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.