Ride 4
A luxury trail, with spectacular game viewing from in the saddle and the chance to encounter Africa's iconic Big 5.
Horse Riding Adventures in South Africa
Enjoy one of Africa’s Kast Kingdoms on Horseback
Travel back in time, to a world where time stands still and enjoy the scenery, wildlife and culture of one of Africa’s last Kingdoms on horseback.
Eswatini offers horse enthusiasts the opportunity to discover this beautiful country along several horse-riding trails, from 3 to 9 nights, depending on experience and ability. The forests, mountains and grasslands provide long and rewarding hours in the saddle with fast canters and slow descents, giving riders time to take in the breathtaking scenery.
From the moment you enter the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), there is no mistaking why the Swazi King fought so hard to gain independence of these pristine mountains, rainforests and valleys. Eswatini is like an island without a coast: it’s surrounded by South Africa on three sides (north, south and west) and Mozambique to the east. This tiny landlocked country is known for its wilderness reserves and colourful Swazi culture. The diverse landscape and plentiful wildlife have resulted in this unique country becoming an increasingly popular horseback safari destination.
Explore Horse Safaris in South Africa
Endurance Training Programme
A thrilling horse safari across one of Africa's most iconic landscapes with incredible wildlife viewing from the saddle.
Overview of Horse Safaris in South Africa
South Africa is not only a diverse mix of cultures, scenery and wildlife, it is also home to a varied mix of horse riding experiences. South Africa offers a wider selection of riding safari vacations than any other country in Africa. There is a holiday for everyone. Whilst riding in areas where elephants, lions and buffaloes are present is restricted to intermediate plus and advanced riders, we can offer several horse safaris for more novice riders. Even beginners can ride alongside zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and even rhino.
South Africa offers several great reserve-based riding safaris which are perfect for families. Our lodge-based safaris can cater brilliantly for any level of horse rider and families due to their flexibility on how long, fast or far you wish to explore each day. They also have a host of non-riding activities available for anyone that needs a break from the saddle. And advanced rider can enjoy dynamic riding and speedy free canters weaving in and out of the bush, or wizzing along pristine coastline and beaches – Not seeing another soul and soaking up the South African wilderness.
Waterberg: Ants Hill + Ants Nest & Horizon Lodge
The untamed Waterberg is rich in cultural, archaeological and biological diversity. The area’s iconic beauty and bio-diversity has been awarded the status of a World Biosphere reserve by UNESCO. This is a wildlife Eden and set in the middle of its vast wilderness and the safari possibilities seem as endless as the horizon itself. Riding in the wild is exhilarating for both novice and experienced riders and nothing beats a long canter across an open plain with the wind in your hair. An area favoured by families, the area offers a wide range of other adventure activities such as game drives, nature walks and mountain bike trails
Kruger Area: Big 5 horse Safari + Working Holiday
Undoubtedly South Africa’s most iconic game-viewing destination and Africa’s second-largest park, the Kruger National Park is home to some of the best iconic 5 game viewing on the continent. To the West of the park lie several private game reserves, many unfenced, creating an area larger than Wales exclusively for wildlife. Here you will not only have the horseback safari you’ve dreamed of, but can enjoy exhilarating game drives, fascinating nature walks and fire-lit boma dinners. With several connecting flights, we can create the perfect Bush and Beach combo or end your adventure at the mighty Victoria Falls
RIDING FOR ALL LEVELS
South Africa has a range of horses and ponies catering to both novice and experienced riders. Whether you’re an experienced rider looking for a thrill, or someone who doesn’t have that much experience in the saddle, or even a family that has different riding levels – there is something for everyone.
VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES
South Africa is a great first-time safari, as it offers fantastic riding amongst vast landscapes and has diverse activities for you to enjoy. This includes guided walks, safari drives, animal tracking and many other non-riding activities for the whole family.
WILDLIFE DIVERSITY
While South Africa is primarily renowned for its Big Five animals, it boasts an extensive variety of plant and animal species. You’ll have the chance to see elephants, lions, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and various antelope species from the saddle.
Recent South Africa Reviews
HORSE SAFARIS IN SOUTH AFRICA
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South Africa Safari FAQs
South Africa is safe if you well informed and sensible. The country does have a high crime rate but almost all of these crimes happen in non-tourist areas. The likelihood of a crime being committed against a tourist is low and even lower for anyone venturing on horse safaris. From the minute you step off the plane you have 24 hour support throughout your stay and you will be travelling in safe areas which are established for tourism.
South Africa has the widest range of horse riding options of all the African countries. To pick a ‘best’ option is impossible but we can help advise you on rides from the best beach riding to the best horseback safari.