Horse riding holidays in Tanzania provide a unusual and intimate way to explore the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife away from hundreds of jeeps seen on vehicle safaris. Despite the turbulent reputations of some neighboring countries, Tanzania remains a peaceful and stable nation. Along its Indian Ocean coastline, you'll find beautiful beaches with warm waters gently caressing the shores, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration. Further inland, Tanzania offers some of Africa's most iconic landscapes and wildlife areas such as the Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Parks and, of course, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Parks of Tanzania, home to the most famous annual migration of large mammals. We offer horseback safaris in both the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro National Parks. Both offer unforgettable riding experiences, allowing you to witness the country's natural beauty up close and personal.
Tanzania is well-known for its biodiversity, with game unrestrained by fences, roaming freely across the vast plains and savannas. Just like in neighbouring Kenya, animals follow established migration routes, creating an incredible spectacle for visitors to witness. However, unlike Kenya, hunting is legal in Tanzania, and poaching has been a significant issue. Thankfully, since 2016, there has been a crackdown on poaching, and the elephant population has rebounded. Outside the reserves the game is rightly elusive, inside the reserves the game relaxes, providing visitors with opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain at 5,900m and the snow-covered peaks of this dormant volcano dominate the landscape. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a popular challenge, and we can arrange this as an extension to any holiday. If you are considering climbing, we highly recommend choosing a slightly longer (6 days or more) route the top as the faster routes have a much higher failure rate. The slower ascent allows adjustment to the altitude and makes altitude sickness less likely.
Our Horseback Safaris in Tanzania
Our exciting Serengeti Migration Safari allows riders to witness the famous wildebeest migration up close. This nine-day adventure includes six full days of riding. Participants spend approximately 4-6 hours in the saddle each day, which makes it suitable for intermediate riders and above. The group size typically ranges from 4 to 10 riders, which gives a personalized experience to the ride.
This horseback safari in Tanzania offers the incredible opportunity to gallop alongside thousands of wildebeest during their annual migration which is widely regarded as one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena on Earth. The landscape around the Serengeti is dotted with acacia trees and distant mountains, and this provides a picturesque setting for this unforgettable adventure. On this trip, riders can become fully immersed in this natural event, and they can observe the dynamic interactions within the ecosystem and encounter many different animals that are drawn to the area. The riding experience is complemented by game drives, which offer the chance to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and flamingos. Some itineraries can be extended to include short trails to hot springs.
Our horseback Safari in the Kilimanjaro area encompasses wildlife (Big Game including elephant so not suitable for beginners) and local Mara culture as well as offering an opportunity to ride with the game rangers on their horseback patrols, thanks to Unicorn Trails’ sponsorship of the horses used by the rangers.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Tanzania
Overall, Tanzania's climate is characterized by regional variations that create a unique and dynamic environment.
Regions like the Serengeti and the central plateau have a more temperate climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet seasons typically occur in April/May and again in November, bringing heavy rainfall and lush landscapes. The dry season, from June to October, brings cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall, creating perfect conditions for wildlife viewing.
In contrast, the highland areas, like Mount Kilimanjaro, enjoy a slightly cooler climate with lower temperatures. This is particularly true at higher elevations (such as on Mount Kilimanjaro), where it can become quite chilly.
For visitors interested in witnessing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, timing is very important. The wildlife cycle in Tanzania is as follows.
January to March: wildebeest herds give birth to around 500,000 calves in the southern Serengeti/Ndutu area. This is an emotional spectacle and draws a lot of predator action.
April to June: transition time when large herds move between the southern and central Serengeti. Less crowded with excellent wildlife viewing.
Between July and October the most iconic and dramatic phase of the migration happens: the crossing of the Mara River. The river crossing is considered the peak of the migration and attracts hordes of visitors.
October to December: The wildebeest gradually drift back from the Kenyan Mara and again large herds are on the move. Another excellent time to ride on the Serengeti.
Getting to Tanzania
Most international visitors arrive in Tanzania by air. For the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro regions, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most convenient entry point. Please note that most visitors, including those from the US, UK and many European countries, will need a visa to enter Tanzania. Several major airlines offer direct or one-stop flights to Tanzania from Europe, the Middle East and other parts of Africa. From North America, flights typically involve at least one connection.
Book your African Horse Riding Safari in Tanzania with Unicorn Trails
We specialize in organizing horse riding holidays worldwide, and Tanzania is certainly one of our top choices for an exceptional African adventure. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and welcoming culture, Tanzania offers riders a unique and immersive experience. With years of experience and a passion for equestrian travel, we can help you plan the perfect horseback vacation in Tanzania for you. Whether you're drawn to the spectacular wildlife spectacle of the Serengeti migration or the diverse landscapes around Kilimanjaro, we can tailor a trip to suit your preferences and riding ability. For those seeking an extra challenge, we can also arrange an extension to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Book your equestrian vacation in Tanzania with Unicorn Trails and prepare for an adventure that will stay with you long after you have returned home.
Plus, by choosing one of our horse riding safaris in Tanzania, you are also contributing to the local economy and conservation efforts in the area. Unicorn Trails sponsors a horseback ranger project in the Kilimanjaro area. In addition we work only with responsible and sustainable tour operators who prioritize the welfare of the animals and support local communities.
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