Horseback Riding safaris in Uganda
Horseback Riding safaris in Uganda: Uganda the pearl of Africa is a breathtaking tourist destination gifted with many tourist attractions such as river Nile the longest river in the world, Lake Victoria Africa’s largest lake and the world’s largest tropical lake and many national parks which are home to many beautiful wildlife species.
Horseback riding has forever been known as an English and French activity but this marvelous activity has been introduced into Uganda, horseback riding is an exciting safari activity one of the nature friendly way of touring the wilderness of Uganda. Horseback riding in Uganda is offered in only two prominent locations that is the source of the Nile and Lake Mburo national park.
SOURCE OF THE NILE
Horseback riding at the source of the Nile takes place along the stunning Nile bank and a local typical Ugandan village, horseback riding at the source of the is offered and operated by Nile horseback safaris. Nile horseback safaris is situated on the west bank of the Nile directly adjust to explorers river camp, horseback riding at the source of the Nile offers you an opportunity to explore the stunning banks of river Nile and the panaroma view of hills overlooking the Nile river valley.
Horseback riding at the source of the Nile is offered in different forms that is 1 hour ride, 1hour and a half ride, 1hour and half sunset safari ride, 2 hour safari ride, 3 hour safari ride and pony rides for kids all at different costs. Kids pony rides cater for kids between the ages of 4-10 years, Horseback safaris offered by Nile horseback safaris regardless of the experience.
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Lake Mburo national park is one of the most scenic national park in Uganda, this park situated along masaka-mbarara highway is known for being one of the few protected areas close to Kampala the starting spot of most safaris. Lake Mburo national park stretches through an area of 370 square kilometers and dotted with many lakes and scenic rolling hills, this park is a home to many wildlife and species. Wildlife which can be spotted in the park include zebras, hippos, impalas, warthogs, African buffaloes, common eland, jackal, leopards and bird species include bate Lear, coqui francolin, and grey crowned crane and many more.
Lake Mburo national park offers many amazing safari activities such as game drive, boat cruise on the lakes, nature walks and most importantly the horseback riding activity.
Horseback riding in Lake Mburo national park is an awesome way of see wildlife and the beautiful landscape of the park, riding through the savannah grassland and woodland landscape of Lake Mburo national park filled with valleys will give unforgettable Uganda safari experience. Horseback riding in Lake Mburo national park is privately managed by Mihingo lodge, Mihingo lodge has been operating horseback riding since December 2008 but outside Lake Mburo not until November 2009 when it received a concession from Uganda wildlife authority to carry out horseback riding in Lake Mburo national park.
Mihingo lodge offers horseback riding in Lake Mburo national park takes you on a ride through the park through grassy Warukiri ranges of hills while enjoying spectacular nature of lakes and rolling hills, while at the top of the hill you get 360 degrees scenic view of the surrounding hills and valley in the park. As you ride on the horse you get an extraordinary opportunity of getting up close to most the animals in the park such as giraffes, antelopes, zebras, elands and many more. While on the back of the horse animals are less scared of your presence near them so they do not run, horseback rides offered by Mihingo lodge are of English style saddles and before going for a ride it is recommended for you to wear long trousers and strong shoes with a bit of a heel if possible.
Horseback riding in Lake Mburo national park is offered according to your experience and ability in riding the horse, for beginners and inexperienced riders you are recommended to walk while on the horse’s back as you tour the park. For experienced riders you are allowed to race for long stretches for trotting and cantering as you ride through the park to the water hole where you get to see herds of buffaloes.
As you go for a horseback riding safari you are offered adjustable helmets of all size and riding chaps courtesy of Mihingo lodge, on each ride a maximum of 6 guests get involved in the ride and all rides are accompanied by at least one experienced horse guide but in most cases 2 horse guides accompany the ride.
Note: maximum weight to be carried on horses at Mihingo lodge is 100 kilograms but most horses cannot carry more than 85 kilograms so do not be offended when your weight excludes from participating in the exciting safari.
TIPS WHILE RIDING A HORSE
- Before getting on the back of the horse make sure your wearing proper horse riding gears
- When mounting the horse do it with a lot of confidence
- Be gentle and free with the reins
- While on the horse sit upright and relaxed do not sprawl
- While riding the horse do not hold the saddle horn
- Keeping your eyes where your heading as you ride
- Make sure you take full control of the horse
- Always stay in the same tune with your horse
- Greet your horse before mounting it
- use your whole body to guide the horse
- when riding always be alert
Horseback riding is also offered in areas like Speke resort Munyonyo resort in Kampala, flame tree stable riding school in kijabiijo village, Katia stable and many more. But these locations only offers horseback rides not horseback touring.
