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For anyone that loves horses, a picture of white sandy beach does not only conjure up images of sunbathing and cocktails. Their first thought is likely of exhilarating gallops across the untouched sand! There are few things in life as thrilling as a fast canter with your horse’s hooves throwing up a salty spray around you.

One of the most popular types of holiday is a beach vacation – and it’s easy to see why. The idea of sun, sea and sand is enough to entice anyone to travel across the globe. Africa offers tropical paradises, deserted beaches, windswept desert coastlines and bucket list beach experiences. Add horses and you have the perfect equestrian escape! Coastal riding holidays not only appeal to those seeking a romantic getaway, but families looking for a quiet escape or intrepid travellers craving adventure.

Africa is undoubtedly famous for its incredible wildlife, but it also boasts some of the world’s most unspoiled beaches. Picture white sand and azure water in Mozambique and Zanzibar, miles of untouched beaches in South Africa, waves crashing on golden sands in Morocco and swimming on horseback in Egypt’s Red Sea. Whether you’re wandering along the water’s edge or cantering across the white sand, a beach riding holiday is hard to beat! And after a long day in the saddle, it’s easy to become hypnotised by the golden waves in the afternoon sun. You might just pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming!

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For More Info About our Beach riding Holidays

Horse riding Swakopmund

9 nights: From USD $GBP £5350EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Skeleton Coast & Damaraland Ride

  • 9 Nights
  • Namibia
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
Embark on a challenging and awe-inspiring horseback adventure to discover two of the most remote areas on the planet.
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Horse riding Holiday in Morocco following the coastal trail

7 nights: From USD $GBP £EUR €1137ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Essaouira Coastal Trail Ride

  • 7 Nights
  • Morocco
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
From the exotic argan forests to the endless beaches, the exhilaration of riding Moroccan coast is second to none.
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7 nights: USD $GBP £2999EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Tombs, Dunes & Kingdoms

  • 7 Nights
  • Egypt
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
A new thrilling ride that combines riding in Luxor and Fayoum, with the chance to add on colourful Aswan and Abu Simble.
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7 nights: USD $GBP £2199EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Palms, Pyramids & Pharaohs on Horseback

  • 7 Nights
  • Egypt
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
Discover the best of Egypt on horseback - ancient wonders, breathtaking scenery and thrilling riding.
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4 nights: USD $GBP £EUR €ZAR R21000AUD $ pp sharing

Wild Coast Beach Trail

  • 4 / 7 Nights
  • South Africa
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
Experience the untamed allure of the Wild Coast Trail, where rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and adventures await.
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Horse riding on the Wild Coast of South Africa

12 nights: From USD $GBP £5360EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Wildlife & Waves – Tuli & Wild Coast Trail

  • 12 / 16 Nights
  • South Africa & Botswana
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
For intrepid travellers, this adventure combines riding on untouched beaches and incredible wildlife from the saddle.
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8 nights: From USD $GBP £3800EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Fairytales of Fayoum on Horseback

  • 8 Nights
  • Egypt
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
Explore the oasis of Fayoum, the ancient city of Luxor, and tick of galloping in front of the pyramids of Giza.
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Tropical half underwater horse and rider

3 nights: From USD $2399GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Surf & Turf Horse Safari in Mozambique

  • 3 - 7 Nights
  • Mozambique
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
A horse riding holiday in Mozambique is an unparalleled experience for those who love all things exotic.
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horses galloping on the beach

What makes beach riding so special?

Riding next to the ocean offers so much variety – from tranquil horseback swims to thrilling beach canters, challenging river crossings to riding along a clifftop with the whole world spread out around you. Plus, you never know what you might see, from long-horned cows milling around on the beach to dolphins playing in the waves. The horses seem to love the beach as much as the riders do, with even the most serious horse acting like a clown in the surf. And for the experienced rider the beach is the perfect place to stand up in your stirrups and let your horse stretch out beneath you – It’s like flying without wings!

Tropical half underwater horse and rider

Riding experience for your beach escape

Whether you’re a novice rider looking for a leisurely stroll along an exotic beach or an experienced rider craving an exhilarating beach canter, we have a ride that suits everyone. One of the best things about riding on the beach is being able to have fun! Beach riding vacations in  Zanzibar and Mozambique offer shorter beach rides and horseback swims that even novice riders can enjoy.

Beach rides are great for faster riding, so being confident in the saddle and in control, allows you to really experience the magic of coastal riding holidays. For more experienced riders, we have various horse-riding vacations in Africa to make your dreams come true. With the sea and sand extending for kilometers before you, it’s as close to paradise as you can get. Beach rides are a mixture of splashing in the surf, meandering trots through the coastal vegetation and thrilling canters across the sand. We have some great multi-day beach rides in South Africa, Morocco and Egypt for those seeking adventure.

Z Hotel Zanzibar Pool

Accommodation on your Beach Riding Holiday

Africa’s coastline offers varied beach escapes and unique accommodation to suit every traveller. If you want to step out of your comfort zone, join the camping trail ride along Morocco’s coastline. Here you will fall asleep in a cozy tent with your horse tethered nearby. Horse riding holidays along South Africa’s Wild Coast, Morocco’s Essaouira Trail and Egypt’s Red Sea, offer comfortable local guesthouses along the route. Specifically chosen, they offer warm hospitality, local cuisine, and beautiful backdrops to watch the sunset after a long day in the saddle. Mozambique offers a luxury beachside villa, complete with ornate wooden furniture, fluffy white robes and tropical cocktails. And on Zanzibar, you find a boutique hotel with incredible views of the crystal clear ocean beyond.

Horse Riding in Mozambique

Year-round beach horse riding

Most of Africa’s beach destinations offer unbeatable riding weather year-round. Summer on the Wild Coast, Mozambique and Zanzibar are sub-tropically warm with a few thunderstorms to break the heat. Winters are sunny and mild, so you can still enjoy splashy canters and horseback swims. These are also the best months for wildlife viewing – how about a bush and beach combination horse safari? Our rides in Morocco and Egypt take advantage of the cool sea breezes to beat the desert heat with the best riding months being in the Autumn and Spring.

Scuba Diving Zanzibar

Magic out of the saddle

Beach holidays in Africa are not only bucket list vacations, but perfect family escapes. In tropial places like Zanzibar and Mozambique, days are a mix of riding and other exciting activities such as canoe trips, sailing traditional boats, snorkelling and getting a taste of the local culture. In Egypt, spend your mornings exploring the fascinating temples and your afternoons galloping along the white beaches. In Makadi Bay, leave the stables behind and set off on a boat trip to swim in the Red Sea with wild dolphins. Visit the local fishing villages in Morocco and learn the desert secrets. Explore the Wild Coast on foot, ambling along the secluded beaches, unwinding on a secret island, or embracing “Africa Time” at the local pub overlooking the sea.

FAQs

Where can I go swimming on horseback in Africa?

There is nothing more special than going swimming on horseback! Add Africa to it, and you have the perfect equestrian adventure! The tropical paradises of Mozambique and Zanzibar offer the perfect place to slip off the saddle and go for a bareback ride into the azure waters. Our horse riding holiday in Luxor also offers you the chance to swim in the Red Sea on horseback.

Is horse riding on the beach suitable for beginners?

Yes, many of beach horse riding experiences cater to riders of all levels, including beginners. The horses are well-trained, and professional guides give support to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride in the surf or horseback swim. Zanzibar and Mozambique are perfect for beginners who want to experience the thrill of riding on the beach for the first or hundredth time! But our rides on the Wild Coast, in Namibia and Egypt, are more suitable for intermediate plus riders who are more confident in the saddle.

Are there weight restrictions for riding on the beach?

Weight restrictions may apply, and they vary depending on the operator and the horses they have. Most of our rides have a strict weight limit of 95kg (220lbs) to ensure the safety of the riders and comfort of the horses.

What is the best time of year for a beach horse riding holiday?

The ideal time can vary depending on the location, although Africa’s coastline offers amazing riding year round. October – March on the Wild Coast, Mozambique and Zanzibar are sub-tropically warm with a few thunderstorms to break the heat. April – September, are sunny and mild, and offer great riding, splashy canters and horseback swims. These are also the best months for wildlife viewing – how about a bush and beach combination horse safari? Our rides in Morocco and Egypt take advantage of the cool sea breezes to beat the desert heat with the best riding months being October to May. 

Can I take photos during the ride?

Yes, we encourage guests to bring cameras or smartphones for capturing the beautiful scenery and the unique experience! However, it’s important to follow any guidelines provided by the operator to ensure safety. We also recommend a pop socket and a water proof case so your phone doesn’t get too wet!

Can I combine a beach riding holiday with a horse safari?

Yes! Our team of safari specialists can create a bespoke riding holiday just for you. And bush and beach riding is one of our favourites! We started with our Wildlife and Waves trail, which combines the Wild Coast with the Tuli Trail, but we can add Zanzibar, Mozambique and the Kenyan coast to any of our horse riding safaris.

Are beach horse riding holidays suitable for families?

Beach riding holidays are great for families! Kids of all ages can head out to Zanzibar and Mozambique and we can create tailor-designed packages for them. If you want to experience the Wild Coast of South Africa, then it’s best to book a private ride for your family group so we can ensure everyone, from Grandparents to the little ones, have the best riding holiday

Where is the most romantic place for horse riding on the beach?

Horse riding in Zanzibar offers an incredible honeymoon experience and can easily be combined with a safari in Tanzania or Kenya. Mozambique, with its tropical climate, is ideal for those looking for romance; you can’t beat a holiday on Benguerra Island. It is an exotic combination of luxury lodging with exciting activities such as horse riding on the beach, snorkelling and world-class scuba diving.

Can my non-riding partner join me on a riding holiday?

Yes! Beach holidays in Africa are not only bucket list vacations but perfect for non-riders. In tropical places like Zanzibar and Mozambique, days are a mix of riding and other exciting activities such as canoe trips, sailing traditional boats, snorkelling, scuba diving, kite surfing and getting a taste of the local culture.

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