Namibia from the saddle
Horses move quietly through the bush. From their backs you come closer to giraffe, eland and even rhinos than any vehicle could.
Your ride, your pace, your time of day
Our guided rides take place in the game camp, so there is always game to watch along the way. A short outride lasts one to one and a half hours, a long outride up to three hours, exactly as you wish. On any outride you may encounter the rhinos by chance; on our rhino ride we set out specifically to find them. They lead through open savanna, dry riverbeds, camelthorn forest and up into the hills.
On long outrides, and always on the sunset ride, we stop for a break in the bush: the vehicle meets you with cold drinks and snacks while the horses rest in the shade.
We ride in English and Western saddles, depending on the horse.
Morning ride
Set off in the cool, clear light when the animals are most active and the tracks of the night are still fresh in the sand.
Afternoon ride
Ride out as the heat eases and the long shadows return, with a bush break on the longer routes.
Sunset ride
The most magical hours: the savanna turns gold and the hills glow red. Along the way we stop for drinks and snacks in the bush, and you return home as the first stars appear.
Calm, sure-footed and at home in the bush
More than 25 horses go out on our rides. They are calm in the terrain and used to long rides through the bush, and to meeting giraffe, antelope and rhinos along the way.
We have horses for beginners and for experienced riders, so everyone finds the right partner. Tell us your level and weight when you send your request, and we will choose your horse.
Special moments on horseback
Riding with rhinos
Few places in the world let you approach white rhinos on horseback. On this ride we set out specifically to find them: quietly, often remarkably close, and always with their protection first. On our other outrides you may also encounter the rhinos by chance.
Ride to a bush lunch or dinner
If you book a bush lunch or bush dinner (from four guests), you can arrive on horseback. The table is waiting somewhere beautiful on the farm when you ride in.
Lessons, Liberty & Natural Horsemanship
On request we offer riding lessons as well as Liberty and Natural Horsemanship sessions: learning to communicate with the horse on the ground, without pressure.
Cattle driving on horseback
A guided outride on which experienced riders help us move the Simmental herd: real farm work, and a very special way to see Ibenstein. Only on request, when the farm work allows.
For your safety and the horses’ wellbeing
Maximum rider weight: 70 kg for beginners, 85 kg for experienced riders. Please tell us every rider’s weight when you send your request, so we can choose the right horse.
On our regular rides you should be comfortable at walk, trot and canter in open terrain. Beginners are very welcome on a dedicated beginners’ ride, just let us know. Children ride only on beginners’ rides or led on horseback, unless they are very experienced.
Helmets are available to borrow. Wearing one is not compulsory, but strongly recommended; riding is at your own risk.
Before your first ride, every rider fills in a short riding and indemnity form.
Horse Riding Safaris
Several days in the saddle on Ibenstein, then onward to Namibia’s most spectacular places, in a small group, for one flat price.
Love horses and farm life? Ask us about volunteering on Ibenstein.
Saddle up
Tell us how many riders you are, your level and your weight, and when you would like to ride, we will plan the rest.
Or call us: +264 81 149 2535