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We consider riders to be intermediate if they have had a number of lessons, been riding for a fair amount of time and are balanced in the saddle. You are confident in controlling a sensible/quiet and responsive horse at all paces and in the outdoors. You can post/rise in the trot and canter with a balanced seat, but may not be quite used to riding for extended periods or confident at a faster pace.

Intermediate riders are usually more suited to lodge-based horse safaris or working holidays. If you are a novice or intermediate rider, we don’t recommend choosing a ride that is too challenging. You might become anxious, lose your confidence or hold up the rest of the group. But if you trust our team of safari experts to guide you to the right ride for your riding level, you’ll be able to gain so much confidence in the saddle during your horse riding holiday! If you have any doubts, then our lodge based rides are often the best place for your first horse safari, and we can guarantee you that it’s addictive!

If you are a less experienced horse rider we have some amazing horse safaris in areas that have abundant plains game such as giraffe, zebra, antelope and sometimes even rhino, but no lions or elephants. These options combine shorter trail rides with other activities such as game drives and nature walks and are great for less confident riders or groups with mixed ability. You will have a more laidback introduction to horse safaris and still get the thrill of horse riding in Africa.

Remember that riding out in the wilderness might be very different from what you’re used to in the area or back home. You’ll be on trail rides across various different terrains, often having to keep an eye out for animal holes and low hanging tree branches. The joy of horse riding in Africa is being able to get off the beaten path and follow the wildlife trails, which makes for some exciting riding! Even intermediate riders can get close to wildlife on horseback, and it’s a thrill to ride alongside a herd of zebras or gaze up at the beady eyes of a giraffe. And it’s a great incentive to improve your riding skills!

Most of the horses are English Trained, so we recommend that any Western riders take some lessons doing English riding. For intermediate riders, they will give you horses that are sensitive and happy to follow the rest of the herd. The trail horses do respond to neck reining in the bush, however, they are used to being ridden with contact which might be very different from what you’re used to. You will need to become accustomed to posting in the trot and we recommend practicing a two-point canter.

Intermediate Horse Riding Tours

Horse riding in Zanzibar Island

3 nights: From USD $943GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Tropical Island Horse Riding in Zanzibar

  • 3 - 7 Nights
  • Tanzania
  • Beach Focused Horse Safari
Craving a tropical beach adventure complete with horseback swims and cantering across white sandy beaches? Look no further than Zanzibar Island.
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Girl and appaloosa horse doing Natural Horsemanship in Namibia

2 weeks: From USD $GBP £EUR €1580ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing

Natural Horsemanship in Namibia

  • 2 - 12 Weeks
  • Namibia
  • Working Holiday
Immerse yourself in Namibia's beauty while learning natural horsemanship on an unforgettable working holiday
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7 Nights: From USD $GBP £EUR €ZAR R32832AUD $ pp sharing

Moolmanshoek Horse Safari

  • 7 Nights
  • South Africa
  • Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Discover horse and wildlife heaven, with over 200 horses in one of the most scenic spots in South Africa.
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Horse Riding

7 nights: From USD $GBP £EUR €1880ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Kambaku Wildlife Reserve in Namibia

  • 3 - 7 Nights
  • Namibia
  • Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Enjoy wonderful wildlife rides, scenic game drives, tranquil siestas, and dining under the stars at Kambaku
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horse riding in Kenya

3 nights: From USD $2490GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Horse Riding Holiday at Borana Lodge

  • 3 - 10 Nights
  • Kenya
  • Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Immerse yourself in a conservation-focused safari in the foothills of Mount Kenya, combining adventure and purpose.
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7 Nights: From USD $GBP £1881EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Horizon Lodge Signature Horse Safari

  • 7 Nights
  • South Africa
  • Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Explore the beauty of the Waterberg region alongside unique wildlife. This is the ideal trail riding horse safari.
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Horse riders in Swaziland mountains

5 nights: From USD $GBP £EUR €ZAR R18445AUD $ pp sharing

Trail Riding in the Kingdom of Eswatini

  • 5 / 7 / 9 Nights
  • Eswatini (Swaziland)
  • Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Discover one of Africa's last kingdoms on this scenic trail ride, an unforgettable adventure back in time.
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Horse riding in the Mashatu Tuli Botswana

5 nights: From USD $GBP £1240EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Horizon Lodge Riding Holiday

  • 5 - 10 Nights
  • South Africa
  • Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Immerse yourself in the beauty of South Africa's diverse landscapes, where every day reveals a new adventure.
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Horse riding holiday in Zamiba

3 nights: From USD $1650GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Zambian Horse Safari in Simalaha & Victoria Falls

  • 3 / 5 / 7 Nights
  • Zambia
  • Scenery & Wildlife Focused Safari
Embark on a breathtaking journey through the untamed landscapes of Zambia and visit the mighty Victoria Falls.
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Horse riding in the Simalaha Conservancy, Zambia

8 nights: From USD $4035GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Zambian Odyssey Horse Safari

  • 8 - 11 Nights
  • Zambia
  • Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Discover Zambias most incredible safari destinations by horseback, boat, foot and vehicle on this adventure holiday.
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2 weeks: From USD $GBP £1162EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Horse Riding Working Holiday at African Dream

  • 2 - 12 Weeks
  • South Africa
  • Working Holiday
Live the African dream by spending a few life-changing weeks out in the South African bush working with horses
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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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3 nights: From USD $GBP £EUR €ZAR R25350AUD $ pp sharing

Horse Riding in the Cape Winelands

  • 3 - 7 Nights
  • South Africa
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
Enjoy riding through some of South Africa's most picturesque Winelands - wining and dining along the way.
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3 Nights: From USD $3690GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Kalahari & Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Ride

  • 3 - 5 Nights
  • Botswana
  • Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Embark on an otherworldly adventure as you canter across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans alongside unique desert wildlife.
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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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FAQ For Intermediate Horse Riding Tours

What do you mean by intermediate horse rider?

We consider riders to be intermediate if they have had a number of lessons, been riding for a fair amount of time and are balanced in the saddle. You are confident in controlling a sensible/quiet and responsive horse at all paces and in the outdoors. You can post/rise in the trot and canter with a balanced seat, but may not be quite used to riding for extended periods or confident at a faster pace.

Is there a riding test that I need to do?

For some of our rides in areas with bigger wildlife, there is a test where the guides will assess your riding ability. This involves trotting and cantering away from the group of horses, and bringing your horse back at a steady and controlled paced.

Can I still see wildlife even if I’m not that experienced?

For riders with less experience, we offer incredible horse safaris in ares abundant with plains game like giraffe, zebra, and antelope, occasionally featuring rhinos but excluding lions or elephants. These choices blend shorter trail rides with additional activities like game drives and nature walks, making them ideal for individuals or groups with varying riding abilities. It provides a relaxed initiation to horse safaris, ensuring a more laid-back experience while still enjoying the exhilaration of horse riding in Africa.

Will I be assigned the same horse throughout the safari?

This depends on which horse safari you decide to join, as well as the length of the safari. In some cases, you may be assigned one horse for the duration, while in others, you might ride different horses during your riding holiday. For intermediate riders, we generally recommend a lodge-based ride where you’ll have a variety of amazing safari horses to choose from.

Can I go on a horse safari if I haven’t ridden in a few years?

Absolutely. We have many safari rides that cater to all riding and fitness levels. We have something for everyone to enjoy and are experts in finding the perfect horse-riding safari for every traveller. Our lodge-based rides and shorter trail rides are the perfect way to grow your confidence in the saddle.

Do you have horse safaris for nervous riders?

Absolutely! We have a number of rides that cater to nervous riders where you will be matched with the right horse and given the assistance you need. You will be made sure to feel comfortable and safe whilst enjoying the magic that Africa has to offer.

Can I still do a trail ride if I’m an intermediate rider?

Yes! We can take intermediate riders on shorter trail rides such as our 4 night mini-Wild Coast ride, or our safari in Zambia (when the entire camp is booked) We do recommend a lodge-based ride like riding in the Ants Reserve, or at Horizon Lodge where you can easily have a break from the saddle and build up your confidence.

What level of fitness do I need to have?

While our riding holidays are generally accessible to intermediate riders, maintaining a moderate level of fitness can enhance the overall experience. Regular riding or other forms of exercise like walking, cycling, running and even yoga can be beneficial.

Can I join my more experienced partner on a safari?

Yes! If you’d like to ride together, then we have some great lodges that we can recommend which offer a more tailored experience so just you and your partner or family can ride together. That means that the pace can be adjusted to suit your riding level and confidence. If the more experienced riders want to go faster, the group can split up so they still get some great canters while you keep a more sedate pace. If you’re keen to ride more, we recommend at least a week on safari to build up your own confidence, and paired with the perfect safari horse, you might be cantering alongside your partner by the end of your trip.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AFRICAN HORSE SAFARIS

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