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Horse-Riding Safaris in Africa

Our favourite way of exploring the bush! An African horse safari is one of the most exhilarating ways of being at one with nature; one gets so close to the wildlife, as the human scent and outline is masked by that of the horse.

Horses are well-suited to the rider, whether they be novice or experienced and we, as riders ourselves, advise you on which safari to choose, based on your capability and when you wish to travel. Whether it’s galloping alongside the migration in the Maasai Mara in Kenya, swimming in rivers bareback with your horse, or riding out for a couple of hours at a sedate pace, we have the finest suggestions in Africa for you!

The Explorations Company, where no two journeys have ever been the same

There are two kinds of African horseback safari. The first is as part of an overall safari, staying at a lodge that offers horse-riding as part of its activities. The second is a dedicated riding safari – which lasts anything from three to ten nights on a ‘proper’ and focused riding safari.

The riding safaris in Africa that we most recommend are in Kenya, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa as well as Tanzania.  If its fast paced riding, then riding alongside the wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara is hard to beat! Spend the day’s riding through infinite, savannah plains amongst huge concentrations of wildlife, with some jumping over logs in between.

In the afternoon, one can go out on a game drive too, and accommodation is based in wonderful, old style tented camps. These safaris can be arranged either privately for your own group, or as part of a small group on a set departure. We also have lots of wonderful riding safaris in the Laikipia plateau – which are completely private – based just upon your own party. Here you can stay at a mixture of farmhouses, tented camps and a fly camp erected just for you. This gives you a wonderful mix of wildlife, culture and scenery.

In Botswana, one can combine the fast pace of the Kalahari Desert with the watery fringes of the Okavango Delta – in terms of contrast in scenery – this really is the Rolls Royce of safaris! We also offer riding in the Tuli Block in Botswana where one can either ride from camp to camp, set up for you – or you can overnight at ranches and guest houses, spending time with farmers and their families, for a more personal touch.

In South Africa, we have some superb riding in the bush, just outside of the Kruger National Park, staying at tented camps and beautiful lodges, where the big five can be seen.

In Namibia, one can ride in the Fish River Canyon as well as in the Namib Desert. For a real sense of space and breathtaking beauty, it is hard to beat Namibia – but this is not a riding safari for somebody wanting to ride with lots of wildlife. T he Fish River Canyon is the largest natural gorge in Africa and a most impressive geological feature displaying the Earth’s history laid out like the pages of a book.  Despite its seeming aridity, this is one of the most diverse biomes on earth – a delight for nature lovers.  Expansive plains invite endless canters in a landscape characterised by meandering gorges and dramatically eroded escarpments. 

The terrain dictates a slower start to this riding safari, so this ride is suitable for intermediate and advanced riders.  From the northern reaches of the Fish River Canyon to the Orange River, this is a spectacularly diverse wonderland! We also offer rides into Damaraland, famous for its desert dwelling rhino and elephant.

The horses are selected for their suitability to the terrain and range from bush-bred horses to thoroughbreds and polo ponies. They are all well-schooled and one usually rides in traditional European/classical style, although there are a few possibilities to ride western, Australian stock and trails-style as well.

We offer the finest horse-riding safari holidays in Africa. Contact us now for further details.

Flying Safaris in Africa - By Private Fixed Wing Aircraft

A Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a unique concept of travel in Africa. It introduces another dimension to a typical African safari, that of the beauty of the continent from the air. Accompanied and guided by experienced pilots who are also experienced safari guides a Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a truly memorable and exclusive experience.

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Flying Safaris in Africa - By Private Helicopter

Epic helicopter journeys exploring corners of Africa that few have been to or even ever heard of. We specialise in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo and Namibia. Our tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular mountains, valleys, forests and deserts, with a focus on ‘remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable’.

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Client testimonials

Take the first step on your extraordinary journey into Africa

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The Explorations Company

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.


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100% Tailor Made

- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements

- Totally unique every time you travel with us

- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a  good and an outstanding holiday

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Priceless Knowledge

- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most

- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover

- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience

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Making a difference

- Philanthropy is our philosophy

- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’

- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities


Would you like to know more?

Our team can help prepare a unique itinerary that best suits your personal interests  – no pressure, just
support and advice. Please complete your information and we will be in touch in no time.

As a guide, the cost of our extraordinary and utterly bespoke journeys tends to start from $1200 per person per day excluding international flights.

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Explore with The Explorations Company

By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017

Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...

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