FOUR RIDES THAT ARE INSANE VALUE
Safaris are expensive by nature. Breeding and keeping an entire herd of well mannered horses is a major feat. There are conservation and access fees to pay and mobile safaris take a huge amount of man power. When you’re on safari and see the work that goes into these incredible rides, and realise how special of a person you need to be to undertake such a logistical dance, the value of the rides is plain to see.
Some rides though, we can’t quite believe how much you get for what you pay for.
These are our four rides that we think are just insane value. You should book on before the operators realise!
The Kilimanjaro Safari - Tanzania - US$6,550 for 8 Days
Riding in the Arusha National Park with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, this is an epic wildlife safari. As a newer mobile safari, this is excellent value and significantly more affordable than a Masai Mara safari just over the border in Kenya which start at $9,870 for 7 nights. There is no compromise on experience or service though, you’re wow’d every day by the stunning national park, your amazing camp and the incredible wildlife.
You’ll see it all, elephants, giraffe, lions, zebra, warthogs, many types of antelope - the list goes on and on.
Guide Jo also owns a polo club so keen polo players come early and play a few chukkas before heading off to see the wildlife. There’s also incredible kite-surfing and turquoise beaches on the island of Zanzibar to escape to after your ride. Tanzania is a real adrenaline junkies paradise.
The wildest part of this price is that it’s staying the same for 2025! Definitely one to jump on.
Estancia Don Joaquin - Argentina - US$1,470 for 7 Days
The main drawcard of a stay here is the cowboy ‘gaucho’ culture but with flamingoes, capybara, caymans and loads of birds of prey to spot, there is a wildlife safari feeling here. It’s not just Botswana that has amazing, fast riding through wetlands!
This stunning estancia has that relaxed, magical, feeling of hanging out with friends. Angie, Diego and Josefina Solanet - your hosts - are so welcoming. Don Joaquin is very social, warm and has a cosy feeling. The modern rooms are excellent, recently refurbished to a high standard, meals are authentically Argentine and meat heavy (though vegetarians you are welcome too).
All levels of riders are welcome here so bring your boyfriend / hubby / lover. He can go fishing for Golden Dorado with the Solanet boys - they also own a fishing lodge just 10 minutes away.
Celestial Mountains - Kyrgyzstan - €1,899 for 11 Days
At less than €190 a night this ride offers so much packed into 11 days. You’ll explore the ancient Silk Road, stay in traditional yurts, private guesthouses, tents on the mountain and finish at the best hotel in Bishkek, a grand, soviet style five star hotel where all the diplomats stay. Kyrgyzstan is very safe, with a very sweet, friendly population with many still semi-nomadic.
You’ll ride in two mountain ranges, see the eagle hunters, explore the soviet capital Bishkek, swim in Lake Issyk Kul - the ‘Hot Lake’ and along the way you’ll see thousands of loose horses in natural herds. Groups are small - just eight riders in each and every tour is hosted by a Brit from Black Saddle and a local guide.
Ride in June for lush meadows of wildflowers and in July for the warmest weather with the most sunshine.
Namibia - £5,800 - 11 Days
We make no secret of the fact that this is one of our favourite safaris of all time. It’s also one of the most complicated to pull off. 11 days at speed across the Namib desert, with a huge truck supporting you carrying all the water for daily showers, the horses and the cooking. Every meal is totally different and mind blowing, even breakfast never repeats. You’ll be amazed at what they can make on those campfire stoves.
With the best horses on any safari, athletic, forward and well behaved, this safari is is a 10 out of 10 in every single category. When you think about the amount of work that goes into putting on this insane, logistical feat, we think £580 a night is insane value, especially compared to other African safaris which are above £1,100 a night. If you choose the Elephant Damara itinerary you have a good chance of seeing elephants too. While this isn’t a wildlife safari per se, each itinerary has a good chance of seeing wildlife be it giraffe, zebra, hyena or antelope. The main drawcard is the mad max speed ride across the massive open spaces of the second least densely populated place in the world - the Namib desert. Very, very highly recommended this one!!
WANT THE BEST OF THE BEST? BOOK THESE:
MACATOO IN THE OKAVANGO DELTA
7 Nights in the Okavango Delta, Botswana | Tented Camp Based | From £3,815 per person sharing + transfers
NURPUR NOON IN PAKISTAN
7 Nights | Nurpur Noon Estate | Mobile + Stationary Luxury Safari | From £4,950 per person sharing