Horse Riding Holidays in Africa
Discover Africa on Horseback with African Horse Safaris
There are few places on earth where a horse can take you quite so close to the wild. Across Africa, the landscapes change dramatically from country to country, but the feeling is the same: the freedom of riding beneath enormous skies, the thrill of wildlife appearing around the next bend, and the unmistakable sense that you are experiencing Africa rather than simply seeing it.
Through our sister company, [African Horse Safaris], we connect riders with some of the continent’s most extraordinary horseback adventures. Their handpicked portfolio spans 12 countries, from the wildlife-rich waterways of Botswana and the sweeping savannahs of Kenya to the deserts of Namibia, the beaches of Mozambique, the mountains of Eswatini and the ancient landscapes of Egypt.
Ride through the vineyards and game reserves of South Africa, beneath Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, through the wild landscapes of Uganda and Zambia, or discover the untamed beauty of Zimbabwe. In Morocco, desert, mountains and Atlantic coastlines create an entirely different adventure.
Whether you dream of cantering across open plains, riding alongside wildlife, crossing deserts or finishing a day in the saddle with your feet in the Indian Ocean, Africa offers a riding holiday that is about far more than the horses. It is an adventure you will carry home with you.
Why Ride Through Africa?
Africa offers an extraordinary variety of riding experiences, from wildlife safaris and remote wilderness expeditions to desert adventures and tropical beach rides.
Why go to Africa?
- Ride alongside wildlife – Encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelope and, on selected safaris, Africa’s iconic predators from the saddle.
- Explore wildly different landscapes – From the Okavango Delta and endless savannah to Sahara dunes, mountain trails and tropical beaches.
- Experience Africa beyond the usual safari – Riding offers a slower, more immersive way to experience landscapes, wildlife and local communities.
- Choose your kind of adventure – From luxurious lodges and mobile camps to full-on expeditions, beach escapes and working holidays.
- Combine countries and experiences – With 12 destinations to choose from, Africa lends itself perfectly to longer, tailor-made riding adventures.
From the Okavango Delta to the Masai Mara, the Sahara to the Indian Ocean, Africa is a continent made for adventure on horseback. And with African Horse Safaris’ specialist team helping you choose, you are not simply picking a destination, you are finding the ride that fits you.
FAQs for Riding Safaris in Africa
African Horse Safaris offers handpicked horse riding holidays across 12 African countries: Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Each offers something completely different, from wildlife-rich safaris and desert expeditions to mountain trails, cultural adventures and tropical beach rides.
There is no single best destination, as it depends entirely on the experience you are looking for. Botswana and Kenya are exceptional for wildlife-focused riding, Namibia and Morocco are spectacular for desert adventures, while Mozambique and parts of South Africa are ideal for beach riding. Tanzania combines wildlife and dramatic landscapes, while Zimbabwe and Zambia offer some wonderfully wild and adventurous riding.
Yes. While some of Africa's most adventurous horse safaris require strong riding skills, there are plenty of rides suitable for novice and less experienced riders. These generally focus on beautiful scenery and gentler wildlife encounters rather than riding amongst potentially dangerous animals. African Horse Safaris can help match you with a ride suited to your experience.
That depends on where you ride, but encounters can include zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, elephants, rhino, buffalo, antelope and an incredible variety of birdlife. Some experienced-rider safaris also offer the chance to encounter lions, leopards and other predators from horseback. Riding can take you into areas that vehicles cannot reach, creating a wonderfully immersive way to experience the wilderness.
Absolutely. Many lodge-based horse safaris work brilliantly for mixed groups, with non-riders able to enjoy game drives, guided walks, cultural experiences, cycling, boating and other activities while the riders are in the saddle. It means you don't have to convince everyone in your travel party to become an equestrian overnight!
Yes, and this is one of our favourite ways to experience the continent. You can combine a wildlife-focused riding safari with a few days on the coast, or choose a destination where bush and beach are already part of the same adventure. Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Egypt all offer wonderful opportunities for riding beside or in the sea.
