Wild Coast - South Africa

Vanessa who has been on 10 In The Saddle rides. Another incredible experience with In the Saddle. Thoroughly recommend combining these two holidays. | Both the Wild coast and Moolmanshoek were extremely keen to make sure we were happy with our horses and gave us plenty of opportunity to try a few out until we found our perfect partners.

Even on the Wild Coast we spent a day and a half at Key Mouth so I could try different horses before we set off on the trail.

Wild Coast Riding - Qolora Trail
Fantastic beach riding with plenty of opportunities for fast canters on the firm sand. There was also a lot of riding in land as some of the rivers were too high to cross but this was a good opportunity to see more of the varied landscape and there were still plenty of places to canter. Some steep ups and downs (especially on the way down to the waterfall) but this was all good practise given we were heading to Moolmanshoek for our second week!

This trail worked well for us as there was ample time to relax over lunches or at the end of the day but still lots of fast riding.

And must give a mention to the guides who were fantastic, especially Jess who was our guide for the first four days when there was just the three of us. We then met up with the other group doing the mini trail, at Wavecrest.

Moolmanshoek
The farm is set in stunning scenery and is miles from anywhere so gives a wonderful feeling of remoteness. We were warned the riding was 'adventurous' due to the steep terrain and it was no exaggeration! I had been hoping it would be tamer than advertised as I'm not that good with heights but, in actual fact, it was a fabulous experience and there is plenty of time to get used to the climbs before embarking on the higher rides.

The horses are incredible, extremely footsure and powerful so you very quickly get used to the climbs and declines, and the saddles are extremely comfortable and supportive, with large stirrups so you feel very safe.
[Olwen from In The Saddle writes - we are so glad that you enjoyed your adventures on the Wild Coast followed by Moolmanshoek. Two great riding holidays].

Do you have any comments about the accommodation and food?

Wild Coast
Key Mouth was very simple but homely and the room was spacious with comfortable beds and a good shower. Seagulls was charming, simple rooms but had fabulous views and a beautiful terrace for meals when the weather was good. Wavecrest also had fabulous views and, although I felt it lacked the charm of Seagulls, it was clean and comfortable. The information provided beforehand was extremely accurate so we knew not to expect 5* luxury so all the accommodation met our expectations.

The food was varied, often just simple and homely (Key Mouth) or fantastic when we stopped for lunch and could choose from the menu (all covered in the deal apart from drinks). Great seafood along the coast.

Moolmanshoek
Faultless! Fantastic location with rooms spread around the grounds. Our room had a lovely terrace overlooking the paddocks and had views extending out over the landscape. Beautiful, atmospheric room with natural materials creating a warm and cosy base for our week.

Food was wonderful, extensive breakfasts served on the terrace and wonderful dinners in the dining room with candles burning and a log fire roaring.

How could we improve the quality of pre-holiday information that we send?

Can't think of any way in which the information can be improved! It was extremely detailed and provided all the information required for the trip, along with contact details for the hosts.

The descriptions of the accommodation and meals were completely accurate so we knew what exactly what to expect.

How could we improve the way we handled your booking and payment?

Again, very little room for improvement! One of the reasons we trust 'In the Saddle' for our riding holidays is we know that we'll get an honest description of what to expect as they know all the destinations and can make sure we choose something that will suit us.

Do you have any other feedback for us?

Another fabulous experience and we thoroughly recommend doing the two trips together as it makes the most of the long flight to South Africa and you can experience the contrast of the coast with the mountainous interior.

We were worried it might be too much as we don't ride all the time at home but we were fine and didn't need any time out.

We're already looking for our next adventure with In The Saddle!