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Last Update: 16 Dec 2010

Riding Holidays | Sudan

Horses have been in Sudan since ancient times. Traditionally prized by nomadic tribes as desert transport and war horses, Sudanese horses were originally developed for speed and endurance, helped by crossing Arab and Thoroughbred stock with local Dongola horses from northern Sudan. They are small and agile, strong and hardy in the harsh desert environment. At Sudan festivals you will see tribal leaders riding horses with elaborate and very decorative harnesses. You may see traditional Sudanese horse armour which is made from brightly coloured woven quilted fabrics.

The town of Addu’ayn in Darfur has recently re-introduced a tribal equestrian festival with the aim of establishing peaceful relations within the region. The people of this region are skilled horsemen and the festival centres on horse racing and horsemanship displays. Horse racing is popular throughout Sudan with separate races for Sudanese horses and the larger Nigerian Barbs. Horses are also used generally for both riding and driving.

There are no known horse riding holidays in Sudan, however there is an equestrian centre in the capital Khartoum run by a British lady which offers riding lessons as well as hippotherapy (horse riding physiotherapy). We are always looking for new riding destinations and regularly update the information on this site. If you have information about horse riding in Sudan please do contact us.

Sudan is the largest country on the African continent. It lies between Ethiopia, Egypt and Chad. Northern Sudan is covered by the dry Nubian desert in contrast to the much wetter south, which has swamps and rainforest, home to many animals including hundreds of elephant. The main river is the Nile which runs right through the middle of the country. Sudan has many interesting sites such as the ancient pyramids and Dongola in the north to where you can learn about Nubian history; the largest souq in Sudan at Omdurman, and the national museum in Khartoum, the capital city built on the spot where the White and Blue Niles meet.