South Africa offers among the world's finest horse riding safaris. Horseriding adventures range from reliving the horrors of South Africa's many battlefields -- many of these battles were fought on horseback -- to experiencing wildlife at close quarters and meet the big 5 face-to-face; from exploring the many valleys in the foothills of South Africa's majestic mountains to riding along the endless white sands of South Africa's many wild undeveloped beaches -- all this from the comforts of your saddle.
Some of the horseriding safaris are only for those that are more comfortable on a horse -- notably; big 5 terrain! If you're a novice, there are some easier options where the wildlife is not likely to consider eating you (or your horse).
That said; you don't have to be an experienced rider to take part in most horseback safaris, and in the saddle you'll probably get closer to game than you would on foot or in a vehicle. Novice riders quickly gain confidence, and those who've tried it say that the combination of riding and game-viewing is irresistible.
The South African Horse Riding Trails page lists horseriding trails ranging from easy one or two hour rides to all-day treks.
Horse based adventure trails often used in Adventure Racing events are also gaining popularity.
Horseback Safari Tour Operators:
African Horse Company offers short outrides and 2- to 10-day overnight trails in the Cape Town, Hermanus, Stanford and Overberg areas of the Western Cape. Through the fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom - a world heritage site - the rides cover rugged mountain terrain and kilometres of wide beach and dune coastline.
Bhangazi Horse Safaris offers day and multi-day rides around Lake Bhangazi and Lake St Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal. You can also combine a horse ride with a paddling trip.
Colin's Horseback Africa Safaris, based outside Pretoria in Gauteng, offers riders the chance to see game on short day rides. Beginners will feel particularly secure, while experienced riders may have a short canter when the terrain permits.
Equus Horse Safaris, a pioneer of luxury horse safaris in South Africa, offers trails through unspoilt mountain wilderness in the Waterberg in Limpopo province, with a variety of wildlife to be seen. The sweeping grasslands of the main valleys offer fast riding, while the mountainous areas can be explored at a slower pace.
South Africa Horseback Safaris offers exciting riding with different challenges and amazing game viewing. There are two different rides that you can join, Luxury Lodge based riding available throughout the year, or 7 Day wilderness Safaris in Songimvelo Game Reserve, leaving at scheduled dates throughout the year.
Wait a Little Horse Safaris are highly personalised and specialised safaris run by Gerti and Philip Kusseler in a 8500ha Private Game Reserve close to the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa - with the background of the Drakensberg mountains is one of the most beautiful wilderness regions in the world.
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