Where to go before and after your African riding safari
An African riding safari is, for me, the ultimate high. There is simply nothing like tracking a leopard through the ears of a horse or cantering alongside the migration. But as any rider knows, these exhilarating days in the saddle are as demanding as they are rewarding. To make the most of the journey, where you go before or after your riding safari is just as important as the ride itself. From the salt pans of Botswana to the vineyards of the Cape, here is how I recommend pairing your time in the saddle with Africa’s most iconic landscapes.
Botswana
One of our all-time favourite riding safaris is African Horseback Safaris’ Macatoo Camp, situated in the heart of the infamous Okavango Delta – a true year-round safari destination. One of the real perks of this riding safari is that it offers a flexible duration of stay, from three nights, with some guests staying for ten nights. Last year, I experienced one of my most thrilling mornings ever: we witnessed three leopards and a successful wild dog hunt, all from horseback! We topped off this incredible wildlife action with a luxurious champagne breakfast, all before 10 am. Whether you come here during the floods to enjoy the renowned splashy canters or during the dry season to enjoy peak predator action.
You could start your safari at the ‘moon-like’ landscape of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. A couple of firm favourites in the pans include Camp Kalahari and San Camp. Activities such as quad biking, mokoros (traditional dug-out canoes), boat trips, scenic helicopter flights, and fat-tired bicycle rides are on offer here.
Alternatively, if a beach flop is what you’re after, the pristine beaches of Mozambique are idyllic. Swap exhilarating safari rides for the serene waters of the Indian Ocean. One of our top picks in Mozambique is the brilliant, owner-run Saudade. I recently visited this gorgeous spot and was captivated by its unique charm and the ultimate freedom to truly unwind and explore at your leisure.
Kenya
If you’re looking for a real adventure, look no further than Offbeat Riding Safaris’ seven-night Masai Mara ride, where you traverse this ever-changing landscape with its brilliant array of wildlife, moving between mobile fly camps in key areas every day or two, some of which are best discovered by horseback. They are fantastic at keeping everyone happy, with non-riders and riders meeting up for sundowners and meals. This is a true experience of a lifetime, and I still frequently daydream about my incredible time on this ride.
After the thrill of this, we recommend combining some R&R on the stunning Kenyan coast to recharge after the early mornings and long days in the saddle; our guests love The Sands at Chale as the perfect stop before heading home.
Namibia
Imagine cantering across the open desert, encountering desert-adapted species such as rhino and elephant, and taking in the panoramic views from horseback. Namibia Horse Safaris offer riders the chance to explore some of the most remote and beautiful regions of Nambia. The excitement is beautifully balanced by evenings spent around the campfire with a G&T and a hearty dinner before sleeping out under the brilliant stars.
To recuperate from this thrilling pace, we suggest transitioning to the serene South African winelands. This change of pace allows you to unwind, explore the area’s numerous vineyards, and recharge. Estates such as Boschendal and Babylonstoren provide an excellent example of the luxury and tranquillity on offer here.
South Africa
Imagine tracking a different member of the ‘Big Five’ each day on an exceptionally well-schooled horse, led by world-class guides and fuelled by the creations of your own private chef. Well, this can be a reality when you book a ride at the brilliant, owner-run, Wait a Little, which is situated in the Karongwe Private Game Reserve in the Kruger region of South Africa, a short flight from Johannesburg. Choose from a seven-night adventure, focused around their main lodge, with a night of fly camping or their ten-night ‘ Ride and Dine’ safari, which includes fly camping combined with two luxurious lodges, accompanied by a private chef. We receive the most outstanding feedback from guests who ride here. When I stayed there myself, I was blown away by the set-up as a whole – every guest’s individual needs and wishes are catered to at all times, from your favourite tipple to your preferred stamp of horse.
Lucinda meets the locals
As the ‘foodie capital of the world,’ vibrant Cape Town is the perfect seamless addition to your adventure-filled trip. Prepare to indulge in its abundance of world-class dining and drink. The One&Only Cape Town has a magnificent setting in Cape Town’s iconic Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. There is plenty to do here, with Table Mountain to climb or scale by cable car, Kirstenbosch Gardens, the Company Gardens, historic buildings, the Cape peninsula, and the beautiful Constantia district of the city as well, all of which are within easy reach.
Aerial view of CapeTown. Photo credit – c_dana_allen
Tanzania
Expect picture-perfect wildebeest migration scenes, with no vehicles around, all observed through the ears of your nimble-hoofed mount. This is the reality of joining Kaskazi’s Serengeti Migration Ride, which runs from January to April each year, coinciding with the wildebeest calving season, drawing plenty of predator action to enjoy from the saddle. Cantering alongside thousands of wildebeest and zebra, and camping in secluded areas of the Serengeti, was a profound and monumental journey – one I shall cherish forever.
This pairs perfectly with time at the beach in Zanzibar, where you can explore the hustle and bustle of Stone Town before enjoying water sports, further riding, and relaxation at the beach. Some of our favourite properties in are Baraza and Zawadi. For those looking for an additional adrenaline rush, we can also organise climbs of Mount Kilimanjaro, with professional guides and porters.
This is a small selection of where you can explore before and after your riding safari to give you a taste of what is possible. We specialise in meticulously tailoring every detail – from custom private group and family rides to solo travellers, including all necessary logistics, flights, and ATOL protection. What sets us apart? Our team’s collective experience. We have personally ridden and explored every single safari and all possible additional travel we offer, ensuring your bespoke journey is built on genuine, firsthand expertise.
What next?
Get inspired and sign up for our free Insiders Guide to Africa. We would be delighted to help with planning your perfect riding safari. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice. Do get in touch – chatting to people 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. If 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.
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