Riding in the Okavango Delta Botswana

The Specialists for Riding Safaris in Africa

Riding at Ant's Nest Waterberg South Africa Riding through the Okavango Delta Botswana Game viewing from horseback South Africa

Horseback riding safaris in Africa are extremely popular and an exhilarating way to experience Africa's incredible scenery and wildlife. What is more thrilling than cantering alongside graceful giraffe or galloping amongst the great wildebeest migration.

Experienced riders enjoy getting closer to nature as they, ride next to herds of game blending in with their shape and movement. African horseback safaris are a fantastic experience making it possible to cover significant distances over remote regions, past that of even some of the sturdiest 4X4 vehicles. Many riding safari companies that offer short half-day rides; however serious equestrians can choose from specialist horse riding safaris lasting days or weeks, fly-camping out under the stars and tacking up at dawn for up to six hours in the saddle.

There are also opportunities to experience a very different way of living in rural Africa.  On a farm you will see horses that are a part of the daily routine, being used to muster cattle and for impromptu games of polo. You can choose to ride if you want or just enjoy a different way of life.  With some top class horses and guides, and our expert knowledge, there is an African horse riding vacation to suit every need.

Please contact us to discuss your thoughts and ideas and we will start putting ideas together for you.

 

Riding Safaris - Top Tips

  • Be honest about your riding ability, then we will match you to the most suitable riding holiday and your hosts can pick the best horse for you.
  • Take a wide brimmed hat / hard hat, cotton tops covering your shoulders and plenty of sun screen – you are more exposed to the elements on a horse
  • There are often quite long lazy lunches during the heat of the day when the wildlife snoozes, so a good book is essential
  • Children are welcome on many riding safaris but don’t overestimate their stamina and ability
  • Wear lightweight clothing
  • A pair of binoculars each is essential and people find a “bum bag” useful.
  • A few days at the beach is the perfect start or end to the rigours of a riding safari


Here are some horse riding safari holidays that Aardvark Safaris offer:

Botswana Riding Safaris:
Okavango Horse Safaris – choose from 5, 7 or 10 day rides in the wildlife rich Okavango Delta with PJ and Barney Bestelink, this riding safari has it all.

African Horseback Safaris – Riding in the Okavango Delta for 7 or 10 days with the option of fly camping

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris - enter the Land of the Giants, safaris are along the Limpopo Valley with excellent sightings of Elephants.

Big Five Safaris – a set departure safari that combines the Waterberg in South Africa with the Tuli Block in Botswana


Kenya Riding Safaris:
Offbeat Horse Safaris – 10 day set rides in either the Masai Mara or Laikipia, with incredible guides like Tristan Voorspuy.

Ride Kenya – combine game viewing with incredible country with views of Kilimanjaro, either ride with a group or tailor make your own safari

Borana Lodge – either ride for a week or just an afternoon, the rides are set in the shadow of Mount Kenya

Loldia House – quiet short rides close to the shores of Lake Naivasha, this is offered as an activity from the lodge

Ol Malo – ride for an afternoon, while you stay at this family run Laikipia safari lodge

Ol Donyo Wuas – short rides can be arranged while you stay in the Chyulu Hills

Sosian Ranch – well schooled horses for confident riders who want some riding on their holiday but not as the main focus, this work perfectly if others in your group do not want to ride

Lewa & Loisaba  - horses suitable for novice riders for a couple of hours while staying at the lodge


Namibia Riding Safaris
Desert Homestead Riding– base yourself at the lodge and explore the dunes and Sossusvlei either by horse or car

Okapuka – based in the Okapuka reserve close to Windhoek, you can combine game viewing with long rides.  They also offer endurance rides.


South Africa Riding Safaris
SA Horseback Safaris – a wide range of different riding holidays in the northern part of South Africa

Ants Hill & Ant’s Nest – suitable for parties of mixed riding abilities and non riders, ride on private reserves with good game viewing especially Rhino.

Cybele Forest Lodge – very relaxed rides for a couple of hours from the lodge

Grootbos – short, steady and safe rides for everyone from the lodge, popular with children

Horizion Horseback Safaris – perhaps the most varied riding holiday in Africa, they offer cattle ranching / cross country / riding safaris and many more

Wait a Little – take small groups of riders on safari with excellent horses, guides and game viewing alongside the Kruger National Park

Tswalu Lodge – trail rides from the lodge for up to 4 people, through the Kalahari sand, ponies suitable for children

Kurland – This is a well established polo set up, but it is also possible to ride on the beach and the surrounding country.

Big Five Ride - a set departure safari that combines the Waterberg in South Africa with the Tuli Block in Botswana

 

 


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