The Heart of the Safari
Our horses are at the very heart of Tanzania Horse Safaris, and we are incredibly proud of the diverse and characterful herd we have built over the years.
We have a wonderful mix of horses: some homebred and raised by us, some imported from South Africa and Kenya, and others born and raised here in Tanzania after coming to us from other yards. We also have a few very special wild brumbies, caught from the bush and carefully trained to become part of our safari string.
Most of our horses have some Thoroughbred in their breeding, crossed with different types and backgrounds. We have found this combination to be particularly well suited to safari—athletic, tough, intelligent and capable, while still having the heart and temperament needed for life in the African bush.
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Amigo
Amigo is a Boerperd–Thoroughbred cross gelding from South Africa, where he gained experience in both polo and cattle herding. Those early days gave him a natural instinct for the land, shaping him into a confident and capable safari horse.
Forward, balanced, and easy in his way of going, Amigo moves through the bush with a comfortable, rounded canter that feels effortless over distance. He settles naturally into the rhythm of the landscape, carrying his rider along winding tracks and out across open ground with a sense of ease and purpose. There is a quiet understanding in him — a horse that reads the bush and takes everything in his stride.
With his fun personality and willing nature, Amigo brings a sense of light adventure to every ride. A dependable and engaging partner, he is a wonderful horse to explore the African bush with, always ready to head out and see what lies ahead.
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Danny
Danny is a Boerperd–Thoroughbred cross from South Africa with a true bushman’s heart. In his early years, he worked cattle across open country, developing the independence, courage, and instinct that make him such a natural safari horse.
Calm, brave, and sure-footed, Danny is completely at ease in the African wilderness. Whether moving quietly through wildlife or covering ground across the open plains, he carries his rider with steady confidence and a relaxed, unhurried way.
With his kind eyes and gentle soul, Danny always looks after his rider. A dependable safari partner with plenty of character, he is a wonderful horse to explore the bush with.
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Electra
Electra is a dark bay Thoroughbred mare, bred in Tanzania, with a lively spirit and a sensitive, willing nature. One of the smaller horses in the string, she carries herself with a presence far beyond her size, always eager and ready for the day ahead.
Light, forward, and beautifully responsive, Electra comes alive in the open bush. She moves with a flowing rhythm, her stride quick and effortless, as if she belongs to the wide spaces she travels through. There’s a quiet thrill in riding her — a sense of freedom and adventure as she carries you across the landscape with energy and ease.
With her bright expression and kind nature, Electra brings both joy and excitement to every ride. Small but full of spirit, she is a memorable partner — the kind of horse that turns a moment in the bush into something you’ll never quite forget.
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Ella
Ella, known as the “elephant whisperer,” is a Boerperd mare from South Africa with a natural authority and presence in the bush. A lead horse through and through, she knows her role and carries it with confidence and purpose.
Brave, steady, and completely at ease around wildlife, Ella has a special talent when it comes to elephants. She meets them with quiet confidence, leading the way with a calm assurance that both horse and rider can rely on. There is a strength about her — a feeling that she knows exactly what she’s doing, even in the most exciting moments.
With her bold nature and leadership, Ella is one of the bravest horses in the string. Always ready to take the front, she makes every ride feel secure and purposeful — the kind of horse you’re grateful to have leading the way through the wild.
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Haya
Haya is a striking chestnut mare, a cross breed of Warmblood, Arabian, and Thoroughbred, with both the looks and personality to match. She carries herself with elegance and presence, standing out effortlessly in the safari string.
Responsive, forward, and beautifully balanced, Haya moves through the bush with a natural confidence, as if she belongs to the landscape around her. She is attentive and in tune with her rider, carrying you along winding tracks and into the open with a steady, flowing rhythm. There is a sense of ease in the way she travels — making each journey feel connected to the land and full of adventure.
With her kind nature and willing spirit, Haya is a delight to ride on safari. A graceful and dependable partner, she brings both beauty and a sense of exploration to every ride into the African bush.
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Jojo
Jojo is an Appaloosa–Thoroughbred cross mare, who began her career as a polo pony before stepping into safari life. That early training has shaped her into a sharp, capable, and wonderfully responsive ride in the bush.
Forward, agile, and full of character, Jojo brings a real sense of energy to every ride. She moves with purpose and quickness, always tuned in to her rider and ready for what lies ahead. There is a spark about her — a natural spunk that makes riding her both fun and engaging, especially out in the open spaces of the bush.
With her bold personality and willing nature, Jojo is a lively and rewarding safari partner. A horse with spirit and heart, she brings a touch of excitement to every journey into the wild.
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Kaskazi
Kaskazi is a striking cross between Thoroughbred, Boerperd, and Frisian, born and bred at our stables in Tanzania. With his proud presence and flowing movement, he carries both strength and elegance wherever he goes. In his younger years, Kaskazi fathered some of our foals, and he is now a valued part of our safari string.
Powerful, balanced, and sure-footed, Kaskazi moves through the bush with purpose and ease. There is a quiet strength about him — a sense of confidence in the way he travels, taking in the landscape and carrying his rider steadily forward. His movement feels fluid and assured, well suited to the wide spaces and ever-changing terrain of the African wilderness.
With the heart of an explorer, Kaskazi brings both presence and reliability to every ride. A special member of the team, he is a horse that feels truly at home in the wild — a wonderful companion for venturing out on safari.
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Lady Maryam
Lady Maryam is one of our home-bred mares, who has taken to safari life with natural ease, as if she was always meant to be part of the bush. From the beginning, she has shown a true heart for exploring, moving out with curiosity and a quiet confidence.
Willing, kind, and full of heart, she brings a gentle energy to every ride. A lovely forward ride, she is subtle and responsive, allowing her rider to feel in tune as she carries you along winding tracks and into the open spaces beyond. There is a softness to her, balanced by a readiness to keep going, always willing to see what lies ahead.
With her generous spirit and love for adventure, Lady Maryam feels at home in the wild. A calm and capable partner, she makes every journey into the bush feel effortless, as if you are simply part of the landscape together.
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Little Sherwood Heart
Sherwood is a Shire–Thoroughbred cross mare from South Africa, whom we brought in as a youngster. She has grown into a truly special safari horse, with a golden nature and a presence that is hard to match.
A true safari veteran, Sherwood loves her job and comes alive out in the African bush. Big and powerful, with a long, ground-covering stride, she carries her rider with strength and ease, moving steadily through the landscape with a confidence that comes from years of experience. There is something deeply reassuring about her — a feeling that she knows exactly where she is and what she’s doing.
With her kind nature and unmatched way of going, Sherwood is a remarkable partner on safari. A horse with heart, experience, and quiet strength, she is a joy to ride and a true part of the African bush.
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Lummel
Lummel is a Warmblood cross gelding from Namibia, with a wonderfully forward-going stride and a presence that feels at home in wide, open landscapes. Strong and confident, he has always belonged to the rhythm of Africa, moving easily through the bush and across the plains.
For many years, Lummel was a trusted safari horse, carrying riders with steady assurance on long days out in the wild. He has a generous heart and a willing nature, always giving his best and looking after those in his care.
Though he has now stepped back from the longer safaris, Lummel is not quite ready to hang up his saddle. He continues to take part in day rides at our stables on Dolly Wildlife Estate, where his friendly nature and dependable spirit still shine through. Full of character and kindness, he remains a much-loved companion and a pleasure to ride in the bush.
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Luna
Luna is a chestnut mare, born and bred in southern Tanzania, with the spark of a true bush horse. An Australian Stock Horse cross, she is full of spirit and character, bringing energy and life to every ride.
Quick on her feet and naturally forward, Luna moves easily through the bush, weaving along winding tracks and taking on the terrain with confidence. She is responsive and lively, always tuned into her surroundings, with a sense of curiosity that makes every ride feel like an adventure. There’s a playful edge to her too — never one to pass up a little jump, she adds a touch of fun to the rhythm of the ride.
With her fiery nature and willing heart, Luna brings the bush to life beneath you. A spirited and engaging partner, she is perfect for riders who enjoy a more adventurous safari experience.
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Morani
Morani is a pure Thoroughbred gelding, bred in Kenya, where he spent his early years racing. A big, solid horse, he carries his rider with strength and ease, bringing a reassuring presence to every journey out across the savannah.
Calm, kind, and steady, Morani moves through the bush with a quiet confidence, his stride settling naturally into the rhythm of the land. There is a sense of ease in riding him — as if he has always belonged to these wide, open spaces, carrying you forward through the landscape with calm assurance. A true gentleman in the safari string, he offers both comfort and reliability in the wild.
Now retired from the longer safaris, Morani continues to do a wonderful job at our stables on Dolly Wildlife Estate. Though his days of long journeys have softened, his generous spirit remains unchanged, and he still brings that same steady, dependable presence to every ride.
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Nadal
Nadal is an Anglo-Arab gelding from South Africa, originally trained for endurance, where he developed his steady rhythm, balance, and natural stamina.
Calm, consistent, and sure in his movement, Nadal carries himself with quiet confidence across all gaits. Whether walking through thick bush or covering distance across open ground, he offers a smooth, reliable ride that allows his rider to relax and take in the surroundings.
Despite his strength and capability, Nadal is a gentle soul — a big softie at heart. Always willing and incredibly dependable, he is a trustworthy companion and a true gentleman on safari.
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Naysha
Naysha is a Thoroughbred mare and a true safari veteran, with years of experience out in the African bush. She has spent her life moving through the landscape, carrying riders across open ground and along quiet bush paths with a steady and generous heart.
Calm, kind, and deeply trustworthy, Naysha brings a quiet ease to every ride. She settles naturally into the rhythm of the bush, allowing her rider to relax and take in the surroundings, feeling safe and cared for every step of the way. Her gentle nature makes her especially wonderful with children, giving them confidence as they experience the wild from the saddle.
Now retired from the longer safaris, Naysha continues to enjoy day rides from our stables, where she still heads out into the bush with the same willingness and calm presence. With her big heart and soft spirit, she remains a special part of the team — a horse who carries the quiet magic of the African landscape with her.
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Ngasurai
Ngasurai is one of our brumbies, once part of a wild herd before becoming part of our string. That wild beginning still runs strongly within her, giving her a spirit and awareness that set her apart in the bush.
Wild at heart yet an incredible ride, Ngasurai is sensitive, responsive, and deeply in tune with her surroundings. She moves with confidence through the landscape, sure of herself and unbothered by what lies ahead — no path too narrow, no terrain too challenging.
There is a quiet strength in her independence, a feeling that she belongs to the land she travels through. With her sharp instincts and bold nature, Ngasurai offers a raw and authentic safari experience — a true bush horse who makes every ride feel like a real adventure.
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Nikos
Nikos is a striking cross between Thoroughbred, Boerperd, and Frisian, born and bred at our stables in Tanzania. His mother, Todoussak, was part of our safari string, so the instinct and feel for the bush run naturally in his blood.
For many years, Nikos stood as our stallion, fathering many of the next generation of safari horses. Now, stepping into a new chapter, he has joined the safari string himself, taking to the bush with curiosity and confidence, as if returning to something instinctively familiar.
Powerful yet balanced, with beautiful, flowing movement, Nikos is an eye-catching horse out in the wild. He moves forward with purpose, exploring the landscape with a natural confidence, his stride carrying you easily through winding tracks and open ground. There is a sense of adventure about him — a horse that feels alive to his surroundings and ready to discover what lies ahead.
With his kind nature and presence, Nikos makes for a fun and rewarding safari partner — one that truly belongs out in the African bush.
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Obsession
Affectionately known as “Obi,” Obsession is a stunning bay QH x Appaloosa mare. She is more than just a safari horse — she is an unwavering companion, always willing to go wherever the ride may lead and take on whatever the bush has to offer.
Calm, brave, and sure in herself, Obi moves through the bush with a steady confidence, making her a reliable and reassuring ride. Whether out on long days exploring or enjoying the rhythm of the safari, she carries her rider with ease and comfort.
Beyond the bush, her versatility shines, adding to her already remarkable qualities. It’s hard not to become a little obsessed with her incredibly kind and gentle nature, making her a truly special partner on safari.
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Pluto
Pluto is a tall, lean chestnut gelding, born and bred in southern Tanzania, and an Australian Stock Horse cross. With his noble stance and refined presence, he carries himself with a quiet elegance that stands out in the bush.
A forward and responsive ride, Pluto moves with a big, flowing stride, covering ground effortlessly across the African landscape. There is a softness to his way of going, making him an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride, allowing his rider to settle into the rhythm of the journey.
With his sensitive nature and balanced movement, Pluto brings a sense of ease and connection to every safari. A graceful and capable partner, he is a wonderful horse to experience the open bush with.
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Queen
Queen, just as her name suggests, is the queen of the brumbies. She was part of a wild brumby herd in her early years, and that wild beginning still lives strongly within her.
The youngest of the group, yet one of the most intelligent, Queen carries herself with confidence and awareness beyond her years. Small but powerful, she moves lightly across the land, gliding through open spaces with ease and purpose. A fun and forward ride, she brings energy and curiosity to every journey into the bush.
Don’t be fooled by her size — Queen has a big heart for the wild. With her sharp mind and willing spirit, she is a lively and engaging partner, making every ride feel like an adventure across the African landscape.
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Romeo
Romeo is a big Thoroughbred gelding from Kenya, where he began his career as a racehorse before going on to play polo, and eventually joining our safari string. His journey has shaped him into a capable and versatile horse, well suited to life out in the bush.
A forward and confident ride, Romeo has a big, comfortable canter and a soft mouth, making him both enjoyable and easy to ride over distance. He moves with purpose and flow, covering ground effortlessly as the landscape opens up around you. With a remarkable sense of direction, he naturally takes on the role of a lead horse, guiding the way with quiet confidence.
A really friendly chap, Romeo brings a warm and easy nature to every ride, always happy in his work and with those around him. Out in the African bush is where he truly comes alive.
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Roy
Roy is a Boerperd gelding from South Africa, a wonderful horse to explore the African bush with. In his early days he worked cattle across open country, developing the independence and bravery that make him so at home in the wild.
Calm, strong, and sure in himself, Roy moves through the bush with quiet confidence, as if it’s second nature to him. He reads the terrain instinctively, carrying his rider forward with a steady, reassuring feel. His beautifully rounded canter is smooth and comfortable, making long stretches through the landscape a real pleasure.
Not one of the biggest in the string, but certainly one of the strongest, Roy has a deep love for exploring. A very friendly boy who loves cuddles and treats, he brings a warm and gentle nature to every ride. With his willing character and honest heart, he is a dependable partner — the kind of horse that makes every journey into the bush feel natural and exciting.
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Shiona
Shiona is a Thoroughbred mare, originally from Kenya, where she spent her early years as a racehorse. Her journey has shaped her into a bold and capable safari horse, with strength, resilience, and a natural instinct for moving across open country.
Forward, athletic, and full of life, Shiona brings energy to every ride. She travels with purpose and lightness, always ready to step forward and explore what lies ahead. There’s a sense of momentum with her — a feeling of covering ground with intent, making her especially rewarding for riders who enjoy a more responsive, forward-going horse. When she’s not out on safari, she plays polo, adding sharpness and versatility to her already dynamic nature.
With her brave spirit and willing heart, Shiona stands out as a mare with both power and presence. She is the kind of horse that brings a touch of excitement to the bush — a true partner for those drawn to a more spirited safari ride.
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Sinya
Sinya is one of our brumbies, once part of a wild herd before becoming part of our string. Named after the area where she was found, she carries that place with her — as if it has never quite left her.
Small but full of personality, Sinya is an incredibly comfortable ride, sensitive and responsive in every step. She moves through the bush with a natural awareness, deeply in tune with her surroundings, reading the land in a way that feels instinctive. When riding her through the very area she came from, there is a quiet sense that she knows exactly where she is.
With her sharp instincts and light, easy movement, Sinya offers a truly authentic safari experience. A little horse with a big presence, she makes you feel not just part of the ride, but part of the bush itself.
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South Cross Bakara
Bakara is an eye-catching buckskin Clydesdale–Thoroughbred cross from South Africa. She arrived unbacked but quickly adapted to the rhythm of safari life, growing into a natural and dependable member of the herd.
Confident, steady, and sure-footed, Bakara moves through the bush with a big, ground-covering stride and a quiet presence. She seems to belong to the wide, open spaces she travels through, carrying her rider with balance and ease as the landscape unfolds around you. There is a feeling of freedom in her movement, covering distance effortlessly and settling into the rhythm of the wild.
With her striking presence and willing nature, Bakara brings a calm assurance to every ride. Her versatility and love for the open bush make her a memorable partner — the kind of horse that turns each journey into a true safari experience.
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Sweet Spot
Sweet Spot, affectionately known as Sweety, is an Appaloosa–Thoroughbred cross mare with plenty of attitude and an even bigger heart. Not the typical cuddler, she is all business when it comes to her work, always giving her best. Small but mighty, she brings determination and grit to everything she does.
For many years, Sweety was a lead safari horse, taking on the bush with confidence and courage. One of the bravest horses out there, she would face anything head-on, and you could feel that strength in every ride. Forward-going and incredibly smooth, she carried her riders through the wild with purpose, making her a memorable and exhilarating partner on safari.
Now retired from her safari days, Sweety is enjoying a well-earned rest at Jo’s house, where she is thoroughly spoilt with constant carrots. Full of character and heart, she remains a true legend of the safari string.
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Switch
Switch is a Thoroughbred–Boerperd cross gelding, as smooth as they come and a pleasure to ride out in the bush. A gentle soul with a natural feel for exploring, he brings both softness and spirit to every safari.
With many years as part of our safari string, Switch knows his job well. He moves through the bush with quiet confidence, settling into a rhythm that makes the ride feel easy and flowing, allowing his rider to simply enjoy the landscape around them.
Having been a polo pony in his earlier years, he carries that agility and balance into his work, giving him lovely movement and responsiveness. With his kind nature and smooth, effortless ride, Switch is a fun and dependable partner — a horse that makes exploring the African bush feel natural and exciting.
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Tamu Tamu
Tamu Tamu is a striking cross of Warmblood, Arabian, and Thoroughbred, a mare who knows her job and carries herself with quiet confidence. She moves through the bush as if it is her own space, settled and sure in everything she does.
Confident, balanced, and easy in her way of going, Tamu Tamu is both a comfortable and fun ride. She travels with a steady, flowing rhythm, carrying her rider along winding between trees and out into the open, always with a sense of calm purpose. There is an ease about her that allows you to relax into the ride, while still feeling part of the adventure unfolding around you.
With her strong presence and willingness, Tamu Tamu feels truly at home in the African bush. A reliable and enjoyable partner, she makes every journey feel like a natural exploration of the wild.
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West Kili
Westie is one of our brumbies, named after the Western Kilimanjaro region where she comes from. She spent her early years as part of a wild herd, and that beginning has shaped her into a truly remarkable bush horse.
Small, agile, and incredibly alert, Westie moves through the landscape with an instinct and awareness that are unmatched. She knows exactly where her feet are, navigating the terrain with ease and confidence, as if she is part of it. There is a natural understanding in her — a quiet connection to the bush that you can feel in every step.
A smooth and comfortable ride, Westie carries you lightly through the wild, making you feel as though you are moving with the land rather than across it. With her sharp instincts and grounded presence, she offers a unique and deeply authentic safari experience.
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Zoreya
Zoreya is the princess of our safari string — a beautifully bred Arabian mare with a striking presence that is impossible to miss. A girl with plenty of attitude, she carries both elegance and fire into every ride.
Bred for endurance, you can truly feel it in the way she travels — as if she could go on forever. She moves lightly across the land, never tiring, always giving her heart, her stride settling effortlessly into the rhythm of the bush. There’s a spark to her, a touch of spirit that brings the landscape to life and adds a sense of adventure to every ride.
Having retired from the longer safaris at the age of 24, Zoreya wasn’t quite ready to leave it all behind. She still heads out on day rides at our stables on Dolly Wildlife Estate, where her love for the bush and the freedom of the open spaces is as strong as ever.
A lovely forward-going ride, Zoreya is a horse you quickly fall in love with — one that carries both the spirit of endurance and the soul of the wild, making every moment in the saddle feel like part of a true African journey.
Horses that want to be horses
Our safaris can be fast-paced and adventurous. We ride long distances, cover varied terrain and, when conditions allow, we love a good gallop. These are not horses simply carrying passengers from A to B.
They need to be ridden.
Our horses are fit, responsive and experienced in the bush, and we expect our riders to be involved with them. In return, they give an incredible amount back. There is something very special about feeling a horse underneath you react to the landscape, the wildlife and the excitement of the ride.
Every one of them is an individual
But there is no such thing as a standard Tanzania Horse Safaris horse.
Every one of them is an individual.
They all have their own personalities, strengths, quirks and ways of going. Some are bold and forward, some are sensitive and responsive, some are cheeky characters, and some are the steady favourites you can always rely on. Getting to know them—and matching the right horse to the right rider—is one of our favourite parts of what we do.
Their health, fitness and wellbeing
Every horse in our string is treated as an individual, with its own needs, routine and personality. Their health, fitness and wellbeing are fundamental to everything we do, and we take great pride in keeping them happy, fit and exceptionally well cared for.
With such a varied collection of horses, we hope that whether you are an experienced rider looking for a bold, athletic partner or someone who prefers a steadier and more reassuring ride, there will be a horse in our herd that feels just right for you.