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Last Update: 16 Dec 2010

Riding Holidays | Malawi

Malawi is a long narrow country in southern Africa, between Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania. It follows the Great Rift Valley and has Lake Malawi as its main feature. The landscape of Malawi is divided up into lowland wetland areas around the lake and high upland plateau regions offering rugged mountains with cool breezy grasslands and forests, giving stunning far reaching views over the lowlands.

Horse riding holidays in Malawi are mainly centred in the southern upland areas. Here enjoy the beautiful vistas, fresh mountain air and African wildlife watching. Ride on the Zomba Mountain Plateau exploring highland plantations, pine forest, indigenous rainforest and open grasslands. Horse riding here is available for people of all riding abilities and ages, and can be from short half day horse treks to full day horse riding trails based at one of the areas lodges. Overnight camping trips can also be arranged. Or join a Malawi horseback riding trail in the Shire Highlands. Be based at a tea estate and have horse riding through blue gum forest, tea and coffee fields and lovely valleys.

Further north horse riding vacations are also possible along the edge of Lake Malawi. Here have trail rides along sandy beaches, across grassy floodplains and through forest. Maybe try swimming your horse in the lake or play polocrosse. Horse riding tuition is available for all ages of rider. As well as horse riding Malawi has a wealth of outdoor activities to try. Water sports on Lake Malawi are very popular, as is hiking and mountain biking in the highlands. Why not spend a few days after your Malawi horse riding vacation relaxing at one of the beach resorts along Lake Malawi’s coast.

When to go to Malawi depends on the region you are visiting. The lowlands are hot whereas the highlands are more temperate with cool breezes all year. From November to April it is warm, often with afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in March. May to September are normally dry and can be misty in the lowlands.

We are always looking for new riding destinations and regularly update the information on this site. If you have information about horse riding or trail rides in Malawi please do contact us.