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Riding holidays in South Africa
Riding holidays in South Africa
Riding holidays in South Africa
Riding holidays in South Africa
Riding holidays in South Africa
Riding holidays in South Africa
Riding holidays in South Africa

Riding from Hog Hollow, Tsitsikamma

South Africa riding holidays

Amazing riding places in South Africa

South Africa's Cape is well known for its stunning scenery and horse riding is just one of the many ways to enjoy it. Here are several options for horseback riding in South Africa that we can recommend.
Although none are long enough to count as riding safaris or actual riding holidays, they can be a great way to spend a few hours in the Cape. Explore rolling hills and sandy beaches on horseback irrespective of whether you have ridden before. They all cater for varying levels of ability, experienced guides will make sure you have a horse suited to you.

Garden Lodge

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.


Hog Hollow

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.

Best camps & lodges for Riding holidays in South Africa


Hog Hollow Country Lodge

Hog Hollow

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.


95% (30 reviews)
Grootbos Forest Lodge

Forest Lodge

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.


100% (8 reviews)
Grootbos Garden Lodge

Garden Lodge

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.


97% (14 reviews)

Best camps & lodges for Riding holidays in Africa

Riding holidays elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Riding holidays in other countries.


Riding holidays in Botswana

Botswana

There are a variety of options for riding holidays in Botswana, from quad biking across vast salt ...

Riding holidays in Kenya

Kenya

Although it's not a major destination for riding holidays, Kenya offers a great diversity of scenery ...

Riding holidays in Malawi

Malawi

If you are interested in horseback riding in Malawi, there is just one place we'd advise you to visit...

Riding holidays in Mozambique

Mozambique

We can't currently suggest any full-time riding holidays in Mozambique; there's nowhere that we ...

Riding holidays in Namibia

Namibia

We don't specialise in riding holidays in Namibia; however, we do know several great small guest ...

Riding holidays in Tanzania

Tanzania

While there are comparatively limited options for horse riding in Tanzania, one excellent option ...

Riding holidays in Zambia

Zambia

Explore diverse scenery and remote environments whilst horseback riding in Zambia. Several lodges ...

Riding holidays in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe

There are a handful of lodges that offer riding in Zimbabwe. While we do not offer multi-day riding ...

Where to see wildlife species in South Africa

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.


Buffalo

Buffalo

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,889 sightings from 3,474 observations

Where to see buffalo in South Africa

Cheetah

Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,161 sightings from 3,543 observations

Where to see cheetah in South Africa

Elephant

Elephant

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

4,121 sightings from 4,530 observations

Where to see elephant in South Africa

Oryx

Oryx

Oryx sp.

Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.

70% SUCCESS

1,509 sightings from 2,163 observations

Where to see oryx in South Africa

Giraffe

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

3,966 sightings from 4,618 observations

Where to see giraffe in South Africa

Hippo

Hippo

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

90% SUCCESS

3,011 sightings from 3,362 observations

Where to see hippo in South Africa

Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,434 sightings from 4,456 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in South Africa

Brown Hyena

Brown Hyena

Parahyaena brunnea

This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.

16% SUCCESS

273 sightings from 1,735 observations

Where to see brown hyena in South Africa

Leopard

Leopard

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

2,200 sightings from 4,680 observations

Where to see leopard in South Africa

Lion

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

81% SUCCESS

3,413 sightings from 4,216 observations

Where to see lion in South Africa

Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

30% SUCCESS

695 sightings from 2,291 observations

Where to see black rhino in South Africa

White Rhino

White Rhino

Ceratotherium simum

The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.

43% SUCCESS

558 sightings from 1,292 observations

Where to see white rhino in South Africa

Wild dog

Wild dog

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

32% SUCCESS

989 sightings from 3,094 observations

Where to see wild dog in South Africa

Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

67% SUCCESS

2,777 sightings from 4,135 observations

Where to see wildebeest in South Africa

Pangolin

Pangolin

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

2% SUCCESS

62 sightings from 3,746 observations

Where to see pangolin in South Africa

Aardvark

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

2% SUCCESS

80 sightings from 3,711 observations

Where to see aardvark in South Africa

Eland

Eland

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

49% SUCCESS

1,632 sightings from 3,336 observations

Where to see eland in South Africa

Meerkat

Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.

20% SUCCESS

94 sightings from 461 observations

Where to see meerkat in South Africa

Zebra

Zebra

Equus sp.

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

4,335 sightings from 5,148 observations

Where to see zebra in South Africa

Roan antelope

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

24% SUCCESS

561 sightings from 2,304 observations

Where to see roan antelope in South Africa

Sable antelope

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

23% SUCCESS

539 sightings from 2,319 observations

Where to see sable antelope in South Africa

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other styles of holiday in South Africa

Discover all that South Africa has to offer


Beach holidays

Beach holidays

Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

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