Destinations - African Horse Safaris

AFRICAN HORSE SAFARIS FOCUSES PURELY ON AFRICA AND OFFERS THE LARGEST PORTFOLIO OF EXPERTLY GUIDED AND UNIQUE HORSE EXPERIENCES ON THE MARKET, HAND-PICKED BY OUR SAFARI SPECIALISTS. WE LIVE, BREATHE AND RIDE AFRICA AND OUR HORSE RIDING HOLIDAYS ARE EXCITING, VIBRANT AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES.

Africa is a vast and intoxicating continent that has bewitched travellers for centuries. Once you set foot on African soil, you are bound to leave part of your heart behind and more than likely to return. It is a kaleidoscope of different terrains, ancient cultures and beautiful landscapes, many of them only accessible on the back of a horse. We’ve carefully selected the top horse riding holidays throughout this incredible continent, each once chosen to offer the best possible equestrian adventure.

An African horseback riding safari through the world’s last wildernesses is an experience to be remembered for a lifetime. Without a doubt Africa has some of the world’s most exciting wildlife riding: imagine zebra trotting alongside you, wildebeest whirling away in the dust, giraffe gawking at you from within the foliage and elephants calmly browsing only meters away. One of our most popular rides is in the game-rich area of the Tuli Block in Botswana –fast-paced riding with chance encounters with elephant, giraffe and numerous antelope species. We’ve all lost our hearts in the Okavango Delta, riding with herds of elephants and wallows of hippos – plus who can resist a splashy canter! Then there is a horse safari in the Masai Mara, untamed Africa with huge billowing herds and exciting predator sightings.

The more scenic expedition rides offer the chance to cut yourself off from reality. Namibia offers the ideal place to escape to, trail riding through ancient deserts, dry riverbeds and landscapes that make you question whether you are still on planet Earth. Botswana not only offers the green oasis of the Okavango Delta, but the magical Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Hear your horse’s hooves crunch across the wide-open salt pans that stretch as far as the eye can see, the best natural race surface in the world! Then there is Egypt, a country filled with ancient artifacts, unique history and some incredible desert-bred horses.

For the sun worshipers out there, Africa offers untouched beaches begging to be explored on horseback. South Africa’s Wild Coast is aptly named, endless golden sand dotted with Nguni cattle, rocky peninsulas and lush green forests – all inaccessible to vehicles. No equestrian adventure in Egypt is complete without a swim in the Red Sea and often it’s not clear who loves it more; the horses or the riders. And Mozambique; what dreams are made of – White beaches meeting turquoise waters, untouched mangrove forests and breath-taking sunsets.

Whatever type of ride you choose and whichever country you decide on, you will an unparalleled riding adventure – Africa is our home and we can’t wait to welcome you!

Botswana

A horseback safari in Botswana is the crème-de-la-crème of horse riding safari holidays. Riding in the wildlife rich Okavango Delta or in the vast Makgadikgadi Pans is on many riders’ bucket list and why Botswana is considered one of the best places on earth to horse ride. It boasts a huge array of wildlife, vast contrasting landscapes and scenery which is otherworldly. Pair this with the exceptional guiding and horses, and you have an equestrian adventure heaven.

Egypt

Gallop across the vast ancient deserts, discover lush green oases, explore traditional Bedouin villages, visit historical monuments and ancient tombs on horseback and swim in the Red Sea. Discover the land of Pharaohs in the best way possible, on the back of a stunning Arab horse. Out of the saddle, you will get to travel back in time to visit the Valley of the Kings, the great pyramids of Giza and other incredible ancient sites.

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

The Kingdom of Eswantini is one of Africa’s smallest countries and one of the last remaining monarchies. Despite its small size, Eswatini has an incredible biodiversity due to the ever-changing topography and landscapes. A horse riding holiday in Eswantini is like travelling back in time, to a simpler way of life, where you are surrounded by endless beauty and immersed in a rich culture.

Kenya

The concept of horseback safari originated in Kenya, in the 1970’s. Today, it can give you one of the most exciting horse riding holidays on the planet. These horseback adventures are in some of the most game-rich wilderness areas on the continent. Far from civilization, the sense of space and freedom is overwhelming. When riding in the Masai Mara, witness one of the most thrilling natural spectacles, the chance to ride alongside Africa’s largest herds of wildebeest and zebra.

Mozambique

A horse riding holiday in Mozambique will be a vacation to remember, whether you are on a family holiday, romantic getaway or solo adventure. A favourite for sun worshippers and adventure lovers alike, it offers endless canters along palm-lined beaches, horseback swimming in crystal clear water and getting off the beaten path exploring red dunes and inland lakes. Out of the saddle, enjoy sailing traditional dhows, tropical snorkelling and rich culture.

Namibia

A horse riding holiday in Namibia is an adventure you will remember for the rest of your life. The stark and striking landscapes will take your breath away. Explore the world’s oldest desert, where you will sooner find hoof prints than footprints – An extraordinary experience. Out there, in the middle of nowhere, you will find peace and tranquillity so rarely found today. Discover an ocean of sand dunes, unique desert-adapted wildlife and endless horseback adventures.

South Africa

South Africa offers a wider selection of horse riding holidays than any other country in Africa. It is the ideal place for a family horse riding holiday where even novice riders can discover the magic of a horseback safari. For the more experienced rider, close encounters with the big five near the Kruger National park is almost guaranteed, and for a change of scenery, the endless beaches of the Wild Coast and magnificent Cape Winelands offer exciting riding.

Tanzania

In a country where almost a third of its land is protected for wildlife, Tanzania offers some incredible horse riding adventures. Here you can witness the miracle of the wildebeest migration, encounter some of Africa’s last huge tuskers, or see the spectacle of the pink soda lakes on horseback. Add to this the exotic island of Zanzibar, Africa’s highest mountain and the Ngorongoro Crater and you have one of Africa’s most beautiful, vibrant and diverse countries.

Uganda

Horse riding in Uganda is a scenic and cultural experience. Enjoy immersing yourself in the traditional culture as you ride through Uganda’s local villages and pristine farmlands famous for growing crops such as sugar cane, coffee and tea. Pass areas of pristine wild Uganda, traverse exciting jungle terrain and lastly ride along the banks of the River Nile to find its source in Jinja. For the intrepid travellers, pair this with gorilla trekking!

Zimbabwe

A country with a troubled past, Zimbabwe is often overlooked as a safari destination. However, it offers some hidden treasures and some of the most adventurous horse safaris on the continent. Here you can ride in some of Zimbabwe’s most famous national parks or combine your riding holiday with some excitement at the mighty Victoria Falls. For those who want to improve their riding or learn about running a stable in Africa, we also offer an incredible working riding holiday.

Discover more of Africa

There are so many unforgettable destinations across this incredible continent waiting to be discovered on horseback. For the adventurers that have more time, there are endless opportunities to combine different destinations and countries. Whether you spend your full vacation riding or choose to travel beyond horse safaris, we can create the ideal African adventure for you.