4 Amazing Family Horse Riding Holidays in Southern Africa

Embarking on a horse riding holiday is not just about mastering the reins—it’s a doorway to unforgettable family adventures and multi-generational travel experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a first-time rider, these family-friendly horse riding safaris offer something for everyone, regardless of age or riding level. Horse riding holidays provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature, bond with loved ones, and create lasting memories. From gentle rides for beginners to thrilling adventures for the more experienced, saddle up and embark on a journey where every day is filled with excitement and discovery. Africa has some amazing child-friendly safari lodges which offer a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages, plus a luxury escape for parents seeking a retreat.

Here are a few of our favourite Family Horse Riding Hoidays in Southern Africa

Equestrian escape at Kambaku Lodge

Kambaku Wildlife Reserve offers an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of Namibia. Just a stone’s throw from Etosha National Park and the Waterberg Plateau, it offers the perfect escape for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Namibia offers phenomenal landscapes and unique desert-adapted wildlife, the perfect destination for a self-driving adventure, or a guided tour.

Whether you’re new to riding or a seasoned equestrian, the team at Kambaku ensures everyone feels at home in the saddle. They can offer customized family safari itineraries. For beginner horse riders, they offer riding lessons in the school and leisurely bush rides which are the perfect introduction to the world of horse riding. The reserve is filled with child-friendly horse riding trails that offer unforgettable wildlife encounters on horsebac.  Experienced horse riders can discover the magic of riding alongside herds of impala, wildebeest, and towering giraffes. Long canters on soft sandy tracks in the evening light are often accompanied by the herds of cheeky zebra. Letting the horses loose to wander back to the stables as you watch the sunset is something special.

At Kambaku’s family-friendly lodge, you can discover a home away from home. There are three family rooms accommodating up to four people, complete with separate sleeping areas just for the kids. There’s a play area for the little ones, and archery, cycling and bushcraft to keep the older ones entertained. Parents can relax in the sunloungers or private seating areas scattered across the gardens. Between activities, enjoy time in the swimming pool overlooking the waterhole where you’ll often see wildlife coming to drink. And the rejuvenating bush spa promises a unique blend of comfort and indulgence.

Families have a tailor-made safari experience, with private guiding offering flexibility to explore the reserve. With a stable of incredible horses, your family can embark on unforgettable horseback adventure together at your own pace. And with no big game, you can safely explore the many trails on the reserve on foot or bicycle. Special bush breakfasts can be arranged for your family, and are the perfect end to a long morning ride. Private sleepouts are the perfect addition to any stay, complete with campfire and smores. And for those seeking further adventure, day trips to Etosha offer the chance to see lions, elephants, and rhinos from the game drive vehicle.

A family escape in the heart of the Okavango Delta

Escape to the heart of the Okavango Delta with a family-run gem, Cha Cha Metsi, where guests are welcomed like family. Tucked amidst the wilderness, the camp exudes warmth and hospitality, with cozy tents adorned with family heirlooms and comfortable furnishings, creating a home away from home in the bush. Designed with solo travllers, groups of friends and families in mind, the lodge caters to guests of all ages, ensuring unforgettable memories for everyone.

There are twin and double tents which offer some phenomenal views over the floodplains beyond. And set slightly apart, two family tents feature two bedrooms and a shared lounge, complete with a bathtub for mom to unwind while soaking in the views. And for those wanting an exclusive experience, the entire camp can be booked on a private basis for the ideal family escape or multi-generational holiday.

The adventure begins before arrival, with a thrilling helicopter flight to the lodge, setting the stage for an unforgettable safari experience. In the Okavango Delta, wildlife thrives, with elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and big cats roaming freely. Resident elephants often visit the waterhole, providing an up-close encounter with these majestic creatures. Exciting activities such as game drives, bush walks, and mokoro safaris offer opportunities to explore the Delta’s diverse ecosystems. Private guiding and vehicles are available for a personalized safari experience. Kids can immerse themselves in bushcraft activities, from tracking wildlife to learning about insects and plants, and mastering the art of fire-making. But of course, horseback riding is always the highlight of your stay at Cha Cha Metsi, and the best way to really discover the magic of the Okavango Delta. Children 12 and up, with the relevant riding experience, can join their parents for thrilling horseback rides through the wilderness. With its blend of luxury, adventure, and conservation ethos, Cha Cha Metsi promises a truly unforgettable family safari experience in the heart of Botswana’s wilderness.

Family adventures in the Kalahari Desert

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Camp Kalahari, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Kalahari Salt Pans. This traditional bush camp offers 16 spacious tents, including family units with shared lounges. The camp’s eclectic open-plan living and dining area provides the perfect setting to unwind and soak in the serenity of the Kalahari. Guests can cool off in the swimming pool or enjoy a siesta in the thatched pavilion, surrounded by the sounds of nature. With private guiding and vehicles available, families can tailor their safari experience to their preferences, whether it’s exploring the desert-adapted wildlife on horseback, game drives or learning the art of tracking wildlife on foot. For equestrian enthusiasts, Camp Kalahari offers horse riding for all levels, from slow scenic rides across the plains to thrilling canters on one of the worlds best natural race tracks.

One of the highlights of a stay at Camp Kalahari is the chance to witness the charming meerkats in their natural habitat. Venture out at dawn to watch the sun rise alongside these captivating creatures as they emerge from their burrows, ready to start their day. Children, in particular, are enchanted by the playful antics of the meerkats and may even be used as lookout points if they sit still enough—a truly unforgettable experience for the whole family. And for a truly unique experience, venture into the heart of the salt flats on quad bikes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The salt flats crunch underfoot as you walk into the huge expanse of nothingness, allowing yourself a few minutes to absorb the moment. Here the silence is so profound you can hear your own heartbeat.  As the sun sets, watch as the landscape transforms into liquid gold, creating an unforgettable spectacle. For a cultural immersion, you can join the Bushmen on a walk to learn about their way of life, hunting techniques, and traditional games—an enriching experience for all ages, and a highlight for kids. 

For those wanting to experience more of Botswana, we highly recommend combining a stay in the Kalahari with a horse safari in the Okavango Delta, and ending your adventure with a trip to Victoria Falls. 

Discover Zambia’s secrets from the saddle

Begin your family’s thrilling adventure with a horse riding holiday at Simalaha and Chundukwa River Lodge in Zambia, where the wonders of the African wilderness and the majestic Zambezi River await. Tailor-made to combine three or four nights at Simalaha with two or four nights at Chundukwa River Lodge, this unique experience seamlessly blends trail riding with luxury riverside accommodation, offering families the ultimate adventure vacation.

At Simalaha, riders of all abilities can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Zambezi floodplains, home to an abundance of wildlife including wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and buffalo. With no predators or elephants, families can explore the plains on horseback, weaving through forests in search of elusive species such as sable and reedbuck. It’s the perfect horse riding vacation for families or those who want to experience a horse safari for the first time as groups of mixed riding ability can be catered for on a private safari. And or those who love horseback riding, experience the thrill of long, thrilling canters alongside herds of wildebeest and zebra, and splash along the edge of the mighty Zambezi River as the sun sets on another unforgettable day in Africa.

The adventure continues at Chundukwa River Lodge, where families can enjoy the comforts of a private family cottage overlooking the river, complete with a pool, dining area, and lounge. With a private driver at your disposal, explore the wonders of Victoria Falls, from scenic tours of the falls to exhilarating activities such as a helicopter flight or a swim in Devil’s Pool. Delve into the local culture with visits to craft markets, villages, and schools, where you can learn traditional fishing techniques or participate in basket weaving and clothing making.

For families seeking a truly authentic African experience that combines wildlife encounters with cultural immersion, a horse riding holiday at Simalaha and Chundukwa River Lodge is the perfect choice. Whether exploring the plains of Simalaha on horseback or discovering the wonders of Victoria Falls, this unforgettable adventure promises to create cherished memories for the whole family.