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Riding holidays in Zimbabwe
Riding holidays in Zimbabwe
Riding holidays in Zimbabwe
Riding holidays in Zimbabwe

Riding in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's best riding holidays

There are a handful of lodges that offer riding in Zimbabwe. While we do not offer multi-day riding safaris, we can arrange short, day rides, typically in the vicinity of Hwange National Park or we can arrange excursions from Victoria Falls.

Namib Outpost

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.

Best camps & lodges for Riding holidays in Zimbabwe


Bomani Tented Lodge

Bomani Tented Lodge

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.


95% (8 reviews)
Camelthorn

Camelthorn

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.


93% (3 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 South Africa

South Africa

South Africa's Cape is well known for its stunning scenery and horse riding is just one of the ...

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 ...

Where to see wildlife species in Zimbabwe

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


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

3,459 sightings from 4,276 observations

Where to see lion in Zimbabwe

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

2,234 sightings from 4,757 observations

Where to see leopard in Zimbabwe

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

1,188 sightings from 3,609 observations

Where to see cheetah in Zimbabwe

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

1,005 sightings from 3,130 observations

Where to see wild dog in Zimbabwe

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

4,180 sightings from 4,595 observations

Where to see elephant in Zimbabwe

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

569 sightings from 1,328 observations

Where to see white rhino in Zimbabwe

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

2,473 sightings from 4,531 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Zimbabwe

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

707 sightings from 2,332 observations

Where to see black rhino in Zimbabwe

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

2,925 sightings from 3,516 observations

Where to see buffalo in Zimbabwe

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

1,651 sightings from 3,370 observations

Where to see eland in Zimbabwe

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

4,030 sightings from 4,695 observations

Where to see giraffe in Zimbabwe

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

3,046 sightings from 3,403 observations

Where to see hippo in Zimbabwe

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

1,541 sightings from 2,207 observations

Where to see oryx in Zimbabwe

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.

25% SUCCESS

581 sightings from 2,341 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Zimbabwe

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.

24% SUCCESS

555 sightings from 2,357 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Zimbabwe

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

2,820 sightings from 4,202 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Zimbabwe

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

4,394 sightings from 5,228 observations

Where to see zebra in Zimbabwe

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

81 sightings from 3,758 observations

Where to see aardvark in Zimbabwe

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

65 sightings from 3,804 observations

Where to see pangolin in Zimbabwe

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

282 sightings from 1,778 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Zimbabwe

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other styles of holiday in Zimbabwe

Discover all that Zimbabwe has to offer


Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

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.

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses 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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