Riding safaris are a popular and exciting way of viewing Africa’s incredible scenery and wildlife. There is nothing more memorable than cantering alongside an elegant giraffe or galloping amongst the great wildebeest migration.
Riders can enjoy exhilarating safaris riding alongside plains wildlife or quietly watching elephant and buffalo. With the human form disguised by the shape and movement of a horse, you can get surprisingly close to the wildlife.
Whether you have been riding since you could walk, or are new in the saddle there are plenty of options. For less experienced riders or those with children who are looking for shorter gentler rides, we recommend safaris in areas that have vast amounts of plains wildlife, but no lions or elephants. These experiences twin short rides with other traditional safari activities, including wildlife drives and nature walks and are designed with the less confident or more relaxed riders in mind. Lodges like Ant’s Nest or Horizon Horseback Safaris in the Waterberg region of South Africa or Borana Lodge in Kenya are perfect for this style of riding safari experience.
It’s also possible to cover significant distances over remote regions on a horse – some beyond the reach of even the strongest four-wheel drive vehicles. More experienced riders can choose from specialist riding safaris lasting several days, fly-camping out under the stars and tacking up at dawn for up to six hours in the saddle. There are some fast-paced rides like Offbeat Safaris and Namibia Horse Safaris over varied terrain that make for some memorable rides. These experiences are designed for true equestrians who feel confident in the open country, so it is a requirement that you’re riding fit and are balanced enough to get out of trouble quickly.
As well as planning your ideal riding safari, we can also tailor-make your holiday from beginning to end, by including some additional African travel or time at the beach.
Watch this stunning video of a riding safari in the Tuli Block with Horizon Horseback Mashatu in Botswana.
Be honest about your riding ability, then we will match you to the most suitable riding safari 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.
Children are welcome on many riding safaris but don’t overestimate their stamina and ability.
Trip Ideas
There are a number of great opportunities to ride alongside the wildlife in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara. Offbeat 7-Night Ride itinerary is great for experienced riders, Safaris Unlimited Mara Ride is an excellent nine day trip amid stunning scenery and prolific wildlife.
Namibia’s endless sandy desert is great riding territory and the Namibian Horse Safari Company’s Damara Elephant Safari is an excellent way to explore this remote landscape.
There are many opportunities to ride in South Africa and Wait a Little Safaris’ Wait A Little ‘Big 5’ 8 Day Safari offers exhilarating wildlife viewing just on the edge of the Kruger National Park.
Botswana is a superb choice for a riding safari with wonderful options in the Limpopo and Okavango Delta regions. Horizon Horseback Safaris – Tuli Trail Ride is a seven night mobile safari through this wild region full of plains wildlife and elephant. Okavango Horse Safaris and African Horseback Safaris both offer superb seven night riding safaris in the Okavango Delta.
Please contact us for further ideas and information. Lucinda, Jo, Francis and Alice are all avid riders of varying levels and have been on a number of riding safaris in Africa and would be delighted to help plan your perfect trip.
Some of our Riding Safaris Highlights Click on an image to find out more
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