An African safari is a truly magical experience regardless of the mode of transportation, but there’s something extra special about a safari on horseback - you’re in it, you’re not just an observer passing by. But Africa is vast and the options are infinite - there are so many options out there, where do you start?
“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths? Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind, where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?” - Brian Jackman
Wildlife
Obviously the reason we go on safari, right? No matter where you go, hopefully you will see plenty of animals, but sightings are never guaranteed. Private reserves where wildlife movements are monitored and controlled can offer better chances to see more animals, whereas bigger areas, large conservancies, and national parks are more impacted by migration patterns, water levels, weather, and more.
Botswana has the world’s largest African elephant population but few rhinos, Tanzania and Kenya will allow you to witness the great wildebeest migrations, and certain parts of Kruger National Park in South Africa can almost guarantee leopard sightings. If you have a particular favorite, you want to make sure you don’t miss them while on your epic adventure!
Country
Kenya offers some of the most world-renowned riding safaris, both lodge-based and mobile safaris, with some of the best wildlife viewing on offer, closely rivaled by Tanzania. Both Botswana and Namibia are known for unique landscapes, such as the labyrinth-like waterways of the Okavango Delta in Botswana or the dry, desert landscapes of Namibia. South Africa is a great place to extend your trip to explore other riding options, like polo, foxhunting, riding on the beach or in the winelands.
If you’re a city person or enjoy exploring cities, consider a safari in a country where you can spend some quality time in some of Africa’s most spectacular cities. In South Africa, visit Cape Town for its spectacular sights, world-renowned wine and dining, nightlife, nature, and beach vibes, or discover Johannesburg, Africa’s second largest city and a cosmopolitan metropolis. In Kenya, discover Nairobi’s rich history, locally-made arts and crafts, and more.
Accommodation Style
Lodge, Tent, or Mobile Safari
A lodge-based safari offers a somewhat more relaxed safari experience where you return to your room, suite, or cottage in between outings. A 5* luxury lodge may have suites, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a pool, room service, and perhaps the option to enjoy a massage after riding. Some safari lodges have tent-style accommodations, with permanent canvas-sided rooms similar to a tent, but featuring all the luxuries of a hotel room, like Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms.
A tented “camp” rather than a tented “lodge” may still have permanent tents, but they will be slightly more rustic. A mobile safari will be even more rustic still, as the tents are assembled and disassembled for each safari. While these camps still have toilets (drop-loos) and showers (shower tent and water heated over the fire), they certainly offer more basic comforts. The focus of the experience here is the safari, not the accommodations, although the meals and service in the bush are still 5* quality.
Riding Level
While you don’t need to be a highly accomplished rider to ride on safari, it’s not for beginner riders, either. Big Game safaris and mobile safaris require a higher level of riding since you are sometimes covering great distances between camps and must be able to ride out of danger if needed. Plains Game safaris ride with non-dangerous game and are more appropriate for more beginner riders, although riders should still have some experience and competency prior to their safari. All safaris offer the option for riders to opt out of riding if desired, or if riders don’t want to ride every single day.
Budget
A huge consideration in choosing your safari, in Africa, the poorest countries are not necessarily the most affordable to travel in. In some countries, the best safari offerings are difficult to get to from the major airports, and in addition to paying for expensive transfers, because of the remote location the safaris tend to be longer in duration, often with a full-week minimum. Mobile safaris can also be quite expensive because of the tremendous logistics involved. Lodge-based safaris with flexible stays are often the most affordable option but might limit your wildlife viewing potential.
Time of Year
Although Africa is a destination for all seasons, different parts of the continent are ideal destinations for different parts of the year. While the Great Migration is in perpetual motion across the plains of Kenya and Tanzania, July to September are optimal in Kenya, while in Tanzania, aim for January to March or June to August. South Africa is delightful during the summer if you’re going to hit the beach while you’re there, but safaris are more ideal in the spring and fall.
Variety
Do you want to spend your whole trip in one area, seeing as much of it as you can, or do you want to check out numerous places?
For a single-location safari, go to Kenya or Tanzania and really take the time to soak up your safari in a remote location. If you want to move around, consider South Africa as a starting point, which offers easy access to Johannesburg and Cape Town, polo, foxhunting, the beach, the mountains, and is an easy jumping-off point for other adventures around Africa.
Climate
If you want to see animals, but you don’t do well in the heat and hate humidity, this is an important consideration. Time of year plays a factor here too, as the climate in many areas varies throughout the year.