Horseback riding in Pretoria: Wildlife safari on trained horses

Horses trained to carry first-time riders through a working game reserve.

A two-hour horseback safari in a Pretoria nature reserve where you ride trained horses to view antelope and wildlife, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The operator departs twice daily and welcomes children from age six. Guides speak English and travel with you in an air-conditioned vehicle before and after the ride.

The experience

The horses here are trained specifically to carry riders new to saddle work, which means you don't need prior experience to book this. You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the reserve in an air-conditioned vehicle, then spend two hours on horseback moving through the landscape to encounter the animals the reserve holds. The ride itself is the core of the experience. You're operating the horse, not watching from a vehicle, so the pace and the moment belong to you.

The reserve's layout means the two-hour ride brings you close to antelope and other wildlife in a way a walking trail or a game drive cannot replicate. After the ride, the same vehicle returns you to your hotel. The operator runs two departures daily, so you can fit this into a morning or an afternoon depending on what else you've planned. Bottled water and Wi-Fi on board the vehicle are included. Bring sunscreen and wear closed-toe shoes.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• two-hour horseback safari with a trained horse and English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• Wi-Fi on board the vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Friday5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 to 75 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Nhlalala Travel

Is this one for you?This ride suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to move through the reserve under their own control rather than watch from a vehicle. Children from age six can ride, though the operator does not recommend this activity for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I do this horseback safari if I've never ridden before?

Yes. The horses are trained to accommodate first-time riders, and the operator picks you up from your hotel and brings you to the reserve, so there's no separate lesson or orientation to arrange. Children from age six can ride.

What animals will I see on the two-hour horseback ride?

The reserve holds antelope and other wildlife. The ride takes you through the landscape to encounter them, though sightings depend on where the animals are on the day you go.

How long is the whole experience, including pickup and drop-off?

The horseback ride itself is two hours. With hotel pickup, the drive to the reserve, and the return drive, the full outing runs about four hours from when the vehicle collects you.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off; the two-hour horseback safari; an English-speaking guide; bottled water; Wi-Fi on the vehicle; and air-conditioned transport to and from the reserve.

Does the operator run this every day?

The operator departs twice daily, so you can choose a morning or afternoon slot depending on your schedule.