Horseback Riding Vacations in Botswana

Why tour Botswana on horseback?

Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa and its landscape is defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which becomes an extraordinary animal habitat during the seasonal floods.

Botswana has one of the lowest population densities in the world, and unique tourism policies. Its wild attractions, which are almost untouched and quite deserted, guarantee an incomparable horseback adventure in Africa.

If you are passionate about wildlife, pristine nature and ancient towns, you should visit Botswana and do it on horseback to explore its remote areas better.

Daily flights to Maun from Johannesburg and Cape Town provide an easy access to this country and all its equestrian tourism offers.

Some interesting facts about Botswana

Botswana is the ultimate wild territory in Africa. A land that is still the home to the San peoples or Bushmen, the first inhabitants of this vast continent.

Its capital is Gaborone.

Is the world's top diamond producer by value and volume, with approximately 80% of its exports. The country’s economy is mostly dependent on livestock, which continues to be the main source of income.

Geography

The Okavango River runs from the Angolan highlands, in the northeast, to the sandy immensity of the Kalahari Desert, forming an amazing inland delta.

With countless waterways and lagoons, islands lined with palm trees and fertile flood plains, it is perfect for a stimulating gallop among the local wildlife.

Described as “the river that never finds the sea”, the Okavango disappears in a labyrinth of lagoons, waterways and islands of 15,000 km² in the northeast of Botswana.

It is the largest inland delta in the world and a lush and waterlogged oasis of vast floodplains, a haven for wildlife. This rich habitat can and must be explore don horseback. A safari here enables you to travel and see this paradise close up.

Birdlife is abundant, thousands and thousands of birds can be found here. But there are also elephant, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, hippo and kudu. In fact, Botswana has the world’s largest elephant population and is home to a migrating population of over 120,000 of them.

The best horseback routes in Botswana

The Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Salt Flats

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.

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

The open salt flats are perfect for long gallops!

Some of the biggest baobab trees can be found here as well as a surprising amount of wildlife. The second largest migration of zebra and wildebeest in the world takes place here after the rains in February.

You can discover meerkat families, brown hyena dens and other desert animals.

Tuli Block

The Tuli Block is a narrow fringe of land at Botswana's eastern border wedged between Zimbabwe in the north and east and South Africa in the south.

Aptly named the "Land of the Giants" for its baobab studded plains and large herds of elephant, the land remains largely untouched by man and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species including lion, cheetah, leopard, African wild dog, a multitude of plains game like zebra, wildebeest and giraffe, as well as over 350 species of birds.

You will have a good opportunity to see big cats.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Botswana

Botswana is one of the best tourist destinations in the African continent and to explore it on horseback is definitely an amazing and pleasing adventure, very different from what you have seen before.

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken into consideration to know the best of Botswana on horseback.

Horizon Horseback

This outfitter runs riding safaris in the vast Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Block of southeastern Botswana.

This is an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas, ancient civilizations and dramatic rock formations bordered by the great Limpopo River in the south.

Its routes

They have different safaris. The most popular is “African bush and lodge”. This safari combines two stunning and different areas of Botswana in one magical safari.

Guests will enjoy the first 5 days of the popular Tuli Safari before transferring by light aircraft to ride in the Delta for 5 nights with African Horse Safaris at Macatoo on the western side of the Okavango Delta.

Its horses

Have been individually selected for their temperament and ride-ability.

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.

These breeds include the Boerperd, Shire Cross Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, and the S.A. Warmblood.

The size of these horses vary from 150 to 170 cm.

Their riding style is classical English style. They are schooled to a very high level and respond easily and lightly to the aids. They use good quality, comfortable English saddles with saddlebags including water bottles.

And have a few Australian stock saddles available for those who prefer.

Accommodation

Mobile tents and if you prefer, depending on the Safari you choose, the Two Mashatus Camp, allowing you to enjoy the joys of riding on Mashatu and the luxuries associated with a static camp.

Accommodation consists of two traditionally built Lala palm rondavel dining and lounge areas.

Five large A-frame walk-in tents pitched on teak platforms with en-suite bathrooms. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree with a small deck area in front on which to relax during the afternoons.

There is a large pool with surrounding deck for afternoon siestas.

More information, visit their web site: ridinginafrica.com/safaris/tuli-safari/.

African Horseback

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

With their calm and experienced horses, they offer exhilarating rides alongside big game, such as giraffe, zebra and elephant.

Its horses

They have Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians, Percherons and Kalahari-Arab crossbreeds ranging from 140 to 180 cm.

Are recognised and appreciated for their unique ability and personality and every effort is made to match each horse with the most suitable rider.

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.

One of the most popular spectacles at Macatoo is the sight of the resting horses galloping home from their mobile paddocks.

Its routes

Led by local guides, who know the trails that they offer like no one else, you have 185,000 hectares of pristine wilderness to explore on calm.

• Be prepared to spend up to 6 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 95 kgs.
• 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 hard hat.
• You must be insured to ride with them – please ensure your policy covers you for horse riding and includes medical evacuation cover.

Accommodation

Their accommodation options are 8 large and airy tents that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings while still providing a luxurious.

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.

Elephants and giraffe often come very close to the deck and the pool doubles as a popular watering hole for passing families of baboons.

Find more information on their website: www.africanhorseback.com.

Ride Botswana

With over 30 years of guiding experience, David is considered one of Africa’s most accomplished horse guides.

David and Robyn Foot both born and raised in Africa. They 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.

Its horses

They have a herd of 41 horses, which are fit, responsive and reliable, and adapted to the African environment.

The horses range in breeds from sporty Thoroughbred X, to hardy Appaloosas and tough African Boerperds, as well as some lovely Shire X, Frisian X and wonderfully tempered Botswana Kalahari ponies.

Its routes

They offer horseback rides in the unique Okavango delta, a haven for riders who love Equestrian Tourism.

Discover Kalahari with campsite in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Thamalakane River with trails crossing more than once the 80 hectares of areas of riverine trees and acacia woods on the riverbanks.

• They take a maximum of 8 people in each riding group.
• Guests, who wish to join their rides of more than five days, must be of an intermediate-to-experienced level of riding.
• There is a weight limit of 95kgs in full riding gear.
• There will be long days in the saddle (4-7 hours daily).
• Be able to ride at all paces, rising to the trot and the canter.
• Riders need to be over 12 years old and riding fit.
• A selection of hard hats is available or you can bring yours. You will be required to wear one.

Less experienced or inexperienced riders can choose a ride in the Thamalakane River, 3 nights in the Kalahari Ride or hourly rides from Royal Tree Lodge and Camp Kalahari.

or more information go to their website: 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 safari experience that you will never forget in a unique natural area in the world.

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.

Cantering alongside the elegant motion of a giraffe is an experience you will never forget!

Its routes

This safari takes place in a private concession area of over 2,500 km².

You will ride across the diverse scenery of the Okavango Delta and, at the end of your trip; you will have a thorough understanding of the ecosystems, flora and fauna of this one-of-a-kind region.

The only sounds you will hear, as the wind sighs through the grass and rattles the palms, are the fisheagle’s haunting cry, the splash of a disappearing crocodile and the faraway drumming of hooves.

They will provide the best authentic African safari experience.

Guests can expect a small riding group, maximum of 8 although larger group bookings can also be accommodated on request; non-riders are also welcome as companions.

Between 4-6 hours are spent in the saddle while afternoons can be spent enjoying alternative activities including swimming, game drives, mokoros (traditional dugout canoe) or walking.

Its horses

Horses are of the highest standard. They have a string of over 60 horses based in the Delta, mainly Thoroughbreds, TB crosses, Arabians and American Saddle bred crosses and Boerperds.

They use English leather saddles with leather bridles, South African trails saddles are available on request. During your trip, you will get to ride different horses, and we are confident you will love all of them.

Accommodation

They have three different camps, all in diverse areas offering a unique experience of the Okavango Delta’s wildlife, birds and habitat. Throughout your stay, you will have access to electricity, ensuite showers and most importantly exceptional delta views in all camps.

You will have the most comfortable accommodation in the bush and each detail will be taken into account for your safety and enjoyment with their safari record.

For more information enter the web: okavangohorse.com.

There is nowhere else on Earth comparable to the Okavango Delta, a land of wild animals, or the immensity of the Kalahari Desert. Enjoy all their beauty on horseback and don't miss the African sunsets.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Africa on horseback?

Check out our free eBook Horseback riding in wild Africa and and rides among great herds of elephants and enormous baobabs. It includes countries, tour operators and horseback safaris of the African continent recommended by the Ampascachi team.