Surf and Turf

Have you ever dreamed of galloping through the spray along deserted beaches or of riding next to giraffe and zebra? If you have, then this surf and turf safari is the one for you. The first 4 days of this 8 day combination, takes you on a journey along the Wild Coast wilderness. Unspoilt and deserted beaches make for exhilarating gallops along the surf. The ride also takes you to the Jacaranda wreck, crosses the mouth of the Kobonqaba river and explores rolling countryside through traditional villages. For those inclined for a little pampering there is also time for a spa treatment or massage en route.

Following a flight from East London to Johannesburg and a transfer to the Waterberg, prepare for an awe-inspiring safari.

This privately owned reserve is deep in the Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo Province, and was one of the pioneer game reserves in this area. Across its 17,500 acres, the diversity of species and sheer size of the plains and game herds make it a rewarding game viewing experience. Species to be seen include rhino, buffalo, giraffe, mountain and Burchall's zebra, eland, blesbok, impala, kudu, wilderbeast, springbuck, hartebeast, waterbuck, mountain and common reedbuck, bushbuck, hippo, ostrich, golden wilderbeast, black impala, and the endangered sable antelope and leopard. The thatched lodge is perched on a koppie on the edge of a large lake with a resident hippo pod and stunning views of the Waterberg escarpment.

DAY 1:

You will be collected from the East London airport and transferred to Kei Mouth. A light lunch will be served and you will be able to change into your riding clothes at the country club. We need to be in the saddle by 3pm to make the crossing across the Great Kei River on a pontoon! Your African adventure begins with a canter down a deserted beach. This afternoon’s ride through to Trennerys is just long enough to blow the cob webs away, you can breathe in the salt air and feel the pounding hooves on wet sand – welcome to the Wild Coast.

DAY 2:

After a lazy breakfast we set off for Wavecrest Hotel. The tide dictates our pace and path but along the way we will stop at the wreck of the Jacaranda. Rolling slay paths take us at a steady trot and canter to the mouth of the Kobonqaba river. This afternoon we explore the rolling countryside and sandy coves where there is always something new to discover and intriguing paths to follow.

DAY 3:

Our departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It’s a full day ride either up the beach and back across country through rolling hills and traditional villages or the other way around. Either way we take advantage of the hard wet beach at low tide – the gallops are exhilarating. We will take a picnic with us and stop at a secluded beach for lunch.

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 and get us to Seagulls Hotel for a pub lunch and a much needed cold drink! Our last ride along the beach gets us to the paddocks in Kei Mouth around 4pm.

DAY 5: After a leisurely breakfast, the shuttle will be ready to transfer you to East London airport. From Oliver Tambo International airport, Johannesburg, a 3 hour group transfer will take you to the Horizon leg of the safari. The stone and thatch safari lodge overlooks a large lake with resident hippo, and has stunning views of the surrounding plains, and Waterberg escarpment. All rooms are en suite and the three double rooms open out onto private verandahs overlooking the lake. The lodge is closely situated to the stables and yards and has a small pool for cooling off after a long morning ride. That afternoon, become acquainted with the horses, take in the wonderful open spaces, and go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride will provide the first taste of the incredible variety of game on the reserve. Return to the lodge for sundowner drinks overlooking the lake and a traditional African evening meal.

DAY 6:

Ride to ‘little Serengeti’, a sweeping plain to encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. Back at the lodge guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. That afternoon ride out with the explicit purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino. These prehistoric animals are one of the remarkable success stories of the reserve, which holds one of the oldest breeding herds in the country. Encountering these magnificent creatures is a highlight of any safari but riding closely alongside them is a truly unforgettable experience.

DAY 7:

Ride along the base of the mountain and follow a valley deep into the heart of the Waterberg escarpment. Look out for the colony of endangered cape vultures and some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, klipspringer and yellow spotted rock hyrax. The path follows crystal clear streams and passes several picturesque dams along the way. The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. Enjoy a picnic at one of the dams, returning to the lodge in time for afternoon tea. Later relax at the lodge or join the guides on an afternoon bush walk.

DAY 8:

Canter towards the reserve’s western boundary for unending views of the ‘seven sisters’ of the Waterberg escarpment in the background. Long and winding tracks offer the perfect opportunity for fast and exhilarating riding. A game drive in the afternoon offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with Cape buffalo and the magnificent rare sable antelope. Whilst driving back after dark, glimpse nocturnal animals such as brown hyena, spring hare, porcupine and aardvark. That night relax around the fire, enjoy the magical African night sky, and enjoy a variable feast whilst recounting the day’s adventures.

DAY 9: In the morning use this last chance to find any species not yet encountered and take one last gallop along the endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch and sad goodbyes depart at approximately 1 pm.

2012 prices:

8 nights, full board, £2,080pp

2012 dates:

1st March - 31st December

Spring/Summer is Sept-March with the rainy season from Nov-March. Nov & Feb are the hottest months. 

Autumn/Winter is May-Aug with little rain

Single Supplement: Safari on Dinaka guaranteed single room £216. There is no single supplement on the Wild Coast sections but there is a single rider supplement charged if only one rider at the Wild Coast of £450

Includes: lodge accommodation, meals & drinks

Not Included: Flights and Travel Insurance

Meeting Point: East London Airport

Transfer: £145pp return and the cost of return flights to East London Airport

No of hours in the saddle: 3/6 per day

Max Weight: 90kg

Group Size: 8

Suitable for non-riders: No

Call us on +44 (0)1225 424413 or email contact@redlandsequestrian.com to check the ride availability and dates, once we have confirmed availability you can download and fill in a booking form:

• UK Rides Booking Form
• Worldwide Rides Booking Form

Each rider in the party must also complete a riding ability questionnaire before we can complete the final confirmation of your holiday booking.