Horse riding holidays in Africa

It's wild, it's exhilarating, it's humbling, and it's heart-stoppingly beautiful. Africa is the true essence of globetrotting.

Horse Riding Holidays in Africa

This is where it all began for us. Africa. The continent that started Globetrotting, that lit the spark, that showed us what horse riding holidays could truly be. Wild landscapes, incredible wildlife, safari riding that delivers the adventure of a lifetime. Africa is the ultimate horseback riding destination.

There’s a reason Africa captures every globetrotter’s imagination. It’s a continent of extremes: vast savannahs dotted with acacia trees one moment, shimmering waterways filled with hippos the next. Ancient deserts that glow red at sunset, bushveld where elephants wander beneath baobab trees, plains where you can gallop alongside zebra and giraffe.

To ride here is to become part of the animal kingdom, rather than just an observer. You’ll cross rivers with wildlife watching from the banks, canter through territories where lions roam, and camp under star-filled skies. Whether you’re swimming your horse through the Okavango Delta or traversing Namibia’s endless dunes, Africa delivers moments that change you.

At a Glance

Botswana

Pristine wilderness & water-splashed safari riding

Kenya

iconic landscapes & Big Five safari adventure

Namibia

Desert expeditions & epic endurance riding

South Africa

All-levels safari & exceptional value

Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro & fast-paced wilderness safaris

Magic You Can Expect

Botswana

Botswana offers some of Africa's most thrilling and pristine safari riding. Wade from island to island in the Okavango Delta, swim your horse in crystal-clear channels, or experience the Tuli Safari where around 1,000 elephants roam freely alongside lions, leopards and cheetahs.

Kenya

Kenya delivers the Africa you've always dreamed of. The Maasai Mara is legendary for good reason: canter alongside giraffe and wildebeest, swim your horse across the Mara River with hippos watching, and enjoy extraordinary wildlife viewing with excellent chances of seeing all of the Big Five.

Namibia

Namibia is for the adventurous, the fit, and those who dream of epic desert crossings on horseback. Think 'Hidalgo'. Expect 7 to 8 hours in the saddle daily, covering 40 to 70 kilometres at speed through landscapes so vast and empty they feel otherworldly.

South Africa

South Africa stands out for its versatility and value. From beginner-friendly lodge rides perfect for families to advanced cross-border expeditions, the Bushveld offers outstanding safari riding for every riding level, with incredible value and genuine luxury.

Tanzania

Tanzania is the land of safaris. Ride through legendary landscapes in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, cross plains teeming with wildlife, and soak up long days in the saddle and constant wildlife encounters.

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Exclusive to Globetrotting

England

The English Rose Ride

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Exclusive to Globetrotting

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Why ride in Africa with Globetrotting?

Africa From the Saddle

Riding lets you move quietly through vast landscapes, follow ancient game trails, and encounter wildlife in a way that feels immersive, respectful, and deeply transformative.

Expert-led Adventures

You’ll ride specially trained safari horses with expert guides who know the land intimately, ending each day in luxury tented camps or cosy lodges beneath star-filled skies.

Tested by Globetrotting

Every African ride is personally tested and vetted by Globetrotting. You’ll travel with confidence, knowing the experience meets our standards and that one-on-one support is available whenever you need it.

Africa Inspiration

A Day in Nairobi Before Your Maasai Mara Safari Ride

A lot of our globetrotters who book on the Maasai Mara safari have one or two days to spend in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, either before or after their ride. With that said, I thought I would put together a

Meet Our Guide: Andrew Gilles

Andrew Gilles is the consummate professional behind our unforgettable Namib Desert horse riding holidays with Globetrotting. A natural adventurer at heart, Andrew’s passion for exploration and deep respect for the African wilderness led him to the one career that perfectly

Horse Breed: Namib Desert Horse

Forged by heat, sand, and survival, the Namib Desert Horse — also known as the Namib Wild Horse — is one of the most extraordinary equine stories in the world. Found roaming free in the vast landscapes of Namibia, these