Best for riding in Botswana
Whether exploring the Okavango Delta's floodplains and shallow reed-beds on the back of an elephant or the wide, dry grasslands of the Kwando-Linyanti area on horseback, riding in Botswana is a great way to get around these areas. Many of the camps occupy regions where the game densities are fairly moderate, but there is still every chance that you'll come across big game and you never know what's just around the corner.
If you're looking for a more isolated experience, a quad bike tour over the sparse landscape of the Kalahari's salt pans might be a great option for you. With less of a focus on big game, such rides cross a landscape that few will have witnessed before, making them a real adventure.
African Jacana Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$7,540 - US$11,910 per person
Camp Kalahari
Camp Kalahari offers two options for riding activities in Botswana. You can explore the exceptional scenery on horseback, with trips lasting from a few hours up to five nights. And then there is the quadbiking experience where you head out to explore the starkly beautiful salt pans.
Red Lechwe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$10,800 - US$25,210 per person
Jack's Camp
During the dry season guests at Jack's Camp can venture out across the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans by quadbike: it's riding in Botswana, but perhaps not as you expected it! (Five-night horseback trips are run by its sister-camp: Camp Kalahari.)
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$5,140 - US$7,320 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.
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Riding holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Riding holidays in other countries.

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 ...

Namibia
We don't specialise in riding holidays in Namibia; however, we do know several great small guest ...

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.

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
2,608 sightings from 3,217 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.
46% SUCCESS
1,660 sightings from 3,573 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.
32% SUCCESS
869 sightings from 2,735 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
749 sightings from 2,388 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.
54% SUCCESS
1,831 sightings from 3,398 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
212 sightings from 1,308 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
78 sightings from 354 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
3,134 sightings from 3,458 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
2,195 sightings from 2,658 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
3,004 sightings from 3,501 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
2,280 sightings from 2,562 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.
30% SUCCESS
530 sightings from 1,738 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.
43% SUCCESS
423 sightings from 976 observations

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
1,152 sightings from 1,644 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.
48% SUCCESS
1,231 sightings from 2,564 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.
22% SUCCESS
399 sightings from 1,776 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
383 sightings from 1,774 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.
18% SUCCESS
51 sightings from 291 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.
67% SUCCESS
2,131 sightings from 3,166 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
3,299 sightings from 3,917 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
47 sightings from 2,864 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 2,906 observations
