Horseback riding on a beach is a bucket list item for a lot of people, but have you ever considered an African Horseback Safari? Enter the African Horse Safari vacations. They offer horseback riding in many different locations and offer rides for different experience levels, families, and scenery views – all you have to do is pick the one you want!
The travel section of The Phoenix Filly blog is focused on horse holidays around the globe. Ride along a beach, discover Africa by horseback or stay at a French Chateau and explore the countryside. The possibilities for horse holidays are endless! We hope you enjoy a touch of whimsy today by reading travel opportunities that are available and that are all related to the beloved equine.
The company was started by Director Greg Bowes who started one of the largest voluntourism companies in the world called African Impact. He is knowledgeable and experienced in the African tourism industry and established African Horse Safaris. He now has an impressive team or employees and guides to help run the successful safari business.
African Horse Safaris has a motto- wildlife without the engine. Riders traverse the African countryside and see elephants, giraffes, lions, and hyenas. Guides are experienced (some having over 20 years!) and knowledgeable as are the horses.
There are several different types of safaris offered to choose from. The main categories of safaris are a wildlife-focused safari, safaris suitable for families and non-riders, scenery focused safaris, the working holiday safaris, sport horse riding holidays and epic expeditions.
Expeditions are offered in specific countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Uganda, and Egypt.
Working Holiday Rides
There are three rides offered in the Working Holiday Rides category. Choose from:
Horse Riding Volunteer in South Africa
A chance to work with 9 others in a group to experience the management and operation of an equestrian center in South Africa. Trail rides through the African bush and seeing wildlife are part of this experience.
Horse Riding Working Holiday in Zimbabwe
Work as an Intern at an African stable in Zimbabwe. This experience includes hands-on experience managing the stables, assisting in basic veterinary tasks and learning the basics of shoeing. There are over 30 horses at the stable and other volunteers will be assisting as well.
Horse Racing Internship in Harare, Zimbabwe
Located at the Borrowdale’s Thoroughbred Racetrack in the capital city of Harare, interns will assist the thoroughbred trainer and learn the ins and outs of running the massive grounds. Work is for a minimum of two weeks and you will learn from one of the best! This is for experienced riders only!
Scenery-Focused Rides
Africa has ever-changing scenery to see. Rivers, bush, wine country, deserts, and plains are just some of the unforgettable terrain you can experience on one of the scenery-focused safaris. The website has 10 scenery rides to choose from- a few of the most popular are mentioned below.
Safari in the Foothills of Mt Kenya
Choose from a lodge experience or cross-country trek on this safari that can suit riders with any experience level. Ride with rhinos in a Kenya rhino conservancy for an unforgettable experience.
Chyulu Hills and Masai Mara
For intermediate to advanced riders- Ride through the bush among the wildlife and depending on the season, you may be able to witness the Great Migration!
Horse Holidays in Egypt
Knock Egypt off your bucket list as you experience it by horseback safari. The ride can accommodate all levels of riders and you may get the chance to canter along the Red Sea, stay in exceptional accommodations, ride along the Nile River, swim your horse at Makadi Bay, and see infamous historical destinations such as the Valley of the Kings.
Beach Riding in South Africa
This ride allows riders to canter down stretches of beautiful, empty beaches and yet still have the opportunity to see wildlife as you travel through a reserve. This is one of the best chances to see South Africa’s rugged coastline and see it all by horseback. This ride is catered towards intermediate and advanced riders only.
The Masai Mara with Gordie Church
See Africa with one of Africa’s best guides- Gordie Church! This is a luxury ride with Gordie. 5-star service, luxury tents, wildlife galore and views of the one and only Masai Mara in Kenya will create lasting memories. Due to some of the wildlife that can be found on the Masai Mara, this horseback safari is only for intermediate and above riders.
Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Ride
Canter your heart out and sleep under the stars on the salt pans ride in Botswana! This ride is full of wide open plains and chances to see herds of wildlife. The terrain is broken up by the serene salt pans riders will safari through. For intermediate and above riders only.
River Nile Safari in Uganda
Riding along the Nile River? Yes, please. This ride is for intermediate and above riders and you must be able to canter long stretches and ride for several hours at a time. See the infamous Nile River as you ride along it. A sunset boat cruise, swimming your horse in the Nile, traversing through rainforests and white river rafting are all on the agenda.
Horse Riding Holiday in the Waterberg
Suited for novice and above, riders can safari through the ranch surrounded by reserves for a chance to see pristine wilderness and the wildlife that call it home. Try cattle herding, attempt the small cross-country course, or ride right alongside wildlife such as zebra, giraffes, jackals, impalas and many others on the ranch.
Sport Horse Riding Holiday
Play Polo on the Banks of the Nile
Travel to Uganda and visit an exquisite polo club located in close proximity to the legendary Nile River and Lake Victoria. Riders of all levels are welcomed and will be coached by experienced polo riders as you learn and play the game. Horseback rides through fields and along the banks of the Nile as well as whitewater rafting await you on this excursion.
Polo Tours Bushman Rock in Zimbabwe
Riders of any experience level can join professional polo player Sherri-Lyn Hensman. She will coach and teach the riders and you may get the chance to play in your own mini-tournament. Rides out into the bush for a chance to see the scenery and some wildlife are also on the agenda in Zimbabwe.
Safaris Suitable for Families and Non-Riders
Choose from 6 different and stunning horse safaris even if you are traveling with your family or have no horseback riding experience! These trips aren’t as long as many of the there safaris and the terrain is more open and level. More are listed on the safari website.
Riding at Ant’s Hill and Ant’s Nest
Enjoy leisurely morning and afternoon rides divided by a delicious lunch. You and your family can roam with a guide during your horseback safari on the wildlife reserve and have the chance to see wildlife before returning to your lodge. This is a flexible, relaxing trip the whole family can enjoy on horseback.
Surf and Turf Horse Safari in Mozambique
Have you ever dreamed or riding alongside the ocean or riding your horse through the waves? This safari is the perfect chance to experience it! Ride along sandy beaches in Mozambique and out in the water with your experienced guide. This trip has delicious cuisine, boat rides, horseback riding and sunsets you won’t soon forget.
Wildlife Focused Safaris
Choose from 10 different safaris in the wildlife safari category. A few of the most popular are listed below and more can be found on their website. Africa is known for its unique animals and the chance to see these creatures in their native African habitat is an experience many will never get the chance to take. Don’t forget your camera!
Big Five Horseback Safari in South Africa
This horseback safari offers the chance to see the Big Five- otherwise know as lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffalo. Because of the Big Five animals and the terrain, this ride is for advanced and fit riders. The trip combines camping with lodge accommodations, so riders can enjoy both.
Okavango Delta Horse Fly-Camp Safari
Are you ready to ride through the wilderness and camp under the stars? That is what intermediates riders and above can expect on this stunning trip. Giraffe, elephant, zebra, hyena, buffalo, and some of the best bird watching you may ever encounter can be seen on this wildlife safari.
Tanzania and Mt Kilimanjaro Horse Safari
Strong intermediate riders and above will have the chance to ride Across some stunning African landscapes with Mt Kilimanjaro as their background. Enjoy campfires, stars, outdoor camping in the African bush, and the chance to track and see elephants in the area.
Epic Expeditions
Who wouldn’t want an epic expedition to experience at least once in their lifetime? Two expeditions are offered for a horseback riding African experience to remember for the rest of your life.
The Wild Coast Horse Expedition
Get ready to gallop down stretches of beach with the waves washing away your horse’s hoof prints. Only the fittest, bravest, and most experienced riders are allowed to try this epic expedition. Riders will journey along the rugged, yet breathtaking coast of South Africa. There may be some wildlife sightings and the scenery is sure to impress, but this horseback safari is about the ride. Cross through rivers and tackle some difficult and beautiful terrain through the wilds of South Africa.
The Namib Desert Ride
You must be experienced and be able to sustain up to 8 hours a day in the saddle on this epic Namib adventure. 10 days of exploration will lead riders and their experienced guides through some of the best of the desert. Dunes, desert terrain, beaches and more await the best riders. Be prepared to canter and trot for long stretches and watch for wildlife along this epic journey.
Travel Insurance
Horse Safaris offers the chance for riders and travelers to partake and purchase in WorldNomads travel insurance. It covers overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of activities abroad, including horseback riding.
This is offered for peace of mind during your excursion, but it is not required.
Seeing Africa by horseback could be one of the most epic trips in existence for equestrians! Click To Tweet
Are you prepared to see the best of this continent and possibly test your riding stamina?
Safe travels!