“But I mean... do you basically live in a tent then?”
“You have to be able to ride. Right...?”
“There are TONS of poisonous snakes in Africa. I can just see them like jumping out and CHASING ME!”
That’s roughly how it sounds when I talk about life on horseback in the savannah. Some have heard of riding safaris, fewer know how it actually works — and many have various fantasies. Some are true. Some are kind of true, sometimes... And some are completely hilariously wrong.
Here are some of the most common misconceptions — and how reality actually looks.
How people think a riding safari works...
#1 You have to be super-mega-pro at riding
#2 You live in super-basic tents
#3 You ride ALL the time
#4 You get CHASED by poisonous snakes
#5 You get to see tons of wild animals
How a riding safari actually works...
#1 You have to be super-mega-pro at riding
False. Or half-true, you could say. To ride with big game, you need to be at least level 4 out of 5 in riding. For plain game, you don’t have to know... anything. There are riding safaris for all levels — even for you who are completely rubbish! 😎
#2 You live in super-basic tents
True or false. Sometimes. Kind of. If you want. There are mobile safaris with simple tents, absolutely.
But you can also stay in:
• a fantastically comfortable lodge
• a glamping tent with ensuite bathroom and view over the Okavango riverbeds
• on a platform built in a tree
• in a small wicker hut in the bush
Or combine them. Yes, you’re not thick, you get the idea – there’s plenty to choose from.
#3 You ride ALL the time
True or false. It depends on which safari you choose. There are long days, short days, half days, rest days. Again, it’s kind of up to you if you want to feel something in your 🍑 or not.
#4 “You get CHASED by poisonous snakes”
False. One of my absolute favorite statements and a completely total lie 😂 Of course, there are snakes in Africa, and yes, many of them are poisonous.
Neither of them have any. kind. of. interest. in chasing you. The statement “they are more afraid of you than you are of them” is what’s true in this case. Snakes will do anything to stay as far away from you as possible, and the few times it might become a dangerous situation is the same for all animals – if they feel threatened and need to defend themselves. So, to sum up. If you get the chance to encounter them, observe them from a distance and enjoy these cool creatures.
#5 You get to see tons of wild animals
True. But never guaranteed. It’s still nature and the animals that dictate – the beauty of being in the bush and not at a zoo. The likelihood that you will experience several magical moments is very high.
What a riding safari also is...
… meeting amazing people from all over the world, who share the same interest as you.
… getting off the horse, jumping into the game viewer and standing trunk-to-nose with a big elephant bull.
… realizing how an after work (sundowner) should really be – on a horse, drink in hand, with the sunset as the backdrop.
… starting the morning with the smell of coffee and a view over a riverbed and rock wall.
… gazing at the starry sky without light pollution.
… understanding how big and small the world is at the same time, with No service and all you hear is the bush.
"So how the heck do I find the safari I want to go on?!"
Now that's the spirit!
• Are you completely rubbish at riding? Check out Signature Flex. (And yes, you can go on it even as an experienced rider – riding groups are divided by level).
• Do you want to stay in authentic, but basic tents, as close to nature as possible? Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride is for you.
• Or do you want to treat yourself? Okavango is the place to be.
• Did you perhaps spend your money on horses and need something a bit more affordable? Signature Set's got you covered.
Or are you completely overwhelmed and just have to TALK to a REAL PERSON? Email, call or contact us via the form, and we will help you find the super-duper-right one.
