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Horseback Safari - Expert Travel Guide to Africa

Pristine beaches, haunting landscapes, and lush forests are only a few of Africa’s beautiful sights. Racing alongside giraffe, trotting up mountain trails and cantering across golden plains, are amazing ways to experience Africa – and if you’re reading this, then you probably think so too. 


  • Countries

    Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique

  • Average Horseback Safari Cost

    $3,000 - $5,000

  • Highlights

    Victoria Falls, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Namib Desert, the Kalahari Desert, the Great Wildebeest Migration, extensive marine life, stunning oceans, amazing coastlines, great wildlife, haunting landscapes and striking vistas.

Why Go on a Horseback Safari in Africa

When people think of safaris in Africa, they picture the Big Five, game drives and bush walks. I’m not sure how many ever consider exploring the country the way it was meant to be seen – from horseback.

From the Okavango Delta, to the striking Damaraland and tropical Mozambique, Africa offers you the most diverse safari experience. Did you know, that Africa contains the world’s largest desert (the Sahara), its longest river (the Nile) and one of the natural wonders of the world (Victoria Falls)?

Still not convinced? What about exploring the famous Cape Winelands on horseback, or taking a Kilimanjaro Horseback Safari? The cuisine is excellent, the locals are friendly and welcoming, and you have the chance to see more whales and dolphins in 2 days, than you have in your entire life.

Best Time to Go

Botswana: All year-round

Kenya: July – September

South Africa: Western Cape: November – March

  • Eastern Cape: All year
  • The rest of South Africa: April – September

Namibia: May – October

Tanzania: November – April

Zimbabwe: April – November

Mozambique: May – November

Start your African Adventure

Horseback Safari in Botswana

Botswana is an amazing safari destination. Striking landscapes, diverse habitats and an abundance of wildlife, with terrains that change dramatically with the seasons, why wouldn’t you want to visit this amazing land? And viewing it from horseback is a spectacular experience, especially when the wildlife will ride beside you for miles, accepting you as part of their herd.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $3,300 - $4,640
  • Riding experience level: Intermediate to experienced
  • Best time to go: All-year destination. Wet season: October – April; Dry season: May – August

Wildlife
  • Elephant
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Black Rhino
  • Kudu
  • Spingbok
  • Warthog
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild Dog
  • Zebra

  • Elephant
  • Bushbaby
  • Vervet monkey
  • Chacma baboon
  • Cheetah
  • Caracal
  • Black-footed cat
  • Wildcat
  • Serval
  • Southwest African lion
  • Transvaal lion
  • Leopard
  • Civet
  • Genet
  • Mongoose
  • Meerkat
  • Hyena
  • Aardwolf
  • Cape fox
  • Jackal
  • Bat-eared fox
  • Wild dog
  • Weasel
  • Speckle-throated otter
  • African clawless otter
  • Zebra
  • Black rhino
  • White rhino
  • Warthog
  • Bushpig
  • Hippo
  • Giraffe
  • Hartebeest
  • Wildebeest
  • Topi
  • Springbok
  • Klipspringer
  • Oribi
  • Steenbok
  • Grysbok
  • Buffalo
  • Eland
  • Bushbuck
  • Sitatunga
  • Greater kudu
  • Duiker
  • Roan antelope
  • Sable antelope
  • Gemsbok
  • Rhebok
  • Impala
  • waterbuck
  • Lechwe
  • Puku
  • Reedbuck

Best Areas and Parks

Okavango Delta

Cantering alongside elegant giraffes, racing beside lechwe or watching wildebeest moving across the floodplain from mounted horseback is an experience that you will never forget.

The best part of a horseback safari is the feeling that you are one with nature. Okavango Delta is lovely and is perfect for those who want a true wilderness experience: camping under the stars and cooking all meals over an open fire. This horse ride is meant for intermediate to experienced riders.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

These salt pans are situated northeast of central Kalahari and southeast of Okavango. When the rains arrive in October, this marks the beginning of the wet season, and the pans flood and grass grows in abundance. This increase in vegetation draws in wildebeest and zebra, and predators follow in their path. While you can’t ride the boggy pans themselves during this time, the grasslands are perfect to canter over.

Between May to September, there are much less game present, but the dry pans provide the perfect opportunity for fast-paced, heart-pumping riding. The chance to spot the brown hyena, and to view the largest baobab trees in the world is just a two of the great sights to be seen. This ride is meant for intermediate to experienced riders.

Selinda Spillway

Motswiri Camp is situated on the edge the Selinda Spillway, with riverine forests on the east, and Okavango Delta on the west and north. This provides a wide diversity of habitats to explore on horseback, and the wildlife is plentiful. This horse ride is meant for experienced riders only.

Horseback Safari in Kenya

From Mount Kenya to the Great Migration and Chyulu Hills, Kenya, like most of Africa, offers great sights and wonderful wildlife.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $3,535 – $6,925
  • Riding experience level: Suited for competent, intermediate and experienced riders
  • Best time to go: All-year destination. Great Migration takes place from July till September.

Wildlife
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Leopard
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Warthog
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Baboon

  • Elephant
  • Bushbaby
  • Galago
  • Patas monkey
  • Vervet monkey
  • Tantalus monkey
  • Red-tailed monkey
  • Blue monkey
  • De Brazza’s monkey
  • Grey-cheeked mangabey
  • Olive baboon
  • Yellow baboon
  • Crested mangabey
  • Angola colobus
  • Mantled guereza
  • Tana River red colobus
  • Caracal
  • Wildcat
  • Serval
  • Golden cat
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Civet
  • Genet
  • Mongoose
  • Hyena
  • Jackal
  • Golden wolf
  • Aardwolf
  • Bat-eared fox
  • Weasel
  • Speckle-throated otter
  • African clawless otter
  • Zebra
  • Black rhino
  • Warthog
  • Giant forest hog
  • Bushbig
  • Hippo
  • Giraffe
  • Hartebeest
  • Wildebeest
  • Topi
  • Gazelle
  • Dik-dik
  • Suni
  • Klipspringer
  • Oribi
  • Steenbok
  • Buffalo
  • Lesser kudu
  • Bushbuck
  • Eland
  • Sitatunga
  • Greater kudu
  • Duiker
  • Roan antelope
  • Sable antelope
  • Oryx
  • Impala
  • Waterbuck
  • Kob
  • Reedbuck

Best Areas and Parks

Masai Mara

Famous for its role in the Great Wildebeest Migration, Masai Mara is a popular safari destination, and the absolute best way to experience this yearly spectacle is on horseback. Being able to witness the herds crossing the Mara River, frantically trying to reach the green grass on the other side is a spectacular sight. While the migration is entirely dependent on the rains of each given year, their movement is fairly predictable. Visiting between April and September ensures that you will be able to witness the herds first hand.

Borana

Situated in the foothills of Mount Kenya, on the Laikipia Plateau, Borana is a luxury lodge that offers fantastic horse riding over the 35,000-acre ranch. With their wide selection of horses, they are equipped for various levels of riding: from competent to experienced, including children (unfortunately no beginner riders). Borana provides great wildlife viewing from horseback and panoramic views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding scenery.

Ol Donyo Lodge

From the plains of Amboseli to the majestic Chyulu Hills, and with Mount Kilimanjaro as an amazing backdrop, these horse safaris provide an abundance of game and rich landscapes.

You can ride through thick acacia forests, to the vast savannah plains and on to the famous Chyulu Hills. The unfenced ecosystems are wild and filled with amazing game, including the Big Five. Ol Donyo Lodge provides a luxury horseback safari option complete with massages, swimming pools and spectacular views.

Horseback Safari in South Africa

South Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the Wild Coast is truly splendid. The Waterberg Plateau and Kruger National Park provide incredible game viewing, while the Cape Winelands offer beautiful scenery and exquisite wine.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $1,600 – $2,757
  • Riding experience level: Novice to experienced riders
  • Best time to go:

    Western Cape: November – March

    Eastern Cape: All-year

    The rest of South Africa: April – September

Wildlife
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • Black Rhino
  • Kudu
  • Southern Right Whale
  • Spingbok
  • Warthog
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild Dog
  • Zebra
  • Baboon

  • Elephant
  • Galago
  • Sykes’ monkey
  • Chacma baboon
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Cheetah
  • Black-footed cat
  • Wildcat
  • Civet
  • Genet
  • Mongoose
  • Meerkat
  • Cape fox
  • Jackal
  • Bat-eared fox
  • Wild dog
  • Weasel
  • Speckle-throated otter
  • African clawless otter
  • Zebra
  • Black rhino
  • White rhino
  • Warthog
  • Bushpig
  • Hippo
  • Giraffe
  • Hartebeest
  • Suni
  • Springbok
  • Klipspringer
  • Oribi
  • Steenbok
  • Grysbok
  • Buffalo
  • Nyala
  • Duiker
  • Eland
  • Bushbuck
  • Greater kudu
  • Roan antelope
  • Sable antelope
  • Gemsbok
  • Rhebok
  • Impala
  • Waterbuck
  • Reedbuck

Best Areas and Parks

Kruger National Park

Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is the preferred tour guide for horse rides in Kruger National Park. Expect fantastic wildlife, excellent guides and spectacular scenery as you canter through South Africa’s largest national park.

Cape Winelands, Western Cape

Situated in the Paarl area of the Western Cape, be prepared for lush vineyards, rugged mount peaks, and decadent wine tasting. The Cape Winelands is famous for its amazing wine and wonderful cuisine – and of course, the beautiful mountain scenery.

Wild Coast, Eastern Cape

From the Kei River to the rugged coast of Morgan Bay, the Wild Coast offers the most spectacular coastal horseback riding South Africa has to offer. Explore rolling hills, stunning golden beaches and rocky headlands. The beaches are often deserted and peaceful – perfect for morning or sunset rides.

Makalali Game Reserve, Limpopo

Situated on 61,000-acres in the Lowveld of Limpopo, this game reserve provides excellent game viewing and exceptional riding. It also offers amazing accommodation and cuisine. With a varied landscape that includes rock formations, river gullies and great look out points, your horseback safari is sure to be exceptional.

Waterberg Plateau, Johannesburg

With several Lodges providing various horseback options, the Waterberg is a great place for riding, whether you are a novice or an experienced rider. With incredible game, beautiful scenery and other sights such as bushmen paintings and archaeological sites, there will never be a dull moment.

Moolmanshoek, Flicksburg (near Lesotho Border)

Approximately 3.5 hours drive from Johannesburg, this conservation area is home to a large variety of wildlife and is a veritable horse riding paradise. Enjoy mountain tracks, cantering along wildlife on the plains and discover stunning wooded ravines. You could also ride through the herds of wild horses on the mountain sides.

Horseback Safari in Namibia

Namibia has some Africa’s most haunting landscapes, and even the usually inaccessible places can be reach by horseback. From Damaraland to the mighty Namib Desert, a horseback safari in Namibia will never disappoint.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $1,936 – $5,444
  • Riding experience level: Novice to experienced riders
  • Best time to go: May to October

Wildlife
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Black Rhino
  • White Rhino
  • Spingbok
  • Warthog
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild Dog
  • Zebra
  • Baboon

  • Elephant
  • Bushbaby
  • Malbrouck
  • Vervet monkey
  • Chacma baboon
  • Cheetah
  • Caracal
  • Black-fronted cat
  • Wildcat
  • Serval
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Civet
  • Mongoose
  • Genet
  • Meerkat
  • Aardwolf
  • Jackal
  • Bat-eared fox
  • Wild dog
  • Black rhino
  • White rhino
  • Zebra
  • Warthog
  • Bushpig
  • Hippo
  • Giraffe
  • Hartebeest
  • Wildebeest
  • Springbok
  • Klipspringer
  • Topi
  • Dik-dik
  • Steenbok
  • Buffalo
  • Eland
  • Sitatunga
  • Duiker
  • Roan antelope
  • Sable antelope
  • Gemsbok
  • Impala
  • Lechwe
  • Puku
  • Waterbuck
  • Reedbuck

Best Areas and Parks

Damaraland

This part of the country is almost inaccessible, but incredibly beautiful. Vast open spaces, an ancient crater and striking colours provide the perfect atmosphere for a horseback safari. Elephants are the most popular wildlife to be seen here.

Namib Desert

Crossing the Namib Desert to the coast of Swakopmund, this is a true adventure trail. Expect nights under the stars, and days following rivers and weaving through canyons. You will need a very good fitness level for this trail as you will be spending days in the saddle.

Okapuka Game Reserve

Situated only half-an-hour drive from Windhoek, the riding trails in Okapuka covers over 85,000-acres of mountains and savannah, filled with an abundance of wildlife. You will need to be an experienced rider to venture on these trails. The beautiful mountain scenery and variety of wildlife will make this difficult trail well worth the effort.

Kambaku Lodge

Located roughly 4 hours from Windhoek (by car), this lodge is great for the whole family. It offers riding for all levels, from novice to experienced, and provides not only great wildlife but beautiful birds too. Kambaku is rich in wildlife and offers 8,000ha of unspoiled bush savannah.

Horseback Safari in Tanzania

The Great Wildebeest Migration and Mount Kilimanjaro, two of Africa’s most amazing sights, can both be found in Tanzania. Viewing them both from horseback, will make you feel both insignificant – and powerful.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $5,952 – $6,885
  • Riding experience level: Experienced riders
  • Best time to go: November to April

Wildlife
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • Chimpanzee
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild Dog
  • Baboon

  • African bush elephant
  • African forest elephant
  • Bushbaby
  • Galago
  • Patas monkey
  • Vervet monkey
  • Red-tailed monkey
  • Blue monkey
  • Grey-cheeked mangabey
  • Olive baboon
  • Yellow baboon
  • Crested mangabey
  • Angola colobus
  • Mantles guereza
  • Chimpanzee
  • African cheetah
  • Tanzania cheetah
  • Caracal
  • Serval
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Civet
  • Mongoose
  • Hyena
  • Jackal
  • Serengeti wolf
  • Bat-eared fox
  • Wild dog
  • Weasel
  • Zebra
  • Black rhino
  • Warthog
  • Giant forest hog
  • Bushpig
  • Hippo
  • Masai giraffe
  • Hartebeest
  • Wildebeest
  • Topi
  • Gazelle
  • Suni
  • Steenbok
  • Klipspringer
  • Dik-dik
  • Steenbok
  • Buffalo
  • Grysbok
  • Sitatunga
  • Bushbuck
  • Eland
  • Duiker
  • Hippo
  • Waterbuck
  • Reedbuck
  • Kob
  • Puku

Best Areas and Parks

Serengeti National Park

While the rainy season may seem like an unusual time for any safari, the Great Wildebeest Migration is in Serengeti from November to April. By March, over half a million wildebeest calves are born, most of which are born in February. Riding on horseback alongside the herds, and seeing predation up-close is definitely worth getting a little wet.

Kaskazi Horse Safaris

Based in KiloBravo, on the outskirts of Arusha Town, Kaskazi lies at a 1,400m altitude – perfect for horseback riding. The stables offer stunning views of Mount Meru, and there are number of trails available.

The Kusini Safari is a 3-night trail, with open terrain and scarce game. It is suitable for less experienced riders.

The Kilimanjaro Safaris are for the more experiences riders. It offers big game areas and fast-paced riding.

Horseback Safari in Zimbabwe

With the spell-binding Victoria Falls and abundance on wildlife, Zimbabwe is a great horse riding destination. Whether you want a romantic honeymoon, or an action-filled adventure, Zimbabwe is just what you needed.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: From $1,420
  • Riding experience level: Competent to experienced riders
  • Best time to go: April to November

Wildlife
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • Warthog
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild Dog
  • Zebra

  • Elephant
  • Bushbaby
  • Vervet monkey
  • Sykes’ monkey
  • Chacma baboon
  • Cheetah
  • Caracal
  • Wildcat
  • Serval
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Civet
  • Genet
  • Mongoose
  • Hyena
  • Aardwolf
  • Cape fox
  • Jackal
  • Bat-eared fox
  • Wild dog
  • Weasel
  • Zebra
  • Hippo
  • Giraffe
  • Warthog
  • Hartebeest
  • Wildebeest
  • Topi
  • Suni
  • Oribi
  • Steenbok
  • Buffalo
  • Nyala
  • Eland
  • Sitatunga
  • Impala
  • Duiker
  • Roan antelope
  • Sable antelope
  • Waterbuck
  • Reedbuck

Best Areas and Parks

Zambezi River and Victoria Falls

The world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight! The horse trails ride beside the Zambezi River and the surrounding craggy hills, bush and grassy plains. The wildlife and birdlife in these areas are diverse and fantastic. Keep in mind that itineraries can change depending on wildlife moving patterns and the weather.

Mavuradonha Mountains

Situated 180km from Harare, the horse riding in Mavuradonha can be challenging, but fantastic nonetheless. Through rough rocky terrain, and visiting the Bat Cave, this section of Zimbabwe offers much to explore. The guides have no set itineraries, and prefer to go where riders are more interested.

Horseback Safari in Mozambique

The warm Indian ocean, pristine beaches, a traditional African fishing village and beautiful marine life, make Mozambique a wonderful and relaxing tropical horseback safari.

Quick Facts

  • Cost: $60 - $3,750
  • Riding experience level: Competent to experienced riders
  • Best time to go: May – November

Wildlife
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hyena
  • Black Rhino
  • White Rhino
  • Southern Right Whale
  • Warthog
  • Wild Dog
  • Baboon

  • Dugong
  • Southern right whale
  • Southern blue whale
  • Southern fin whale
  • Southern sei whale
  • Black rhino
  • White rhino
  • Caracal
  • Southern African wildcat
  • Serval
  • African civet
  • African palm civet
  • Aardwolf
  • Black-backed jackal
  • Side-stripped jackal
  • Cape wild dog
  • Cheetah
  • Bat-eared fox
  • African striped weasel
  • Speckle-throated otter
  • African clawless otter
  • Sitatunga
  • Roan antelope
  • Sable antelope
  • Aardvark
  • Elephant
  • Bushbaby
  • Brown greater galago
  • Pygmy blue whale
  • Bryde’s whale
  • Antarctic minke whale
  • Humpback whale
  • Pygmy sperm whale
  • Dwarf sperm whale
  • Beaked whale (various)
  • Rough-toothed dolphin
  • Indian humpback dolphin
  • Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin
  • Common bottlenose dolphin
  • Striped dolphin
  • Spinner dolphin
  • Fraser’s dolphin
  • Southern right whale dolphin
  • Fraser’s dolphin
  • Melon-headed whale
  • Pygmy killer whale
  • Short-finned pilot whale
  • Orca
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Brown hyena
  • Spotted hyena
  • Southern right elephant seal
  • Nyala
  • Greater kudu
  • Vervet monkey
  • Yellow baboon
  • Chacma baboon
  • Mongoose (various)
  • Cape fur seal
  • Crawshay’s zebra
  • Selous’ zebra
  • Warthog
  • Bushpig
  • Hippo
  • South African giraffe
  • Lichtenstein’s hartebeest
  • Blue wildebeest
  • Topi
  • Klipspringer
  • Oribi
  • Steenbok
  • Sharpe’s grysbok
  • Eland
  • Blue duiker
  • Red forest duiker
  • Common duiker
  • Impala
  • Waterbuck
  • Southern reedbuck
  • Mountain reedbuck

Best Areas and Parks

Tropical Sands

Based in Vilanculos (traditional fishing village), which is roughly 750km from Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Riding along pristine sandy beaches, splashing in and out of the warm turquoise waters (and sometimes even swimming in them with your horse), is a wonderful horseback experience.

This horseback safari includes the Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of off-shore islands, that have been designated as a national park. It offers not only beautiful beaches, but also wonderful wildlife, marine life and birds. If you’ve had enough riding, you could go diving with the numerous dolphins whales and other marine life, instead.

Getting There and Safety

Flights

For the flights to Africa, it is advised to check Skyscanner (for multiple destination flights), to see which airlines can take you all African destinations and their various ticket prices.

If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights all African destinations.

If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights to all African destinations.

Visas

For more information on visas per country, see our travel guides:

Safety

For more information on safety in each country, please refer to our travel guides:

Travel Insurance

Going on a horseback safari in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.

Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of your safari trip cover.

Vaccinations

Check your local travel health authority for more information:

What To Pack
Apart from your preferred riding gear, please also check our Safari Packing List.
Drinking Water

Camps, lodges, and hotels will make it clear to their guests whether they should or should not drink the tap water and, in most cases, will provide bottled water free of charge if tap water is not safe.

For more information on drinking wanter in each country, please refer to our travel guides: