Africa is a blend of old cultures, dramatic landscapes and varied terrain, and much of it can only be reached on the back of a horse. A horseback safari is a memorable way to see the continent’s wildlife and scenery. You do need to be a trained rider to take one on.
Here are some of the best horseback safaris in Africa.
Botswana
The finest horse-riding in Africa is, without much doubt, in Botswana. The Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Plains are among the best places to see its wildlife and scenery. Much of the land is off-limits to vehicles, but on horseback you can explore it, from desert to delta wetland. The riding can be fast-paced, and the more adventurous can even jump the tree trunks felled by elephants. In the Makgadikgadi salt pans you can watch the sunset over the wide flats and spend quiet evenings around a campfire at the lightweight fly camps.
Tanzania
Less well known than Botswana for horseback safaris, Tanzania still offers superb game viewing. A ride here takes you past the “four giants” — Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Namanga and Longido — through mountain forest and open plain, with plenty of wildlife along the way. The Serengeti is also the setting for the great migration, when herds of over a million wildebeest cross the plains, drawing the predators that follow them. You can stay at lodges or camps, and Tanzania suits all kinds of traveller, from families to couples to solo riders.
Kenya
Kenya offers some of the most exciting horseback safaris in the world. The Masai Mara is among the most game-rich areas anywhere, with an overwhelming sense of space on its plains. On horseback, riders can get close to lion prides, giraffe and the wildebeest of the great migration. The rides take place in select conservancies, with everything from lodge stays to fly-camping. Beyond the Mara, you can ride in Laikipia, near Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa, with fine views of the mountain. Endangered species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Jackson’s hartebeest live here, and you can watch them from the saddle.
Zimbabwe
Home to the mighty Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is often overlooked as a safari destination. The rugged Mavuradonha Mountains are best explored on horseback, the only real way to get around them, and you can ride through the wilderness past herds of elephant and antelope. Rides are available across the major national parks. A typical trip is a five-night ride in the Mavuradonha Wilderness Area, combined with a visit to Mana Pools or Hwange, and can finish at Victoria Falls.
Egypt
In Egypt you can visit famous historic sites, from ancient Thebes and the Valley of the Kings to the pyramids of Giza. A horseback safari takes you across the desert with its rolling dunes. The Red Sea is home to wild dolphins, which you can approach on the ride, and you can explore Luxor, once the capital of ancient Egypt and now a great open-air museum of monuments. On horseback you can reach the temples of Karnak and Deir el-Bahari and the tomb of Tutankhamun. For a break from the desert, there are the clear waters and coral gardens of Makadi Bay. Egypt blends ancient history with modern life, and you can take it all in from the saddle.
South Africa
South Africa offers a wider choice of horse-riding than anywhere else in Africa. There are reserve- and lodge-based safaris well suited to families, and for stronger riders, some that bring you close to predators such as lion and cheetah. Along with the big cats, you may see giraffe, wild dogs, antelope and plenty of birds and marine life. You can also ride along the South African coast, with its beaches, cliffs, streams and forests, and enjoy the country’s culture, food and wine. Tswalu’s Tarkuni and Motse lodges offer horseback safaris as part of their activities.
Mozambique
Off the usual safari circuit, Mozambique pairs turquoise-water beaches with good wildlife. It is a quiet destination, still largely uncrowded. You can spend a week game viewing, then unwind at a lodge above the beach. The horseback safari takes you through the countryside and local villages, giving a real sense of the culture. You can also visit the Quirimbas Archipelago for snorkelling and camping, or sail to Benguerra Island, the second-largest in the Bazaruto Archipelago, where you may see turtles, whales, manta rays and dolphins.
A horseback safari is one of the most rewarding ways to see Africa. If you love riding and have a taste for adventure, it belongs on your list, taking you to places most travellers never reach. Get in touch with our travel designers to plan your own African horseback safari.
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