The human and horse relationship has a long varied history. In the early stages of domestication, horses became progressively important tools transportation and just like every other domestic animal, they are currently more and more used as companion animals. Horseback riding has also gained popularity in therapeutic riding programs. Horseback Zanzibar tours can be enjoyed by everyone and beginners don't need to be afraid to try as many places offer services to learn how to ride properly or even to just ride leisurely with a guide.
In any case, the short answer to the question above is yes, horseback riding can be for everyone. Are you looking to learn more about horseback riding? Here’s some things you should know:
It is important that you wear the proper riding gear before you go for horseback riding. The headgear or helmet, riding boots, breeches, whisps, gloves, and belts must also be of adequate size.
You need to be able to approach your horse properly and without spooking it. It’s important to project yourself as the horse’s master if you want to be able to control it while riding. The horse assesses your capabilities by how you approach him and its behavior towards you can depend on it. Make a confident but gentle step towards the horse, have a friendly look, make some friendly sounds like uttering “ hello boy” or praising it as a friend. This helps in building a friendly relationship with the horse quickly and it will accept you as a rider.
The right way to mount a horse is from its left side. Gently grab the mane of the horse (the hair on the back of the horse’s neck). By grabbing the horse’s mane, you are letting it know where you are and you’re trying to saddle up. Firmly place your left foot into the left stirrup and your left hand on the base of the horse’s neck area, then position your right arm over the back of the saddle. Leap a few times on your right leg to get well adjusted, then throw your right leg over sitting yourself down properly into the saddle. Finally, put your right foot snugly into the right stirrup and balance yourself evenly over the center of the horse.
Never hold the reins too tightly once you’re up in the saddle. You use the horse’s reins and your legs to communicate commands to the horse. To make the horse move, use your legs to squeeze its body gently or bump your heels to ask the horse to move forward. Once the horse responds and is in motion, you need to stop kicking and remain conscious of your leg movement during the ride as your legs are communicating commands to the horse. To go left, gently tug the reins to the left. To go right, gently pull the reins to the right. To stop the horse, gently pull the reins towards you without too much pressure.
You must look ahead and keep your head straight. Make sure you are also familiar with the area you are going for horse riding. Keeping your head up, looking frontwards, a straight back, and proper grip makes you a confident rider.
After a successful and thrilling horseback riding, it is time to dismount from your horse. Dismount adequately by praising your horse and patting its back uttering some friendly and encouraging words.
The spice island of Zanzibar is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable vacation destinations on the plant. But the ultimate island experience would be to explore the majestic beaches and plantations of Zanzibar on horseback. You could also choose to just ride leisurely with a guide beside. If this is something you’d like to include in your itinerary, then the Zanzibar Horse Club is the best way to go. Here, you can experience different horseback Zanzibar tours so you can finally tick “horseback riding in Zanzibar” off your bucket list. These include:
Tours include traversing through mountains, passing through forests, plantations, villages, and rice fields. Rides take up to 5 hours with an average speed of about 64km/h. You also get to enjoy a lunch break surrounded by amazing natural surroundings while the horses take a breather.
Witness the silence of a tropical night with white pristine sands glimmering and the ocean shimmering. The added height advantage of mounting a horse, the sounds of crashing waves and distant nocturnal animals makes this full moon ride a magical and romantic experience. Other tours include cultural village rides, swimming on horseback, Kiwengwa beach tour, and outrides through coconut plantations.
Horseback riding is one of the best ways to explore the many majestic locations that Zanzibar has to offer. The best part is that even if you’re a horseback riding beginner, you’re still sure of a pretty awesome time. Contact us now!
Due to the recent Covid 19 worldwide pandemic, to keep our guests and indeed our staff safe, we have made some changes to Safari By Z that we would like to make you aware. We believe that with careful planning and consideration by our staff and guests we can continue to provide the best hospitality services on safari. For now, this may be our new norm.
New routines:
All our staff have received full training in health and safety-related to the COVID-19 virus and are required to be extra vigilant with their personal hygiene and daily routines.
Health condition of driver-guides will be monitored for not less than a week before being assigned to take clients on safari.
City transfer and safari vehicles will be regularly disinfected before picking up clients, especially the high-touch surfaces and seats.
Our meet and greet teams at airports will still be there to accompany guests into transfer vehicles. While our vehicles are already cleaned between transfers, they will now also be disinfected between each use.
To keep social distancing, safari vehicles with 4-window seats will be redesigned to take only 2 people in the passenger cabin. Safari vehicles with 6-window seats will still be available for families/group of friends wishing to travel together in one vehicle.
The driver-guide will be at hand to oversee guests observe the recommended physical distancing at park entry gates, picnic sites, and while checking in at accommodation facilities.
Each guest will receive their own adventure kit, which includes a Wildlife Guides' Journal, mini fan and hand sanitizers, as well as a pair of binoculars – all in cleaned before each new set of guests
The driver-guide will take necessary personal protection precautions at all times. Guests are encouraged to come with their own masks;
Please be assured that all our selection of partner properties we work with have their strict COVID-19 hygiene practises in place.
Tanzania wasn't Really affected by Covid 19 to the same extent as most other countries, especially those in Europe and South America.
However, we will keep the above measures in place for your peace of mind. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you to the Tanzania for your African safari holiday of a lifetime.