FAQ's

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

Yes.

What do we mean by an "experienced rider"?

Our safaris are designed exclusively for competent riders. For the safety of our horses and the enjoyment of every guest, we only welcome intermediate and advanced riders.

To help you know where you fit, here’s how we define the different levels:

Not Suitable for Our Rides:

Beginner – Learning the basics: walk, stop, steer, and rising trot. Balance and control are still developing.
Novice – Comfortable at walk and trot, and canter, but only in a controlled environment. Not yet fully secure or confident in open country or for long hours in the saddle.

Welcome on Our Rides:

Intermediate – Secure, well-balanced, and in control at all paces (walk, trot, canter, gallop). Comfortable riding for several hours and confident in open country and varied terrain.
Advanced – Experienced and very well balanced, with soft hands and an independent seat. Fit enough for long hours in the saddle, comfortable with spirited horses, and able to manage fast, sustained canters and unexpected situations.

Do you have a weight limit?

Yes. We have a strict weight limit of 85kg. Unfortunately, as we would love to accommodate everyone, our horses are not big enough to comfortably carry more weight than this on our long journeys and through rough terrain.

Do you do day rides or half day rides?

No.

Do you have a minimum or maximum age limit?

We don't have an age limit, as long as you are fit and capable.

What equipment do I need to bring?

We will send a full list before your adventure, but there is no special equipment beyond normal riding clothes that you feel comfortable in. Please note: we do not supply riding helmets. P

What type of horses do you have?

We have a range of hardy crossbreeds ranging between 14.3hh - 15.2hh (Boerperds, Friesian, Appaloosa, Basotho, Quarter horse and Arab crosses). They are all comfortable out on the trail and in a wilderness environment. They are kept fit by schooling, outrides and our exercise track. They sleep out but are attended to daily. We have an off-season in the summer when it is extremely hot. The horses get yearly vaccinations and spend time relaxing and just being horses in large spaces and herds.

I am travelling from far, can I stay over before or after the day of the ride?

Yes. There are hotel and guesthouse options in the local village where we can pick you up from. Contact us for more info.

What types of game will you see?

You are likely to see giraffes, eland, kudu, nyala, ostrich, zebra, blesbok, wildebeest, jackal, water monitor, warthog, baboon, monkeys and impala. It is also possible to see the African rock python, and crocodiles and many, many bird species. We have no large predators in this area of the uMgeni valley.

Do you do private safaris outside of the set dates?

Yes with groups of 4 or more. Please email us for more info!

What are your options for airport transfers?

We can organise shuttles from Durban (King Shaka International Airport - 80 min drive) or Pietermaritzburg (Oribi Airport - 30 min drive), please see our Dates and Rates page for pricing.

What type of saddles do you use?

Most of our horses are in a mix of lightweight trail saddles (Franco C, Trail Rider, Liversage). There will be a saddle bag on each horse to put your rain jacket and water.

What should I know before doing a horse safari in South Africa?

Horse safaris are very different from traditional game drives. You'll spend several hours each day riding through nature reserves and farmland, allowing you to experience wildlife and landscapes at a slower, more immersive pace.

Our safaris are designed for competent riders who are confident and comfortable riding independently at walk, trot and canter over varied terrain. Riders should also be fit enough to spend several hours in the saddle each day.

All accommodation, meals, guiding and reserve entrance fees are included. Before booking, we'll ask you to complete a Rider Information Form so we can ensure the safari is a good fit for your riding experience.

Does your safaris include food and drink?

Our guided horse safaris in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa include accommodation, all meals, snacks, guiding and reserve entrance fees.

A basic selection of alcoholic drinks will be available throughout your trip and charged at cost price. If you have any particular preferences or special requests, please let us know in advance and we will be happy to source them for you, subject to availability. These will also be charged at cost.

How do I sign up for a guided horse safari in South Africa?

Booking is simple.

Choose your preferred safari dates.
Contact us to check availability.
Complete our Rider Information Form.
Once approved, pay a 30% deposit to secure your place.

The remaining balance is due 45 days before your safari.

How many riders do you take on a trip?

At uMgeni River Horse Safaris, we specialise in small, owner-led, group safaris for experienced riders, combining game reserves, river valleys and working farms in KwaZulu-Natal. With a maximum of seven guests, our rides focus on quality horsemanship, beautiful horses and a relaxed, personal experience.

We take a maximum of 5 or 6 guests per ride.

Do you cross the uMngeni River during the safari?

Yes! The uMngeni River is a big part of our horse safaris. Over the five days, we follow the river through the valley, ride along its banks and explore both sides of it as we travel between different areas.

One day, guests cross the river by boat while the horses are transported across separately. From there, we continue riding through a completely different landscape, making the journey feel like a true point-to-point adventure rather than riding in the same place each day.

The river is one of the things that makes our safaris so unique and is a highlight for many of our guests.