Horseback Safaris

The very best safaris are those that bring you closest to nature, so one of the greatest safari experiences has to be venturing out into pristine wilderness on horseback!

Experienced guides will lead you through an awe-inspiring range of ecosystems filled with game and into areas that are well off the beaten track. The local wildlife sees horses and riders as other non-threatening animals and therefore allows you to get really close, a truly unique safari experience! It is worth mentioning, however, that areas offering horse riding usually have lower numbers of big cats, as they can make the horses skittish.

Whether you are a beginner or a confident rider, you will be given a horse best suited to your specific requirements. The pace can vary, from the thrill of cantering alongside giraffe and zebra, to a brisk trot across the plains as the sun is setting on the horizon, to a quiet walk by a majestic herd of elephant – all moments to cherish.

Top Destinations for Horseback Safaris

A group on horseback watch a large herd of zebra, Camp Kalahari, Botswana - Yellow Zebra Safaris

1. Botswana

If you are seeking the ultimate horseback safari in a truly wild area, we highly recommend Macatoo Camp for competent riders who feel at ease in the saddle. This camp is set in the remote depths of the western Okavango Delta in Botswana, offering breathtaking scenery, abundant and varied game, extremely experienced and knowledgeable guides, and well-schooled, responsive horses. You’ll get to ride up close to the wildlife of the delta for around 6 hours each day, with other safari activities like game drives also available if you fancy something a bit different along the way.

In complete contrast to the generally verdant landscapes of the delta, the vast and stark salt pans of the ancient Kalahari Desert are a fascinating addition to a safari. The fantastic array of activities possible from somewhere like Camp Kalahari, in the Makgadikgadi Pans, includes horse riding. Accompanied by a specialist riding guide, head out across the endless white salt pans to enjoy stunning scenery and potentially really unusual wildlife encounters. The shorter rides on offer here are ideal for all levels of experience, or multi day rides are an exciting option for intermediate/advanced riders.

2. Kenya

Some of Africa’s most outstanding riding is also available in Kenya. Sosian offers a great variety of riding for experienced riders, across open plains filled with zebra, oryx, giraffe, eland and gazelle and with Mount Kenya as a backdrop. Riding is generally 2–3 hours in the mornings and/or afternoons, with up to 6 hours per day spent in the saddle. For keen riders seeking a true wilderness experience, a 1 night fly camp option is available with the horses, as well as 5–7 night horseback safaris. Young riders or those with less experience can still enjoy a horseback experience, just closer to the lodge rather than out in the bush.

Ol Donyo Lodge is situated on the southwestern side of the Chyulu Hills in southeast Kenya, near to the iconic Amboseli National Park, within a limitless expanse of plains and amazing views as far as Mount Kilimanjaro. This lodge is renowned for its outstanding horse safaris – whether you are a beginner or an advanced rider, there is a riding option for you. Having the opportunity to explore this beautiful, peaceful region on horseback, with the chance to encounter some of the last remaining Big Tusker elephants in Africa, is very special indeed.

As one of Laikipia’s most well known private conservancies, Lewa is famed for its exceptional wildlife. But it is also home to over 30 horses at Lewa Wilderness, the conservancy’s original safari lodge. The extensive range of horses and riding routes means there’s something for everyone here, as well as lots of other safari activities too.
Riding options are really flexible, from short and laidback rambles to faster paced half day rides, or it’s even possible to spend the full day out in the bush and fly camp for the night with the horses.

3. Zambia

Chundukwa River Lodge is a horse ranch situated right on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, not too far from Livingstone town and the spectacular Victoria Falls. While polo used to be a big part of life on the ranch, riding at Chundukwa now focuses on peaceful meanders along the river and through the teak forests, however, if you’d like to up the ante the brilliant local guides and horses can accommodate! Riding experiences can be as short as 45 minutes for children, but there are options for up to half a day in duration with 3-4 hours spent in the saddle, plus breaks for lunch and refreshments. In addition to riding, there are numerous other activities included at the lodge to experience this area to the full.

01.

How do horseback safaris work?

Experienced guides will lead you through an awe-inspiring range of ecosystems filled with game and into areas that are well off the beaten track. The local wildlife sees horses and riders as other non-threatening animals and therefore allows you to get really close, a truly unique safari experience! It is worth mentioning, however, that areas offering horse riding usually have lower numbers of big cats, as they can make the horses skittish.

02.

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

Whether you are a beginner or a confident rider, you will be given a horse best suited to your specific requirements. The pace can vary, from the thrill of cantering alongside giraffe and zebra, to a brisk trot across the plains as the sun is setting on the horizon, to a quiet walk by a majestic herd of elephant – all moments to cherish.

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