Horseback Safari!

[SR3101]

Hi all - looking to tick something off my bucket list next year, an African horseback safari! I really want to make it a once in a lifetime trip, so any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially as I’d be a solo female traveller. Thank you!

 

[shortstuff99]

I have done a few with the company In The Saddle. Would recommend for lone travelling as they set everything up for you etc and then you know at least all is sorted.

 

[HollyWoozle]

How exciting!

There are quite a few things to consider when you want to book a riding safari:

1) Your riding experience - there are safaris for all levels, but if you would like to ride with elephants and big cats then you should be an experienced rider, able to ride confidently at all paces and control a horse confidently in different situations

2) What you’d like to see - are there specific animals you’re hoping to spot? In which case that will impact your choice.

3) Do you prefer to stay in the same place or are you looking for a trail where you move around and stay some different places.

4) Are you open to sharing accommodation with another solo female traveller? One or two safari options have a single tent/room available at no extra cost on a first come, first serve basis. Some will charge a single supplement and others will allow you to share if you’re open to that. Depending on the ride it can actually be quite nice to have some company when you can hear lions roaring etc!

5) When would you like to travel and do you have strong preferences on the weather? Different locations have different climates and conditions depending on the time of year (I know that sounds a bit obvious but it can vary hugely).

6) How much can you afford to spend? Again prices vary dramatically.

I hope that gives you some food for thought (I sell riding holidays and this is what I would ask people to help them narrow it down).

 

[SO1]

Slightly off topic but I am hoping to go to Iceland next year on a riding holiday to see Northern lights.

With Covid I am presuming most people may feel uncomfortable about sharing a room with a stranger in case that person is not vaccinated or comes from a county with a lot of Covid. Whereas before I would not have minded and have a shared a room with another lady who was on her own on a holiday to reduce the costs. I actually went on that holiday with a friend but she preferred her own room as she had some health conditions.

4) Are you open to sharing accommodation with another solo female traveller? One or two safari options have a single tent/room available at no extra cost on a first come, first serve basis. Some will charge a single supplement and others will allow you to share if you’re open to that. Depending on the ride it can actually be quite nice to have some company when you can hear lions roaring etc!
.

 

[criso]

I can recommend Horizon. https://www.ridinginafrica.com/

I went with them when I was in South Africa for work for a week and stayed at the lodge. They also do safaris where you travel from place to place which go at set dates. Alot of the people there did a safari but bookended it with a couple of days each side at the lodge. You can book direct with them and they will sort out transfers from Johannesburg airport.

Horses were lovely and food and accommodation was a very high standard. I was on my own and there was a mixture of sole travellers, couples and friends and the people who work there host in the evening which keeps everything very inclusive.

I didnt pay a single supplement, I put myself down as happy to share but ended up in a big double bed in a round hut. I think there are a couple of single rooms too. Not sure how they organise it on the safaris.

Follow them on Instagram and you'll get a feel for what they offer.

 

[only_me]

what time of year do you want to go?

Botswanna, Kenya, Zambia (Luwanga), kruger are all amazing, but better at certain times of year.
Price is also vastly different between places, do you want to ride all the time or 50/50 drive & ride? You won’t be able to see certain animals with horses (well, you don’t go looking for them specifically lol) and will be Able To get closer to cats & do proper night drives in a car To see the nocturnal ones.

 

[Velcrobum]

Have been on a variety of holidays organised by this company https://www.inthesaddle.com/. Give them a call as they are very very helpful.

Have been to Okovango delta Botswana https://www.inthesaddle.com/rides/kujwana/

Argentina twice https://www.inthesaddle.com/rides/estancia-los-potreros/ but the second venue has stopped trading.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Have been on a variety of holidays organised by this company https://www.inthesaddle.com/. Give them a call as they are very very helpful.

Have been to Okovango delta Botswana https://www.inthesaddle.com/rides/kujwana/

Argentina twice https://www.inthesaddle.com/rides/estancia-los-potreros/ but the second venue has stopped trading.

Los Potreros closed during the pandemic but just reopened this week. ?

 

[PeterNatt]

Unicorn Trails are excellent. Phone up and speek to Jo

Quality Horse Riding Holidays Worldwide *Unicorn Trails*

 

[w1bbler]

Definitely ring & speak to one of the companies- I used in the saddle.
After chatting to them I booked wait a little in South Africa. When I read the brochure I wasn't sure my riding level was good enough to go there. When I discussed my ability honestly with them I was then confident to book.
Had the most amazing time & would love to return.
The companies know the rides well & will help match you to the right experience