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Last Update: 16 Dec 2010

Riding Holidays | Swaziland

Swaziland is a fascinating little country, a traditional African Kingdom lying on the border between South Africa and Mozambique. The Swazi people are Bantu speaking and originally from east Africa, having migrated southwards to settle in what is now present day Swaziland. This area has always been inhabited and has some of the oldest evidence of humans in Africa dating as far back as the early stone age. Swaziland has much to offer visitors with friendly people, an interesting rural economy and peaceful culture centred around traditional values and family life. Swaziland has mountainous terrain in the west with a temperate climate, a middleveld hilly region and an eastern lowland plain with a hotter climate.

Visiting Swaziland for a horseback riding vacation is one of the best ways to explore the Kingdom’s beautiful landscapes and rural villages. With few roads and diverse terrain horse riding allows you to reach some of the most beautiful and normally inaccessible areas. There are several horse riding holiday stables in Swaziland, particularly in the mountainous west. Visit the Royal Ezulwini Valley, also known as the ‘Valley of Heaven’ for a Swaziland horse riding holiday and ride into the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland’s main game park and conservation area. Ride across high grassland plains, through bushveld and forest watching for game and enjoying the lovely views, all to the backdrop of high mountains.

Travel to the Malkerns valley towards the Swaziland middleveld and stay at a comfortable farm. Beginner riders can have arena lessons and more experienced riders interesting trail rides through hills and farmland to the mountains. Enjoy a sundowner ride looking out for animals. This area is good for birding and horseback riding is a great way to see wildlife as animals and birds often allow horses to come quite close. Horse riding vacations are also available in eastern Swaziland at Hlane National Park, home to the biggest game herds in Swaziland and so offering a lovely horse riding safari location.

Swaziland horse riding holidays cater for people of all ages and riding abilities. Most equestrian centres offer riding lessons and have ponies for children. Experienced riders can join adventurous trails into the mountains with faster riding and challenging terrain. Non riding friends are also not forgotton. There are lots of hiking trails, mountain climbing and white water rafting plus vehicle game drives are possible in the national parks. You will see lots of rural culture, handicraft markets and traditional round reed hut villages, but there are also some great restaurants and modern hotels.