Amazing riding places in South Africa
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.
Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari
12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
US$4,520 - US$7,000 per person
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.
Waterbuck self-drive
12 days • 6 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
US$2,980 - US$3,300 per person
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.
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Best camps & lodges for Riding holidays in South Africa
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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.
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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.
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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.
Riding holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Riding holidays in other countries.
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Botswana
There are a variety of options for riding holidays in Botswana, from quad biking across vast salt ...
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Kenya
Although it's not a major destination for riding holidays, Kenya offers a great diversity of scenery ...
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Malawi
If you are interested in horseback riding in Malawi, there is just one place we'd advise you to visit...
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Mozambique
We can't currently suggest any full-time riding holidays in Mozambique; there's nowhere that we ...
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Namibia
We don't specialise in riding holidays in Namibia; however, we do know several great small guest ...
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Tanzania
While there are comparatively limited options for horse riding in Tanzania, one excellent option ...
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Zambia
Explore diverse scenery and remote environments whilst horseback riding in Zambia. Several lodges ...
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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.
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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
3,038 sightings from 3,648 observations
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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
1,248 sightings from 3,748 observations
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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
4,330 sightings from 4,752 observations
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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
1,586 sightings from 2,273 observations
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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
4,184 sightings from 4,869 observations
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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.
89% SUCCESS
3,152 sightings from 3,533 observations
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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
2,575 sightings from 4,686 observations
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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
288 sightings from 1,826 observations
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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
2,321 sightings from 4,923 observations
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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
3,588 sightings from 4,428 observations
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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.
31% SUCCESS
743 sightings from 2,430 observations
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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.
44% SUCCESS
599 sightings from 1,377 observations
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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
1,025 sightings from 3,239 observations
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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
2,925 sightings from 4,337 observations
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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
67 sightings from 3,932 observations
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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
81 sightings from 3,893 observations
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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.
50% SUCCESS
1,733 sightings from 3,498 observations
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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
100 sightings from 488 observations
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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
4,547 sightings from 5,405 observations
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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.
25% SUCCESS
589 sightings from 2,382 observations
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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.
24% SUCCESS
568 sightings from 2,401 observations
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Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther styles of holiday in South Africa
Discover all that South Africa has to offer
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Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.
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Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
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Family holidays
Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.
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Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
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Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
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Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
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Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family
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Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.
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Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
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Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations
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Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.