Embarking on a horse riding holiday in South Africa offers an experience unlike any other. Exploring some of Africa’s incredible natural landscapes on horseback is a bucket-list item for most riders.
You’ll be enveloped in the warm hospitality and generosity that South Africans are renowned for as soon as you arrive. Learn about the region's rich cultural history, customs, and traditions, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local way of life. But the real highlight of our horseback riding safari vacations in South Africa is the chance to come face to face with some of Africa's most iconic animals - from lions to leopards, elephants to rhinoceroses, the abundance of wildlife to be encountered is remarkable.
With carefully planned routes, knowledgeable guides, and well-trained horses, riders can rest assured that every moment of their trip will be truly unforgettable.
Best Advice on Riding in South Africa
Unicorn Trails is in an exceptional position to advise you on horse riding safaris in South Africa. Our Managing Director, Wendy Hofstee, grew up in South Africa and throughout her 20 years of living in England, has continued to visit South Africa at least twice a year. She knows Southern Africa like the back of her hand and just about every riding opportunity south of the equator. With our expert guidance, you can discover the diverse landscapes, rich history, and incredible wildlife that South Africa has to offer. Come and join us for some of the best value riding safaris in the world, and discover the hidden gems of this amazing country. We guarantee you'll want to return time and time again.
Huge Amount of Land is Protected
South Africa is a unique destination in many ways, but one of the most notable is its abundance of national parks and private reserves. With 21 national parks and hundreds of private reserves, South Africa provides outstanding opportunities for game viewing throughout the year and across various regions. One of the benefits of South African game reserves is that they are all fenced and the game is actually owned, which means you know what to expect when you visit. Unlike in other countries, there are no large migrations, so you can plan your horseback safari in South Africa with confidence. And don't be fooled into thinking that these are just safari park rides - most reserves are massive, ranging in size from around 20,000 acres all the way up to the incredible 4-million-acre Kruger Park. No matter what season you choose to visit or which area you choose to explore, there is always something new and exciting to discover.
Variety of Horseback Riding Experiences
South Africa is a country of incredible natural beauty, and there's no better way to experience it than on horseback. Our riding tours are carefully selected to offer a variety of experiences that showcase all that South Africa has to offer. Whether you're a first-time visitor, or a seasoned traveller looking for something new, there is something for you. Our tours focus not only on game viewing and visits to the country’s stunning beaches, but also the best off-the-beaten-track experiences that reflect South Africa's incredible culture, wildlife, and hospitality. Nelson Mandela famously referred to South Africa as the "rainbow nation," and we're proud to offer horseback riding vacations that showcase the incredible diversity of this magnificent country.
Horseback Safaris in South Africa for Riders of All Abilities
Unicorn Trails offer a huge range of trails that cater to riders of all abilities, whether seasoned riders or beginners, all can experience South African wildlife on horseback.
For riders with less experience:
Exploring the beauty and majesty of African wildlife is an experience like no other, but it might seem daunting for those with less experience. However, there are plenty of options available for a safe and enjoyable introduction to game viewing. We recommend starting with non-dangerous game and sticking to vehicles when viewing lions, elephants, buffalo, black rhinos, or leopards. This will allow you to get up close and personal with these breathtaking animals without worrying about any potential danger. For this sort of relaxed and safe introduction to game viewing consider:
Horizon Ranch – A wonderful all-round destination where you can bring anyone from your event riding friend to your granny. With a warm welcome and easy transfer from Johannesburg, this is the ideal place for families and solo travellers alike, to immerse themselves in South African culture and wildlife. The stable of horses at Horizon Ranch cater to all abilities, making it perfect for both seasoned equestrians and newcomers. With plenty of easy-to-see plains game, all can enjoy the beauty of the African wilderness without compromising your safety.
Zululand Private Reserve – A 5-star safari in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. This horseback safari is small and exclusive with spacious and individual suites, private balconies, gourmet food and a stable of Arabian and Boerperd horses that are suitable for all riding abilities. The reserve is home to an array of non-dangerous game up to cheetah, and if that's not enough for you, guests can also opt for vehicle safaris into the neighbouring Big 5 Reserve. Best of all, the incredible value for money that this safari offers makes it an opportunity that riders won’t want to miss.
For more experienced riders
For the seasoned riders out there looking for adventure, we offer some truly incredible equestrian vacations in South Africa, including:
African Explorer: If you've been dreaming of a unique and adventurous way to experience the African wild, look no further than the African Explorer trail. Combining four days in South Africa with three days in Botswana, this itinerary offers the opportunity to see the Big 5, as well as two very distinct areas of Africa. As long as you're a really good confident intermediate rider or above, you'll be able to fully participate in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Best of all, this is one of the best value options for Big 5 viewing on a safari, making your African dream trip all the more accessible.
And if you wish to combine fine dining with game viewing, look no further than the Ride and Dine Safari. This unique experience offers the perfect combination of up-close game viewing from horseback and gourmet food cooked right in front of you, at three luxurious safari camps on the Karongwe and Makalili Reserves. Unlike the full Big-5 itinerary, this programme provides a more relaxed riding experience and is limited to no more than seven experienced riders.
Not sure which trail to pick? No problem! Contact our team of knowledgeable experts who will be more than happy to help you pick the trail that best fits your needs.
Safety when riding with game on a Horse Riding Safari in South Africa
Almost everyone asks “is this dangerous?” or “will I be attacked by lion?”. In a nutshell, no, this is not dangerous, and there is little chance of being attacked by a lion, but always make sure you are accompanied by an experienced guide.
Horseback riding amongst game has some incredible advantages over vehicle-based safaris: you are at one with nature and your environment, plus you are seated up high with a good view. Not only is your horse watching his feet, but he is aware of all the smells and sounds of the bush around him at all times. And the horse you ride, being local and experienced, will know how to process this information. Have a look at the ears – that bush the horse is staring at intently probably hides a well camouflaged antelope. If he drops his head to graze you can be pretty sure there is no danger in the area. If he becomes uneasy or refuses to advance, look again for any danger. Your horse is experienced at preserving his safety, all you have to do is stay with him.
Of course, the guides know the areas and habits of the game like the back of their hands and will be looking at spoor (footprints and droppings), and observing the behaviour of the wildlife and horses, so any warning signs of unease or aggression can be acted on. There is always a lead guide (sometimes armed if there is dangerous game present) and a backup guide. In the event your guide thinks there may be an unsafe situation developing, you all turn round and follow the backup guide away. At all times there is a guide between you and any wildlife.
This safety relies on two things: the ability of your guide to keep you away from dangerous situations (almost foolproof on our rides) and your ability to stay on your horse. So, although you may never have to gallop out of danger, if you do not have a secure seat, we suggest you stick to riding with non-dangerous game (no lion, elephant or buffalo) where falling off may be embarrassing, but not life threatening!
Riding in South Africa "Off the Beaten Track"
If you're looking to venture beyond the usual tourist spots, we offer fantastic riding experiences in some extraordinary and underappreciated regions.
Riding the Wild Coast of South Africa
The Wild Coast of South Africa is a truly magnificent destination for travellers looking for adventure, local culture, and stunning natural beauty. Formally known as the Transkei, this area is rich in history and home to the Xhosa tribe, as well as the iconic Nelson Mandela. The region boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, as well as fantastic fishing and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of the Xhosa people. For those looking to experience the Wild Coast's magical allure in a unique and exciting way, the Wild Coast Beach Trail promises endless beach gallops on fit endurance horses, as well as the chance to explore shipwrecks abandoned along the coast. This point-to-point trail is perfect for good riders looking to soak in the area's sublime beauty and culture. The Equestrian Connection is the ideal option for digital nomads to use the riding base as a home office for up to 12 weeks, while spending free time working with the horses, or heading out on rides to explore the Wild Coast.
Riding on the Sunshine Coast of South Africa
The Sunshine Coast of South Africa is a hidden gem in the world of travel. Offering almost non-stop beaches, fantastic surf spots, and a huge range of thrilling water sports, this is a popular holiday destination for South Africans, but largely forgotten by international tourists. The marine life along this coast is sensational too, including plenty of dolphins and whales that can be spotted throughout the year. It's also worth mentioning that the best time to visit the area is outside of South African school holiday times to ensure a more relaxing and peaceful experience.
Fly into Port Elizabeth for a short drive up the coast until arriving at the Eastern Cape Beach and Game Trail. With miles of beaches, beautiful overnight locations, and a safe game experience, it's the perfect place to experience the "good life" South Africa has to offer. Choose between the full trail or a brief stop to complement other rides or tours upon request.
The Western Cape
Nestled just 90 minutes north of Cape Town lies a largely forgotten region, the West Coast. Although often overlooked, this region boasts stunning landscapes and experiences that should not be missed. In August and September, the fields come alive with vibrant orange Namaqualand daisies, drawing visitors from all over to marvel at their beauty. The coastline is also famous for its fishing, seafood, and quality restaurants, and it is quickly becoming the place to have a second home for those who live in South Africa.
Non-Riding Extensions
At Unicorn Trails, we are experts on South Africa and offer many non riding extensions to round off your trip. From a relaxing trip to Sun City or swimming with penguins, to a stay in the winelands, there is something for everyone. And of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete without a visit to Cape Town - with its iconic landmarks such as Robben Island and Table Mountain, stunning beaches, and the scenic drive along the Cape of Good Hope that will take your breath away. Our team at Unicorn Trails can help create a tailored itinerary for you, ensuring that you get the most out of your trip to South Africa and experience everything this beautiful country has to offer.
The Best Time of Year to Visit South Africa
South Africa is an excellent year-round destination for horse riding holidays and horse riding safaris. However, the best time to visit depends on what type of experience you're looking for. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful ride through lush landscapes, then the low season from January to February is ideal. The high season is considered to be from July to December, with prime game-viewing opportunities and cooler temperatures. For those who enjoy beach rides and swimming with horses, the summer months of November to February offer perfect conditions. And for the best of both worlds, plan your trip during the mid-season from March to June
Explore South Africa on Horseback on One of Our Horse Riding Holidays
South Africa is a truly "world in one country" that offers something for everyone, and our horse riding holidays perfectly reflect this. From the beautiful Kruger National Park to the picturesque coastline, there is no better way to explore this diverse nation than on horseback. Our team of experts offer independent advice to ensure that each and every one of our clients has a truly remarkable experience. With the best collection of horse riding holidays in South Africa, we invite you to join us on an adventure that will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.
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