Horse Riding
South Africa is not only a diverse mix of cultures, scenery and wildlife, it is also home to a varied mix of horse riding experiences. South Africa offers a wider selection of riding safari vacations than any other country in Africa. There is a holiday for everyone. Whilst riding in areas where elephants, lions and buffaloes are present is restricted to intermediate plus and advanced riders, we can offer several horse safaris for more novice riders too.
South Africa offers several great reserve-based riding safaris which are perfect for families. Our lodge-based safaris can cater brilliantly for any level of horse rider and families due to their flexibility on how long, fast or far you wish to explore each day. They also have a host of non-riding activities available for anyone that needs a break from the saddle.
An advanced rider can enjoy dynamic riding and speedy free canters weaving in and out of the bush, or wizzing along pristine coastline and beaches – Not seeing another soul and soaking up the South African wilderness.
Geography and Wildlife
Although most well-known for its Big Five, South Africa is overflowing with a huge array of flora and fauna. These include elephants, lions, zebras, rhinos, giraffe, leopards, cheetah, wild dogs, many types of antelopes and abundant bird and marine life. We offer horse riding in South Africa’s Waterberg Region and adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Vehicle safari is huge here, but to experience wildlife from horseback is truly something special and unique.
Not only does South Africa offer wonderful horse safari experiences, it also offers exciting coastal riding along the stunning Wild Coast. This is a coastline of rugged, wild and pristine beaches just waiting to be cantered along. It is a place of rolling green hills, crystal clear rivers, forests and dramatic cliffs. This historical region is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela and the original home of the Xhosa nation.
Add the vibrant city of Cape Town to any safari holiday and enjoy riding through the spectacular winelands of Stellenbosch. Ride from winery to winery, indulging in wine tastings and delicious food along the way – What could be better?
South African Culture
South Africa is laced with fascinating and exciting culture. Famous for its diverse food offerings and exquisite wine, you will be beautifully wined and dined after a day on trail. The rich agricultural history and natural resources of game meat, cattle, seafood and crops makes for a culinary experience full of flavour. The wine regions here rival those of anywhere in the world and South Africa is home to some of the best wines on the planet. Combine this unforgettable hospitality and exciting culture with a breath-taking horse riding and you have a journey-of-a-lifetime.
Accommodation
From wonderfully luxurious lodges with delicious four poster beds and outdoor rain showers, to your humbler homely farmstead, there is an excellent range of accommodation options for your riding safari. Get back to nature in a canvas tented safari camp, listening to the calls of the animals through the night. Fall asleep to the sound of the sea in a beach-side hotel, having spent the day in the saddle breathing in the clean sea air. Wake up to the sun shining and vineyard views at a wine farm B&B. The value and quality for money of the accommodation, guiding, adventure and horseback riding in South Africa rivals anywhere else in Africa.