Riding Safaris - Riding Styles

safaris are intensive “once in a lifetime” rides and are certainly not for the faint hearted. Spend between 6-7 hours in the saddle each day for between 5 and 14 days, depending on which safari you choose. They are all exhilarating rides on thoroughbreds or experienced polo ponies, where you get the chance to gallop alongside zebra and giraffe, perhaps experience a mock charge from a young bull elephant or swim your horse through a river in the heart of the Okavango Delta. These safaris operate in Botswana, Kenya, South Africa and Namibia.

safaris are for those looking for a less frantic pace. You may be an able rider or you may feel that you are an intermediate rider looking for something slightly less demanding. The horses here are all extremely well schooled and are perfect for those wanting to enjoy and explore the African wilderness. These rides still have an element of excitement and you will experience riding through herds of big game. These rides are great for those wanting to combine the rides with game drives or any other activities. Countries offering these sorts of rides are Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Malawi and Namibia.

safaris are exactly as the name suggests. Maybe you are trying to escape the hectic horsey lifestyle you lead at home, but feel you cannot resist just one afternoon in the saddle. Or maybe you do not get much (if any) chance at home and you would like to experience something a little different to add some variation to your holiday. We are able to recommend plenty of camps, lodges and ranches where riding is an activity for guests to do as much or as little as they like. Many of these are suitable for children and are a favourite with families or larger groups where the love of horses is not universal. Most African countries can offer well schooled horses for a relaxed ride.

It is also important for us to know your ability so that you are correctly matched to the right ride, there is an helpful guide, below.

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.