Horse Riding Experience
Beach trails and a swim with your horse
- Location Coastal stables, Zanzibar
- Duration Approximately 2 to 3 hours including transfers
- Tour type Private or shared
- Availability Daily, morning and sunset rides
Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.
Overview
Riding a horse along an empty Zanzibar beach at low tide is one of those experiences people plan a whole trip around. The stables run guided rides for complete beginners and for experienced riders, matching the horse and the pace to your level.
The route follows the shoreline and inland trails through coastal woodland and small settlements. Guides ride with you throughout, and for beginners they lead from the ground until you are comfortable.
The highlight for most people comes near the end: taking the horses into the shallows and swimming with them. It is a calm, gentle thing, and the horses are used to it. Bring a waterproof camera.
Sunset rides are the most requested option and suit couples and honeymooners. Morning rides are cooler and better for families with children.
Highlights
- Ride along the shoreline at low tide
- Suitable for beginners and experienced riders
- Coastal woodland trails away from the beach
- Swim in the shallows with your horse
- Well-trained horses and professional guides
- Sunset rides available for couples
Itinerary
- 08:00
Hotel pickup
Collection from your hotel and the drive to the stables.
- 08:45
Meeting your horse
Helmet fitting, an introduction to your horse and a short briefing on handling and pace.
- 09:00
The ride
Around thirty minutes to an hour along the shoreline and coastal trails with your guide.
- 09:45
Swimming with the horses
Take the horses into the shallows. Guides handle the horses throughout.
- 10:30
Return transfer
Drive back to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- 30 minute to 1 hour horseback ride
- Swimming stop with the horse
- Riding helmet
- Professional guides
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch and drinks, where not listed as included
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Anything not named under what is included
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Around 08:00 for morning rides, timed to sunset for evening rides.
Meeting point: Hotel reception, then the stables.
We collect from these areas:
- Stone Town
- Zanzibar City
- Maungani
- Nungwi
- Kendwa
- Matemwe
- Kiwengwa
- Pwani Mchangani
- Uroa
- Pongwe
- Chwaka
- Michamvi
- Paje
- Jambiani
- Makunduchi
- Kizimkazi
- Fumba
- Mangapwani
What to bring
- Long trousers or leggings
- Closed shoes with a small heel if you have them
- Swimwear under your clothes
- Towel
- Sun cream and a hat
- Waterproof camera
Important information
- Weight limits apply for the welfare of the horses. Tell us the riders' weights when you book and we will confirm.
- Tell us each rider's experience level so the right horse is matched.
- Rides are tide dependent and times shift day to day.
- Children ride on a led horse with a guide.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Do I need riding experience?
No. Guides lead beginners from the ground and choose a calm horse. Experienced riders are given more freedom.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes, for the horses' welfare. Send us the riders' weights when you enquire and we will confirm before booking.
Do we really swim with the horses?
Yes, in the shallows, with the guides handling the horses. It is calm and the horses are used to it.
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