Safari guide

Natalie McComb owns Nile Horseback Safaris, leading expeditions through the Ugandan wilderness

My mother always said that my first word was horse.

Growing up in rural New Zealand, there were certainly plenty of horses to love. It was a relationship that was written in the stars. I understood their language and they graciously tolerated mine. From my Pony Club days to serious event riding, then finding myself living in Uganda, my passion for horses never wavered.

In 2000, I had the opportunity to learn to be a safari guide in Africa.

My training trip took me all over the continent. I remember very clearly touching one of the wild Namib desert horses. This lovely bay stallion just wandered up out of the desert and stretched his neck out, briefly connecting with my fingertips, before heading off into the dunes.

I’ve been stationed in Uganda since 2004 and built my life here.

I have the wonderful joy of owning Nile Horseback Safaris, living with my husband and daughter, who’ll be 18 soon, born and bred out here. We’re eventing as much as we possibly can. All our serious competitions take place in Kenya – two days’ journey on the lorry – so it’s not easy.

I’ve always said the best eventers are the best safari horses, and the best safari horses make the very best eventers.