Riding Safaris - Riding Styles

Fast paced

If you are looking for a "once in a lifetime" heart racing, riding safari experience, this is it.   The riding safaris vary between 5-7 days depending on vacation you choose.   Each safari features thoroughbreds or experienced polo ponies where you can anticipate being in the saddle for about 6-7 hours each day.   The excitement never ceases as you swim your horse through a river in the heart of the Okavango Delta, gallop alongside zebra and giraffe, or even experience a mock charge from a young bull elephant. These riding safaris are offered in Botswana, Kenya, South Africa and Namibia.

Medium paced

If you would like something slightly less demanding, medium paced riding safaris may be for you.  Able riders and intermediate riders will enjoy exploring the African wilderness, while still experiencing a ride through herds of big game.  These riding safaris are perfect for those who are looking to combine game drives or other activities and are offered  in  Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Malawi and Namibia.  You will have a wonderful riding experience on very well trained horses.

Relaxed riding

Whether you are looking to add some variety to your safari vacation or you are a horse lover who wants to saddle up at least once in Africa, a Relaxed riding safari is just as the name suggests.  There are plenty of African camps, lodges and ranches that offer riding as an activity to do as frequently as you like.  Many of these are suitable for children and are a favorite with families or larger groups where the love of horses is not universal. Most African countries can offer well trained horses for a relaxed ride.

Matching you to the right African riding vacation is depndant on your riding ability.  Please follow the helpful guide below so that you can correctly inform us. 

Matching you to the right African riding vacation is dependant on your riding ability.  Please follow the helpful guide below so that you can correctly inform us.

Definition of riding ability:

A Beginner rider has limited experience, is unable to post to the trot and does not canter.

A Novice rider is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length trots and short canters.

An Intermediate rider has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including 10 minutes of trotting, two-point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.

A Strong Intermediate rider is all of the above and is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for long hours.

An Advanced rider is all of the above, plus has an independent seat, soft hands and is capable of handling a spirited horse in open country.