mini-guides for horse riding holidays in Africa

Are Horse Safari Packages Ethical for the Horses?

Some are, and some genuinely aren’t. It depends entirely on how the individual horse safari operator manages its horses. A responsible horse safari operation should provide appropriate workloads, proper rest, good nutrition, veterinary care and suitable tack, while making sure horses are matched sensibly to the riders who ride them.  At the operations we trust, horse care is part of the daily routine, not something that only happens when a horse needs attention. Most horses are fed two to three times a day, always have access to adequate water, and have grazing available through the night and whenever they’re not being ridden. They have dedicated rest days and, depending on the operation and safari schedule, may have weeks off between safaris.

Is It Worth Booking a Horse Safari Through a Specialist Instead of Direct?

Yes, and it costs you nothing extra. Booking through a specialist like African Horse Safaris is the same price as booking directly with the operator. What you get on top is a team of people who know horse safaris inside out and can help you work out which one is actually right for you. Our team has been on multiple horse safaris across Africa, and between us, we’ve ridden every safari we currently sell. So even if the person you speak to hasn’t personally ridden the particular trip you’re asking about, someone in the team has. We’ve also built up years of experience comparing different rides, operators, horses, riding styles and destinations.

How much does a luxury horseback safari in South Africa cost?

A luxury horseback safari in South Africa realistically runs $2,000 to $6,000 per person for a week, before flights, transfers, gratuities and comprehensive insurance. And that price covers far more than a bed and a horse: luxury accommodation, all meals (breakfast, a 2-course lunch, afternoon tea, sundowners and a 3-course dinner), all drinks — alcoholic and non-alcoholic — all riding on well-trained horses, expert guides, and all activities including game drives, walking safaris, cycling and children’s activities, plus laundry. Lodge-based safaris tend to sit at the lower end of that range. Exclusive Big Five trail-riding safaris with specialist guides and remote camps sit at the higher end.

What Riding Ability Do You Need for a Luxury Horse Safari in South Africa?

It depends on the style of safari, not the country. Lodge-based safaris can offer just as much thrilling riding for experienced riders as any other style. The difference comes down to what you’re riding among, not how good the riding itself is. If you’re less experienced, we recommend safaris in areas with abundant plains game: giraffe, zebra, antelope, sometimes even rhino, but no lions or elephants. These combine shorter rides with game drives and nature walks, giving you a more laidback introduction to horse safaris without losing any of the thrill of being in Africa. For more advanced riders, there are fast-paced rides over varied terrain that make for some of the most thrilling time you’ll spend in a saddle.

When’s the Best Time to Visit the Okavango Delta for a Horse Safari?

When’s the best time to ride Mashatu and the Tuli

When’s the Best Time to See the Zebra Migration in the Kalahari Desert?