Explore Africa in the saddle

Bullsport is a great option for horseriding in Namibia. A working farm that also breeds and schools Namibian horses, it offers riding lessons in the lounging circle or the dressage arena, and guided horse trails of up to three days into the Naukluft Mountains.

Desert Homestead is one of the best places for horseriding in Namibia, offering a wide range of guided riding within the Naukluft Mountains. With sunrise or sunset rides of one to two hours, or horse-trails for up to five nights, it is suitable for all experience levels.

For those keen to explore part of Namibia on horseback ,Wolwedans Desert Lodge is a fantastic option. Approach herds of oryx, climb sand dunes and soak in the vistas of the NamibRand Reserve with an expert guide.

The NamibRand is one of the most picturesque areas of the Namib Desert. What better way to explore the vast desert plains surrounded by majestic mountains than on horseback from Wolwedans Dune Camp?

The exceptional scenery around Camp Kalahari makes a stunning backdrop for horseriding in Botswana. Horseback safaris, suitable for a range of riding abilities, last from a few hours to up to five nights.

Thamo Telele provides a relatively safe environment for horseriders of all abilities to enjoy a short horseback safari. This is a great opportunity to get up close and personal to the reserve’s giraffe, zebra and other plains game without the risk of encountering predators.

Close to Hog Hollow, Hog Hollow Horse Trails offers short riding trails and carriage excursions amidst lush rolling hills, with great views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Rides can also take in nearby attractions, wine tasting and lunch, and a scenic picnic ride. Suitable for most abilities, horseriding here can be particularly fun for children.

Shiwa Ng’andu has two stables on the estate. Neither are for novices, though the horses at the main house cater for less-experienced riders who wish to do shorter rides. The stables at Impandala House are operated separately, offering full day rides to the more experienced.

The grasslands and vast pans of the Makgadikgadi are a stunning place to enjoy horseriding in Botswana. Trips from Jack’s Camp last from a few hours to up to five nights and are suitable for a range of riding experience and ability.

While northern Kenya is generally arid, the bushy landscapes around Sarara attract good wildlife and riding excursions offer a new perspective. Most of the plains grazers are relaxed around the horses. Gentle hacks or faster rides can be arranged.

Horseback and camel safaris are arranged with nearby Lewa Wilderness Camp, whose 40 horses are available to experience riders as well as beginners. The plain grazers are relaxed around horses, making it a great way to get up close.

Guests at San Camp can ride quadbikes out onto the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, either for half a day or on expeditions of up to four days to the centre of the pans. Horse riding can also be arranged, lasting from two hours to several days.

Guests at Namib Outpost can take advantage of some of the best horseriding in Namibia at its sister property, Desert Homestead, situated only 10km away.

Sosian owns very good stables and breeds horse; it has 23 available for riding. More experienced riders will enjoy guided full-day bush rides and gallops across open plains, while beginners on holiday can go on gentler walks of a few hours closer to the ranch house.

Ride through the rolling hills of the Kenya's Lewa Conservancy on your holiday, or take a camel trek from Lewa Wilderness. Guided horse rides here can take from a couple of hours to the whole day, and allow you to get close to various antelope, giraffe and zebra.

If you’d like to do some horse-riding in South Africa, then Grootbos has a stable of 20 horses, including some ponies for children. It caters to a range of equestrian abilities – from short rides for novices, to three-hour rides on the beach.

To explore Namibia’s pristine deserts on horseback, look no further than Kanaan Desert Retreat. Bordering the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Kanaan has the same distinctive red sand as at Sossusvlei but with far fewer people, accentuating this wilderness location.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp offers horse riding in the protected areas of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Accompanied by guides, you’ll enjoy gentle rides among the conservancy’s famous rhinos, including the last two northern white rhinos.

Whether you would prefer a leisurely ride through the Grootbos Reserve with stunning views on the Southern Cape mountains or a rapid gallop for more experienced riders on the sandy beach, Grootbos offers you 20 well-trained horses from their own stable.

The open grasslands of Hawange's Ngamo Plain are the perfect environment for horse riding. Bomani Tented Lodge is one of the few properties in Zimbabwe to offer riding with guides and horses for all experience levels.

Horseriding for all abilities is available from the Kande Stables, about ten minutes’ drive from Chintheche Inn. Choose an hour's forest ride or a three-hour bush, beach and swim ride with an optional picnic lunch.

Located in an exclusive 30km2 area of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi offers riding opportunities with horses suited to beginners or experienced riders, accompanied by experienced guides on horseback to ensure safety.

Borana’s two stables house around 50 horses. The one located near the Ngare Ndare River has horses suitable for novice riders, while the other has beautiful, ex-polo mounts to cater for experienced riders as well as to offer longer guided trips.

Solio is home to an impressive population of white and black rhinos, and rides take place outside their sanctuary. Explore the woods and rolling plains and keep watch for a diversity of species, including the northern varieties of plains wildlife.

The Manor has its own stables with three resident horses, as well as a pony for children to ride. Rides are normally done through the coffee plantation surrounding The Manor. The cost for this (July 2013) is US$30 per person per hour.

There are stables at Campi ya Kanzi, looked after by two horse professionals. Riding is only for experienced riders, however, and the rides go out without armed guides. It’s also possible to ride out and drive back.

Loisaba's excellent, well-run stable of 20 horses is one of the lodge's principal appeals. Riding here is a great option for reasonably experienced riders who can ride among the wildlife accompanied by a guide.

Benguerra Lodge stables ten horses near the lodge. It offers guided horseback riding around its local area, including along the pristine white, palm-fringed sandy beach in front of the lodge. Feeling the ocean spray as you gallop through the waves is unforgettable.

Faru Faru Lodge is a sister lodge of Sasakwa, and you can use the riding facilities there. It has magnificent horses that cater for intermediate to experienced riders (14 years and over) and they will take you out on guided rides lasting up to several days.

The excellent equestrian centre at Sasakwa owns 18 horses for riding, ranging from 15.1 to 16.3 hands in height. Riding gear is provided, groups don’t exceed six people, and they have knowledgeable guides. You can do day rides or stay out for several days on a riding safari.

Camelthorn is one of the few properties in Zimabwbe that offers riding. Explore the open grasslands of Hawange's Ngamo Plain with guides and horses for all experinace levels.

Sabora Tented Camp is located quite close to its sister lodge Sasakwa. The stables are located on Sasakwa Hill. From there you can do day rides or even longer riding safaris in Tanzania within the Singita Grumeti Reserve – which has lots of magical vast open plains to offer.

Ol Donyo Lodge is probably the best place for riding holidays in Kenya, and is a working stud. Its 20 horses offer superb riding for almost all aboility levels. Discover this fascinating landscape on horseback, with the impressive Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.