9 Best African Horse Safaris: Ride the Savannah in 2025!
Do you need to know how to find – and book – the best African horse safaris?
Then keep reading, because that’s what we’ve got for you here! An African horseback safari is an unforgettable adventure, and we’ve taken a deep dive into what’s out there for you.
Too long to read? Here’s our top choice for the Best Riding Safari in Africa ⤵️
🥇Our top pick is
the Maasai Mara Horse Riding Safari because of its outstanding itinerary and the company’s near-perfect ratings with ⭐4.9/5!
A horse safari offers a unique way to explore Africa’s vast wilderness. Witness the iconic wildlife in its natural habitat.
The experience of being up close to these African animals on horseback is an incredible experience.
Below you’ll find 3 top multi-day Africa horseback safaris and 6 amazing day trips. Try more than one if you can, or combine a day trip with another incredible safari.
Top 3 Picks: Best Africa Horse Safari
✔️ Best Safaris in the Saddle: Multi-Day
Multi-day horse riding holidays let you lose yourself in the spirit of the African bush. This is an unforgettable way to explore the African wilderness.
Here are the best horse-riding safaris in Africa. They will take you on unforgettable journeys through some of the continent’s most breathtaking landscapes.
1) 8-Day Maasai Mara Horse Riding Safari
⭐️ Company rating: 4.9 out of 5 | Duration: 8 Days
➦ Work with the tour company to create the safari of your dreams!
✻ Why this tour? It follows the Great Wildebeest Migration in season, big game viewing on horseback, and picnics at scenic spots!
The Maasai Mara Horse Riding Safari includes:
- comfortable safari-style tents
- domestic flights within the safari
- laundry service
- Amref and membership with Flying Doctors
- your horses, their care, feeding, and tack
* For intermediate and advanced riders
Excellent service and great advice. Every step of our journey was carefully planned and excellent. I fully recommend them.
– tour company guest (read more reviews)
This tour gives you a chance to follow the path of the wildebeest migration through the famous Maasai Mara. Some of my most exciting safari memories were made in the Maasai Mara, and I highly recommend it!
While the peek of the migration takes place roughly from July to October, animals are moving all year long. Riding across the savannah among the animals, with no sounds of vehicles getting in the way, is a remarkable experience.
You’ll even cross the Mara River as the wildebeest do – unless, of course, it’s in full flood!
You’ll take daily rides in the Masai Mara, picnic in idyllic spots, and spend blissful evenings listening to the sounds of Africa. Cozy up on a comfy mattress and linens in camp and wake up refreshed.
Depending on the camp, you’ll either have a private bush toilet and bucket shower, or conventional facilities.
Along with riding safaris, you’ll be treated to frequent game drives and walking safaris. Night drives are on the itinerary, too. That’s often when the action happens!
2) 8-Day Kilimanjaro Elephant Safari on Horseback in Tanzania
⭐️ Highly Rated Safari Company | Duration: 8 Days
➦ Ride trails off the beaten track!
✻ Why this tour? It lets you spend 4-6 hours in the saddle every day, and takes you deep into the African bush.
The Kilimanjaro Elephant Safari on Horseback includes:
- a private guide
- comfortable, spacious tents
- your horses, tack, their care and feeding
- airport transfers
* For intermediate and advanced riders
This amazing safari starts with a night’s stay at a permanent camp in a polo safari club. You’ll get to enjoy the gym and pool and be pampered in the spa.
There is even wifi in this camp. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy your meals in a clubhouse that was designed as a replica of the Sultan of Zanzibar’s palace. This is a unique feature for a horse-riding safari!
After you’ve had a chance to indulge yourself in these luxuries, you’ll move on to Arusha. The rest of your trip will be spent in comfortable mobile camps with tents, bush toilets, and open-air bucket showers.
You’ll be surprised at how magical it is to be able to gaze up at the African sky while you enjoy your shower!
Everyone is incredibly lovely and kind. We felt so happy. Everything was awesome!
– anonymous review of tour company (read more reviews)
Highlights of this safari include private guides who are experts on local flora and fauna and lakeside sundowners. You can also look forward to a stunning ride across the Seven Sisters mountain range.
You’ll pass by the old house of Margarete Trappe, the first professional female hunter in East Africa. The German-British woman came here with her parents in 1907, and you’ll be treated to incredible stories of her adventures here!
All along your rides, you’ll see Africa’s spectacular wildlife, with the chance of seeing the elusive gerenuk antelope.
You’ll even spend a full day tracking elephants. There’s no better way to observe these impressive animals than from the back of a horse.
You’ll also visit the very site where John Wayne’s adventure rom-com film “Hatari” was filmed in 1962.
The Kilimanjaro Elephant Safari is an excellent opportunity to experience the Tanzanian wilderness. And there’s no better way to do that than on horseback.
3) Tracking the Big 5 in South Africa
⭐️ Rated 4.6 out of 5 | Duration: 10 Day Total
➦ 7 days on horseback in South Africa on the outskirts of Kruger Park!
✻ Why this tour? It includes time on the Panoramic Route, in Blyde Canyon, and in the Drakensberg Mountains.
This Tracking the Big 5 in South Africa Safari includes:
- an excellent chance of seeing all of the Big 5 (elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and Cape buffalo
- your horses, their care, feeding, and tack
- game drives
- traditional braais
* For all levels of riders
Explore the gorgeous country of South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains area.
Head out each day to explore this stunning area. Discover its iconic African wildlife, and return each evening to a comfortable camp and excellent meals.
Enjoy morning and afternoon riding safaris, changing location every couple of days. Sleep overlooking the Makhutswe River, and explore the Karongwe Private Game Reserve.
Ride on to your new camp at Beacon Rock, camp under the stars, and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush.
Great experience, wonderful well trained and extremely well trained horses! Great, friendly and helpful team!
– Wim (read more reviews)
Your next stop will be XiDulu camp in the Makalali Private Game Reserve. From here you’ll be able to view the surrounding wildlife from the deck of your chalet, or from the camp’s infinity pool.
A game drive in Makalali will give you a different perspective, followed by dinner next to the lake. Rest up for a morning of bushwacking with your horse, and some possible black rhino sightings.
Follow wildlife tracks the next day on horseback, and dine on wild game for your evening meal.
The Tracking the Big 5 in South Africa Safari is an exciting 7 days in the saddle in South Africa!
✔️ Best African Horse Safari Day Trips
If spending several days in the saddle sounds like a bit too much for you, or you just don’t have the time, try a day trip! These are great for beginner and experienced riders – any skill level.
There are several single-day and half-day rides that will let you enjoy the beauty of Africa from the saddle. Check them out!
4. Cape Town Horseback Full-Day Safari Tour with 2-Hour Game Drive
- a Big 5 Safari 8-hour tour in the Karoo veld, a dry tableland of southern Africa. Includes breakfast, lunch, welcome drinks, and return transport. Travel through the wine region!
- beginner-friendly; breakfast and lunch included
5. Horse safari day trip from Johannesburg
- Explore north of Pretoria, and view wildlife in its natural habitat on a 3.5-hour ride. Then enjoy pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven! Includes transport from Johannesburg.
- Beginner-friendly; pizza lunch included
6. Victoria Falls National Park: Horseback Safari
- 4 hours of game viewing above the falls along the Zambezi River. Get closer to wildlife like rhinos, elephants, and cape buffalo on horseback!
- beginner-friendly, lunch included
7. Horse Riding Safari Day Tour from Johannesburg
- a private 3.5-hour safari in the African bush. Get up close and personal with the many herbivores in the area, such as zebras, giraffes, and warthogs. Finish with a delicious lunch. Includes transport from Johannesburg.
- beginner-friendly; lunch included
8. Mozambique Beach and Bush Horse Safari
- this 1.5-hour ride includes time on the open beach and in the dune bush. Explore the mangrove shoreline, and enjoy the incredible clifftop views. Transport is provided for a fee.
- beginner-friendly
9. Maun Horse Riding Safari in Private Game Lodge
- experience an African horseback safari in Botswana on a 2-hour ride. Free transport to stables 40 minutes from Maun, and the chance to see giraffes, zebras, and many other animals! Extend your ride for a fee.
- beginner-friendly
Pre-Planning Essentials for Your Trip to Africa
✓ Travel Insurance – Safety Wing Nomad Insurance is a great option. Easy to get and easy to use, their customer service is top-notch.
✓ Accommodation – VRBO Africa and Booking.com have great options in every price range and thousands of locations across Africa.
✓ Vehicle Rental – if you’ll need your own vehicle while you’re in Africa, Discover Cars has you covered, whatever type of vehicle you’re looking for.
✓ Park ‘N Fly – another worry out of the way. Pay for your airport parking, and get shuttled right to departures – all with a 15% discount.
✓ eSIM – cell phone use can be a huge concern when you’re travelling. Blow that anxiety out of the water with Airalo eSIM. Works in 190 countries, entirely online.
✓ Resources Page – browse our resources page for everything you need to cover your travel bases.
African Horse Safaris: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are horse safaris safe?
A: Yes. You might wonder, what happens should you come across a predator, such as a lion, while on horseback? While this very well may happen, horses are much larger than a lion’s usual prey.
Plus, the horses you’ll be riding are very used to the types of wildlife you’ll be seeing. Spooking isn’t an issue. As well, your guides are well-trained in how to handle any situation you might come across. No worries!
Q: What is the best month for an African safari on horseback?
A: Generally, the months between June and October are ideal. This period marks the dry season, which is associated with excellent wildlife sightings. With thinner foliage and shorter grass, animals have fewer hiding spots.
Also, during the dry season, water sources are limited, making animals’ movements more predictable. But I’ve gone on safaris at all different times of the year, and I’ve never been disappointed.
Q: What time of year is the cheapest for safari?
A: Shoulder season can be a less expensive time to go on a safari. This is roughly from November and December, between falls between the rainy and dry seasons. Wildlife viewing is still fantastic, fewer people are around, and you could get some good deals on safaris.
Q: Is Kenya or Tanzania better for Safari?
A: While you can’t go wrong with either option, Kenya does tend to experience a larger influx of tourists. If you prefer a more “wild” safari with fewer people around, Tanzania may be a better choice for you.
Q: How far in advance should you plan a safari?
A: If you plan to travel during high season (aka. dry season, June-October) and want your choice of experiences, advanced planning is important. Try to book your safari at least 9 months to a year before you’d like to start your journey.
Q: What do you wear on a horse safari?
A: If you are going on a multi-day horse safari, gloves, jodhpurs, short chaps, and short boots are a good idea. Some of this may be provided for you, as a helmet will – be sure to check with your tour provider before you pack. Jeans are fine for a day safari.
Be prepared for cool mornings with a fleece and knit hat. Stick to neutral colours that blend into the bush, avoiding dark and bright colours that attract mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
Q: How does a horse safari impact the environment and local communities?
A: Many horse safari operators in Africa are committed to eco-friendly practices and community involvement. Horse safaris typically have a low environmental impact compared to vehicle safaris.
As well, some safari operators support local communities through employment opportunities and contributions to conservation efforts.
Q: What is the first rule of safari?
A: The most important thing to remember when on safari is to be aware. You’re in a place where the wildlife rules the landscape. If you get distracted and do something you shouldn’t, like keep food in your tent, your holiday may take a turn for the worse.
Did sub-Saharan Africa have horses?
Yes. Sub-Saharan Africa had horses, but their presence was limited by geographical and environmental factors, such as the tsetse fly, which spreads diseases harmful to horses. Horses were introduced into North Africa by ancient civilizations and gradually spread southward.
Summing It Up: Best Horseback Safaris in Africa
If you want to experience a unique form of safari in Africa, then a safari on horseback is the perfect choice. You’ll revel in the quiet of game viewing without the sound of an engine, just the sound of your horse’s hooves as you ride through the bush.
Feel a part of the wild, with the heat of the sun on your skin and the breeze in your hair. Horse riding safaris offer a truly immersive and unforgettable way to explore the beauty of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.
Happy travels!
Read more about travelling in Africa:
➥ Volunteering in Africa with Animals – Best Programs in 2025
➥ Exploring Africa: Incredible Victoria Falls Tours from Cape Town
➥ 17+ Awe-Inspiring Reasons to Visit Tanzania
➥ Penguin Beach South Africa: THE Place to See Penguins in the Wild
➥ Find Your Dream Destination in Africa
