Multi-Day Horse Safari in Uganda
We would like to introduce you to Uganda's first multi-day horse riding safari, the Nile Explorer on horseback. We offer fabulous riding around the source of the world's longest river, the River Nile.
We pass through traditional Ugandan villages, areas of crops and jungle, the edge of lake Victoria, sugar cane and tea plantations, swamps, rain forest areas and of course the edge of the River Nile at its source in Jinja Uganda.
The views are spectacular and there are a multitude of bird species, monkeys galore, and if you are really lucky some of the more elusive animals, like mongoose and antelope.
The horses we use are Thoroughbreds and several Thoroughbred crosses – a mix of Saddlebred, Irish Draft, Ethiopian and even Dutch Warmblood. They are completely bombproof in traffic, around wildlife and with local village children. Most of our horses are also eventers that compete regularly in Kenya.
Guides
Details
7 days - 6 nights
Group of 2 or more riders (min 2 riders)
When: Run on demand.
Currently we have a confirmed multiday safari beginning on the 8th of March 2012. With 2 spaces still available. Contact us for more information.
Excluded: Airfares, visas, vaccinations, items of a personal nature, beverages, transport outside of stated, optional activities, curios and tips.
Call us for current prices.
IMPORTANT
We do not use Western saddles as often used in North and South America.
Please Note: We do require experienced riders for this safari as the route encompasses swamps, creek crossings and jungle riding. You need to be able to canter for extended periods and be competent riding in English style saddles. You will be in the saddle for roughly 4-8 hours per day.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive at Entebbe International airport. From there you will transfer to Holland Park. Your accommodation is located adjacent to Nile Horseback Safaris. Relax and enjoy the view across the Nile.
Day 2 - Once all the luggage has been loaded into the safari truck and everyone has been introduced to the crew, we will begin riding, heading up the edge of the Nile River. This section of the ride encompasses villages, jungle, stream crossings and a visit to the Speke Memorial.
In the afternoon we will swim at Kingfisher Lodge before taking a cruise in a boat to the source of the Nile and Ghandi’s statue. This evening will be spent at the lovely Gately On Nile, overlooking the waters of Napoleon Bay.
Day 3 - We leave early today and meet the horses on the edge of Lake Victoria, before embarking on a fabulous ride around a huge peninsula.
The lake is the largest in Africa, more of an inland sea, where the birdlife changes dramatically and the terrain opens up more. We ride along the lake, winding around bays and up hills, before we eventually stop for lunch at a spectacular viewpoint.
After a big day's riding we move to the Rainforest Lodge.
Day 4 - We'll saddle up early and head into the rainforest. Massive avenues of rainforest trees guard the dirt tracks, monkeys chatter overhead and the local villagers will stare and laugh in amazement, most of them never having seen horses before.
There are amazing birds, orchids, creepers and vines and various distinct sections of the forest. Monkeys like Vervet and Red Tails chattering away at our passing.
After a picnic lunch in the forest we will eventually head back towards the river passing through more forested areas and sugar and tea plantations. We stay the night at the Haven, overlooking a spectacular rapid on the Nile.
Spacious luxurious rooms await, your horses are rested in their boma at the Haven as you prepare for a different kind of adventure tommorrow.
Day 5 - This morning we are going to go for a day of white water thrills and spills! Heading off from just above the Haven, we load up in our rubber rafts before braving some of the biggest white water in Africa.
The river is termed relatively safe though, as the water flushes into big ponds below each rapid, and if you do fall in the water is beautifully warm! You'll be back at the Haven tonight, with the horses, and a well deserved night's sleep! If rafting is not your thing there are a multitude of other activities to choose from or simply relax at The Haven.
Day 6 - After a leisurely morning relaxing at the Haven, we ride back to Nile Horseback Safaris premises, stopping enroute to swim the horses in the river.
We ride sections on the banks of the Nile and meet plenty of enthusiastic villagers on the way. Finally we reach home and the end of your River – Jungle – Village - Lake horseback safari. This afternoon you will stay at Holland Park again to rest and relax, with a massage!
Once you have finished your horse riding safari, you may wish to enjoy some of the other beautiful attractions that Uganda has to offer such as a animal safari to Murchison Falls National Park, or an up close Mountain Gorilla encounter in the south west of Uganda, we will be happy to help organise.
