Riding Safaris

Explore Africa on the best ‘4×4’

Riding safaris are a popular and exciting way of viewing Africa’s incredible scenery and wildlife. There is something special about cantering alongside an elegant giraffe or galloping amongst the great wildebeest migration. Riders can enjoy exhilarating safaris riding alongside plains wildlife and quietly watching elephant and buffalo.

Our team of experienced riders have  tried and tested every riding safari we offer. Since 1999, we’ve combined our extensive first-hand knowledge of Africa’s best riding safaris with wider expertise in Southern and Eastern Africa’s camps, coasts and cities. If you’re looking for a riding-focused trip or a broader African adventure, we can tailor-make your holiday from beginning to end, including all flights, transfers, and offer financial protection.

Whether you have been riding since you could walk or are new in the saddle there are plenty of options.  For seasoned riders, you can cover significant distances over remote regions on a horse – some beyond the reach of even the strongest four-wheel drive vehicles. Choose from specialist riding safaris lasting several days, fly-camping out under the stars and tacking up at dawn for up to six hours in the saddle. There are fast-paced rides such as Offbeat Riding Safaris and Namibia Horse Safaris over varied terrain that make for some memorable rides. These experiences are designed for riders who feel confident in the open country, so it is a requirement that you’re fit and balanced enough to get out of trouble quickly.

For less experienced riders or those with children who are looking for shorter gentler rides, we recommend safaris in areas that have vast amounts of plains wildlife, but no lions or elephants. These experiences twin short rides with other traditional safari activities, including wildlife drives and nature walks and are designed with the less confident or more relaxed riders in mind. Lodges like Ant’s Nest or Horizon Horseback Safaris in the Waterberg region of South Africa or Borana LodgeSosian Lodge and Ol Malo in Kenya are perfect for this riding experience.

We Recommend…

Talking to our team of riding experts and being honest about your riding ability to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Immerse yourself in incredible wildlife with splashy canters in the Okavango Delta with African Horseback Safaris

Riding across Namibia is a rare treat, see more in this video from Namibia Horse Safari Company

 

Travel Tips

  • Be honest about your riding ability, then we will match you to the most suitable riding safari and your hosts can pick the best horse for you.

  • Take a wide brimmed hat / hard hat, cotton tops covering your shoulders and plenty of sun screen – you are more exposed to the elements on a horse.

  • Children are welcome on many riding safaris but don’t overestimate their stamina and ability.

Trip Ideas

Some of our Riding Safaris Highlights Click on an image to find out more