For lovers of horse back riding there are few things as exhilarating in life as galloping alongside herds of sprinting zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. 

The feeling of riding out across the plains of Africa is unlike anything else.

On a riding safari, you’re able to get a completely different perspective on the bush, unlike game drives or walks. While you can’t get as close to wildlife as you can on drives, or be as discreet as you can on foot, you almost feel more part of nature as though you are one of the herd. 

There are only a few places in Africa that offer the option of riding on safari, with Kenya and Botswana being the most prominent. To ride on safari you can either head out on a dedicated multi-day ride or incorporate an hour of riding into an otherwise traditional safari. 

These are our Top 5 riding safaris across Africa:

1. Offbeat Riding - Kenya

There are few better places to ride than in Kenya's Masai Mara, and few better people to ride with than Offbeat Riding. 

A week-long safari with the Offbeat team takes you through different areas of the Masai Mara taking in the diverse scenery and abundant wildlife as you go. 

To kick-start a ride in the Mara we always recommend a few days at Sosian Lodge. 

2. Ride Botswana - Botswana 

Ride Botswana offer some of the wildest and most remote riding in all of Africa, whether it is riding across Botswana's Makgadikgadi Salt Pans or through the Okavango Delta, there's nothing quite like it. 

Riding with David Foot and his team can either be done as a full safari or as a part of a traditional safari. 

3. Namibia Horse Safaris - Namibia 

Scenically there is nowhere more spectacular than Namibia. 

Riding with Andrew and his team through the vast country is spectacular, in fact there is even the option to join the team on a month-long ride across the vast deserts and Skeleton Coast, living completely off-the-grid. 

4. Lewa Wilderness - Kenya

For a slightly tamer riding safari that can be tacked on (pun slightly intended) to a more traditional safari Lewa Wilderness is perfect. 

There are stunning rides that go out every morning, as well as a little riding school for young ones who want to practice while on holiday. 

5. Kaskazi Horse Safaris - Tanzania

Similar in many ways to the Offbeat Riding in Kenya, Kaskazi offers the best riding south of the Mara River. 

The team operate a number of different rides through the north of Tanzania, from the great lakes to the open Serengeti. 

These are, of course, many other destinations that offer incredible riding safaris that we haven't included here, especially if you're only looking to ride for a morning or two mixed with game drives and walks while you are away. 

For a chance to experience your own riding safari, whether it be a short hour ride between game drives or a full 7 - 10 day trail, please do get in touch to start planning