What is a horse safari?
The word sounds bigger than the thing. Here is what it actually means on the coast behind Side.
A horse safari is a guided ride through open country — here, about 1 hour at a relaxed walk along pine-forest trails, across open land and down to a stretch of the Mediterranean shoreline, with a guide alongside the whole way. It is not a riding lesson, not a trek and not a gallop; it is the countryside seen from a saddle, at a pace a first-timer can manage. From €40 per rider, hotel transfer included.
What the word means here
"Safari" on this coast means a ride that goes somewhere — out of the yard, through the landscape and back — rather than circles in an arena. The landscape is the point: shaded pine forest, the open land behind Side, and a stretch along the sea with sand under the horse's hooves.
It is ridden as a group, at a walk, with a guide who stays with you from the first minute to the last. That is what makes it a safari rather than a lesson, and what makes it possible for someone who has never sat on a horse.
What it is not
- Not a riding course. You get a short lesson — how to sit, steer and stop — but the hour is a ride, not tuition.
- Not a gallop. The pace is a relaxed walk. A faster stretch may be offered to riders who can show real experience, at the guide's discretion, where conditions allow — and never promised.
- Not a full day. About 1 hour in the saddle, about 3 hours from your hotel door and back.
- Not a fixed route. It may vary with weather, ground conditions, horse welfare, safety and the group's ability.
Who it is for
Beginners, mostly. The lesson, the helmet, the guide and a horse matched to your build and confidence are what make that true. Children generally ride from age 6, at the guide's discretion, and can have a staff member walk at the horse's head. The recommended maximum rider weight is around 100–110 kg, and pregnancy, like a serious back or mobility problem, rules the ride out — the full list is here.
How it is booked
Online, in a minute, on the ride's own page: date, number of riders, your hotel and pickup zone. Nothing is charged online; you pay on the day. Your exact pickup time is assigned from the day's schedule and sent to you before the day. Sunset, sunrise and private versions of the ride are separate bookings on request.
Ready to ride?
One ride to book, three to request, hotel transfer included, nothing charged online.
Book the horse safari