Riding in Africa’s untouched wilderness
Riding through the African wilderness is unlike any other safari and probably takes you as close to nature as you’ll ever get. Your horse acts as the best 4 x 4, covering the ground effortlessly and accessing areas way beyond any motorised safari. It’s an exhilarating, peaceful and entrancing way to explore some of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas – and generally without another soul in sight.
There are riding safaris to suit all abilities and we give lots of ideas in our riding safari round up, but here’s a look at some to take you well off-the-beaten-track into exclusive Africa.
Safaris Unlimited – private luxury
Pioneered in the early 1970s, this family run operation offers luxurious, private mobile riding safaris in Kenya’s Masai Mara. Led by charismatic and wonderfully knowledgeable guide Gordie Church, the team here leave no stone unturned on their exquisite safaris. There are a few set departure dates, but for the ultimate in equestrian heaven, take a private safari. You’ll experience the magic of the Mara on an itinerary tailored to your group’s abilities and interests on horses widely regarded as some of the best in the industry. It’s a safari to really surprise and excite beyond the imagination.
Luxury accommodation, Safaris Unlimited, Masai Mara, Kenya
Namibia Horse Safari Company – rugged wilderness adventure
The Namibian wilderness has to be one of the most exclusive places to ride on earth, with getting-off-the-beaten-track very easy to achieve. Namibia Horse Safari Company offers various options from riding through Damaraland, the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei to see the wild horses, and Fish River Canyon. Each is 10 days and can be taken privately, though you’ll need to book well in advance as the rides fill up quickly. After admiring the extraordinary scenery during the day, most nights are spent camping under the stars with only the sound of the horses eating on their picket line to disturb you. Bold repeat guests looking for the ultimate riding adventure can join an exploratory ride. The relatively untouched Caprivi was last year’s destination with the remote, and staggeringly beautiful, Kaokoland region looking likely for this. In all cases you need to be proficient and riding fit. Read more on the exclusive Nambia Guide Ride
Elephants in Damaraland, Namibia Horse Safaris
Limpopo Tuli Ride – in the shadow of the great grey greasy Limpopo River
The great grey greasy Limpopo River, immortalised in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Elephant’s Child’, provides the setting for one of Botswana’s most fascinating riding safaris. Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris’ Tuli Ride covers around 120 miles through the river valley which is home to plentiful wildlife and some of Africa’s biggest elephant herds. It’s a remote and beautiful land full of giant baobabs and ancient rock formations and is about as far away as you can get from city life and the modern world. Not only is the wildlife mind-boggling, but there’s ancient history here too with remains of some of the oldest civilizations in southern African to marvel at.
Cantering through the Limpopo Valley, Tuli Ride, Limpopo Horse Safaris, Botswana
Jacks Camp / Ol Donyo – day rides in sparkling scenery
These two very different camps – Ol Donyo, in Kenya’s lush, green Chyulu Hills, the other, Jack’s, in Botswana’s glittering Makgadikgadi salt pans – both share exquisite luxury in a divine setting. You’re unlikely to visit simply because they offer riding, but once in-situ, saddling a horse to explore the surrounding wilderness might well prove irresistible.
Riding on the Makgadikgadi salt pans, Jack’s Camp, Botswana
Mozambique Horse Safaris – beach fun
The islands scattered off the Mozambique coast house some of the Indian Ocean’s most lovely lodges. While water-based activities are the order of the day, several lodges offer some wonderful riding opportunities too. There are nine horses based on Benguerra Island, affording guests at Azura Benguerra and Benguerra Lodge the chance to explore the island’s tracks and trails. Splashing in and out of the warm azure waters, cantering on unspoilt white sand beaches is a real treat. The horses, (there are characters to suit all abilities), come with a fascinating back story which has been documented in Mandy Retzlaff’s bestseller ‘One Hundred and Four Horses’.
Beach fun, Mozambique Horse Safaris
Any questions on riding in Africa?
If you’ve got this far and not found an answer to a question you have that we should have included, please ask in the comments section below, or pop us an email. We’ll be sure to reply and may amend the article to include our answer.
What next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.
Please send me information on riding safaris
Mozambique, Limpopo, Kenya with prices. We have already visited Botswana/Okavango, South Africa , Namibia, Azores, Portugal
Dear Manuel, your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate
Tanzania, Malawi and Uganda?
Dear James, your enquiry has been passed on to a sales expert who will be in touch, Best regards Renate