The World’s 5 Best Wildlife Rides

1.Chincoteague’s Up The Bay Pony and Wildlife Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 662 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75Our pick

Join Captain Mike of Up the Bay Pony Tours for a two-hour boat trip around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. With no more than six people aboard, you’ll search for wild ponies, dolphins, eagles, pelicans, and other wildlife while learning island stories from a local captain.

“Went on the sunset tour and saw ponies up close as well as dolphins. Mike knows the horses by name and shared fun backstories about the ponies. Bring a pair or binoculars in case the ponies are far off in the distance. Highly recommend!”

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2.Chincoteague: Premier Pony & Wildlife Small Group Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 2 hours · from $75

Captain Mike Gellis guides a six-person, two-hour cruise through Chincoteague and Assateague waters. Expect close pony sightings, dolphins, eagles, shorebirds, local stories, and a comfortable state-of-the-art boat. Bring sunscreen and a hat, and a small cooler if needed.

“Absolutely fantastic guide! Knowledgeable and entertaining! This man has eyeballs like no other he can spot eagles and Tony specks of ponies like they’re right infront of him! We didn’t get as close as we hoped but we understood that could happen and that he can’t control them, however he did go above and beyond to get us as close as possible and our trip went over the typical amount of time because of his extra effort. My daughter was cold and he offered a blanket his wife crocheted for her to use even! This is the type of small group experience that you will not get on a large…”

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3.Stellenbosch: Horse Riding Wildlife Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 14 reviews · 1h 30m · from $98

Ride at walking pace through a 240-hectare reserve near Stellenbosch with a small group of up to six. Gentle horses suit beginners, and guides such as Deidre and Monica share wildlife facts while you look for giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and birdlife. The strict 75kg limit is non-negotiable.

“I've never came so close to wildlife ever. A very special experience with beautiful horses and a very experience guide.”

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4.From Nairobi: Horseback Wildlife Safari with Transfer & Meal

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 7 reviews · 5 - 6 hours · from $235

Leave Nairobi for a guided horseback safari near Naivasha. You’ll ride with English or Swahili-speaking guides, look for giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, then stop for lunch before returning. The ride suits beginners, but wear long pants and closed shoes.

“This experience was absolutely amazing and worth every penny. I’m so glad I decided to do it. Riding through nature on horseback with wildlife nearby was unforgettable. Please don’t miss this if you’re visiting Nairobi — I highly recommend it. Het is echt fantastisch!!”

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5.Horse Riding Wildlife Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $77

Ride for 90 minutes through a 240-hectare wildlife sanctuary near Stellenbosch. Guides such as Deirdre, Monika, Rachel, and Rebecca match riders with suitable horses and lead small groups of up to seven past giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelope, and birds. Helmets are provided.

“A must do if you’re visiting Cape Town! A 40ish minute uber (about it $20 USD) from the city and the most amazing experience! Game drives are great but to experience the animals up close and personal while on horseback is something else. Monika was the best guide! 10/10 would recommend”

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