Africa is an amalgamation of different ancient cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes, and varying terrain. A lot of them are accessible only on the back of a horse. Horseback safari through Africa is an unforgettable experience. Let yourself be taken back in time as you witness the wonders of Africa’s nature and wildlife while riding on a horse. You need to be a trained horse rider to undertake these safaris.
The horseback experience
The top horseback safaris in Africa are below:
Botswana
The best horse-riding experience you can get in Africa is, without a doubt, in Botswana. The Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Plains are some of the best places to witness the huge array of wildlife and the stunning scenery. A major portion of the land is inaccessible via vehicles, but you can get on the saddle and explore these areas, whether it be crossing desert lands or the delta wetlands. Visitors get a real adrenaline rush by the fast-paced riding. The real adventure seekers can even try their luck jumping over tree logs felled by elephants. In the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, you can enjoy spectacular sunsets over the wide-open salt pans. You can enjoy serene evenings and feast upon campfire-cooked food in the lightweight fly camps.
Botswana Horseback Safari
Okavango Horseback Safari
Tanzania
While not as popular as Botswana’s horseback safaris, Tanzania offers an unparalleled experience in terms of game-viewing. Your ride will take you past the “four giants”- Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, Namanga, and Longido. Across thick mountain forests to open plains, you will get lots of opportunities to witness the local wildlife. Serengeti in Tanzania is also the site of the Great Wildebeest Migration when two million-strong herds of Wildebeest pass through the plains. You can catch several predators here, that venture out in search of food during the migration. Accommodation wise, you can stay at luxurious lodges or camps for an up-and-close experience of nature. Tanzania offers a rich experience to all kinds of travellers- families, couples, friends, or solo travellers.
Tanzania Horseback Safari
Kenya
Kenya is the birthplace of the concept of horseback riding and offers one of the most exciting horseback safaris in the world. The Masai Mara reserve is amongst the most game-rich areas in the world, and the sense of space is overwhelming in its sprawling plains. These endless plains feature amazing safaris, where riders can get a close look at lion prides, giraffe, and millions of wildebeest passing through during the Great Wildebeest Migration. The horseback safaris happen in select conservancies. This place offers a wide range of safari experiences, from luxury lodge stays to fly-camping. Apart from Masai Mara, you can also visit Laikipia, home to the second-highest peak in Africa. As you traverse the hilly areas of Mt. Kenya, you can soak in the dazzling views of the mountainside. A lot of endangered species, like Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, and Jackson’s Hartebeest are also found here, and you can spot them from horseback.
Kenya Horseback Safari
Zimbabwe
Home to the mighty Victoria Falls, this country is often overlooked as a safari destination. The beautiful Mavuradonha Mountains are unique but rugged, and the only way to get around them is on horseback safari. One can enjoy the amazing wilderness this place has to offer and gaze upon elephant herds and antelopes. Horse rides are available across all major national parks. Visitors can enjoy a five-night adventure in the Mavuradonha Wilderness Area, accompanied by a visit to the Mana Pools or Hwange, and can choose to end their adventure at Victoria Falls.
Riding through rugged mountains
Egypt
You can explore Egypt’s famous historic sites like the site of the ancient Thebes, the Valley of Kings, and the majestic, world-famous pyramids of Giza. The horseback safari takes you through the great desert with its undulating landscape. The Red Sea is home to wild dolphins, and you can get close to them while on the saddle. You can also explore Luxor, once the ancient Ancient Egypt capital, and now the site of many open-air museums and monuments. As a horseback explorer in Egypt, you can discover the temples of Karanak, and Dier al-Bahri and visit the tomb of Tutankhamen. To take a break from the sprawling desert, one can explore the crystal-clear waters and coral gardens of the beautiful Makadi Bay. Egypt is a true blend of historic traditions and culture, with modern-day living, and you can experience it all as you ride majestically on horseback.
South Africa
South Africa offers a wider selection of horse-riding experiences than anywhere else in Africa. There are several reserve-based and lodge-based safaris particularly suited for families. For the more advanced riders, there are some exciting safaris that will get you close to predators like Lion and Cheetah. Apart from the most fearsome predators on the planet, you can also spot giraffe, wild dogs, antelope, and numerous bird and marine life. One can also enjoy horseback safaris along the sprawling and beautiful South African coastline, interspersed with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, flowing streams, and dense forests. Not only the flora and fauna, but visitors can enjoy the fascinating culture; diverse foods, and delicious wine. The Tswalu Tarkuni and Tswalu Motse Lounge offer excellent horseback safaris as part of their day-to-day activities.
Lion on horse safari
Mozambique
While it’s not on the traditional safari circuit in Africa, Mozambique combines the beauty of stunning turquoise-watered beaches with spectacular wildlife. This paradise is unique, thanks to its untouched beauty and the lack of huge crowds. Visitors can spend a week game viewing, and then unwind in their luxurious lodges overlooking the beach. The horseback safari will take you through the Mozambique countryside and the local villages, and you’ll get to experience the vibrant culture. You can also travel to the Quirimbas Archipelago for some snorkelling and camping. You can sail to Benguerra Island, the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, where you can witness turtles, whales, manta rays, and dolphins.
Mozambique Horse Safari
Horseback safari is one of the most thrilling ways to explore the magic of Africa. If you are an adventurer at heart and in love with horse riding, then this is your ultimate bucket list in life! You will see many things which are beyond the reach of average tourists! Reach out to our travel experience designers to curate your dream African horseback safari.
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