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We have riding holidays that cater for all riding abilities, even for those who have just started their horse riding adventure.

We have riding holidays that cater for all abilities, even for those who have just started their horse riding adventure. Novice riders have limited horse riding experience, having only been on easy gentle rides. You have some experience in trotting and cantering but not yet well balanced in the saddle or able to rise to trot for long periods of time. Beginner riders might only have ridden once or twice, but are keen to experience horse riding in Africa.

It is, of course, beneficial if you have some riding experience before you go on a horse riding safari but we know that many novice riders join their more experienced riding partners or family members and also want to experience the magic of a horse safari. Some horse riding holidays cater for beginners or novice riders who have only ever been on easy trail rides or ridden in the arena.

Please seek advice from one of our consultants to find an appropriate riding holiday. Our lodge based rides are perfect if you want to join your more experienced riding partners or family members, but you’re not competent enough for long hours in the saddle. While most safaris do not offer lessons as such, beginner riders can head out on gentle trail rides. You will be partnered with schoolmaster horses who are very easygoing and happy to teach you the ropes. Your riding will likely just be walking and trotting, but for those that build up confidence over the course of the week, you might be cantering by the end of your horse riding holiday!

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. And your more experienced partners will still have lots of fun doing longer trails and heading out on faster rides.

Novice 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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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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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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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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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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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 Novice Horse Riding Tours

Are there any safaris that offer riding lessons?

Some of our riding holidays include riding lessons such as our South African Working Holiday which has a mix of flatwork & jumping lessons as well as beautiful safari rides in the bush. Generally it woudl be good if you already know the basics, but at some of the lodges, they can do beginner lessons (sometimes at an extra cost) or take you on lovely long walks to see wildlife on horseback.

Can I go on a horse safari if I’ve just started riding?

Definitely. We have a number of safaris that cater to all levels of riding. We have expert guides that wil help you feel comfortable and safe in the saddle. And although you won’t be riding amongst bigger game, such as big cats and elephants for safety reasons, you will get the chance to see loads of plains game from the saddle.

Are your working holidays good for beginner riders?

We have a fantastic working holiday in South Africa which caters for all riding levels. You will get hands-on flatwork and jumping lessons, as well as some fantastic safari rides during your stay. You’ll also learn grooming, basic veterinary care, feeding and stable management from a brilliant team. We recommend coming for at least 3 weeks to learn as much as you can.

Can I join my more experienced partner on a horse safari?

Absolutely. We have many safari rides that can cater to riders and non-riders alike. While your partner is off on an exciting ride in the bush, you can opt to join bush walks, game drives and many other exciting activities. If you want to ride together, some of our lodge-based rides have guides that can take you out on your own private ride and you can enjoy lovely slow ride through the bush.

How can beginner riders prepare for a horse safari?

Beginner riders can prepare for a horse safari by taking riding lessons, practising proper riding techniques, and familiarising themselves with basic horse care and safety guidelines. Good general fitness and flexibility are also important to give you more confidence in your ability.

Is it dangerous to ride with wildlife as a beginner rider?

If you are a beginner rider, you will likely be riding amongst plains game such as zebra, giraffe and different types of antelope during your stay. You won’t be riding with bigger, more dangerous wildlife such as elephants and big cats. You will have hands-on guides with you during your ride, so that you feel safe and comfortable in the saddle.

What happens in case of an emergency?

During a safari, if you encounter an emergency or feel uncomfortable, the safari operators and guides are well-prepared to handle situations promptly and prioritise your safety, offering adjustments to the safari, supportive assistance, and access to first aid if needed, ensuring your well-being throughout the trip.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AFRICAN HORSE SAFARIS

Riding levelsOur blogHow to choose a horse safari

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A HORSE SAFARI

Fill in the form on our website/social media describing your dream African Horse Safari

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Don't worry if you are not quite sure - This is just an estimate. We are here to help guide you on the best time of year to travel or the best destination for your dates.
African Horse Safaris can organise further travel beyond your horse safari experience. Such as add-on trips to Victoria Falls, Cape Town or vehicle safari.