country side of Black Rock Game Farm. We should be lucky and spot several species of game along the way including zebra, impala, bless buck and duiker.  The cottage is tucked away in a cove and on a private beach; one gets the feeling of total seclusion.  A good old fashioned braai is on the menu this evening.

Wake to the sound of crashing waves and the smell of freshly brewed coffee.  This morning a short ride over the top of Black Rock gets us going before we venture down the beach towards Haga Haga.  The lagoon and sea access here is particularly safe to swim the horses; the brave at heart can plunge into the waves bareback or take a quiet paddle in the lagoon.  After lunch at the Haga Haga Hotel we head home, retracing our hoof prints along the pristine beach that begs for a gallop, with wind in your hair and sea spray in your face one is overcome by a pure sense of joy and a smile difficult to remove from your face! Confident and fit riders have the option of riding the horses back to Kei Mouth.  But for those who need to get home or are feeling a little tired, a driver will be ready and waiting to return you back to hustle and bustle of your everyday life.

 SPECIAL RIDES

Honeymoon ride
A different and unforgettable honeymoon awaits the couple on the Wild Coast. Julie-Anne will make your holiday something really special. Please detail your special wishes in your email. In the reserve you will have the cottage to yourself, as without your consent we will take no other guests on a honeymoon trip.

An African Wild Coast Wedding or renewing of your vowels ceremony!
Imagine arriving in Africa and being whisked away, your every need pamper to, and your every whim catered for?  Imagine waking on the morning of your wedding, and all you have had to think of is your gown and to tell us your favorite color!  At the Cock Inn is a tiny private chapel, exquisite gardens and a full wedding service.  Tammy provides everything, from flowers, to photos and a video, a horse and carriage, matching napkins and a wedding banquet fit for a king and queen. She will even arrange for your hair and make up to be done professionally. We provide the honeymoon on horse back! Sounds like the perfect fairy tail wedding - it is!   Contact us and we will create a wedding and honeymoon on horse back that is especially made for the two of you.

 OTHER ACTIVITIES

As an optional extra we can arrange for you to have a day at sea or on the Great Kei River on a sea going catamaran. The boat is normally launched from Haga Haga or Kei Mouth and is used for deep sea fishing. (Clint who has fished this coast his whole life takes you himself on the "Sea Star".)  The sea trip is an incredible experience for those who would like to cruise with the dolphins, fish or just get a different view of our spectacular coast line. The bird life out in the big blue is also quite different to that on land.  Other activities are game drives in an open top vehicle, night game drives, hiking, snorkeling in pristine rock pools and deep sea diving. Clint will accompany snorkelers and divers for their own safety.

Endurance ride:
As a stand-alone ride we can arrange an endurance ride for you. These rides are only suitable for the experienced and fit riders. Rides are competitive and distances of 60-80 km and FEI 100 milers are available. (Julie-Anne is a top endurance rider at national level)

Work Exchange:(Exchange your work for free ecotour experiences)

• Working Riders Wanted: We invite horse riding and nature lovers to come stay with us on our farm in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Duties would include:  grooming, working with young horses & foals, riding and schooling young horses.  Assisting with day trails along the beach and when we go on the longer overnight trails.  And generally helping out around the farm.

• Riding Development Program:  We give local black children riding lessons on a weekly basis. You are invited to come and help give these underprivileged children the love of horses.

We provide all meals, laundry and accommodation.  The farm is situated quite far away from any main town, so riders must love being alone and not mind being in the middle of nowhere! You are welcome to come at any time for at least 4 weeks at a time.  Persons applying must be competent riders (can do rising trot and canter in a relaxed way) we will teach you about holistic horse care and natural horsemanship.