Horse Safaris in South Africa

The untamed Waterberg is rich in cultural, archaeological and biological diversity. The area’s iconic beauty and bio-diversity has been awarded the status of a World Biosphere reserve by UNESCO. This is a wildlife Eden and set in the middle of its vast wilderness and the safari possibilities seem as endless as the horizon itself. Riding in the wild is exhilarating for both novice and experienced riders and nothing beats a long canter across an open plain with the wind in your hair. An area favoured by families, the area offers a wide range of other adventure activities such as game drives, nature walks and mountain bike trails

Kruger Area: Big 5 horse Safari + Working Holiday

Undoubtedly South Africa’s most iconic game-viewing destination and Africa’s second-largest park, the Kruger National Park is home to some of the best iconic 5 game viewing on the continent. To the West of the park lie several private game reserves, many unfenced, creating an area larger than Wales exclusively for wildlife. Here you will not only have the horseback safari you’ve dreamed of, but can enjoy exhilarating game drives, fascinating nature walks and fire-lit boma dinners. With several connecting flights, we can create the perfect Bush and Beach combo or end your adventure at the mighty Victoria Falls

RIDING FOR ALL LEVELS
South Africa has a range of horses and ponies catering to both novice and experienced riders. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking for a thrill, or someone who doesn’t have that much experience in the saddle, or even a family that has different riding levels – there is something for everyone.

VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES
South Africa is a great first-time safari, as it offers fantastic riding amongst vast landscapes and has diverse activities for you to enjoy. This includes guided walks, safari drives, animal tracking and many other non-riding activities for the whole family.

WILDLIFE DIVERSITY
While South Africa is primarily renowned for its Big Five animals, it boasts an extensive variety of plant and animal species. You’ll have the chance to see elephants, lions, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and various antelope species from the saddle. 

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH WILDLIFE
Horse riding holidays in South Africa offer you amazing oporunities to get really close to wildlife on horseback. On our Big 5 Horse safari near the Kruger, you have the chance to elephants, rhinos and even lions from horseback. In the Waterberg area, you’ll ride alongside herds of zebra, antelope and giraffes. And at the Ant Reserve, you can almost get within touching distance to their incredible herd of rhinos. Seeing Africa’s unique animals from horseback is an incredible experience not soon forgotten!

HORSE SWIMS
There are some great dams on the reserves which are the perfect place to slip off the horses saddles and take them for a lovely cooling swim. We’re not sure who enjoys this more, the horses or humans.

BEACH RIDING
South Africa doesn’t just provide exceptional horse safari adventures; it also presents thrilling opportunities for coastal riding along the breathtaking Wild Coast. This coastline features untamed, rugged beaches of pristine beauty, perfect for exhilarating canters along the sand.

GAME DRIVES
Guided game drives in open 4×4 vehicles give you great opportunities for wildlife photography, often getting within a few meters of animals such as elephant and big cats.! After sunset, head back to camp in the dark, allowing you to spot nocturnal creatures like leopards, hyenas, and owls, which are typically more active after dark. And of course, remember to take a moment to take in the African stars

WALKING SAFARIS
Slow down and join expert guides for walking safaris, which offer a unique opportunity to explore the bush on foot. Learn about tracking animals, the local flora, and the smaller, often overlooked, creatures of the wilderness.

FAMILY SAFARIS
All our lodges offer a variety of amazing activities for riders and non-riders alike. These include bumble safaris, game drives, cycling, archery, pony rides and mounted games. Your stay can be tailor-made to suit each member of your family, so you get to make unforgettable memories together. 

BEACH RIDES
Our Wild Coast safari showcases South Africa’s stunning coastline and its wonderfully varied terrain. Saddle up, and enjoy a week of trail riding along the pristine beaches of the Wild Coast. For a shorter trail, ride on the beautiful Pearly beach, with pristine white sand next to an impossibly blue ocean. Here, you could also opt to visit Hermanus for shark cage diving or do a road trip along South Africa’s famous Garden Route.

TRADITIONAL SAFARIS
If you desire additional time in Africa, we have the option to organize a safari in the private reserves bordering the globally renowned Kruger National Park. There are various types of accommodations available, ranging from basic to luxurious.

CITY ESCAPES
Cape Town is an urban haven, offering local markets, art galleries, a captivating history, gourmet dining establishments, and waterfront shopping districts. However, a brief drive from the city will lead you to some of the planet’s most stunning beaches, breathtaking hiking trails, and submerged forests.

WINE TASTING
Visit the Cape Winelands where you can enjoy wine tasting on horseback for a unique experience in Africa! Known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, this area is known for incredible restaurants, world-renowned wines, gourmet cheeses and hand-crafted chocolate.

CYCLING & MOUNTAIN BIKING
Cape Town is a mecca for cycling enthusiasts who want to cycle some of the most scenic roads in Africa. And for those who are seeking more adventure, many of our horse safaris offer amazing trails for mountain biking. 

THE PANORAMA ROUTE
This scenic part of South Africa offers amazing activities such as hiking, zip lining, quad biking and visits to the wildlife sanctuaries. It’s also the world’s longest green canyon and the views, waterfalls and interesting rock formations make it a photographers dream.

Accommodation

The value and quality for money of accommodations, guided experiences, thrilling activities, and horseback riding adventures in South Africa are unparalleled when compared to other African destinations.

Whether you seek to fully connect with nature in a canvas-tented safari camp where you can listen to the captivating sounds of wildlife throughout the night,  or love the feel of a traditional stone and thatch game lodge, South Africa caters to a diverse range of accommodation preferences. On our Big 5 Horse safari, guests have a luxury trail ride sleeping at a tented camp, a sleepout and a luxury lodge overlooking the waterhole filled with hippos. Both Ants Nest and Horizon Lodge offer more traditional stone and thatch rooms and cottages which are perfect for solo riders, couples, families and groups of friends travelling together.

For those heading to the coast, we offer the tranquil atmosphere of a beachfront hotel, where you can drift off to the soothing sounds of the sea after a day on horseback. You can also awaken to breathtaking vistas of sunlit vineyards while enjoying your stay at a delightful wine farm bed and breakfast. The opportunities for a comfortable and immersive experience during your South African riding safari are truly abundant.

South African Culture

South Africa is woven with captivating and vibrant cultural experiences. Renowned for its diverse culinary offerings and exceptional wines, you’ll be treated to a delightful dining experience following a day on the trail. The region’s abundant agricultural heritage and natural resources, including game meat, cattle, seafood, and crops, result in a flavorful culinary adventure. South Africa’s wine-producing regions are on par with the best in the world, boasting some of the planet’s finest wines. When you combine this unforgettable hospitality and vibrant culture with the thrill of horse riding, you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey.