Our Destinations

Why travelling with Randocheval ?

SOUTH AFRICA : HORSE RIDING SAFARI ON THE WILD COAST...

Have a look at our photo album of the beach part ride!

ITINERARY

Day 1
We advise riders to plan to arrive in East London on SA flight 471 at 11.30.  It is approximately 1 hour drive to Endalweni Game Reserve from the airport. After settling you into your room we make our way to the horse paddocks situated near the lodge.  After an introduction, we will take the horses out for the afternoon, and explore the reserve and get our first taste of game viewing on horseback.  The first evening we will join you for drinks and dinner, before a good night rest after your long journey.

Dinner and night to the Luxury Endalweni Game Lodge.

Day 2
We are up early this morning, a quick cup of coffee or tea and a rusk gets us going and up into the saddle.  A leisurely ride out exploring the reserve in search of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, blesbuck, kudu, bushbuck, warthog, and a multitude of other antelope species. The rolling hills offer long canters ans stunning views across the Kei River bush veld and distant sea. Brunch is served at the Lodge in the late morning, and we have time for a noon time nap or a stroll around the lodge bird watching or enjoy sitting watching the Nyala grazing close to veranda. During the afternoon, we will go to our beach paddocks in Ke Mouth and get to ride along the stunning Kei River Mouth beach front and meet your other horse for the beach section of the riding safari.
Dinner is served at the Lodge at about 7.30pm. Night to the Luxury Endalweni Game Lodge.

Day 3
We start early again this morning to search for game, following the zebra and wildebeest trails meandering to the far parameter of the reserve. Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the stunning Kei river Valley and the rural Transkei, we will be met by the lodge team for a stunning bush brunch. Afertwards, we make our way back to the Lodge where this is time to relax for an hour or so before we ride from the beach paddocks again, this time exploring the cliff tops at Morgan Bay. We are treated to a lovely traditional South African Braai this evening.
Please note tat today's itinerary may change due to local weather conditions and guests riding abilities.

Night to the Luxury Endalweni Game Lodge.

Day 4
After beakfast the second part of our adventure begins. We venture across the Great Kei River, loading the horses onto the pontoon and onto the beaches of the Wild Coast. An energic ride along the beach brings us to Trennery's in time for lunch. During the afternoon, we explore inland, searching for waterfalls and long canter tracks before a gallop down the beach back to Trennery's.

Dinner and night to the Trennery's Hotel.

Day 5
Heading north, we pass the Jacaranda ship wreck and depending on the tide either cross the river at the mouth or turn inland across country and through rural villages to cross the Kobonqaba River further up stream.  The horses set a steady pace at trot and canter as we head towards Wavecrest in time for lunch.  This afternoon is free time. You can take a boat trip up the river and explore the mangrove swamps, hike, fish, or just kick back and relax in the Jacuzzi ! As option, there is a possibililty to access the spa, with massage, manicure, pedicure, sauna, steam room (to pay directly).

Dinner and night to the Wavecrest Hotel.

Day 6
The departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It's a fantastic 3 hour ride either up the beach and back across country through rolling hills and traditional villages or the other way around, depending on the tides. Either way you get to ride on the hard wet beach at low tide – the gallops are exhilarating. We are back at the hotel in time for lunch. This afternoon is flexible as there are so many options to experience ! This will give us time to explore the stunning mangrove estuary of the Nxaxo river by boat, enjoy spa treatment or take an hour or so ride through stunning forests.

Dinner and night to the Wavecrest Hotel.

Day 7
Today we start our journey back home.  We ride inland this morning, crossing the river high up and away from the tides influence.  The slay paths and track offer great canters as we wind our way back to the beach. We ride back past Trennery’s and call in a Seagulls Beach Hotel for a great pub lunch.  We then head towards Kei Mouth and the pontoon crossing before dropping the horses off at the paddocks around 4 o’clock.

Dinner and night to the Cock Inn, a delightful luxurious private guesthouse on a farm about 10km inland from the sea. 

Day 8
Our riders say good bye after an early morning ride across the cliff tops at Morgan Bay.  Brunch will be served before you leave. The shuttle will be ready to transfer you to East London at 13h00.

You can also add on optional extra night to the luxury Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve. This private game reserve is where you get to see giraffe, rhino, and lion and just about everything else in between. The secluded bush camp is luxurious, the safari tents are tucked away and you become part of African the bush. Here you'll have a traditional South African "Braii". Please consult us for rates.

Important
All riding and itineraries are subject to change due to variations in local conditions, influences of the sea tides and during the rainy season the conditions of the rivers at the time of riding.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Extend your trip and visit the Kruger National Game Reserve, Cape Town or Victoria Falls.
You can also combine this safari with one of our other ride : in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, etc...
Contact us for further details...

We can also suggest you to extend your stay with :   - A Victoria Fall's trip   - A visit of Cape Town   Please contact us for any other project.

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses
The horses are a selection of Arab, part Arab, Anglo Arab, Boerperd, Percheron crosses. they stand between 1m44 and 1m63. Our horses are relaxed, easy to ride, fit and forward going.

Tack
Most have snaffle mouths. We use saddles especially designed for trail riding by Leon Liversage. The saddle distributes the weight equally on the horses back and is very comfortable for the rider. The design with a high pommel and cantel makes one sit straight automatically and is therefore better for you and the horse. Each horse has its own saddle to ensure a comfortable and perfect fit.
Each saddle is equipped with a splash proof saddle bag carrying 2 water bottles and can hold a camera and other essentials while out riding for the day. We scrupulously maintain our tack and equipment.

Recommended riding experience
You must be comfortable at trot and canter, without being a very experienced rider. Thanks to the little group, confirmed riders will find an adapted horse.
We generally ride 2 to 3 hours in the morning and again 11/2 to 2 hours in the afternoon, depending on the weather, sea tides, and what the riders can manage.
The riding is paced according to the rider's abilities. Generally walking along cattle paths and cliff tops, long trots and canters on sandy tracks, with fast canters and an occasional gallop along beaches.
The most of the time, we organize private departure, for couple of friends or families. Contact us.
We prefer that all persons, when mounted wear protective head gear.

Maximum weight : 95 kg
Riders over 95 kg can be accommodated, however we reserve the right to charge a supplement (R2000 / horse / trail) and the riders will be required to alternate their riding between two horses while on longer trails. This is charged at the guide's discretion and is juged on rider fitness and riding experience. This is payable in cash on first day of trail. We advise riders who are boarder line heavy weight, to have cash with them.

YOUR GUIDES

The guides are competent concerning riding, but they also perfectly know the reserve and the fauna that is present. They are implicated in local life and in environnement protection. They own a 200 cows in their cattle ranch following extensive breeding.

ACCOMMODATION

Endalweni Game Lodge (3 nights) This traditional and luxurious african Lodge is settled to the top of the Kei River meanders. It offers comfortable room with en-suite bathroom. From here, you'll discover african fauna as giraffe, zebra, gnu, and a huge diversity of antelopes.

Trennery’s (1 night) We arrive at Trennery’s in time for lunch the following day tides and pontoon crossing permitting. With its swimming pool, bar and their recreational facilities this is a haven of cool and peace. The hotel is set among lush indigenous gardens and a private beach is a short walk past the tennis courts. The rooms are comfortable twin or double rooms with en suite bathroom and this historic 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.

Wavecrest (2 nights) Wavecrest's newly refurbished accommodation is clean, comfortable and functional. It is simple enough however, to make guests feel relaxed about coming home barefoot from the beach. The island style bungalows and rondavels are set in manicured lawns and gardens, many of which enjoy the most stunning views of the sea and estuary. The family suites and double room accommodation each have an en suite bath or shower room with an abundance of steaming hot water.

Cock Inn (1 night) Tam and Pepper (her small dog) will welcome you in their wonderful house with lot of love. Not along the beach but in the country side, this accommodation is one of our favourite. Very well decorated rooms all in different styles.

Meals
Breakfast : A variety of cereals, farm yogurt, toast, home made jams & preserves, home made butter, free range eggs, home made sausage, bacon, tomatoes, fruit juice and filter coffee and tea. So you can choose between a traditional English breakfast and the continental equivalent.
Lunch in pubs or picnic.
Dinner : In the evenings we enjoy a selection of good South African wines to complement the meal and finish with a nightcap of local liqueurs. Please note drinks have to be paid directly.

DATES AND RATES

- Single supplement : not guaranteed.

If you travel alone, you must be prepared to share the room with another rider of the same sex. Otherwise, we will have to check availabilities of the hotels before to suggest you a rate.

- Small group supplement : If you are the first rider booked we will ask you a 940 € supplement in order to guarantee the departure with only one rider.


Flights to Est London

Please contact us to check the best available rates from your country.

- the trail as describe in full board basis, excluding drinks,
- transfers from and to East London airport,
- horse riding,
- entry fees to local project,
- back up and luggage transfers,
- service of a professionnal guide, groom and our personal attention,
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval.

- flights to East London. Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country,
- organization of any discover tour of Africa (Cape Town, Zulus area, Sun City, Victoria Falls..)
- extra night to Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve,
- single supplement,
- any other service,
- drinks,
- tips,
- insurance : repatriation aid or multiple-risk (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurances only if you are an European resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurance company - more information.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Contact Jennifer for any enquiry!

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS

Wild Coast Safari
8 days / 7 nights / 6 days on horseback

East London (South Africa).
Please plan to arrive to East London airport on day 1 between 11.30 and 12.05 and note the transfer back to the airport will be planned on day 8 in the morning, please book a flight leaving from 15.45. In any case, please contact us before to book flights by your own.
Should you not be able to get these flights, we will have to charge an additional transfer fee of 500 ZAR per trip (to share between passengers and to pay directly).

January and february : min 16°C max 28°C. Hot, with cool sea breeze along the coast, occasional afternoon thunder showers. A perfect time to get away and soak up the sun.
March and April : min 12°C max 26°C. Sunny and warm, end of the season rain showers.
May to July : min 10°C max 24°C. Perfect riding weather. Endless days of warm sun and blue sky. This is the best place to be at this time of the year in South Africa. It's never too cold and never too hot !
August and September : min 8°C max 22°C. Mid winter, balmy days and nice riding weather.
October - closed : lots of Spring rain! The horses need to have their own annual vaccinations and a holiday.
November and december : min 12°C max 26°C. Early summer and tropically warm occasionally rainy days.

Formalities
Please check with your local Embassy.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.

We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..
A treatment against Malaria is also recommended. Please contact a doctor before departure.