Nile Horseback Safaris – horse safari

Nile Horseback Safari

7 nights from €4970

An 8 day unique adventure, riding along the banks of the world famous river, traversing through forests and verdant plains, discovering the lesser-known beauty of the continent.

Jinja, Uganda
Set arrivals
7 nights
3-6 hours of riding per day
Entebbe International Airport
Group size: 8 max

Africa offers much more than just a Big 5 Safari experience. Embark on a unique journey that unveils a different facet of Africa, where you’ll ride through picturesque sugar and tea plantations alongside the world’s most renowned river, the Nile.

Nile Horseback Safaris proudly holds membership in the Jinja Adventure Safety Association. This association is dedicated to enhancing safety within adventure tourism by fostering a culture of mutual observation and support among its members, encouraging valuable input for improvements.

Each horse safari is expertly guided by two or more experienced guides. At certain points, the group has the option to divide, allowing those seeking a more athletic pace to take a quicker route, while those who prefer a leisurely ride can choose a more relaxed path.

Natalie, the owner of the horses, not only accompanies all rides but also trains some of the horses in dressage, jumping, and versatility, adding an extra layer of expertise to the experience.

The horses are not only safe but also well-balanced and impeccably trained, ensuring that every guest finds a suitable and reliable riding companion. The stables are conveniently situated across from the breath-taking Bujagali Falls on the Kampala side, just ten minutes away from Jinja’s town centre and roughly an hour’s drive from Kampala.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary – subject to change at any time.

Day 1

Arrival

At 9:00 AM, your pick-up from your accommodation in Entebbe, Uganda, marks the beginning of your journey. You’ll be transported to Jinja, where we’ll share lunch and provide you with insights about the upcoming days of the safari. In the late afternoon, a two-hour ride around the village and along the Nile riverbanks awaits, allowing you to acquaint yourself with the horses.

Accommodation: Holland Park Jinja.

Day 2

Exploring Sugar and Tea Plantations on Horseback

Embarking on a four-hour horseback ride, you’ll traverse diverse plantations and villages, pausing on hills to take in breathtaking views. Lunch will be enjoyed en route. Expect stunning panoramas, expansive landscapes, traditional villages, and the allure of sugar and tea plantations. Long gallops will whisk you away, with the wind brushing through your hair!

Accommodation: Holland Park.

Day 3

Journey along the Shores of Lake Victoria on Horseback

Today, allocate five to six hours to traverse on horseback. As the horses are transported to the starting point, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local school. If you possess English-language primary school books or children’s books, they can be generously donated to the library. After this visit, saddle up for a horseback ride across a vast Lake Victoria peninsula, complete with a picturesque lakeside lunch. During this ride, the sources of the Nile and Jinja city will grace your path. Upon concluding the ride, vehicles will transport you to today’s lodge, while your horses will join you in transit.

Accommodation: Haven River Lodge.

Day 4

Exploration of the Forest on Horseback

In the heart of the dense Mabira Forest, our 3.5-hour exploration ride features a tea break. Forest primates, including the elusive grey-cheeked mangabey unique to this area, will be spotted along the ride, along with other monkey species. The vibrant birdlife also adds to the allure. As the afternoon matures, return to the lodge, allowing you to unwind by the pool after indulging in a delectable lunch. A forest stroll or a rejuvenating massage offers further relaxation opportunities.

Accommodation: Haven River Lodge.

Day 5

Encounter the Untamed Waters

Several hours of traversing forests and rural Ugandan villages precede your arrival at Wildwaters Lodge. Situated on a Nile island surrounded by roaring wild waters, the lodge’s stunning location will captivate you. The afternoon invites you to relish the pool, providing an unparalleled perspective of the Nile’s majesty.

Accommodation: Wildwaters Lodge.

Day 6

Adventure Day: Rafting and More

Today presents a unique opportunity for an unforgettable white-water rafting experience, one of the world’s finest. While rafting remains optional, alternative on-site activities or a leisurely day of rest await. Choices encompass quad biking, bungee jumping, kayaking, mountain biking, and jet boating.

Accommodation: Wild Waters Lodge.

Day 7

Swimming with Horses and Riding to Wild Waters Lodge

Prepare for an exceptional day: riding downstream to meet the horses, an awe-inspiring view awaits. Followed by a horse swim in the Nile’s pristine waters—an idyllic bay with a sandy floor, void of hippos and crocodiles. Subsequently, indulge in a picnic overlooking the Nile, allowing everyone to dry off. It’s essential to note that certain conditions might render horse swimming unsafe due to water power dam effects. Afterward, return to Wildwaters Lodge, bid farewell to the horses, and cross the river back to the island.

Accommodation: Wild Waters Lodge.

Day 8

Departure

As the journey draws to a close, return to Entebbe, the starting point of your adventure. From there, you can embark on your journey back home or onwards to your next destination.

Please bear in mind that the provided itinerary serves as a model, subject to changes and potential errors at any point.

PRICES

INCLUDED

All rides, All accommodations, All meals, Transfer service from Entebbe International Airport to the camp and back, Luggage transport to accommodations, 1 day of white-water rafting (or an alternative option)

NOT INCLUDED

Arrival, Visa, Drinks, Insurance, Additional activities, Souvenirs and tips. Please note that you are responsible for any bank fees incurred for international transfers.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

A single supplement per person is €250.00

PAYABLE LOCALLY

Tips

NEAREST AIRPORT

Entebbe International Airport

ENQUIRE NOW

The accommodation

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Throughout the safari, our stays will be at well-established lodgings. It’s important to note that the roads across East Africa are often in poor condition, riddled with potholes, especially within urban areas. Given these conditions, a 120 km journey from the airport to the stables can frequently take over 3 hours. While driving in Kampala might appear quite chaotic, there exists a functional system, albeit one that significantly differs from the familiar traffic regulations in other parts of the world. It’s worth mentioning that power supply in Uganda is inconsistent. All lodges have either solar power or generator backup, although occasional instances of temporary power loss can still occur.

It’s worth noting that things may unfold at a slower pace compared to what you’re accustomed to. This is often referred to as “African time.” While we strive to minimise this phenomenon, it’s important to recognise that there are instances where it’s beyond our control.