Comfort
Kei Mouth Guest Lodge is near to the stables, so a great base. It's a short walk from the Kei River and the ferry crossing and also from the beach. There are three ensuite twin/double bedrooms.
Wavecrest has the most amazing setting on the banks of the estuary of the Nxaxo River. This area is known for its breathtaking scenery. The ensuite rooms overlook the river, beach and sea. Alternative accommodation depending on availability is Trennery's hotel that operates to the same standards.
Meals
Meals are provided by each hotel you stay at.
Breakfast is usually buffet style and includes cereals, bread, tea and coffee, fruit.
Lunch may be a picnic carried in your guides saddlebag or something light at the hotel.
Dinner usually consists of three courses and is local fare - hearty and tasty. Fish is often available!
Guests will be required to pay for all extra soft drinks, wine, beer and any other beverage when out for lunch, at restaurants and at the hotel bars. There is a bottle store just around the corner from the guest lodge if other drinks are required.
Vegetarians and special diets can be catered for to a certain degree but must be advised at the time of booking.
Climate
The rainy season is between November and the end of March, with some storms at the end of the day. The warmest months are January and February: expect around 26°C. The South African winter (July/August) is cooler with 10°C during the day on average.
May: temperatures between 13°C-23°C during the day
June/July/August/September: the South African winter (July/August) is cooler with an average of 20°C during the day.
October: between 14°C-22°C
November: lovely riding weather with temperatures between 16°C and 23°C
December: 17°C - 25°C
Tips
We would recommend approximately £10 per guest per day which you can give to your guide to distribute amongst the team
Packing list
Head
- Hard hats are compulsory and we recommend you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - required all year round, but particularly during the winter months (May - October) when there can be rain or thunderstorms
- Casual clothes for the evening
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged (they can also be hot!)
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for when not riding
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding
Nightwear - pyjamas
Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for the pools - the sea is generally not safe for swimming
- Binoculars for spotting dolphins/whales along the coastline
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- Any liquids in your hold luggage, such as shampoo, moisturizer, over 100ml should be decanted into small, clear, plastic ziplock bag. We recommend biodegradable washing products where possible.
- In your hand luggage take any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Travelling in your boots/ hiking shoes and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in you hand luggage is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
