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Riding holidays in Zambia
Riding holidays in Zambia

Several Zambian lodges offer riding excursions. For daytrips, try Shiwa Ng'andu.

Zambia riding holidays

Enjoy riding holidays in Zambia

Explore diverse scenery and remote environments whilst horseback riding in Zambia. Several lodges offer riding excursions and daytrips, catering for most experience levels, but none offer overnight riding holidays that go further afield.


Most of the horse-riding safaris in Zambia occur in areas of low densities of big game. This means they can be good for novice riders, as well as experienced riders who enjoy a fast pace. However if these horse-riding safaris are not adventurous enough for you, then it is also possible to try an elephant ride at the Victoria Falls. Elephant rides can be arranged from any of the properties in Livingstone.

Best camps & lodges for Riding holidays in Zambia


Shiwa Ng'andu

Shiwa Ng'andu

Shiwa Ng’andu has two stables on the estate. Neither are for novices, though the horses at the main house cater for less-experienced riders who wish to do shorter rides. The stables at Impandala House are operated separately, offering full day rides to the more experienced.


98% (26 reviews)

Best camps & lodges for Riding holidays in Africa

Riding holidays elsewhere in Africa

Our top ideas and inspiration for Riding holidays in other countries.


Riding holidays in Botswana

Botswana

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Riding holidays in Kenya

Kenya

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Riding holidays in Malawi

Malawi

If you are interested in horseback riding in Malawi, there is just one place we'd advise you to visit...

Riding holidays in Mozambique

Mozambique

We can't currently suggest any full-time riding holidays in Mozambique; there's nowhere that we ...

Riding holidays in Namibia

Namibia

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

Riding holidays in South Africa

South Africa

South Africa's Cape is well known for its stunning scenery and horse riding is just one of the ...

Riding holidays in Tanzania

Tanzania

While there are comparatively limited options for horse riding in Tanzania, one excellent option ...

Riding holidays in Zimbabwe

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 Zambia

Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.


Lion

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

3,287 sightings from 4,064 observations

Where to see lion in Zambia

Leopard

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

2,115 sightings from 4,507 observations

Where to see leopard in Zambia

Wild dog

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.

32% SUCCESS

956 sightings from 3,008 observations

Where to see wild dog in Zambia

Cheetah

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

1,116 sightings from 3,422 observations

Where to see cheetah in Zambia

Buffalo

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

2,790 sightings from 3,368 observations

Where to see buffalo in Zambia

Eland

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

1,551 sightings from 3,210 observations

Where to see eland in Zambia

Elephant

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

3,969 sightings from 4,367 observations

Where to see elephant in Zambia

Giraffe

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

3,804 sightings from 4,431 observations

Where to see giraffe in Zambia

Hippo

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

2,913 sightings from 3,258 observations

Where to see hippo in Zambia

Roan antelope

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.

24% SUCCESS

536 sightings from 2,226 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Zambia

Sable antelope

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.

23% SUCCESS

517 sightings from 2,237 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Zambia

Spotted Hyena

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

2,353 sightings from 4,292 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Zambia

Wildebeest

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

2,670 sightings from 3,980 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Zambia

Zebra

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

4,168 sightings from 4,956 observations

Where to see zebra in Zambia

Aardvark

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

78 sightings from 3,585 observations

Where to see aardvark in Zambia

Pangolin

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

60 sightings from 3,611 observations

Where to see pangolin in Zambia

Black Rhino

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

660 sightings from 2,199 observations

Where to see black rhino in Zambia

White Rhino

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

525 sightings from 1,229 observations

Where to see white rhino in Zambia

Sitatunga

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

68 sightings from 367 observations

Where to see sitatunga in Zambia

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

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