What is a horse riding safari?

A horse riding safari offers a unique and exhilarating way to explore Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. There are several types of horse safaris to suit different preferences and experiences:

Set-Date Safaris: These are typically scheduled for a specific number of nights, where you’ll journey across the country on horseback, sleeping in different locations from time to time. You’ll have the chance to encounter incredible wildlife, including the Big Five, in iconic regions like Botswana, Zimbabwe, or Tanzania.

Horse Riding Camps: If you prefer a more relaxed pace, horse riding camps allow you to stay in one location for the duration of your holiday. From here, you can embark on daily morning or afternoon rides, exploring the surrounding areas and enjoying the scenery.

Non-Big Five Rides: In places like Namibia, horse riding safaris focus on the breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to spot zebras and smaller wildlife. These safaris emphasize the beauty of the terrain rather than encounters with the Big Five.

South African Lodges: In South Africa, some lodges offer horseback rides in non-Big Five areas. These experiences provide a more intimate connection with the environment and are ideal for those looking to enjoy the tranquillity of the bush.

Each type of safari offers its own unique adventure, catering to different levels of riding experience and wildlife interests.

Physical Fitness: Are you ready for a horse safari?

Embarking on a horse riding safari is an exhilarating journey, but it does require a certain level of physical fitness and riding proficiency, tailored to the type of safari you choose.

Matching Fitness to Your Safari: The demands of each safari vary, with different levels of fitness and riding expertise required. Typically, safaris start with a gentle afternoon ride, where guides assess your skills and match you with the perfect horse, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the adventure ahead.

Experience for Big Five Safaris: For those exploring regions home to the Big Five—such as elephants, lions, and buffalo—being an experienced rider is essential. You need to confidently control your horse at any pace and stay securely in the saddle, especially in the event of unexpected wildlife encounters. In these areas, your ability to handle your horse with ease is not just about comfort, but safety.

Staying fit for the Ride: Many safaris include long stretches of cantering, making physical fitness an important factor. Safari operators often inquire about your riding frequency, with a general recommendation of riding at least twice a week. This ensures you have the necessary endurance and agility to fully enjoy and embrace the experience.

Being well-prepared physically will not only enhance your adventure but also allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty and thrill of exploring Africa’s wilderness on horseback.

Choosing the right horse safari: What is there to consider?

Selecting the perfect horse riding safari begins with choosing your destination. We offer unforgettable experiences across several African countries, each with its own unique charm. In Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana, you’ll find yourself riding through Big Five territories, where the thrill of spotting wildlife from horseback is a highlight. Namibia, on the other hand, offers breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged coastline to the ancient desert—the oldest in the world—providing a liberating and awe-inspiring experience. In South Africa, you have the option to combine a non-Big Five horse safari with a stay at a Big Five game reserve, ensuring you don’t miss out on any wildlife encounters. You can even add a beach stay to round off your adventure.

Consider the Duration: Most set-date safaris range from 5 to 8 nights, but we can easily extend your stay by arranging extra nights before or after your riding adventure.

Match Your Skills and Preferences: Your riding skills and fitness are crucial in selecting the right safari. As mentioned earlier, some safaris, especially those in Big Five areas, require experienced riders for safety reasons. Think about how many hours you’re comfortable spending in the saddle each day. Would you enjoy a full day of riding, or would you prefer morning rides followed by different activities in the afternoon?

Budget Considerations: Your travel budget is another key factor. Countries like Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe tend to be more expensive, not only due to the premium safari experiences they offer but also because the lodges are often in remote areas, making access costlier. In contrast, riding lodges in South Africa may offer more budget-friendly options with easier accessibility.

Timing and Weather: Finally, consider the time of year you plan to travel. Are you comfortable with hot and humid weather, or might the heat of the desert be too intense for you? Choosing the right season can greatly enhance your safari experience.

By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect horse riding safari that aligns with your interests, skills, and expectations.

Accommodations: Where do you sleep on a horseback safari?

When it comes to accommodations on a horseback safari, there are a range of experiences to suit different preferences. Most commonly, you’ll find yourself staying in tented camps, offering comfortable beds and cozy bedding. The style of accommodation can vary depending on the safari you choose—from sleeping under the stars on stretcher beds in Namibia to staying in well-appointed tented camps in Botswana or enjoying the comfort of a charming lodge in South Africa. Regardless of where you rest your head, the true highlight of your journey will always be the unforgettable experience of exploring Africa on horseback.

If you have specific preferences, such as a desire for more luxurious facilities or concerns about using long-drop toilets or bucket showers instead of a traditional bathroom, please let us know. We can find a suitable safari to ensure it meets your expectations.

As for dining, you can expect delicious, well-prepared meals included in the safari. The skilled chefs take pride in crafting tasty dishes and are more than happy to accommodate any dietary needs or allergies if informed in advance.

Bring the essentials: what to pack on a horse riding safari?

To fully immerse yourself in the adventure of a horse riding safari, it’s essential to pack the right gear. Start with your riding attire—bringing at least two pairs of riding pants is highly recommended. The African bush can be unforgiving, and it’s not uncommon to brush against thorny bushes that can easily tear your clothing.

Most safaris use English or trail saddles, so consider your choice of chaps. Full leather chaps are an option, but keep in mind that temperatures can rise during the day. Half chaps paired with riding shoes or boots are a practical and comfortable alternative.

Given that you’ll be riding through the bush, it’s best to blend in with the natural surroundings. Earthy tones like green and beige are ideal, and light blue can work as well. Avoid bright colors like white, pink, or yellow, as they can be distracting and less suited to the environment. Long, lightweight sleeves are also a good idea to protect against sunburn and mosquitoes.

A helmet is a must. Even if you don’t typically wear one at home, your safety is a top priority on safari. We strongly recommend bringing your own helmet to ensure it fits properly.

In addition to your riding gear, we’ll provide you with a packing list for other essentials, such as sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent, toiletries, and more. Being well-prepared will allow you to fully enjoy the magic of your horseback safari.

Wildlife Encounters: What to Expect on a horseback safari?

The wildlife you’ll encounter on a horse riding safari varies depending on the destination you choose, but each offers its own unforgettable experience.

In Big Five areas like the Serengeti, Okavango Delta, or Kilimanjaro National Park, you can expect thrilling encounters with iconic animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and even wild dogs. Plains game like zebras, giraffes, and antelopes will also grace your path. Your guide, who knows the area intimately, will lead the way, but remember that wildlife can appear unexpectedly. While it’s exhilarating to come face-to-face with an elephant or buffalo on horseback, it’s essential to remain cautious. Although these animals often don’t perceive horses as a threat, the guides, who may carry rifles as a precaution, always maintain a safe distance to ensure your safety. The rifle is purely a safeguard, used only in the rarest of circumstances.

A tip to keep in mind: even when you’re snapping photos, always keep a firm grip on the reins.

In South Africa, where you’ll mostly ride among plains game such as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes, the atmosphere is more relaxed. Here, even intermediate riders or beginners can comfortably enjoy the ride. The wildlife viewing is still spectacular, whether you’re standing amidst a herd of zebras or walking alongside towering giraffes.

While it’s thrilling to get as close as possible to these majestic animals, the guides prioritize safety and ethics. They will never put you or the horses in harm’s way, especially when it comes to predators like lions, ensuring a respectful distance is always maintained.

Is an African horseback safari right for you?

An African horseback safari is the ultimate adventure, where the thrill of exploring the continent’s wild landscapes comes to life. Imagine the exhilaration of galloping with zebras across the expansive Namib Desert or passing through the shallow channels of the Okavango Delta, with its abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

For the seasoned rider, the experience of viewing the Big Five from horseback is a dream come true. However, if you’re new to riding, South Africa offers a more relaxed introduction to the wonders of the African wilderness. Whether you’re navigating the waterways in the Okavango Delta, the rugged terrain of the Serengeti or enjoying the serene landscapes of South Africa’s plains game areas, each ride provides a unique and enriching experience.

From the heart-pounding excitement of riding among Africa’s iconic wildlife to the tranquil joy of a leisurely ride through stunning landscapes, an African horseback safari promises a journey like no other. Embrace the adventure and let the majesty of Africa unfold before you from the saddle.