Our Destinations

Why travelling with Randocheval ?

SOUTH AFRICA : SURF AND TURF HORSE RIDING SAFARI...

ITINERARY

Please note that the itinerary may change depending on the weather at the time and other local conditions.

Day 1
You will be collected from East London airport and transferred to Kei Mouth.
Your flight should be scheduled to arrive at 09:50.
A light lunch will be served and you will be able to change into your riding clothes at the country club or at our farm if less than 4 riders. The aim is to be in the saddle by 3pm to make the crossing across the Great Kei River on a pontoon! This afternoon’s ride through to Trennery’s is just long enough to blow the cobwebs away, you can breathe in the salt air and feel the pounding hooves on wet sand – welcome to the Wild Coast.
Please note in the event of your flight to East London being delayed then you will overnight in Morgan Bay or at our farm and ride through to Trennery’s early on day two to catch up with the rest of the group.

Dinner and night to the Trennery’s Hotel.

Day 2
After breakfast we meander up the coast line to the ship wreck of the Jacaranda. We dismount and take the time to enjoy the secluded beach. We keep up a steady trot and canter on the rolling slay paths until we reach the mouth of the Kobonqaba river. Depending on tides you either cross at the mouth or detour inland getting to Wavecrest in time for lunch. This afternoon, we ride one hour and a half loop exploring stunning sand dune forests and ancient slay paths. For those inclined for a little pampering there should be time for a spa treatment or massage (as option).

Dinner and night to the Wavecrest Hotel.

Day 3
The departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It will be a full morning’s 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. Depending on the weather and sea tides, we will take a picnic breakfast or lunch with us. There should be time for a relaxing massage, or for those who are a bit saddle weary, you can do a boat trip on the river to view mangroves and the prolific bird life or take time out to enjoy the beach.
Please note day 2 and 3 varies according to the sea tides. We have to cross rivers at low tide and so will adjust the riding itinerary accordingly.
Dinner and night to the Wavecrest Hotel.

Day 4
This morning we make our way back towards Kei Mouth. Rolling hills, villages, deep river gorges and sandy paths meander their way back along the coast. Arrive at Seagulls Hotel for a pub lunch and a much needed cold drink. There is a swimming pool, so it might be a good idea to keep your swim suit in our saddle bag! The last ride along the beach means you arrive at the horse paddocks in Kei Mouth at around 4pm.
Dinner and night to the Cock Inn, a luxury private guest house set about 10 km inland from the sea.

Day 5
After a leisurely breakfast, the shuttle will be ready to transfer us to East London airport at 9am for your flight. We recommend you book SA1404 departing East London at 11.05 and arriving Johannesburg at 12.40.
On arrival at Johannesburg we will be met by our team and transferred to the Private Game Reserve. All being well we arrive in time for an evening introductory ride. Overnight in luxury Lodge for four nights.

Day 6
This morning we have our first experience of the unending sandy tracks and glimpses of the endless views of the plains. Ride along the foothills of the Seven Sisters mountain range, through thick woodland areas to the western boundaries. Arrive back at the lodge in time for a late brunch and a chance to siesta by the pool. The afternoon ride will be a fast and exhilarating ride along the Sand River, this area is prime waterbuck and hippo viewing territory.

Day 7
This morning ride to an area known as ‘Small Serengeti Plains,’ renowned for its abundant and varied species. The open plains provide the possibility of cantering alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah.
Back at the lodge we can relax above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the warmth of the day. This afternoon’s ride goes out with the purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. These prehistoric animals are one of the incredible success stories of the reserve which holds one of the oldest breeding herds in the country.

Day 8
We ride to a different area of the reserve today and hope to see sable antelope and bontebok. En route we cross the fertile plain, where we can expect some long canters. After a morning of hard riding we return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to relax by the pool.

Day 9
One last ride on this stunning reserve with its amazing array of wildlife, before returning to the lodge to enjoy another of their famous brunches. After brunch we are transferred to Johannesburg airport for our flight home.

There is a possibility to extend your trip with 4 extra nights in the Limpopo Valley in Botswana or one of our other safaris or trails in Southern Africa.

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
First 4 days: 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.
Last 4 days: The horses are all handpicked for their temperament and ride-ability. We have average 30 horses. They are impeccably schooled to ensure riders a safe and comfortable ride across open and uneven terrain. Breeds include the SA Boaerperdn Thoroughbreds, Arabs, Appaloosa and Crossbreeds. Our horses are our pride and joy and we are sure by the end of the week you will love them as much as we do.

Tack
First 4 days: 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.
Last 4 days: We use McClellan saddles (similar to a western saddle but without the horn) and snaffle bridles.
We provide saddle bags.

Recommanded riding experience
This itinerary is suitable for experienced riders only. You must be comfortable at all paces.
More than it, the riding can be fast and is about 5 to 6 hours long, and you need to have a good stamina to ride long canters with the group.
The riding hat is compulsory. We ask clients to supply their own.
Maximum weight : 95 kg
Minimum age : 17 years old if accompanied by a responsible adult and if the riding experience is suffisant.

YOUR GUIDES

First 4 days: The guides are competent concerning riding, and 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. Last 4 days: 2 professional guides will accompany you. They are very experience guides, and know perfectly the animal behaviour. They will be able to give you many informations about the African wildlife. Logistic A support vehicle will join you every day at the accommodation with your personal items.

ACCOMMODATION

Trennery’s (night 1) 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 (nights 2 and 3) 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 (night 4) 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.

The luxurious Lodge in Waterberg (nights 5 to 8) Guest accommodation is in twin-bedded, luxury tatch lodges, with en-suite bathrooms. The Lodges are situated high on a ridge overlooking a picturesque lake below and have spectacular views across the plains. This is a prime spot to relax whilst observing the activities of passing wildlife, or the occasional antics of the hippo in the water below. As rides are taken during the cooler hours of the day, when the game is more active, there is plenty of time to relax and cool off in the plunge pool.

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 or at Lodge.
Dinner: In the evenings we enjoy a selection of good South African wines to complement the meal.

DATES AND RATES

- single supplement : 110 €
(applies if you travel alone and we do not find another rider to share your room). This supplement could became 470 euros in case our two rooms allocated for single riders for free at the Lodge in Waterberg are already booked.


Flights to East London, and flight from East London to Johannesburg

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

- the trail as describe 8 nights in full board basis, excluding drinks,
- the transfers from and to East London airport, and the transferts from and to Johannesburg at schedule times,
- the horse riding,
- the back up and luggage transfers,
- the service of a professionnal guide, groom and our personal attention,
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval.

- the flights to East London. Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country,
- the flight from East London to Johannesburg on day 5,
- the organization of any discover tour of Africa (Cape Town, Zulus area, Sun City, Victoria Falls..)
- 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

Arrival to East London.
Please plan to arrive to East London airport on day 1 at 09:50am

Day 5
A flight from Esat London to Johannesburg must be booked.

Day 9
Departure from Johannesburg in the evening.

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 ambassy.

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.