A dreamy South Coast holiday activity: horse riding on the beach

Can you envision the sound of crashing ocean waves, a gentle breeze skimming your skin, and the smell of salty water? Now picture all of this while galloping in the crashing low tide as the sun sets. Horse riding on the beach leaves you mesmerised as you luxuriate in the beach in a whole new way! It is certainly unlike riding anywhere else — it is bucket-list worthy.
Horseback riding is a popular holiday adventure activity in South Africa, and there are surprisingly many beach rides you can experience — a considerable number along the sandy coasts of the South. We’ve put together a list of our top spots you can go horse riding on the beach down the South Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Horse riding on the beach: where to do it?

Ocean Trails

Situated in front of the Wild Coast Sun, Ocean Trails will guide you along the golden and unspoilt beaches of the area. The beach is a massive wide-open space, remote and pristine. First-time and more skilled riders can gallop along the beach, spotting Fish Eagles and other bird life, such as Sand Pipers, Black Smith Plovers and Egrets just to name a few, as you trot into the sunset.

The sandy surface is relatively flat, and the terrain is free of obstacles except for the occasional crab or blue bottle. The horses are confident of their footing and ride better on the beach sand. The trail continues along a breathtaking path to the caves, rich with history and fossils to uncover as you ride past on your horse. Greenery and flora add an air of tranquillity, and this continues until you reach the Mzamba River. Ocean Trails also offer horse riding on the beach for the little ones with shorter ride options, if you would like to get the whole family involved.

This trail is made for those adventurers that want something exhilarating yet calming — enjoyment with a view.

Selsdon Park

Just 20 minutes from Shelly Beach on the Hibiscus South Coast, this beach ride operates on the sandy beaches between Trafalgar and Marina Beach. With a collection of 20 horses, ranging from ponies for the kids to draft horses for the adults, these are some of the happiest horses on the South Coast.

This guided ride is a family adventure of fun, waiting for you and the little ones. Enjoy morning horse riding on the beach along the long stretches of the golden sand during the week and weekends. Each ride lasts 1 and a half hours, which is the perfect amount of time to breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the beach like never before.

This horseback riding escapade can be enjoyed by novices or experienced riders.

Gary’s Beach Rides

Located in Warner Beach, Amanzimtoti — a small paradise town South of Durban — Gary’s Beach Rides takes riders along the scenic, wide stretches of beach in the area. Enjoy the majestic beauty of the ocean as you take a slow trot down beside the warm Indian Ocean’s waters, or gallop along the coast for a high-spirited or exhilarating venture.

Gary’s Beach Rides also offer riding lessons for adults and children, as well as special requests for pony or donkey cart rides and horse-drawn carriages for weddings.

The charm of this riding service can be found just a few km away from our Waterberg Unit.

Need an ocean getaway with a difference?

The self-catering apartment is located on the Amanzimtoti main beach and is the ultimate escape to the seaside. Bring your family or friends, as the unit accommodates six guests with its three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Other than horse riding on the beach, some other activities just a stone's throw away from this holiday home includes swimming, snorkelling, surfing, diving, the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, Empisini Nature Reserve and Splash Water World.

To book your next vacation, contact us. Follow us on Facebook for more holiday ideas, vacation inspiration and travel tips.