Wild Coast Adventure Trail
16 November 2019
The Riding
The Accommodation
Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?
In rural South Africa you're not going to get 5 star hotels but they were at the least perfectly adequate and at best quirky and interesting. Overall no real complaints and it was wonderful to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the sea. It is very humid so I wasn't surprised that rooms (and clothes) were slightly damp.
Food was fine and plentiful and the exchange rate was favourable so gin and tonic was pleasantly cheap!!
Before Your Holiday
Did you have all of the information you needed to:
How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?
Top class as ever.
The booklets are great but is it time to replace the plastic pouches with cardboard ones or not have them at all? Mine always get thrown away and I'm sure that's not good for the environment.
(Claire from In The Saddle comments: We have recently reviewed our policy about the travel wallets and we now only send one with the first booking to avoid waste and in response to client wishes. There is also the option not to send a wallet or to send by email only.)
How could we improve the way we handled your booking and payment?
You couldn't...quick and easy
Do you have any other feedback for us?
We had a couple of wet days. On one lunchtime our own waterproof coats were used to keep the saddles dry in heavy rain. The coats were soaked when we then had to put them on. On other days feed sacks were used. I wonder if plastic saddle covers could be included in the saddlebags as happens on other trail rides I've done. They don't take up much space and are very effective. I would add, the rain didn't detract one bit from my enjoyment of the adventure!
My mare Tatum was perfect for me...kind, forward going and polite - a real credit to the training given by the Wild Coast team. All the group seemed really happy with the horses they were matched with. These horses are fit and clearly love their job.
The riding, whether on pristine beaches, crossinf rivers, through the hills and valleys or in villages, was perfectly paced with plenty of long fast canters and loads of photo opps. The tack was comfortable and in good condition. Our guides Mel and Tertia, plus Chelle in support, couldn't have been better - safety conscious, caring of the horses and super fun.
Julie-Anne spent time with us at meals on the first and last days which was lovely. She is deservedly proud of her operation. I've done many rides all over the globe and this is one of the very best!
(Claire from In The Saddle comments: We are so delighted that you had such a great riding holiday.)