Riding on safari for beginners
Although some riding safaris require that you be an expert rider proficient at all paces, there are plenty of riding safari options that are perfect for beginners, children, and novice riders. Here’s our pick of some of the best African riding for groups travelling with riders of different levels of experience.
Where to go for beginner-friendly riding in Africa
South Africa
South Africa has perhaps the greatest variety, from exhilarating riding in the Kruger National Park to beach rides and gymkhana games. Head to the malaria-free Waterberg region and you’ll find Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill, and Horizon Horseback Safaris offering a wonderful range of riding safari options.
There are horses and ponies for all abilities at Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill
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.
Horizon Horseback Safaris 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, allowing safe animal encounters on horseback for those without the experience to take the longer, faster multi-day rides.
Wonderful wildlife viewing Horizon Horseback Safaris
The breathtakingly beautiful scenery at Tswalu is enough to inspire anyone to explore on horseback. There are mounts to suit all abilities and experienced equestrian guides will ensure everyone can enjoy riding through the grassy plains and rolling dunes in this corner of the Kalahari.
Gentle riding at Tswalu
Kenya
Kenya is another country offering a good range of riding safaris. It’s famous for fast paced riding through the Masai Mara but there are still plenty of riding holidays for the less experienced. Borana Lodge has three different stables housing its horses, with one offering ‘patent safety’ horses ideal for 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. Lewa Wilderness is another good choice if you are travelling with novice riders and want a steady ride for an hour or so.
Relaxed scenic ride at Borana Lodge – Photo Credit James Lewin
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.
Enjoying the scenery at Lewa Wilderness
Namibia
Because the wide open desert landscape lends itself to faster riding, most riding holidays in Namibia tend to be for experienced riders. But Desert Homestead is 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.
Stunning dramatic landscapes at Desert Homstead
Mozambique
Several beach lodges on the Mozambique coast offer riding, and 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.
Lucinda enjoying a swim with her horse at Mozambique Horse Safaris
For more inspiration on where to find riding safaris for all in Africa click here.
What next?
Get inspired and sign up for our free Insider’s Guide to Africa. 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, 
Does anywhere do disabled riding?
Dear Christine, thank you for your query I have passed your details onto our riding expert Lucinda who will be in touch soon. Best wishes, Katy
Hello I am not a beginner but experienced rider but I am interested in your safaris can I have more details please
Dear Margaret, I have passed your details on to one of our riding experts who will be in touch with some more details very soon. Best wishes, Maggie.
Can I have a price list please?
Dear Cal, I have sent your details to our riding experts who will be in touch soon. All the best, Katy
Hi, could I get an idea of prices please?
Thank!
Dear Marie, I have forwarded your details on to our travel experts who will be in touch with some price details soon. All the best, Maggie.
I’m interested in knowing more details
Dear Kathleen, I have passed your details on to our team and one of the riding experts will be in touch with some more information soon.
Hi
Do you have a weight limit please
Dear Rosemary, the weight limits vary depending on the type of riding safari. Mobile riding safaris generally have lower limits, ranging from 84–95kg, while lodge-based riding can accommodate higher limits, typically between 90–110kg. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Best wishes, Maggie.
Do offer any combination holidays for riders and non or novice riders? I’ve had horses for over 20 years, but my husband isn’t keen on riding…. so a place where I duke have a couple of rides out and then non ridden options?
Dear Martina, there are several fantastic lodge based riding options across southern and eastern Africa. I have passed on your details to our travel experts who will be in touch with some more details. All the best, Maggie
Hi could you please provide more details and prices please
Dear Jayne, I have passed your message on to one of our riding safari expert’s, who will be in touch with these details soon. Best wishes, Maggie
Hi can you send me more details and prices please. Im an experienced rider.
Dear Christine, I hope you enjoyed our blog. One of our riding experts will be in touch very soon. Many thanks, Katy
Hi could you please provide more details and prices please
Dear Angela, of course, one of our riding experts will be in touch very soon. Many thanks, Katy