HORSEBACK SAFARIS
A unique and thrilling way to experience the beauty and wilderness of nature.
Horseback safaris offer an intimate and immersive experience with nature as you ride through the wilderness, giving you the opportunity to observe wildlife up close in their natural habitat. Our human form is disguised when on top of a horse and its natural animal movement allows you to get closer to the wildlife than by vehicle or on foot.
If you're looking for a sustainable, authentic, and exciting way to explore nature, a horseback safari might be the perfect choice for you. With stunning and extremely diverse scenery, ranging from mountainous areas to pristine bush, and finally spectacular cost line, South Africa makes an excellent choice for any horse riding adventure.
Benefits
Get closer to nature: riding on horseback through the wilderness allows you to get closer to the animals and observe them in their natural habitat.
Escape the crowds: typically on horseback you explore more remote areas in smaller groups.
Eco-friendly tourism: no cars involved how much better can that get
Healthy: Horseback riding is a great form of exercise that can improve balance, coordination, and core strength.
What you can expect
Safety Gear: riding helmets are a must and your safari operator will supply one if you do not bring your own.
Small Group sizes: typically small groups limited to a max of 8 of similar skill and led by an experienced guides.
My Horse: the horses are experienced and well seasoned for the area. Rest assured you will be paired with your companion based on your skill and experience.
Age Restrictions: depends on the safari adventure you are planning and the safari operator, but generally children must be at least 12 years old.
Safety: Safety is a top priority, your guides will carry rifles for protection and will brief you on safety procedures before you set out.
Length of the rides: typically from 1 day trips up to 8 days. Rides are broken up in early morning ride, break for lunch, late afternoon ride to your destination. Depending on your adventure you can expect to be in the saddle from 4-6 hours a day.
Tips - what to take
You will be guided and advised by your safari and the game ranger but here are a several to consider:
Riding Gear (not exhaustive)
Riding hat - mandatory(Operator can supply one)
Suitable riding shoes
Riding gloves
Jodhpurs or long trousers
Sun protection: Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Insect repellent: bring insect repellent to help keep those biting insects away.
Binoculars/Camera: Capture those moments
Water bottle: It is important to stay hydrated on walking safaris, so bring a refillable water bottle.
Snacks: Bring some snacks to keep you energized during the walks.
Small backpack: A small backpack will allow you to carry your essentials with you during the walks.
A Typical Day
A one day on a horseback safari can vary depending on the specific tour operator and the location of the safari. However, here is a general outline of what a day on a horseback safari might look like:
Early morning: Wake up early and have breakfast at the camp or lodge.
Horse preparation: After breakfast, you'll be taken to the stables where you'll be introduced to your horse and given instructions on how to handle and ride them.
Morning ride: Set off on a morning ride through the wilderness. This is typically the best time to see wildlife as they are most active in the early morning.
Midday break: Stop for a midday break where you'll have lunch and rest for a few hours to avoid the heat of the day.
Afternoon ride: After the midday break, set off on an afternoon ride. Wildlife sightings can still occur during this time, but the focus may shift to other aspects of the wilderness, such as the scenery or cultural sites.
Return to camp or lodge: Return to the camp or lodge in the late afternoon, where you'll have time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner and entertainment: Enjoy dinner at the camp or lodge, often with entertainment such as traditional music or storytelling.
Evening activities: After dinner, you may have the opportunity to go on a night drive or walk, stargaze, or enjoy a campfire before heading to bed.
Our Recommended
Horseback Safaris
Ants Nest & Ant Hill- South Africa
Situated in the Waterburg area north of Pretoria.
Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill are two private bush homes situated in the Waterberg region, north of Pretoria.
These two bush homes provide a real home from home experience with unsurpassed flexibility and allowing guests to tailor make each day as they wish.
With a variety of game viewing activities everyone will be looked after. Activities on offer : game drives, game walks, mountain biking and horse back safaris (available to all levels of riders).
Horizon Horseback - South Africa
What makes a horse riding holiday with HORIZON HORSEBACK special is the team of dedicated staff, all chosen for their love of horses and people, the bush, Africa and having fun combining all these elements.
Rides are taken with two guides; the senior guide will lead you through the bush, and both will assist you and share with you their knowledge of the bush, the wildlife. They hold a number of horse riding, bush knowledge and guiding qualifications. All their guides have a unique knowledge of the bush that have been passed on from generation to generation and they always have some interesting tales.
Caters for all level of rider from experienced to complete beginner. Great for singles, couples, guests with mixed riding abilities and families. Can accommodate non riders.
Karongwe Game Reserve - South Africa
Enjoy highly personalised and specialised riding safaris for experienced riders on the Karongwe Private Game Reserve close to the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. There are three types of safaris that take you over an area of 35 000ha of African wilderness, 6, 8, or 10 days long.
Years of experience and training enables the horses to be calm merely meters away from big game. A high standard of riding within the group ensures exciting up-close game sightings and sporty riding on wonderful horses, the perfect thrill for the experienced rider..
Small groups of only seven to eight riding guests with personal and experience guides ensure an unforgettable week.
Mashatu Lodge- Botswana
Mashatu Lodge located in the Mashatu Game Reserve, which is part of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana. Offers unique and exhilarating horseback safaris suitable for both experienced and novice riders, and are led by professional guides who provide instruction and ensure you are safe at all times.
The horses used for the safaris are well-trained and responsive, and are able to navigate through the rugged terrain of the game reserve. Guests can expect to ride for approximately three to four hours per day, with breaks for rest and refreshment. The safaris are usually conducted in the early morning or late afternoon, when the wildlife is most active.
Expect to encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many species of birds. The experienced guides are knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area, and will share their insights and stories with guests along the way.
It offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including 14 spacious suites and a family suite. Each suite features a private outdoor seating area, en-suite bathroom, and air conditioning. The lodge also has a swimming pool, spa, gym, and a range of indoor and outdoor dining areas.