A Unicorn horseback safari riding holiday in Africa will deliver memories full of adventures way beyond your wildest dreams.
Africa is a vast and intoxicating continent and once you've been there you will want to return time and time again. It currently consists of 49 different countries of different size, climates, tribes, traditions, religions, wealth, poverty, politics, wildlife, customs and languages. Some welcome tourists more than others and have a well developed tourist infrastructure. In this beautiful continent you can escape on horseback and ride with only the wildlife for company, and remember the wildlife in Africa really is genuinely wild and free.
Our managing director was brought up in South Africa and has travelled extensively around the African continent so you won't find better riding holidays, or better advice than with Unicorn.
Many riders are looking for the ultimate horseback safaris in Africa and in Kenya, home of the Masia Mara and the Tsavos, in South Africa, home of the Kruger national Park and in Botswana, home of the stunning Okavango Delta, Unicorn has many wonderful safaris holidays. Often they are totally luxurious whilst camping trips are available for the more adventurous. An African horseback safari is without doubt the best way to get up close and personal to the game.
HORSEBACK SAFARIS TANZANIA
Migration Safari Trail Enjoy the Experience of your Lifetime, the ultimate riding safari, watching migratory herds from horseback on this fabulous riding safari holiday in Tanzania. The wildebeest migration in East Africa alone comprises the largest movement of land animals on the planet.
Our migration rides take place in private concession areas or Wildlife Management Areas in the North of Tanzania. Depending on game movement they might be arranged near to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, which are popular national parks and reserves. Or, they might take place in the game corridor between Amboseli National Park, Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Park.
In the North of Tanzania close to 1.2 million wildebeest gather in huge migratory herds in search of quality pastures, some of which pass through our riding area. As the nature of this ride is following the game, it is never certain which direction you will be taking, but let’s go and track them!
Kilimanjaro Safari Trail Here, between the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru we explore the West Kilimanjaro Wilderness, encountering amongst others elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and hundreds of different antelope. This is a mobile tented safari for 2-6 experienced riders at a time, making it a very personal experience. The tents are dome tents and provided with comfortable mattresses. There are toilet and hot bucket shower tents. The food is freshly cooked and of a very high standard. The horses are mostly Warm blood, some Arab and Thoroughbred and X, all ridden in bitless bridles on a loose rein with trail or treeless saddles. Your hosts are both veterinarians and ensure the condition of the horses even in the challenging conditions in the bush, are superb. This horse riding safari is at all paces where the terrain permits.
Coffee Farm with Hot Spring Mini Trail Enjoy the combination of a riding holiday in a working coffee estate combined with a short safari to the Hot Springs. The diversity of Tanzania unfolds before us as we ride across the Maasai Steppe to the ecological wonder of the Kukulewa Hot Springs. Wildlife like kudus, gazelles, and crocodiles occupies the lush vegetation and indigenous palm trees surrounding the springs. Colourful bird life abounds. Enjoy the adventure of sleeping in the bush surrounded by sounds of the African wilderness. Accommodation en route is in dome tents. This trip is perfect for the intermediate to experienced rider and can easily be added to the beginning or end of your other safari plans in Tanzania.
HORSE RIDING SAFARIS in BOTWANA
Okavango Delta with PJ & Barney This is a luxury horseback safari in Botswana, Africa. The Okavanga Delta is one of the premier wild life conservation areas in the world. The mighty Okavango River empties into the Kalahari desert and sinks into the ground there. It creates a watery paradise in the desert and is home to a huge diversity of game and bird species. There is permanent water and seasonal floods create large flood plains made for galloping on! Fishing, mokoro (dugout canoe) rides, walking and game drives are all possible here. To protect this unique environment the Botswanan government has adopted a policy of minimal infrastructure and limited numbers of visitors. With no roads and lots of water, horses are the ideal way of getting around. PJ and Barney have built up a large stable of excellent horses and the quality of riding is superb on this ride. Luxurious bush camping and excellent food means the ride of a lifetime is assured in this premier destination.
Okavango Delta - Macatoo Camp This is another fabulous safari in Botswana. After a short game-viewing air-adventure in a Cessna 206, you will be greeted by your guide and whisked off to base camp where the Macatoo Mamas sing their traditional songs of welcome. After a refreshing drink you will be shown to your secluded and very luxurious tents, complete with toilet and washing facilities. Your private verandah overlooks a seasonal floodplain, home to baboon, hyena and elephant. Drinks are on tap, cake and biscuits are there for the taking and we trust you will already feel relaxed and at home.
The main attraction is the joy of riding good horses over superb country, with just about every landscape dotted with game. The riding is varied, sometimes quietly walking, stalking big game and admiring the bird life, sometimes cantering through the water-meadows alongside galloping giraffe and lechwe. The 4x4s are used for night drives, spotting the nocturnal species and for close up photography of kills and predators. When the water levels permit, you will also go out in boats to put another perspective on the game.
The safari team is inspired each day by the beautiful surroundings to provide the best safari experience possible for the guests. They are enormously privileged to have a huge unspoilt wilderness in which to run the safaris. The Okavango Delta is an intriguing phenomena, with ever changing landscapes due to the seasonal flood waters coming through from Angola. The movement of the game, the dramatic seasonal changes in the flora and the varying interests of the guests ensures that no two safaris are the same, each one is unique.
Tuli Safari Trail A fantastic horseback safari in Botswana. This is a fast and exciting mobile tented safari in the "Land of the Giants". Here large herds of elephant roam and the "great, green, grey, greasy Limpopo" (in the words of Rudyard Kipling) meanders, where the mighty baobab stands tall and lions and hyena serenade you under the starry African night sky. For experienced and adventurous riders only. The Tuli Block is also home to a multitude of wildlife species and remains untouched by the invasion of man. The accommodation is luxurious in the base camp but consists of comfortable camping en route to give you the flavour of the real Africa.
SAFARIS ON HORSEBACK in KENYA
Ambolseli Safari View some of the most spectacular game in Africa on the mobile safari stretching from the Tanzania border, across the Amboseli Park with its waterways and wetlands, over the vast Kenyan plains dotted with acacias and into the lava flows of the Chyulu hills. The variety and masses of game viewed are unequalled: from lion, some of the biggest tusking elephant in Africa, massive buffaloe herds, rare black rhino, through cheetahs, giraffe, zebra, all the antelope types, baboons, Syke's monkey, striped hyena and many rare and lesser viewed species. For bird lovers the diversity of eco systems and altitude means a huge variety is sighted.
Enjoy camping under canvas in a fully staffed classic mobile tented safari on this very personal luxury safari. Beautifully schooled boerperd and cross horses, long hours of fun but safe riding and two guides for a maximum of 8 guests make this one of the top safaris available today.
Extra nights can be spent before or after the ride in a luxurious eco lodge, sympathetically built from local stone, volcanic rock, olive wood and thatch, set at the base of the Chyulu hills with panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Chyulus Mobile Safari In the Masai lands in the southwest of Kenya, near the border with Tanzania we find the beautiful remote area of the Chyulus Hills, long an insider secret for safari afficionados. Featured in the "Out of Africa" film this area offers a remote private wilderness safari with versatile riding tailored to guests wishes and is a superb choice of riding holiday. On the doorstep of Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks, this area is home to a huge diversity of game and exosystems as well as some of the biggest tusking elephant alive in Africa today.
This safari is a point to point luxury riding holiday under canvas for riders interested in acquiring an in depth knowledge of African mammals. Non riders can be catered for with their own parallel jeep safari itineraries. The riding is fun, safe and secure on beautifully schooled boerperd and cross horses. These are very personal full service safaris with no more than 8 guests and 2 guides on each departure.
Additional nights before or after the safari may be spent in a luxurious eco lodge, sympathetically built from local stone, volcanic rock, olive wood and thatch, set at the base of the Chyulu hills with panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. A lodge safari can also be organised if preferred
Masai Mara on Horseback This horseback safari in Kenya is the Full Monty - a serious exploration of Masai land on horseback in the classic mobile tented safaris of past generations. A rare opportunity to ride in 'Out of Africa' country accompanied by the highly professional and experienced bush guides. Being on horseback means you avoid all other people and those mini vans with tourists the Mara has become known for. It is just yourself, the horses and the game. This is a once in a lifetime experience involving long hours in the saddle and surrounded by the most diverse and numerous species of game in the world. This safari is of a luxurious calibre with walk in tents, beds and hot showers every night, complete with back up and support team of Masai staff, chefs, grooms, waiters and camp staff who move camp and cater for you and your horse's every need. A horse riding holiday experience of a lifetime in Africa!
SAFARI RIDING VACATIONS in SOUTH AFRICA
Dinaka Luxury Safari This is a wonderful horseback safari in South Africa. Dinaka is for "lovers of comfort" and those who want a guaranteed game viewing experience. The 20,000 acre reserve contains literally thousands of animals. Species to be seen include not only rhino, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, leopard, ostrich and two species of zebra, but also over 20 species of antelope, including the impressive eland and sable and the exquisite steenbok and springbuck. Although the views are mountainous, the environment consists mainly of fertile plains. This gives riders the opportunity to view the larger herds of game would not normally occur in Southern Africa's bushveld areas. It is not uncommon to see herds of a few hundred antelope, together with 8 or 9 rhino, all in the same small area. In some situations, one could take a photo with rhino, kudu, blesbok, impala and springbok all in the same frame. It provides a truly magical game experience. On this amazing horse riding holiday, guests will stay in a stone and thatch lodge, set high on a ridge overlooking a picturesque lake offering spectacular views across the plains. Dinaka boasts incredibly welcoming hospitality from your host Carmen and personal attention to detail.
Surf and Turf Safari A horse riding holiday in South Africa offering both a horseback safari with fabulous beach riding. The Surf and Turf riding adventure combines four days riding on the glorious Wild Coast of South Africa with four days game viewing from horseback at Dinaka. Ride on some of South Africa's most spectacular beaches on responsive, well-loved horses. The riding is exhilarating and exciting; one sweeping bay after another, rolling hillsides, river crossings and warm lagoons. Endless beaches and unrestricted cross country riding through the undeveloped beauty of the South African Wild Coast. After 4 days, you fly north to the Limpopo Province and to the Dinaka game reserve situated at the base of the Waterberg escarpment. On this fertile plain you see large herds of plains game. Species to be seen include rhino, buffalo, giraffe, ostrich and zebra, brown hyena, hippo and a wide variety of antelope, including the impressive eland, sable and steenbuck. The luxurious Dinaka lodge is set high on a ridge overlooking a hippo-filled lake, with spectacular views across the plains.
Horizon Ranch A must do horse riding holiday in South Africa! This 10,000 hectare ranch lies deep within Waterberg Mountains. Our Horizon Ranch has been home to the Baber family for over a century and continues to operate as a working cattle and game ranch. A maximum of ten guests are accommodated at any one time. The ranch offers varied and exciting riding for riders of all levels. The variety is endless and the horses are top quality. Go for long rides at varied paces, exploring the furthest reaches of the ranch, join the daily cattle work - learn all about mustering, cutting and driving cattle - gather beneath the eucalyptus trees to join an exciting game of polo cross (Warning: this is addictive), go on a trip into the neighbouring game reserve and look out for giraffe, zebra, eland, the wildebeest, impala, kudu and many other game species. Experience nights under African stars, telling stories around the campfire. Pick up tips from one of the most savvy horsemen around. You will leave this holiday relaxed and with many new friends. For non-riders there are many possibilities - visit the 600 person local farm working community with its schools and crèche, learn about the running of a large cattle/tobacco/maize ranch in South Africa, or go on one of the many bird walks.
Big 5 Combo Combine four nights in the Tuli Block, Botswana and four nights in the Waterberg, South Africa for an unforgettable Big Five riding adventure.
Dinaka is in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Safari is based on a private reserve in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in a UNESCO biosphere reserve, one of the last true wilderness areas of South Africa. Species to be seen include rhino, hippo, buffalo, black impala, giraffe, ostrich and zebra. In addition riders will encounter a wide variety of antelope, including the impressive eland and sable and the exquisite steenbuck.
The Tuli Block in Botswana is known as "The Land of the Giants". It is also home to a multitude of wildlife species such as lion, leopard, elephant and hyena and remains untouched by the invasion of man. The riding trails cover both the riverine terrain and the true African mopane bushveld, including the famous sandstone formations of the Tuli. The Botswana part of the safari can now be done either enjoying the added comforts of a static camp (Feb, March, Oct and Nov departures) or as traditionally on mobile camping safari (Apr-Sep departures).
Big 5 Safari The "Big 5" is what everyone dreams of seeing on an African Safari. Lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. For experienced riders here is an exclusive safari which gives you the chance to see all these and experience Africa as our forefathers did - from the back of bush wise Boerperd horses. A must for anyone serious about game viewing. One difference is a greater level of comfort and safety available today. Luxurious safari tents are perched on wooden platforms overlooking the Makhutswe River, with hot and cold shower and a toilet with a view to remember! Gourmet meals are prepared over an open fire daily. There is a swimming pool to relax around at midday. A qualified and armed ranger who is the owner of the operations accompanies you in exploring the 31000 hectare private reserve on this wonderful horse riding holiday in South Africa .
Zululand Private Game Reserve This is a horse riding holiday in Zululand, South Africa - on a reserve situated in the rolling hills of KwaZuluNatal province, far above the sugar cane producing fields bordering Swaziland and Mozambique and near to the St Lucia Wetlands Reserve and scuba diving of Sodwana Bay. It is a small and exclusive five star lodge with only 8 magnificent accommodations, excellent food and a stable of 21 Arab and cross horses. The owner breeds Arab horses and the horses are in prime condition. Plentiful plains game including the elusive Nyala antelope, giraffe and zebras are present on the reserve and a large neighboring reserve is also available for riding. There is no dangerous game present so it is possible to walk freely along the many self guided trails on the reserve and beginners can be accommodated on riding trips.
Ants Reserve Be the exclusive guests of your hosts as they share with you, their private nature reserve in South Africa and love for the wild on this fabulous horse riding holiday. Stay in the old colonial homestead, with its classic furniture crafted from local timbers, its warm fireplace and crisp plunge pool. Venture out on horseback, foot or jeep, close to game such as rhino, giraffe or eland. Discover the mysteries of Spoor and learn the medicinal use of the local trees and plants. Enjoy the magnificent vistas created by the mountains and gorges of the Waterberg, at surprise bush breakfasts or traditional sundowners. Here you are truly a valued personal guest. This ride is ideal for family groups. There are hundreds of things to keep family occupied in the bush and enough staff to look after them while allowing the parents some luxury and peace. Exciting riding tailored exactly to your requirements - what a safari holiday!
HORSE SAFARI HOLIDAYS in NAMIBIA
Unicorn offers several horseback safaris in Namibia and these are well worth checking out as they are quite different to the more traditional South African safaris.
Namib Desert Trail This trail is the flagship ride of Namibia. On this tough and challenging 12 day ride you cover 400 km across the desert. You have the opportunity to see all of Namibia's landscapes, from the highlands and semi-desert sheep farms, down the magnificent escarpment, through stoney and mountainous desert, red sand dunes and finally the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Not for the faint hearted, this is a long distance adventure. Sooner or later all serious riders end up here!
Damara Elephant-Skeleton Trail This horse riding trail previously had the tag “Only for those who have done the Namib Desert Trail; be ready to ride for your life if needed!” . It is now open for anyone, but done only once a year!
This is a truly exceptional Namibian trail; where else can you expect to see elephant, giraffe and rhino in a desert habitat! And you will be surprised at how they have adapted. Damaraland is a very spectacular part of the country, almost inaccessible, with amazing colours and vast open spaces, ancient craters and remnants from prehistoric times, not to mention the forbidding Skeleton Coast. We may encounter elephant, rhino or lion, or be caught by rivers in flood, all of which combines into a tremendous adventure. Each and every Damaraland Trail so far has been an experience of a lifetime!
Sossusvlei and Damaraland Lodge Trail Explore two very different parts of Namibia the luxurious way, staying in well-appointed private lodges and riding responsive horses. This horse riding holiday starts in the south, near the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft Desert Park. Here we visit the dunes and optionally enjoy a few nights under the stars in the desert before departing to the coast and Walvis Bay. After an estuary tour we head to Grootberg in Damaraland and ride with the Damaraland elephant and other game as well as visiting the local Himba tribes living in the area. Again there is an option to camp out in this game rich area. Your accommodation is very comfortable throughout, with all the hard work taken care of, even when sleeping under the stars.
Fish River Canyon to Orange River This horse riding safari holiday in Namibia has a combination of dramatic canyon landscapes, spacious desert planes and the mighty Orange River. This offers both inaccessible countryside and real wilderness areas as well as fast riding without limitations. The Fish River Canyon area is internationally recognised as one of Africa's most magnificent sites and is the second largest canyon in the world. This trail crosses over three parks: Fish River Canyon Park, Gondwana Park and Aussenkehr Park, which is home to a small Namib Feral Horse population. The riding is at all paces and this is for adventurous and fit riders with a love of nature and camping.
Choosing rides from our huge range of horse riding holidays can be a challenge in itself and you may find yourself going into overload with all these fabulous holidays, but we can help you to narrow down your choice. You may already know which regions and countries you are interested in. However check out our ride category selector. Here you can look for rides by the following categories:
. beach riding holidays
. ranch riding holidays
. horse back safaris
. our premier selection
. family friendly horseback holidays
. singles riding holidays
. advanced riders
. horse holidays with tuition (dressage, polo, jumping)
. riding holidays for beginners
. fast riding
. desert riding
. mountain trekking
. centre based riding holidays
. trail rides
. unguided horse holidays
. holidays that can incorporate non-riders
. western style riding
. natural horsemanship holidays
. riding holidays with camping
. Christmas & New Year riding holidays
. winter sun horse holidays
. short riding breaks
. holidays suitable for the heavier rider
. cattle drives
. horseriding holidays in Eastern Europe
. adventure riding holidays
. health and lifestyle riding breaks
So as you can see there is something for everyone. WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!
Don't forget we can always arrange an extension to the riding element of you holiday. You may like us to suggest something or perhaps you have your own ideas. Whether it's time to relax on a beautiful beach, go white water rafting, take a cruise around the magical Galapagos Islands or a see the sights in a city stopover we will be delighted to make the arrangements for you.
Unicorn Trails is very proud to have rides all over the world. Here is a list of the countries we ride in. To see the relevant web page and learn more the country and our rides there, just click on the link:
Europe:
Riding Holidays Cyprus
Horse Riding Holidays France
Horse Riding Holidays Greece
Horse Riding Holidays Iceland
Horse Riding Holidays Ireland
Horse Riding Holidays Italy
Horse Riding Holidays Portugal
Horse Riding Holidays Spain
Horseback Holidays Sweden
Riding Holidays Turkey
Horse Riding Holidays UK
Horse Riding Holiday GB
Horse Riding Holidays England
Horse Riding Holidays Wales
Horse Riding Holidays Germany
Eastern Europe:
Horseback Riding Holidays Bulgaria
Riding Holidays Czech Republic
Horse Holidays Hungary
Horse Riding Romania
Horse Riding Holidays Russia
Africa:
Horse Riding Holidays Botswana
Horseback safaris Botswana
Horse back holidays Ethiopia
Horse Riding Holidays Kenya
Horseriding vacations Madagascar
Riding Morocco
Horse Holidays Mozambique
Horse Riding Holidays Namibia
Horse Riding Holidays South Africa
Safaris on horseback South Africa
Riding Holidays Tanzania
Equestrian vacations Tunisia
Horse Riding Holidays Egypt
North America:
Horse Riding Holidays Canada
Horse Riding Holidays USA
Horse Riding Holidays United States of America
South America & Central America ( Latin America):
Horse Riding Holidays Argentina
Riding Holidays Brazil
Horse Riding Holidays Chile
Horse Holidays Costa Rica
Horse Riding Holidays Dominican Republic
Horseback Holidays Ecuador
Equestrian Holidays Mexico
Horse back Hoildays Peru
Horse Riding Holiday Uruguay
Far East, India, Australasia, Middle East:
Horseback Riding Holiday Australia
Horse Riding Holidays China
Horse Riding Holidays India
Horse Riding Indonesia
Horse Riding Holiday Jordan
Horse back Holiday Tibet
Horse Riding Holidays Tajikistan
Horse back Holiday Krgyzstan
Horse Riding Holiday Mongolia
Horse Riding Holiday New Zealand
To create great photobooks of your riding holidays click the link below. They're really easy to make and look superb. We're great fans and have our personal "travelogue" books. We even have mugs of ourselves riding in various spots around the world!
Safaris on horseback are the ultimate in