- Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Wild Coast Horses: Racing to the Line in the Eastern Cape Tourism Awards
When you’re based in South Africa’s Adventure Province, standing out as an adventure attraction is no easy feat. But that’s exactly what Kei Mouth’s very own Wild Coast Horses has managed to do—earning a coveted spot among the finalists in the 2025 Eastern Cape Tourism Awards.
Up against two of the biggest names in Eastern Cape tourism, this locally-rooted yet globally-appealing riding operation is putting Kei Mouth on the map as one of the province’s top adventure destinations.
Wild Coast Horses Gallop Towards Ultimate Adventure Victory
Fighting for the title of Ultimate Adventure Attraction, Wild Coast Horses needs to fend off the likes of Face Adrenalin’s Bloukrans Bungy — the highest bungee jump in Africa — and BlackwaterTubing Tsitsikamma, who have been offering waterborne adventures through the world-famous Tsitsikamma National Park since 2008. To say the competition is tough would be an understatement!
According to its organisers, the purpose of the 2025 Eastern Cape Tourism Awards & Expo is “to shine a spotlight on its thriving tourism sector.”
To make it this far, Wild Coast Horses has already navigated a rigorous application process that began with nominations back in February. Since then, they’ve also submitted an in-depth portfolio of evidence, with the next step being an online interview and a call for public votes, which are open until the end of July.
Why Wild Coast Horses Embodies the Ultimate Adventure Spirit
Reading the category description, it’s abundantly clear why Wild Coast Horses is a natural choice. The Ultimate Adventure Attraction category celebrates unforgettable experiences that draw visitors from near and far, exactly what this team has been doing for over two decades. While it’s easy to think of it as just a beach-riding outfit offering holidaymakers a relaxing hack, the reality is far more extensive.
This is a well-established international operation that attracts horse-riding travel agents and riders from around the globe. Guests who ride through Mongolia one year or Namibia the next often find themselves galloping along the Wild Coast—drawn by its endless beaches, untamed landscapes, and warm hospitality. The signature week-long adventure ride plunges deep into the heart of the Transkei, offering riders a thrilling and immersive way to experience this extraordinary coastline and its unique culture.
From rugged cliffs, technical terrain, and challenging river crossings to cantering along empty, windswept beaches, Wild Coast Horses showcases the natural beauty of the region in a way few other adventure experiences can, accessing areas that are out of bounds for all but the most adventurous. More than just an equestrian outing, it’s a life-changing journey that epitomises the soul of the Wild Coast.
Riding Into a World Beyond the Ordinary
Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves, mounting a top-class trail horse, and riding through landscapes so wild they defy your imagination. One moment you’re cantering along a sunlit beach with nothing but seabirds and sea spray for company, the next you’re weaving through coastal forests or climbing green hills that stretch endlessly inland. Along the way, you cross rivers—sometimes shallow and slow, sometimes wild and wide. And at all times, the horizon beckons.
It may not sound that unique to someone who lives on the Wild Coast, but to those who spend their time navigating city traffic or staring at screens in high-rise offices, the idea of cantering along a deserted beach with the smell of the ocean in your nostrils and the thunder of hooves in your ears feels like pure, unadulterated freedom.
A Global Appeal with Local Heart
What sets Wild Coast Horses apart isn’t just the breathtaking scenery—it’s the deep sense of connection. Riders from Germany, the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, and the US often include the Wild Coast on a “bucket list” of riding destinations that also features Mongolia, Iceland, and Namibia. Many return, drawn not only by the endless beaches but by the horses themselves—athletic, willing partners who are trained with care and treated like royalty.
As one guest exclaimed, “I’ve done trails in the UK, Botswana, Namibia, and Limpopo—and this was the best of the bunch by a mile.” Another simply called it, “The best place for riding I’ve been worldwide.”
Yet this is no exclusive playground. The operation is deeply rooted in the local community, offering working riding holidays and hands-on opportunities for riders to grow their skills and immerse themselves in village life.
Galloping for the Good of the Whole Community
Wild Coast Horses is far more than a beach-riding business. It’s a powerful economic driver for Kei Mouth and its surrounding communities. Every ride supports local hotels and other accommodation providers, not to mention the farmers busy growing our horse feed, the physiotherapists and chiropractors who keep our horses in tiptop condition and the transport operators that carefully ferry our clients from airport to saddle.
Even more than that, our guests don’t just ride—they eat local, stay local, and often return home as ambassadors for the region. The ripple effects stretch far beyond the horse yard at the top of the hill!
Will You Ride With Us to the Finish Line?
As the final weeks approach, the team at Wild Coast Horses is reflecting not just on their own achievements, but on how far they—and the region—have come.
“To be named a finalist in a province filled with incredible adventure offerings is a huge honour,” says owner Julie-Anne Gower. “But this isn’t just about us—it’s about Kei Mouth, the Wild Coast, and everyone who contributes to making this dream possible.”
So, whether you’re a past rider, a local supporter, or someone who just believes in the power of wild places and incredible experiences, now’s the time to help put Kei Mouth on the map.
One Vote, One Voice, One Wild Coast Community
Public voting is open until 31 July. Your support can help Wild Coast Horses gallop their way to the winner’s podium.
Head over to the Eastern Cape Tourism Awards website, register, and cast your vote. It will only take a few minutes of your time, but it will mean the world to a small team making a big impact on South Africa’s adventure tourism scene.
Help us bring it home
Let’s show the world that the Eastern Cape’s most unforgettable adventure isn’t just on the map—it’s leading the way.
Comments
Very interesting read—easy to understand and packed with useful info!