Namibia's best riding holidays
You can build these into a flexible-fly-drive trip, and choose between rides that last from a couple of hours up to several days. Experienced riders can opt for multi-day riding trips, including sleep-outs at some places, whilst others offer riding lessons in a dressage arena or a lounging circle.
Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$2,770 - US$4,430 per person
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.
Caracal Self-drive Safari
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$2,310 - US$3,900 per person
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
Bullsport is a great option for horseriding in Namibia. A working farm that also breeds and schools Namibian horses, it offers riding lessons in the lounging circle or the dressage arena, and guided horse trails of up to three days into the Naukluft Mountains.
Brown Hyena Self-drive
14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$5,980 - US$7,640 per person
Wolwedans Desert Lodge
For those keen to explore part of Namibia on horseback ,Wolwedans Desert Lodge is a fantastic option. Approach herds of oryx, climb sand dunes and soak in the vistas of the NamibRand Reserve with an expert guide.
Chongololo Self-drive Safari
21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$5,830 - US$7,240 per person
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
Bullsport is a great option for horseriding in Namibia. A working farm that also breeds and schools Namibian horses, it offers riding lessons in the lounging circle or the dressage arena, and guided horse trails of up to three days into the Naukluft Mountains.
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$5,100 - US$7,270 per person
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.
Riding holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Riding holidays in other countries.
Botswana
There are a variety of options for riding holidays in Botswana, from quad biking across vast salt ...
Kenya
Although it's not a major destination for riding holidays, Kenya offers a great diversity of scenery ...
Malawi
If you are interested in horseback riding in Malawi, there is just one place we'd advise you to visit...
Mozambique
We can't currently suggest any full-time riding holidays in Mozambique; there's nowhere that we ...
South Africa
South Africa's Cape is well known for its stunning scenery and horse riding is just one of the ...
Tanzania
Between June and October, you can take advantage of superb riding holidays in Tanzania. Horseback ...
Zambia
Explore diverse scenery and remote environments whilst horseback riding in Zambia. Several lodges ...
Zimbabwe
There are a handful of lodges that offer riding in Zimbabwe. While we do not offer multi-day riding ...
Where to see wildlife species in Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite African animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
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
1,276 sightings from 1,835 observations
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
1,019 sightings from 3,070 observations
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.
31% SUCCESS
611 sightings from 1,984 observations
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.
44% SUCCESS
478 sightings from 1,087 observations
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
3,523 sightings from 3,876 observations
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
2,951 sightings from 3,627 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
22% SUCCESS
85 sightings from 395 observations
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
2,491 sightings from 3,006 observations
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
3,398 sightings from 3,938 observations
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.
89% SUCCESS
2,578 sightings from 2,896 observations
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
2,114 sightings from 3,826 observations
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
239 sightings from 1,453 observations
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
1,884 sightings from 4,013 observations
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.
31% SUCCESS
841 sightings from 2,694 observations
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.
68% SUCCESS
2,402 sightings from 3,548 observations
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
52 sightings from 3,224 observations
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
67 sightings from 3,230 observations
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
1,423 sightings from 2,900 observations
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
3,705 sightings from 4,393 observations
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.
23% SUCCESS
458 sightings from 1,965 observations
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.
22% SUCCESS
436 sightings from 1,954 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
60 sightings from 317 observations