Surf and Turf Horse Safari

8 Nights 9 Days Surf & Turf Horse Safari

• The 8 night 9 days Surf & Turf Horse Safari must be one of the most exciting and varied horse riding adventures available in South Africa 

• 4 Nights along the stunning Wild Coast of South Africa, cantering across endless beaches with Wild Coast Horse Trails.
• 4 Nights in the Waterburg, Limpopo Province, spotting game & rhino from horseback with Horizon Horse Safaris.
• If you are an intermediate or advanced rider wanting great riding on fit forward going horses, then this is the African Horseback Safari Adventure for you!

Itinerary

The Riding

You must be a confident and competent rider at all paces. The pace is varied with walking for game viewing and over uneven terrain and rocks, with faster riding along the beaches and sandy tracks. Since Dinaka is an area with dangerous game all riders should be confident and secure in the saddle.

Location:

This two centre ride combines the glorious beaches of the Eastern Cape Wild Coast with a private game reserve in the Waterberg area, north of Johannesburg..

Itinerary

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

Day One

You will be collected from East London airport and transferred to Kei Mouth. Your flight should be scheduled to arrive at 12.30 at the latest. We recommend you book the SA471 currently scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 10.00 and arrive East London at 11.30. 

A light lunch will be served and you will be able to change into your riding clothes at the country club or at Sunray 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 Sunray Farm and ride through to Trennery’s early on day two to catch up with the rest of the group. 

Day Two
After breakfast we detour inland and explore the rock formations that created “The Gates”.  We then meander back towards the coast line to the ship wreck of the Jacaranda. We dismount and take the time to enjoy the secluded beach and a light picnic lunch before mounting up again to get to our next destination.  You keep up a steady trot and canter on the rolling slay paths until you reach the mouth of the Kobonqaba river. Depending on tides you either cross at the mouth or detour inland getting to Wavecrest in the early afternoon. For those inclined for a little pampering there should be time for a spa treatment or massage.

Day Three

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. After lunch we have a short, reasonably fast 1 ½ hour ride over sandy tracks and through hidden forests.  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 & 3 varies according to the sea tides - we have to cross rivers at low tide and so will adjust the riding itinerary accordingly.

Day Four
This morning you make your 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 your saddle bag! The last ride along the beach means you arrive at the horse paddocks in Kei Mouth at around 4pm. 

Day Five
After an early breakfast, the shuttle will be ready to transfer you to East London airport at 5.30am for your flight. You are required to book SA462 departing East London at 8.05am and arriving Johannesburg at 9.50am.  (This internal flight is not included in your package)
On arrival at Johannesburg you will be met by Horizon Horseback Safari and transferred to Dinaka Private Game Reserve. All being well you arrive in time for an evening introductory ride. Overnight Dinaka for four nights.

Day Six

This morning you have your first experience of the unending sandy tracks and glimpses of the endless views of the Dinaka 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 Seven
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 you 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 Dinaka reserve which holds one of the oldest breeding herds in the country.

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

Day Nine
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 you are transferred to Johannesburg airport for your flight home.

ADD ON OPTION

EXTEND THE HOLIDAY TO RIDE WITH LIMPOPO VALLEY HORSE SAFARI IN THE TULI BLOCK BOTSWANA. 

PLEASE NOTE 

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

Accommodation & Meals 

1 night at Trennery’s Hotel – a South African holiday resort hotel.  Simple, comfortable rooms with own shower & toilet.

2 nights at Wavecrest Hotel – a South African holiday resort hotel.  Simple, comfortable rooms with own shower & toilet.

1 night at The Cock Inn – a luxury private guest house set about 10 km inland from the sea.

4 nights Dinaka Private Game Reserve - a luxury lodge situated in the Waterburg Mountains, Limpopo Province.

Dates & Availability 

The following is set departure dates for our 8 night 9 day Surf & Turf Horse Safari.  Dates may occasionally change during the year, so please always check with us that the date you have chosen is still valid and that there are places available. 

Price & Package details 

Our 8 night Surf & Turf Horse Safari includes all your meals, accomdation and horse riding.  Prices are subject to change without notice. 

• Please note that this safari is hosted by two separate operators, you will be invoiced separately for each section & payment will be made to each respectively.
• Rates includes all meals, accommodation, horse riding & luggage transfers from point to point.  Includes drinks at Dinaka.
  
• Rates exclude drinks and refreshments bought from the hotels and lodges on the Wild Coast, guide gratuities.
•  Air port transfers are charge separately.