Botswana, an exotic horse safari

By: Virginia Imberti Posted: 22/10/2021

From the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the arid salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, Botswana is a land where the desert meets an oasis.

Discover, in this article, the horse safaris this country has to offer and enjoy its wild spaces and incredible wildlife.

Botswana, an exotic horseback destination

Botswana is a pristine land of eternal beauty, with plenty of big mammals, immense flora and incredible bird species.

A land still home to the San Bushman, the original inhabitants of this great continent, Africa.

The Okavango River, which rises on the Bié plateau, in Angola, runs to the sandy immensity of the Kalahari Desert, forming an extensive and amazing inland delta, with countless waterways and lagoons, islands lined with palm trees and fertile flood plains.

The Makgadikgadi Pans are one of the largest salt flats in the world. The pan is all that remains of the formerly Lake Makgadikgadi, which dried up thousands of years ago.

Lying southeast of the Okavango delta and surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, Makgadikgadi is technically not a single pan, but many pans with sandy deserts in between, covered with palm trees and grass.

Finally, the Tuli Block, in the eastern corner of the country, is an area with spectacular rock formations bordered by the great Limpopo River. Aptly named the "Land of the Giants" for its baobab studded plains and large herds of elephant, is home to a wide variety of wildlife species.

This rich habitat can and must be explored on horseback. A safari here enables you to travel and see this paradise close up.

And now, let’s go into further detail about these horse safari operators in Botswana.

Horizon Horseback

Horizon Horseback has been operating horseback safaris in Africa since 1993. They run safaris in South Africa and Botswana.

In South Africa, they are located in the Waterberg Mountains, in the northern part of the province of Limpopo, where they run three programs: Signature Safari, Family Safari and African Explorer.

In Botswana, they operate from the Mashatu Game Reserve in Northern Tuli, in the southwest of the country. They offer two programs, African Explorer and Tuli Safari.

Horizon Horseback was voted the Best Riding Safari in Africa in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Their professional guides and the quality of their horses, which have been hand selected for their endurance, courage and responsiveness, played a decisive role in this distinction.

Besides being expert riders, all their guides are certified professionals and have a unique knowledge of the bush.

All your guides have a unique knowledge of the bush that have been passed on from generation to generation and they always have some interesting tales.

Let’s talk about their horse

His safari horses have been selected for their endurance, courage and responsiveness. They have been carefully chosen from the various South African breeds, which are well known for being of a tougher nature - able to cope under extreme conditions.

Your philosophy has entailed managing our horses as a free roaming herd within large tracts of natural pasture, rather than in stables or paddocks.

In this way, the horses are at ease with each other and within their environment, which generates calm and contented natures.

Their schooling concentrates on classical English style. They use good quality, comfortable English saddles with saddlebags including water bottles and have a few Australian stock saddles available for those who prefer.

Their riding safaris in Botswana

As we have mentioned before, from the central part of Botswana, they run two riding Safaris.

In both safaris, we must take into account two things:

• Riding Level: Advanced intermediate to experienced. Must be able to independently control a horse at all paces and ability to jump natural obstacle, a benefit, but not essential as can be ridden around.
• Riding Test: Before each safari, every rider will take a short riding test to ensure they are competent enough for the safari, and fall into the above guideline. The decision of the manager conducting the test is final.

Let's see what they are like.

The Tuli Safari

It’s their classic and very popular safari; an expedition on horseback to observe animals in their natural habitat.

A riding tour that takes you around different parts of Botswana. A seven night mobile safari, ending each riding day in comfortable walk-in tents with beds, cosy duvets, hot showers and fine dining in lovely settings. Simply pleasurable.

A highlight of the trail is two nights spent sleeping out under the stars in an old tribal court called the Kgotla; other nights are at various wilderness camps near other villages.

The ride covers approximately 190 kilometres over the course of the week and is scheduled from Sunday to Sunday all year.

African Explorer Safari

Is one of the most varied African safaris, as it goes to two countries in one trip and covers a range of different topography and terrain.

It’s an 8-day/7-night tour. Four nights in South Africa & 3 nights in Botswana.

The savannah of South African is soft going for the horses, with wonderful sandy tracks to canter along and beautiful blue dams to swim with your horse.

In Botswana there is an ancient landscape of rock formations, and open plains dotted with giant Baobab trees and riverine bush.

Accommodation is provided in three different camps.

We highlight Camp Davidson which has captured that early camp atmospher, with beautiful decked canvas tents nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy game filled valleys.

The camp commands a wonderful panoramic view of the central highlands of the Waterberg massif, while overlooking the picturesque Sunset Lake at the eastern boundary of Triple B Ranch.

Go to their web site: https://www.ridinginafrica.com/

African Horseback Safaris

Situated near the Okavango Delta, African Horseback Safaris were early pioneers of horse riding safaris in Africa for riders from all over the world.

The annual flooding of the area leaves vast swathes of the Delta inaccessible to vehicles, making horses the most natural and exciting means to explore.

Since this is the habitat of these animals, they know when to move forward or not, and which way to go.

Led by talented local guides, who know the trails, you have 185,000 hectares of pristine wilderness to explore on calm, riding on experienced horses.

Enjou exhilarating rides alongside big animals, such as giraffe, zebra and elephant.

Without a doubt, there is no better way to savour the Okavango Delta and experience its unparalleled wildlife population than riding a good horse.

In addition to their horse Safaris, they run classic safaris in safari vehicles with pop-open roof for those people who don't want to ride horses, as well as other activities such as boat fishing or helicopter rides to view wildlife.

African Horseback’ horses

Their horses are Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians, Percherons and Kalahari-Arab crossbreeds ranging between 140-180cm in height.

Each horse – they are all boys – is recognised and appreciated for his unique ability and personality. They also have finely-tuned senses - keep an eye on their ears to see where animals are hiding.

Thanks to their intuition, you can quietly stalk bigger game such as buffalo and elephant, in the water or in the bush. And when you get off your horse, take time to indulge in some of the best bird watching in the world.

And we should thank the Macatoo team for this. They are experts at putting together the best possible riding partnerships.

Their equestrian safaris

They run horse safaris with a length ranging from 3 to 12 days. There is also the "Equigraphic Itinerary", a photographic and riding safari combined.

Their experienced guides know this wild territory perfectly well. They are full of fascinating stories about the ever-changing landscape, and will teach you about its trees and plants.

Listen to them and follow their instructions carefully since they have a very developed sixth sense that is incredible to spot even the best-camouflaged wildlife.

The pace of riding is varied; sometimes in between fast and thrilling gallops alongside giraffe, zebra and buck, and following the rhythm that these gorgeous animals set.

In order to ensure the safest and most enjoyable horseback adventure for everyone, riders must be riding fit and confident at all paces. Days in the saddle can be long, and daytime temperatures can vary, so it is worth the effort to arrive prepared.

All guests rotate between two or three horses during their time with them to ensure that each animal is given time to recover between rides.

Aspects to consider:

• Be prepared to spend up to six hours a day in the saddle.
• Be able to ride at all paces, rising to the trot and the canter.
• Riders need to be over 12 years old, be riding fit, and weigh no more than 95kgs.
• They take a maximum of 8 people in each riding group.
• There is a choice of English and Western style trail saddles, each with their own water bottle.
• It is your responsibility to provide your own properly fitted hard hat or safety helmet.
• You must be insured to ride with them – please ensure your policy covers you for horse riding and includes medical evacuation cover.

Where will you stay?

Accommodation is in eight large and airy tents that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings while still providing a luxurious, but authentic bush haven in which to relax and rest after each exciting day on horseback.

Each tent is set on its own large, raised platform, offering panoramic views of a flood plain that can be enjoyed from the bed or deck.

One of the most popular spectacles at Macatoo is the sight of the resting horses galloping around the camp.

You can find more information if you visit their web site: http://www.africanhorseback.com/

Ride Botswana

Its owners, David and Robyn Foot, born and raised in Botswana, share a love for exploring the wildest places of Africa on horseback. Doubtlessly, this guarantees that you’ll be in good hands if you choose them.

Together with their four children, Gordon, Kirsty, Julie and Harry, they have ridden with guests in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

in different areas of the country: in the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert and along the Thamalakane River.

They would love everyone to have the chance to experience Africa from horseback and so have designed a range of horse safaris to suit everyone and every riding level, from experienced riders to complete beginners.

Combining these areas creates their most complete program, the horse safari Desert & Delta on horseback.

Their passion for wildlife, pristine wilderness and ancient people, is what they transmit in each riding trail, accommodation alternatives and new experiences at the time of designing and offering their guide service in all their tours.

They have more than twelve equestrian programs. We will now describe one as an example of their rides.

Program: "Kalahari Ride Dry Season"

It’s a fantastic five-night horse-riding safari, combining three nights at Camp Kalahari with two nights fly camping out on the Makgadikgadi Saltpans.

Now you can explore this wild, unspoilt area of Botswana, in the same way many of the earliest explorers, hunters and missionaries in Africa did – on horseback.

DAY 1: Camp Kalahari

Arrival and transfer to the Camp Kalahari, nestled amongst the acacias and Mokolwane palms of Brown Hyena Island, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, adjacent to the Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans National Park, Botswana.

This camp has ten spacious Meru tents, accommodating two guests in each with an inter-leading bathroom.

Head off after tea in the beautiful afternoon light, for an introductory ride – primarily to match horse and rider but also your first opportunity to experience the beauty of this magical area of Africa.

DAY 2: Land of a thousand hills

Up with the dawn, a light breakfast is followed by a long morning ride through the “land of a thousand islands”.

Stranded on the ancient lakebed, these sand dunes covered in palm trees are one of the most beautiful and fascinating areas of the Botswana wilderness.

DAY 3: Xau Xai

Today we will ride until to Xau Xai Fly Camp, The journey takes us through the mopane and acacia woodlands interspersed with short grasslands allowing for lovely long canters.

By lunchtime you reach the famous Green’s Baobab.

The magnificent trunk of this ancient tree is scarred with the initials of early travellers dating back some 150 years thus providing a living testimony to the rich history of this area.

DAY 4: Pans and the fascinating Meerkats

Wake up to a steaming hot cup of coffee and a light breakfast, before heading off in search of some of the Kalahari’s most fascinating inhabitants, the meerkats.

In the afternoon, after enjoying these small animals, go for a ride to the centre of the old lake bed.

From there, you can observe the sprawling plains. Camping night where you can enjoy the silence and the stars.

DAY 5: Ride across the Moon

Back to Camp Kalahari, you may be lucky enough to see the unusual sight of ostrich deep in the Pans. Arrive at Camp Kalahari in time for a refreshing shower and lunch.

DAY 6: Kalahari Bushmen

Today we will visit a Bushman village. This tour is a window into the past, they teach you how they have survived in this harshest of environments, using their vast and ancient knowledge of plants, animal behaviour and survival skills.

The Zu/’hoasi lead a semi-traditional lifestyle, and share their traditional hunting and food-gathering skills as well as how they make jewellery and hunting equipment, with those who visit them.

Learn more about what they have to offer you on their web site: http://www.ridebotswana.com/

Okavango Horse Safari

Expert in the Okavango Delta and founded in the 80s by PJ & Barney Bestelink, Okavango Horse Safaris will give you a horseback safaris experience that you will never forget in a unique natural area in the world.

Now, let's meet the owners:

Barney Bestelink – Owner, professional guide

PJ – Owner, professional guide

Okavango Horse Safaris is comprised of three camps, each with its own flavour of the delta. Kujwana Camp is our main camp, Mokolowane our secondary camp, and “Fly Camp” our third camp under the stars.

This safari takes place in a private concession area of over 2,500 sq. kilometres.

Its guides and logistic staff, who will accompany you all along your horse riding trip, are highly qualified and they know the places they will show you perfectly well.

They will provide the best authentically African safari experience. You’ll ride across the Okavango Delta and, at the end of your safari, you will have a thorough understanding of the ecosystems, flora and fauna of this one-of-a-kind region.

Their horses

Their herd is made up of thoroughbreds and thoroughbred crosses, Arabians and Arabian crosses and Boerperds.

The horses of Okavango Horse Safaris are chosen with temperament and suitability to ride and be ridden in this wild area of Okavango.

Many of the horses have either been sourced through close friends in Harare, Zimbabwe or are selected from well-known breeders in South Africa.

In recent years they have carefully selected mares to join their team and using Lamu, an American Saddlebred, they are breeding more of their own horses now.

Their excellent fitness and training to face the challenging routes are a credit to Barney and her team.

When not on safari the horses freely graze the grassy molapos (dried-up land in the middle of the Delta floods).

They graze loose and this truly is one of the amazing sights you will see while on safari with them.

Characteristics of their horse safaris

• The maximum group size for all their safaris is kept small, at only 8 riders.
• If you visit them, larger group bookings can also be accommodated on request, customized just for you.
• There is a weight limit of 90 kg in full riding gear.
• Between 4-6 hours are spent in the saddle.
• The afternoons can be spent enjoying alternative activities including swimming, game drives, mokoros (traditional dugout canoe) or walking.
• On full riding days, picnic lunches are a feature, supported by vehicle of logistics at the exact stop point, providing all that is necessary.

Their itineraries

5 Night Itinerary

A 5-night itinerary is the perfect introduction to the delta. Guests explore both Kujwana and Mokolowane camps, enjoying at least one of their infamous picnic rides and a full day’s trek of around 30km in the saddle.

7 Night Itinerary

A 7-night itinerary takes in the same as the 5 night itinerary, with an extra day at Kujwana camp, allowing guests to explore more of the area around the Matsebi River. And normally two picnic rides.

10 Night Itinerary

On a 10-night itinerary you have the opportunity to explore Kujwana and Mokolowane camps whilst also spending a night under the stars at our fly camp (they can be put up and taken down very quickly).

All these camps are well situated in big game areas.

They take you riding through a wide variety of terrain and trails inside private areas, which ensures secluded and quiet rides.

Please, go to their web site to find more information about them: https://okavangohorse.com/

/ Photos: www.ridinginafrica.com www.africanhorseback.com >www.ridebotswana.com www.okavangohorse.com /

Thinking about a horse riding holiday but don’t know how to book it?

Download our free eBook "How to plan your next horseback trip" and learn all you need to know when choosing the right holiday and outfitter for your next equestrian adventure.

~

THIS COULD ALSO BE INTERESTING

~

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION? LEAVE A COMMENT