1st December 2025
the top 5 countries for a holiday on horseback
If you’re feeling overwhelmed for choice or aren’t sure where to go first / next, here’s our comprehensive guide for the top 5 countries to visit for a holiday on horseback:
Namibia
Namibia is an incredible place to visit with its everchanging landscapes and charismatic wildlife, it isn’t one to miss if you’re a fit and experienced rider who loves adventure and welcomes challenge.
The Skeleton Coast itinerary takes you through otherworldly terrain and along the coast with the roar of the Atlantic beside you. On calm, forward going and incredibly fit horses, you’ll cover up to 50km a day, galloping across seemingly never ending desert landscapes that could be mistaken for Mars.
Guided by experts who know the desert like the back of their hand, you’ll spend your days exploring the vast landscapes the Skeleton Coast has to offer and your nights sleeping beneath the stars.
See the full itinerary here
iceland
Iceland is the country everyone must ride in at least once. It’s also perfect for your first riding holiday if you haven’t been on one before. There is nothing like experiencing your Icelandic horse tolt for the first time, riding through lava fields and rivers with no one around for miles.
Depending on the trip you choose, Iceland has so much to offer in terms of landscapes and views. With the option to ride through volcanic plains and valleys, along beaches, and over multi-coloured mountains, there’s no shortage of incredible scenery.
Arguably one of the best things about riding in Iceland is the opportunity to ride with loose horses. Nothing beats galloping across the Icelandic highlands surrounded by loose horses. It’s something everyone has to experience.
We offer 3 Iceland itineraries, with the Landmannalaugar adventure being our favourite, the Magical Snaefellsnes escape the best all rounder and the Longufjorur beach ride best for those who only have a few days to get away.
south africa / botswana
If you’ve ever wanted to go on an African safari, which let’s face it who doesn’t, or you’ve already been but by car, you NEED to visit South Africa to do it on horseback. There is nothing like watching these magnificent animals in their natural habitat on the back of another animal, it feels so right.
The guides know the bush like the back of their hands and are able to take you to well known spots or follow different animal tracks, always keeping a safe and respectful distance. You’ll find true peace in the stillness that comes as you watch these animals roam and graze.
Not only do you get to experience viewing iconic game in South Africa, you get to experience what Botswana has to offer too as this ride takes you into the Mashatu reserve.
The hospitality in South Africa and Botswana is outstanding and you’ll be fed incredibly well with chef cooked meals whilst you sleep in luxury lodges and accommodation along the way. This wild and fascinating experience is not one to miss. Find more information here.
France
Is there anything more majestic than not just riding a horse, but riding a horse through French castle grounds? No, we didn’t think so either.
The Loire Valley’s châteaux are grand, carefully preserved estates with intricate stonework, sweeping staircases and beautifully manicured gardens. Riding between them feels like moving through centuries of French history, each château revealing its own character and charm.
What makes this ride special is that not only do you experience French châteaux on horseback, but you get 6 guided visits around the most iconic and spend your nights sleeping within them and equally impressive manor houses / mansions.
This journey blends refined French hospitality with memorable hours in the saddle — a riding holiday designed for those who love culture, comfort and exceptional horses in equal measure.
kenya
An African safari on horseback is special enough that it deserves 2 recommendations. Kenya is an equally impressive country with iconic game and the Masai Mara, where this safari takes place, being the stage for the Great Migration.
This safari is a luxury option, blending great adventure with refined living as you sleep in spacious tents and eat incredible food all thanks to the mobile camp that follows your journey.
On top of the opportunities to view game from horseback, an experience which never gets old, there are inclusive Land Rover game drives available which usually offer a better chance for photos and videos.
This is an unforgettable adventure in the Kenyan bush where the wild unfolds around you and each day brings a new encounter.
If you’re ready for not just a ride, but a luxury journey through the wild, you can find more information here.
NOT SURE WHERE TO GO or need some help?
Drop us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can🐎🌅