
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













