Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sunray Farm?
Sunray Farm is situated about 22 Km from the sea side village of Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay . This is about 1 hours drive from
the city of East London. We are in an area known as “The Wild Coast” or the former home land of Transkei. This is now called
Eastern Cape Province. Google GPS co-ordinates 32.37`41S and 28..09`48E
What is the average age of volunteers?
Volunteers will typically be around 18 – 25 years old, although the age can range anywhere from 17 upwards. The majority of
volunteers will also be gapers. We occasionally have more mature riders stay with us on a career break (30 to 40 something
and up!). If you are an older rider we encourage having a young heart and a spirit of adventure. You must have a great love of
horses and want to learn & do without any pre-conceived ideas of what this horse riding experience is about.
Why should I pay to volunteer?
Volunteering will bring a variety of benefits to individuals. You will be making a positive contribution to South Africa, experience
different cultures and enhance your CV for future careers. The payment for volunteering goes towards meals, accommodation,
airport transfers and transport around the placement. And of course horses cost a lot of money to feed and look after!
Before Departure
Can I speak to ex-volunteers about the placements?
Yes, please email us and we will send you contact details. You can also find us on FACEBOOK!
How far should I book in advance?
Due to high demand, it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. This will also allow plenty of time to do fundraising
or raid the piggybank! Always contact us to check availability, as some places may become available at short notice.
How do I book a placement?
You can email us and we can send you an application form.
Are flights included in the project fees?
No, your local travel agent will be able to assist you.
Will I need insurance?
Volunteers will need to ensure they have full comprehensive insurance before travelling.
We also recommend that you travel with a valid Master or Visa Credit card to cover any other unforeseen emergencies.
Will I need a visa?
Volunteers are required to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months longer than your date of return. Volunteers should also
ensure your passport is in good condition. South African Visas - Volunteers from
the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealandare not required to pay for a visa to enter South Africa. You will be
granted a temporary visitor’s permit valid for 90 days when you present your passport on arrival at the airport in South Africa. If
you are intending to stay for longer than 90 days however, it is worthwhile applying for a visa in your home country before
you travel. This will save you the trouble of having to extend your visitor’s permit once you are in South Africa. Visas can be
extended in South Africa for a fee of about R500.00 at the Home Affairs office, one month before your visa
expires. Exempt: Australia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands,Germany, Ireland, New
Zealand, Norway, Sweden, USA, France, Switzerland
Which injections do I need
All volunteers should seek medical advice from their doctor at least two months before departure. They will provide you with
any necessary injections and prescribe malaria tablets if needed.
Please note: The Eastern Cape and Wild Coast Area is Malaria free
What do I need to bring?
PACKING LIST
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Jodhpurs or riding pants.
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Riding chaps or long boots.
Own hard hat.
Shorts for walking and hiking.
Walking shoes or boots to ride in.
Slip slops or sandals.
A couple of light long sleeved shirts with collars to protect you from the sun while riding.
T shirts and tops.
Light long trousers. Jeans will do.
Smart outfit to change for dinner at the hotels.
Also bring :
Warm clothing 1 X jersey (jumper/fleece).to ride in and a nice one for the evenings!
A good warm rain proof coat.
Light weight rain jacket/wind breaker that will be tied to your saddle.
Sun hat (that stays on) and sun block.
Swimming costume and swimming towel.
A torch (Flashlight) each.
A camera, film and binoculars. (battery charger) & adaptor!
Reading material
Other items of a personal nature.
Bring some DVD movies to watch in the evenings.
Enough pocket money for day trips & outings. (R2000.00 to R3000.00 will cover day trips and other bits a pieces)
Please note that is customary to leave a tip to house maids and other staff that help look after you.
NB! A valid credit card to cover any unforeseen emergency. This would be used to cover the unlikely event of you having to
go to hospital if you have a bad fall from a horse. The hospitals in our area demand a deposit to be paid up front. You would be
able to reclaim this amount from your travel insurance.
In The Field
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes, you will be met by one of our representative when you arrive. If you are travelling overland, we will provide directions to a
designated meeting point.
Do I need to speak the local language?
No you don’t, as the people at your placement will speak English.
Where will we sleep?
We have renovated the original old farm house and created a comfortable flat with upstairs loft for our volunteers to sleep
in. The “loft” area sleeps four comfortably at the top, and 2 down stairs, there is one small private bedroom and any over flow is
accommodated in the main homestead. The loft has its own sitting room with TV, Hifi and DVD player and a small kitchenette
to make tea and coffee and where you can keep snacks and drinks ect.
Do the placements cater for vegetarians?
Of course! Please just let us know if you have any particular eating problems ect. We will do our best to feed you J
Can I travel after the placement?
Yes, it is fairly common for volunteers to travel around once they have completed their stay with us. We are happy to help any
volunteer with flight arrangements and will give helpful advice on future destinations. The back packing net work in this country
is particularly good, cheap and safe, and there is a hop on hop off buss service that goes to all the most popular places!
How well do I have to be able to ride?
Our horses are of a very high quality and are well schooled. Our 6 to 10 night holiday is for riders who have ridden before and
are comfortable and confident at a trot and canter. The horses are gentle and reliable enough for the holiday rider, but also
of such a standard that the more experienced rider will have a good time. The trail pace varies from walking through the country
side to enable good wild life viewing, long trots and canters on open plains, to fast gallops down the beaches if wanted. If in
doubt it is a good idea to contact us and discuss your needs and expectations. We can put you in touch with another guest,
probably in your own country, who has visited us in the past.
Is it all right for me to travel alone?
Our riding holiday is quite different from your usual package destination and many people travel alone. We only cater for small
groups, so you soon get to know others during your stay with us. You are sure to meet and make new friends. There is no
single supplement if you are prepared to share with someone of the same sex. We will try to provide you with your own
separate bed room; however this is subject to availability. Horse riding holidays are a great way to meet other adventurous-and
active people.
How safe is it on the ride?
Horse riding always has some inherent risks which is why safety is a priority with us. We regularly assess the quality and the
temperament of the horses, maintenance of saddlery and equipment, safety briefing of riders, training and attitude of trail
personnel, trail principles in force, quality of first aid/medical care available and we make adjustments as circumstances
change. We fully comply with all local regulations and indeed the standard of our guiding is excellent.
We are well known in the area that we ride through and have never encountered any safety issue that would relate to our
clients well being and security.
How fit do I have to be?
If you choose to, it is possible to have a rest day if you are feeling stiff or tired. It is only on the last day of our trail that we have
a full day in the saddle with a short break for lunch, otherwise there is plenty of time to relax and stretch during the day. If you
do not ride on a regular basis, we suggest you go for a few weekend riding breaks or day rides to get fit. You will enjoy your
holiday a tremendous amount more if you are riding fit.
Do I need any special passport, Visa, or health certificates?
A full passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your return travel is essential. Please check with the South African
Embassy or consulate in your home country for specific visa requirements. Health: The Eastern Cape is Malaria free. However
you are advised to consult your doctor before departure regarding health precautions recommended for travel to your
destination. In the UK full information for health requirements for travellers are available from the Medical Advisory Service for
Travellers Abroad, who can be reached on 0891 224 100.
Do I have to wear a safety hat?
We strongly recommend that you wear a hard hat when in the vicinity of horses. We have a selection, but it is always best to
bring your own to ensure a good fit. We recommend you also bring a wide brimmed hat for protection from the sun before you
leave. Children under the age of 18 are required to wear a protective riding hat at all times.
What is excluded?
International flight to South Africa. Internal flight to and from East London Airport, road transfers from East London Airport, soft
drinks, refreshments and alcoholic beverages. Gratuities. Other items of a personal nature.
What is included?
Except where otherwise indicated accommodation, meals, the use of the horse and tack, the services of a guide, transportation
of a reasonable amount of luggage from point to point.
All our prices are per person and based on two people sharing.
Can my children be accommodated?
Yes. Competent child riders are welcome. We have some super ponies suitable for confident children who ride regularly.
General
We reserve the right, without further notice, to make use of any photographs (including digital or 35 mm) or video footage taken
during your stay with us, for general publicity purposes without payment or permission.
Laundry
Laundry can be done for you during your holiday. There is a full laundry service at Trennery’s and Wavecrest. This is payable
separately.
MEETING POINT
You will be met at the airport in East London, and from there drive 1 ½ hours north to the farm/seaside resort. We advise
clients to get an internal flight that arrives at the East London airport before 12 pm. You will be returned to the East
London airport on the final day of the trek, we recommend arranging a late afternoon flight at about 5pm.
RIDING ABILITY
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Beginner rider = someone who is comfortable in the saddle & can stay on a reliable well school horse. They can post
to the trot (go up and down) and may have cantered a few times = Beginners generally ride once or twice a year on
holiday with their partner!
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Novice rider = someone who is comfortable in the saddle & enjoys a reliable well schooled horse. They generally
ride at a riding school once or twice a month, or like to ride friend’s horses on the farm. They can trot comfortably
and enjoy a nice controlled canter.
Intermediate rider = someone who rides regularly and enjoys a forward going well schooled horse. They may or may
not be a little nervous for the first little bit while they get to know their horse. They can control their horse
independently and is confident trotting and in controlled canters.
Advanced Rider = someone who is comfortable on any horse in most situations. They ride regularly and may or may
not have their own horse. They have a good seat and maybe considered rather “horsey” J
The horses are fit and forward going but gentle and reliable enough for the holiday rider, and also of such a standard that the
more experienced rider will have a good time. The trail pace varies from walking through the game reserve to enable good
game viewing, long trots and canters on open plains, to optional fast gallops down the beaches.
Weight limit: The maximum weight for riders is 220 lbs (95 kg). We can accommodate heavier riders but reserve the right to
charge a supplement, and riders will be required to alternate between two horses while on trail. We have one horse available
that is able to carry about 100 kg’s and riders must accept that he is not quiet as fast as the other horses!
Age limit: Competent riders of any age are welcome.
HORSES AND TACK
The horses are selected and trained for trail riding with great care; they are the other half of the team that makes your holiday a
fantastic experience. Just as your guides are professional and know the area in which they operate, so the horses are familiar
with the environment and conditions in which they are ridden. Each horse is handpicked and trained for trail riding. They are
sturdy, comfortable to ride, beautiful, forgiving, easy to ride and control, yet lively to command and enjoy their work.
The saddles are especially designed for trail riding by Leon Liversage. The saddle distributes the weight equally on the horses
back and is very comfortable for the rider. The design with a high pommel and cantle makes one sit straight automatically and
is therefore better for you and the horse. Each horse has its own saddle to ensure a comfortable-and perfect fit. Each saddle is
equipped with a splash-proof saddlebag carrying 2 water bottles and can hold a camera and other essentials while out riding for
the day. The tack and equipment is scrupulously maintained.
CLIMATE
Temperatures in summer: 15-26° C (60-80° F) with highs up to 32° C (90° F) occasionally in Dec, Jan and Feb.
Temperatures in winter: 10-22° C (50-70° F)
January / February: It’s summer, and the weather is hot & humid with afternoon thunder showers, we have to be aware of
flooding rivers! While riding, one cools of by playing with the horses in the sea and lagoons.
March: Days are long and warm, still some chances of rain as the wet season tapers off. The riding is good and the sun is not
as harsh.
April / May : Autumn, with warm days and blue skies. Good riding weather.
June. July / August: Winter days are dry and warm, with cool nights. The sun sets early, but the weather is so fine you can be
out on your horse all day. Good riding weather.
September: The end of winter. It can be windy and wet.
October / November / December: Lovely time of year, everything is green and fresh as the spring rains bring relief to the
parched earth. Riding is mostly fine during the day, with late afternoon rainstorms and we have to watch the river
crossings. The temperatures are pleasant until around mid-December when the summer heat kicks in.
December/January is the summer & Christmas holidays. Trails are only available in the first two weeks of December and the
last two weeks of January.
EXPENSES
The price of the trip includes all meals, horses, tack, guides, accommodations and taxes. Includes a back up vehicle on trail.
Airport Transfer are paid separately.
The standard gratuity is about 10%, but this amount is entirely at your discretion. The gratuity can be paid in US dollars, Euros
or SA Rand. It should be given to the guide at the end of the safari, and will be split fairly among the trek staff.
Please have South African Rand or a credit card available to pay your drink accounts at the hotel. Spa treatments and laundry
is also payable direct to the hotels.