Go On A Horseback Safari
Ticked off in July 2019
Ride quietly through the bush while giraffe and zebra keep grazing, as if you were just another animal.
The adventure
On foot, the animals watch you. In a jeep, they hear you coming. On horseback, something changes: to a giraffe or a zebra, a horse is just another grazing animal, and the person on top barely registers.
At Antelope Park in central Zimbabwe you ride out through dry grass and acacia, the horses picking their own way. A giraffe looks down from a few metres away, chewing, completely unbothered. Zebra lift their heads and go back to eating. There's no engine, no glass and no roof, just the creak of the saddle, the smell of the bush and animals at eye level. It's slower than a game drive and you see fewer animals, but the ones you do see you'll never forget.
Why it’s epic
- Getting within a few metres of giraffe and zebra.
- No engine noise: just hooves, birds and wind in the grass.
- Rides suitable for beginners at many lodges.
What it is
Animals that run from a vehicle or a person on foot often ignore a horse, so riding lets you get surprisingly close to giraffe, zebra and antelope.
How to do it
Book a ride with a safari lodge or park that keeps horses. Beginners can join walking-pace rides; multi-day safaris need confident riders.
Top tip
Wear long trousers and boots with a small heel, and be honest about your riding level.
Need to know
- Most places have a rider weight limit.
- Helmets are provided and should be worn.
- Check your insurance covers horse riding.
Do it yourself
My experience
Ticked off, but the full story is still to be written up.
Comments