10 African Riding Safaris for Beginners
Although some riding safari options require that you are an expert rider, proficient at all paces, there are plenty of others where children, beginners or novice riders can enjoy a riding safari experience. Here’s our pick of some of the best African riding safaris for groups with beginners and mixed ability riders to suit all … I’m a keen rider with my own horse and have ridden since I was little. My husband is less competent and my girls need gentle easy horses to even persuade them to ride, so I’ve got a good idea where everyone from beginner to expert can have an enjoyable riding holiday in Africa.
South Africa riding for beginners and novice riders
South Africa has perhaps the greatest variety, from exhilarating riding in the Kruger National Park with Wait a Little to beach rides and gymkhana games. Head to the malaria-free Waterberg region and you’ll find Ant’s Nest and Hill riding, and Horizon Horseback Safaris offering a wonderful range of riding safari options. Journey into the Kalahari desert to Tswalu Lodge for guided rides among the grassy plains and rolling dunes.
1. Ant’s Nest and Hill Riding, Waterburg
Family favourite Ant’s has around 90 horses from fabulous children’s ponies to feisty Thoroughbreds. Basic lessons are available for non-riders and some guests even learn to ride and gain confidence here.
Children getting up close with animals, Ants Hill and Ants Nest, South Africa
2. Horizon Horseback, Waterburg
Horizon also offer riding holidays for the less experienced. There are no dangerous animals on the ‘home reserve’ and the plains game is incredibly calm here, making for exciting animal encounters on horseback for those without the experience to take the longer, faster multi-day rides.
Fun for all the family, Horizon Horseback, South Africa
3. Wait a Little Safaris, Kruger Region
Some lodges even offer safaris to brush up on your riding skills. Wait a Little Safaris’ ‘fit for safari’ ride is designed to improve your riding skills. Mornings are spent in the arena with practical lessons while afternoons can be spent out on safari. As you are likely to encounter big game while out on safari, participants need to be able to ride to a decent standard, but it’s an unusual and interesting way to improve and learn.
Riding in the school at Wait a Little, South Africa
4. Tswalu Lodge, Kalahari
The breathtakingly beautiful scenery at Tswalu Lodge is enough to inspire anyone to explore on horseback. There are mounts to suit everyone and experienced equestrian guides will ensure everyone from the nervous novice to advanced rider has a wonderful holiday amid the grassy plains and rolling dunes in this corner of the Kalahari.
Children riding with guide at Tswalu, South Africa
Kenya riding for beginners to experts
Kenya is another country offering a good range of riding safaris. For the experts there’s fast-paced riding adventure through the Masai Mara reserve alongside the great wildebeest migration. But there are still plenty of riding holidays for the less experienced.
5. Borana Lodge, Laikipia
Borana Lodge has three different stables housing its horses, with one offering ‘patent safety’ horses trained to be careful with children and novice riders. These steady animals will carry guests on the plains where they can ride among giraffe, impala and zebra, experiencing what it’s like to get up close and personal with African wildlife.
Children stroking the horses at Borana Lodge.
6. Ol Malo, Laikipia
Ol Malo is another where you can take a gentle ride into the African bush from the lodge. Some experience is necessary here as you might encounter elephant while riding but the pace is gentle so suitable to those more comfortable at walk and trot.
Sunset ride at Ol Malo, Kenya
Namibia riding – mostly fast but some gentler riding
Because the wide open desert landscape lends itself to faster riding, most riding holidays in Namibia tend to be for experienced riders however we have included one lodge suited to beginners.
7. Desert Homestead, Sossusvlei
Famous for its guided trails into the Namib desert. Riders go out at first light or close to sunset when the colours of this ancient landscape are at their most striking. Beginners are just as welcome to join in the fun as experienced riders.
Golden Namibian sunshine, Desert Homestead, Namibia
Mozambique riding – Walk or gallop down deserted beaches
Many coastal properties offer riding as an activity and rarely do you need to be an expert here. In fact, where better to hone your skills than on a flat sandy shoreline.
8. White Pearl Lodge
White Pearl Lodge offers peaceful rides along the totally deserted coastline.
Fabulous beach riding, White Pearl Lodge, Mozambique
9. Mozambique Horse Safaris
For those with a little experience Mozambique Horse Safaris organise tailored riding holidays along the southern coastline around Vilanculos and on the gorgeous Benguerra Island.
Ride across beautiful safe beaches with Mozambique Horse Safaris
What next?
Our team of specialists has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice on planning every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. Do get in touch – chatting to people in person, by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. Whether this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.
Camel safari, Kenya, Laikipia, 
Luxury safari accommodation Waterberg, South Africa, 
Hippos on a walking safari, South Luangwa, Zambia, 
Hello
I would love to have an idea of a the price of an intensive horse riding safari
I am super advanced rider
I have my own horse in France
I would love to meet the big fives
Thanks
Valerie
Dear Valerie, I believe one of our travel experts has been in touch. We look forward to helping you plan your dream riding safari. Best wishes, Katy