Horse Riding in Uganda - African Horse Safaris

Uganda is home to Africa’s tallest mountain range, the source of the iconic river Nile and some of the most diverse wildlife in Africa. Horse riding in Uganda is an unforgettable scenic and cultural experience.

Discover local Africa as you ride through lush plantations, traditional villages and mystical jungles. Uganda is home to Africa’s tallest mountain range, the source of the world’s longest river, the continent’s largest lake and unique wildlife. Immerse yourself in the traditional Ugandan culture as you ride through Uganda’s local villages, pristine farmlands and picturesque plantations. Discover wild Uganda with horse rides through misty jungles in search or rare primates and colourful birds.

For the more adventurous explorers, you can combine a horse riding vacation here with trekking through the misty mountains in search of the iconic mountain gorillas and curious chimpanzees. We can also arrange an overland trip to visit some of the National Parks to see other incredible wildlife – the possibilities are endless.

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For More Info About Horse Riding in Uganda

EXPLORE HORSE SAFARIS IN UGANDA

11 nights: From $7200 pp sharing

Ultimate Uganda – Horse Riding & Gorilla Trekking

11 nights
Uganda
Scenery Focused Horse Safari

Combine two bucket list expereinces: horse riding along the River Nile and Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest.

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7 nights: From USD $4800 pp sharing

River Nile Horse Safari – Uganda

7 Nights
Uganda
Scenery Focused Horse Safari

An incredible trail ride along the River Nile, through sugar cane fields, rural villages and lush jungles.

Find out more

OVERVIEW OF HORSE SAFARIS IN UGANDA

Uganda is often overlooked because of its past, but adventure tourism has brought new light to this incredible destination. This unique horse safari offers terrific riding around the source of the world’s longest river, the River Nile. Explore lush green rain-forests, feeling like jungle explorers in search of rare birds and monkeys, cross swamps and gallop up hills to see what incredible scenery lies beyond. Spend a day horse riding along the edge of the magic Lake Victoria before following the edge of the river to its source in Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital.

Experience authentic rural Africa, riding through traditional Ugandan villages, wonderful sugar cane and tea plantations and vast open farmland. Uganda is the perfect destination for those looking for something off the beaten track and caters for families, couples or the intrepid solo traveller. While they can take riders with less experience, it is most enjoyable for intermediate and above riders who enjoy hours of fast paced riding over ever-changing terrain.

Ride locations

The River Nile

While most regard the Iconic River Nile as the lifeline of the ancient Egyptian civilization, explorers traced the source back to the lush green valleys of Uganda. Sharing a border with 10 other African countries, this incredible force of nature has changed landscapes and created an Eden waiting to be explored. Along the shores, you’ll find rural villages where you get a glimpse of the local culture. And away from the sparkling river, you’ll ride through lush forests, emerald plantations interlaced with red clay roads, and open grasslands which are perfect for long, dreamy canters.

Ride along the edge of the longest river in the world

Safari Highlights

FUN, FAST RIDING
When riding in Uganda, the dirt roads through the pristine farmlands are perfect for an adrenaline-filled gallop before a cooling horseback swim in the river. The horses are all incredibly well-trained, many of them event in the off season, so they are fit, responsive and fun to ride.

RIDE ALONG THE RIVER NILE
While most associate the Nile with ancient Egypt, explorers traced the source back to the lush green valleys of Uganda. Horse riding along the longest river in the world allows you to travel back in time and should be a bucket list experience for any adventure enthusiast. This incredible force of nature has changed landscapes and created an African Eden waiting to be explored on horseback.

RIDING THROUGH COFFEE PLANTATIONS
Wake up to the warm, rich aroma of the world-renowned coffee grown on your doorstep before seeing where it is cultivated. The lush coffee and tea plantations make for a great backdrop to your day in the saddle.

EXPLORE THE FORESTS
While you won’t be able to track the gorillas on horseback, riding through the misty Mabira rain-forests gives you the chance to come face to face with mischievous Mangabey monkeys as well as 9 of their curious cousins. With countless bird species and butterflies, the forests offer unique riding tours.

GORILLAS ADD-ON
We highly recommend adding on a few nights on the banks of Lake Mutanda so that you can go tick off the bucket list experience of seeing gorillas in the wild. For most the highlight is found trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but you can also discover tree-climbing lions in the Queen National Park and inquisitive chimps in Kibale Forest.

Horse Riding in Uganda, galloping through the coffee plantations

The varied terrain allows for some fun, fast riding

The trails wind through the rural Ugandan villages

Activities

SWIMMING ON HORSEBACK IN THE RIVER NILE
Swimming on horses in the Nile River offers a refreshing and exciting way to explore the natural wonders of Uganda! The area around Jinja doesn’t have any crocodiles or hippos, and the horses love having a cooling swim after a long day on the trail.

GORILLA TREKKING
Uganda is renowned for its mountain gorilla population. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer opportunities for gorilla trekking, providing a chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

GAME DRIVES
Uganda is home to a variety of national parks and reserves, including Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park, where you can go on safaris to see elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of bird species.

WHITE WATER RAFTING
Experience adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting on the Nile River near Jinja. Often referred to as the “Adventure Capital of East Africa,” Jinga is located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria and is famous for being the source of the Nile.

MEET THE BATWA PEOPLE
The Batwa, also known as the Twa or Abatwa, are indigenous pygmy hunter-gatherer communities who have historically inhabited the forested regions of Central and East Africa. They are skilled in using the forest’s resources for food, shelter, and medicine, but have been displaced due to demand for farmland. Be part of preserving their unique culture.

Swimming on horseback in the River Nile, Uganda

Swimming on horseback is always a highlight

Tick gorilla trekking off your bucket list

Accommodation

Trail riding through the Ugandan countryside allows you to explore the diverse range of unique and memorable lodges. These are on the more rustic side, but set in incredible locations. From eco-friendly hotels with breathtaking panoramic views of the River Nile to secluded cabins set deep within the magical Mabira rainforest. The highlight for many is spending a few nights on a remote island in the middle of the Nile – only reached by boat and with rapids all around, this surreal lodge is straight out of a fantasy novel.

Many of the lodges in Uganda offer a large range of adventure activities to compliment your horseback riding holiday; from serene nature walks and picnics for the romantics to wild water rafting, bungee jumping and jet boating for the adventure junkies. With relatively low tourist numbers, this is a haven for those looking for a unique African adventure.

Wild Waters Lodge in the middle of the Nile

Ugandan Culture

Uganda has transformed itself from a country with a troubled past to one of understated prosperity. Riding in Uganda, you will see a diverse culture influenced with hints of Asia, India and Europe – but holding on to their rich African traditions. A horse riding vacation means immersing yourself in the rural Ugandan culture as you ride through colourful villages with wide-eyed children following in the horse’s wake. Many guests visit the local schools, explore the craft markets and try the traditional food, filled with rich African flavour.

A school of children seen through a horses ears

Riders are often followed by a trail of singing children

UGANDA SAFARI FAQs

How safe is Uganda?

Uganda is generally a safe and stable country. When in Entebbe, use the same precautions that you would in any town or city. When you venture out on your horse safari, you will be in rural areas where even petty crime is a rare occurrence. From the moment you step off the plane, you will have a team of qualified local guides to ensure you experience the warm Ugandan hospitality.

Can I combine a horse safari with gorilla trekking?

Yes! Uganda is perfect for those searching for something off the beaten track – horse riding and gorilla trekking offer just that! Your horse riding safari starts and ends in Entebbe, as does the gorilla trekking. From Entebbe it is a short flight to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where your primate adventure begins. Chat to us about extending your stay in Uganda.

Can I swim on horseback in the river Nile?

Swimming with your horse is a highlight of the Nile River Horse Safari. Start a morning at the Haven Lodge with a horse ride down to the sandy beach and swimming bareback through the swirling waters of the Nile River – a bucket list experience!

Can I see the big five in Uganda

While Uganda is best known for incredible gorilla and chimpanzee encounters, it offers so much more. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best reserve in the country for wildlife diversity and famous tree-climbing lions, and Murchison Falls National Park for large herds of elephant, giraffe and buffalo. Due to poaching in the past, rhino can only be found in sanctuaries and by going on a horse safari in Uganda, you directly contribute to saving these tubby unicorns. Chat to us about visiting these local parks.

How far in advance do I need to book my horse safari in Uganda?

We generally recommend booking equestrian safaris at least 6 months to a year in advance. If you would like to combine your horseback riding with gorilla trekking, we would need to check whether there are permits available for your time-frame – these are very popular and sometimes sell out up to a year in advance, so this is not a trip you can book spontaneously.

RECENT UGANDA REVIEWS

“I used African horse safari to book out Uganda horse riding safari and gorilla trekking. From start to finish the process was so easy - quick responses and great information sharing. The trip itself was just epic - loved every moment. Wild frontiers was the on the ground company for the gorillas and they were amazing - we also tagged on an afternoon swamp tour in Entebbe to fill the time which then was also fantastic. The horse riding with nile horseback safaris was incredible, fit strong horses, amazing guides, wonderful lodges and exciting interesting rides. Lovely food and just couldn’t recommend this tour more. So well organised and I can’t wait to go back!!! Just amazing. Such an experience seeing people and life in Uganda is unique and special! Amazing scenery and a taste of real africa! Don’t hesitate just go!
Ps also rafting was so much fun!!”
Julie HawkinsUltimate Uganda - Uganda

“Just came back from an AMAZING trip to Uganda, riding beautiful and wonderfully trained horses along the Nile and Lake Victoria. The "organized chaos" of the city was both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time! Then the next day onto a 4 hours road trip to Jinja where we were welcomed by the amazing team over there, with a wonderful lunch with a view over the Nile, and then off to an afternoon ride to get to know our horses. Horses perfectly matched to us! The rest of the safari week was just a blast! From fast galop in the sugar cane fields or through villages where the local kids welcomed us every time and everywhere shrieking with excitement at the sighting of horses, to walks through the beautiful forest and seeing Mangabey, red tailed and velvet monkeys, and every day some wonderfully home-cooked lunch with breathtaking views! The different accommodation we stayed in were absolutely great, big rooms, lovely food and views to die for! After saying goodbye to our new friends and horses at the end of the safari, we got back to Entebbe for an early flight the next day to Kisoro, and onward to Lake Mutanda and the astonishing Bwindi forest where we saw mountain Gorillas in the wild. I mean, talk about the experience of a lifetime!! I cannot actually find the words to describe it!”
Caroline LaurensNile Horse Safari and Gorilla Trekking - Uganda

“Riding was superb. Nat and TJ fantastic hosts , really looked after us and gave us 110% to make it so so good. I would challenge you to beat this one !!! Horses were great. - I rode a new one Gentleman Jack - he was 5 and they only had him 4 months. This was his 1st safari, and he did so well! Absolutely bomb-proof which is incredible, given that there are trucks, cows, people and boda bodas everywhere! Nat kept a close eye on him to make sure he was always comfortable.. But he fantastic , not as fit as the others but I didn't mind - he's not used to the hills. All in all, what an incredible adventure, thanks Isabel and team!”
Fiona BryneNile Horse Safari - Uganda

“I thought the African Safari we did with you in 2019 was Epic… but this trip was even better!!! All the horses were fantastic, well fed, well cared for and definitely loved by the whole team. The best day has to be when we visited the school, rode through plantations and more rural villages, then had a paddle in the lake.. a very varied day. The scenery is breathtaking and the people are just so friendly and happy. The gorillas were just ‘wow! I have no words, we were so close to them, a family, with a baby … they were so content with us being there.. we managed to get within 2 meters distance. ”
Nicki Banks Ultimate Uganda - Uganda

“I had the most incredible time in Uganda.
Nat and TJ were fantastic hosts as was their daughter Kya and her friend Emilia. I feel like I learned so much about the country and what it means to live there from them. The horses were fantastic ... unbelievably fit, willing and 100% bombproof. Just WOW! The riding was great with lots of canters and gallops along the way. The lodges where we stayed were beautiful. What stood out the most for me though was the cultural experience. I loved riding through those little villages, getting an insight into their way of life and coming into contact with the locals. I have rarely encountered such friendly, welcoming people as I have in Uganda and the fact that they speak English allowed us to communicate, ask questions and share about our very different lives with each other. It was just magical. I also really enjoyed the day we had in Entebbe. Janelle and I explored town on a boda boda, which was great fun. The second part of the trip to the Gorillas and then on to Rwanda was also just amazing and perfectly organized. I experienced so much in those two weeks, that it felt like I was there for a month and I loved every second of it. ”
Jennifer HipflUltimate Uganda - Uganda

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September 14, 2020

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Given the current circumstances, many of our clients are wondering: When will I be able to travel to Africa again? The answer - NOW! To make it easy, we have…

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Uganda

Uganda is home to Africa’s tallest mountain range, the source of the iconic river Nile and some of the most diverse wildlife in Africa. Horse riding in Uganda is an unforgettable scenic and cultural experience.

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Horse Riding Adventures in Uganda

Uganda is home to Africa’s tallest mountain range, the source of the iconic river Nile and some of the most diverse wildlife in Africa. Horse riding in Uganda is an unforgettable scenic and cultural experience.

EXPLORE HORSE SAFARIS IN UGANDA

Ultimate Uganda – Horse Riding & Gorilla Trekking

River Nile Horse Safari – Uganda

OVERVIEW OF HORSE SAFARIS IN UGANDA

Ride locations

The River Nile

Safari Highlights

Activities

Accommodation

Ugandan Culture

UGANDA SAFARI FAQs

How safe is Uganda?

Can I combine a horse safari with gorilla trekking?

Can I swim on horseback in the river Nile?

Can I see the big five in Uganda

How far in advance do I need to book my horse safari in Uganda?

RECENT UGANDA REVIEWS

READ BLOGS ABOUT UGANDA

Where can you travel in Africa right now?

BROWSE MORE HORSE SAFARI DESTINATIONS

South Africa

Tanzania

Kenya

Botswana

Eswatini

Egypt

Morocco

Mozambique

Namibia

Uganda

Zambia

Zimbabwe

New Country

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A HORSE SAFARI

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