Horses in Africa: Are There Wild Horses and Where Can You Ride on Safari?

True wild horses once lived in Eurasia, not Africa. Horses in Africa are domestic or feral, such as the herds of the Namib in Namibia. The continent's wild horse relatives are zebras and African wild asses.

This page explains the equids of East Africa and where to join a horse safari.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Africa's Wild Equids

Horse Riding Safaris in East Africa

Riding lets you approach giraffes, zebras and antelopes quietly, often closer than a vehicle. Kenya has well-known riding areas in Laikipia and the Masai Mara, and Tanzania offers riding in some private areas. See Laikipia and Masai Mara.

Horse Riding in Uganda

Uganda offers horse riding at Lake Mburo National Park, where riders see zebras, impalas and eland without predators of the big cat kind. See horse riding and cycling safaris in Uganda and Lake Mburo.

What to Expect

Riders usually need basic experience, and operators match horses to ability. Rules protect wildlife, and dangerous animals are avoided. Wear long trousers, boots and a helmet.

Horse Safaris in East Africa

Riding safaris let you move among wildlife at an eye-level pace that vehicles cannot match. Zebras and giraffes often tolerate horses more closely than vehicles, and the silence adds to the experience. Kenya's Laikipia and Mara regions have established riding operators, and some Tanzanian and Ugandan areas offer rides too. Riders need to be competent, comfortable cantering and willing to follow guide instructions strictly in areas with large animals.

Zebras and Wild Equids

Africa has no truly wild horses, but its wild equids are zebras and African wild asses. Plains zebra, Grevy's zebra and mountain zebra differ in stripes, size and range. Grevy's zebra, found in northern Kenya, is endangered. Horses are domestic and were introduced; the feral horse populations of Namibia's desert are an example of introduced animals adapting to harsh conditions. Choose riding operators who prioritise horse welfare and safety.

Rider Requirements

Operators usually require a minimum level of riding experience, comfort at all paces and a weight limit for horses. Wear well-fitting boots, long trousers, a helmet and sunscreen. Be honest about your ability so that you are matched with a suitable horse. Safety briefings explain how to behave around wildlife.

Planning a Horse Safari

Pair riding days with game drives. See African safari trips and Uganda safari packages.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team