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SOUTH AFRICA

Fantastic safari country with great lodges

South Africa offers an unbeatable mix of thrilling horseback safaris and world-class hospitality. Ride through private game reserves teeming with wildlife—think giraffe, zebra, rhino, and more—while staying in stylish, luxury lodges. The riding is diverse and well-paced, ideal for all levels of experience. Since game is ultimately managed in South Africa this means you can often be virtually guaranteed to see all the game on offer and the animals are more habituated to horses and humans than bigger wildernesses so you can get a little closer to them. There are also two BIG 5 riding safaris in South Africa, a must on horseback. After your safari, head to Cape Town and explore the nearby wine regions on horseback, sipping delicious wine among the vines. It's the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and indulgence.


Between lodges and glamping South Africa has a wide range of riding safaris for all levels, some suitable for beginners and families. With easy access via the international hub of Johannesburg South Africa offers exceptional value in riding safaris coupled with luxury lodges—you can’t really go wrong!

7 nights

FROM £4,270

Intermediate Plus to Advanced

Brand new for 2026, Ant’s River Lodge Big 5 Horse Safari delivers the same legendary Ants Africa experience - in spectacular new Waterberg reserve. Ride out in big game country with close-up wildlife encounters - true safari magic from the saddle.

Ant's River Lodge Big 5

7 nights

FROM £2,345

Intermediate Plus to Advanced

Ant’s Bushwillow Camp offers a wonderfully relaxed and authentic bush adventure, combining superb horse riding with the warm hospitality and charm that the Ant’s team are famous for. Days here revolve around exploring the wilderness on horseback.

Ant’s Bushwillow Cottages

5 or 7 nights

FROM €3,095

Intermediate to Advanced

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a land of dramatic cliffs, open savannah, and lush wetlands—offering thrilling safaris on horseback and close encounters with Africa’s legendary Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

Entabeni Big 5 Safari

Flexible

FROM £3,095

All levels

The Winelands is a laid-back riding holiday destination and is known for its character mountains, diversity of landscape and people and it’s conveniently situated just 45 minutes from Cape Town. Suitable also for non riders.

The Winelands Cape Town

4-7 nights

FROM £2,780

Intermediate Plus to Advanced

Explore the rugged, unspoiled natural beauty of the Wild Coast of South Africa. Miles and miles of empty beaches, remote rural villages, spectacular country side and fantastic riding!

The Wild Coast Trail

7 nights

FROM €1,756

Intermediate Plus to Advanced

Imagine riding along unspoilt beaches, crossing rivers and galloping alongside Africa’s wildlife, and as the sun sets on the day, sitting around the fire with a glass of wine in hand. Sounds dreamy.

Sunshine Coast Beach Trails

5-9 nights

FROM £2,850

Intermediate Plus to Advanced

Based on large private game reserves near Kruger National Park, the Wait A Little horseback safari offers excellent possibilities to see all of the Big Five.

Wait A Little - 3 Itineraries

Flexible

FROM £930

All levels

An exceptional South African horse riding lodge based trip. Amazing hospitality, food and accommodation. Great fun riding with safe game, cross country, polo crosse - an equestrian playground that keeps clients returning every year.

Horizons Lodge & Signature Safari

Flexible

FROM £1,125

All levels

Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill give you the ultimate luxury lodge based horsey safari adventure with over 90 horses. Uniquely also catering for non-riders with bikes, walking or jeep safaris on offer. Really special place with incredible Rhino population.

The Ant Collection

7 nights

FROM £2,260

All levels

Horse riding here is both exhilarating and soulful. You’ll spend your days cantering across golden plains, winding through indigenous forests, and climbing rugged mountain trails on exceptionally well-schooled South African Boerperd horses.

Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve

5-7 nights

FROM £2,235

Intermediate to Advanced

For an unforgettable riding adventure in the heart of South Africa, Entabeni offers thrilling safaris on horseback through a private game reserve. This reserve is perfect for close encounters with Africa’s legendary Big Five.

Big 5 Safaris - 2 Itineraries

7 nights

FROM £2,714

Intermediate Plus to Advanced

An adventurous fast riding safari for those who want to encounter big game. A great first time safari as you get to ride both in South Africa and Botswana on the same trip.

Big 5 African Explorer 1 & 2 Safaris
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FIND YOUR RIDING HOLIDAY

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