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!