Horseback Riding in Zanzibar: Ride Along Pwani Mchangani Beach

Wade your horse into the Indian Ocean, then learn to care for it at the stables

Horseback riding in Zanzibar takes you along Pwani Mchangani beach on the Indian Ocean with a guide, hotel pickup and water. After a safety briefing, you ride at your own pace along the shore, splash through shallow waters if you choose, and finish at the stables where you help groom and feed your horse. The ride runs about 30 minutes.

The experience

Your guide meets you after hotel pickup and introduces you to your horse with a short safety briefing before you mount. The ride follows Pwani Mchangani beach, where you set the pace along the sand and water's edge. Depending on the tide, you can guide your horse into the shallow waters for a swim: the moment most riders come for, especially at sunset when the light turns the ocean gold and the photos come out sharp.

After the ride, you head to the stables to see how the horses live. You'll help groom and feed yours, learning the routines that keep the animals healthy. It's the part that turns a beach ride into something you remember, because you've done the work instead of just watching someone else do it. The drive back to your hotel closes out the experience without rush.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• bottled water during the ride.
• admission to the stables and the chance to groom and feed your horse.

Options for this experience

3 options

Transfers to and from hotels in NungwiGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 13:00This option provides convenient hotel transfers for accommodations in Nungwi and Kendwa. Pickup is included.

Transfers within the Northern ZoneGuide in English · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00This option covers hotel transfers for accommodations in the Pwani Mchangani, Matemwe and Kiwengwa area. Pickup is included.

Transfer to Anywhere in ZanzibarGuide in English · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00This option provides a convenient hotel transfer service to any hotel accommodation within Zanzibar. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (4 to 80 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Zanturtle Explore Tours and Safaris

Is this one for you?The 30-minute ride suits anyone who wants to actually ride instead of watch, and the stables time at the end is what separates this from a simple beach gallop. You leave knowing how the horses are cared for because you've done some of the work yourself.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

Can I ride a horse in the water at Pwani Mchangani?

Yes. Depending on the tide, your guide will take you into the shallow waters so your horse can swim. This is optional. You choose whether to go in or stay on the sand.

What happens at the stables after the ride?

You visit the stables to see where the horses are kept and help care for yours by grooming and feeding it. It gives you a real sense of what goes into keeping the animals healthy.

How long is the actual riding time?

The ride itself runs about 30 minutes along the beach. Add time for the safety briefing before you start and the stables visit after, plus the drive to and from your hotel.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup, the ride with a guide, bottled water, and admission to the stables are included. Gratuities and meals are not.

What's the weight limit for riders?

The maximum rider weight is 85 to 90 kg (about 187 to 198 pounds). The operator sets this limit to keep the horses healthy.