Our staff

The combined expertise and knowledge of Rose, Jo and Belinda, is what makes Ride Africa different. They know Africa, they know what makes a great riding holiday and they all love horses. It is their job to ensure that you find exactly the riding holiday you want - fit horses, knowledgable guides, delicious food and accommodation as described. Call them for a chat today on 0207 622 5114.

Rose Hipwood

Those moving in polo circles will know that Rose descends from a family of polo greats. Rose rides at every opportunity, has a passion for Africa as well as impressive indepth knowledge of Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana. She hunts her own horse as often as possible during the season. Other hobbies include eating more than anyone else in the office put together (and then some) whilst still maintaining her Twiggy-like figure; modelling a new hair style/colour at least once a month and generally selling her socks off at any given opportunity.

Joanna Rolfe-Smith

Jo worked for one of the larger horse-riding tour operators for seven years. During that time she rode all over the world from Mongolia to Romania, South/Central America, plus most importantly, in Africa. She is very experienced in the arena of riding holidays and as keen as ever to talk about horses & holidays until asked to stop.

Since moving to pastures concrete, Barnaby her big orange horse is now out on loan, although the idea of partitioning off a bit of Battersea Park did occur, he’s a socialable chap after all. Having rediscovered her own legs in London - walking, swimming, cycling & running are all now undertaken with gusto, though secretly she knows that four legs will always be best and has her eye on the police horses spotted in the park!

Jo also heads up ‘Imagine Latin America’, the Latin branch of Imagine Africa and Ride Africa.

Belinda Whittall

Belinda is from Zimbabwe and spent a number of years working as a safari guide and running a Wilderness Safaris’ lodge in Zim. She also worked for a time at one of the best riding holidays in Botswana, Africa Horseback Safaris or ‘Macatoo’ as the camp is called. B is a keen rider, loves horses & Africa and agrees that riding a horse is one of the best ways to see the continent. What she doesn’t know about birding and African wildlife in general is not worth knowing and any chat with her will be fascinating and you’ll be booking your riding safari before you know it. Belinda even recently persuaded Jo to go bird-watching on Tooting Bec common – extraordinary but true. The power of persuasion is alive!