Horse Safari vs Trail Riding Holiday vs Working Riding Holiday: What’s the Difference?

If you’re dreaming of riding in Africa, you’ve probably come across a few different terms: horse safari, horse trail riding holiday, working riding holiday, sometimes even horse volunteering or a gap year with horses.

They sound similar, but the experience, expectations, and outcomes can be very different.

This guide is here to help you choose the right kind of African horse experience for you - honestly, clearly, and without sales pressure.

Let’s get one thing clear from the get-go - there is no right or wrong answer, only what’s the best fit for you. The right choice will depend on several things, including:

• Your riding experience, ability, and confidence in the saddle

• How much structure you want (or don’t)

• What you’re looking for (a relaxing break, adventure, immersion, or personal growth)

• How long you want to stay for

Let’s break it down. 

What is an African Horse Safari?

Most horse safaris are wildlife-focused experiences where guests ride horses within a game reserve or conservancy. The purpose of the rides is to explore the reserve and interact with the game, meaning the rides are often shorter (2 to 3 hours) but more frequent (twice a day). 

This is a very structured experience and is usually lodge-based. However, some operators offer short overnight trails deeper into the reserve where guests spend a night or two at a different lodge or even camping under the stars.

Who is it for?

An African horse safari suits confident riders seeking wildlife encounters, a carefully curated itinerary, and the comfort of lodge-style accommodation with five-star dining experiences. In other words, if you’re after the whole gin-and-tonic, white-tablecloth, napkin-on-your-lap kind of Out of Africa vibe, this is your kind of adventure.

Who isn’t it for?

Horse safaris are incredible, but they possibly won’t satisfy riders craving long, uninterrupted hours in the saddle. If you’re dreaming of galloping along empty beaches, exploring changing landscapes from dawn to dusk, and travelling from one destination to the next with just your horse and a sense of adventure, a lodge-based safari may feel a little too structured for your taste.

Similarly, if you’re looking to build a deeper relationship with your horse or immerse yourself in life as a horse trail guide, a horse safari might not tick all your boxes.

What is a Riding Holiday?

A riding holiday is similar to a horse safari but tends to focus on the riding experience rather than the wildlife encounters. For some, a riding holiday might include dressage lessons or showjumping clinics, while for others it might involve endurance training or trail riding. 

Our Wild Coast Horse Trail fits firmly into the horse trail category because the emphasis is very much on riding and not on spotting game, although the cows, goats, and curious locals make some amusing cameo appearances along the way!

Who is it for?

Looking to get fit, or simply lose yourself in long days in the saddle? A riding holiday could be your answer,  where alarm clocks become sunrises, traffic jams turn into long trots, and emails are replaced by epic scenery. 

Trail riding holidays are perfect for adventurous, energetic souls who are always on the move, for whom the idea of a lodge-based ride feels a little claustrophobic, and who choose adrenaline over five-star meals and adventure over luxury.

Who isn’t it for?

If it’s been a while since you’ve been in the saddle, a long trail riding holiday might leave you hobbling like a giraffe on ice; those muscles will definitely notice! You could even end up skipping a ride or two just to recover. 

In that case, our Kei River Trail or a horse safari is a kinder option: shorter, gentler rides, plenty of time to sip your gin and tonic, and the option of swapping a couple of hours in the saddle for an hour or two on the massage bed instead! 

What is a Working Riding Holiday?

A working riding holiday tends to be a longer, more immersive experience. 

It sits somewhere between a riding holiday, a gap year, and a horse-focused lifestyle experience. In other words, you're not just riding - you’re part of the yard.

Our working riding holidays offer people the chance to work alongside the guides and other staff members, caring for and training the horses. It’s not a volunteer program where you “work for free”, nor is it a cheap option for those who can’t afford a safari or riding holiday. It gives you a chance to get really hands-on with the horses, build deeper connections with them, and develop your skills both around the yard and in the saddle. 

It also means immersing yourself in a different lifestyle and community while living a horse-centred routine. 

Who is it for?

Working riding holidays appeal to those looking for a more transformative experience. Gap year travellers, people at a crossroads in their lives, or those seeking a meaningful escape from the ordinary.

It’s for riders who want to step fully into a different rhythm of life, connect deeply with horses and nature, and challenge themselves both physically and emotionally. If you crave hands-on learning, a chance to slow down and focus, or simply want to be part of a tight-knit horse-loving community, a working riding holiday offers all of that and more.

You’re not just visiting; you’re living the experience.

Who’s it not for?

If you want to be pampered rather than pushed, you should cross ‘Working Riding Holiday’ off your bucket list right away! 

Similarly, if you imagine gleaming horses being led to a mounting block by hunky grooms, perfectly polished tack waiting for you, and a day of effortless riding with no dirt in sight, this probably isn’t the experience for you either. Our Working Riding Holiday is about getting stuck in, learning, riding hard, and being part of the daily yard life, warts and all!