NORTHERN BOTSWANA: SELINDA RESERVE

Ride and Walk Botswana

In the Selinda Reserve area of Botswana is a new operation which offers riding and walking safaris. The safaris are camp based (with a seasonal fly camping option) at Motswiri Camp, which was completely renovated in 2010, and incorporates the latest in comfort and environmental standards. Camp is staffed by a team with more than 50 years' experience of hosting low impact safaris in Botswana.

The reserve's diverse vegetation means that there is a good range of mammal species in the area – including giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, lion, leopard, cheetah, roan antelope, sable and wild dog. Many large herds of elephant and buffalo migrate through the reserve during the year.

The camp is an ideal location to mix riding and walking and is therefore suitable for riders who do not wish to take longer strenuous rides each day. As always, the level of comfort in the main camp and service, dining and the exhilarating experience of being in a quiet concession in northern Botswana make this an ideal location for a horse riding.

NORTHERN BOTSWANA: OKAVANGO DELTA

Okavango Horse Safaris

Founded by PJ and Barney Bestelink in 1986, Okavango Horse Safaris is the first riding Safari Company in Southern Africa.  It is also committed to responsible tourism, staff development and the protection of the Okavango Delta. The focus of a horse safari is a journey through the diverse landscape of the Okavango Delta and on understanding the ecosystem in this truly incomparable area. On a riding safari with OHS, you are guaranteed a pristine wilderness with unique landscapes. The concept of riding this area is very special, as horses wade through the shallow waters, swim through rivers, bringing guests into areas unspoilt by human footprint.

On horseback the experience of approaching wildlife and exploring the delta places the rider at one with nature. The interaction between wildlife and horses is a natural relationship and every encounter is unique.  Cantering through the floodwaters alongside the elegant motion of a giraffe is an experience that will never be forgotten.

The company’s specialised team of horses is classed within the horse riding industry as the best safari horses in the world. Care is taken to match horse and rider, with top quality tack, excellent standard of guiding, personal attention and high standards of accommodation in all 3 camps: Kujwana with ensuite tents raised on  teak decks, Molowane – the camp with 2 metre tree houses - and Qwaapo, which overlooks a beautiful hippo lagoon. All camps in addition offer mokoro trips, guided walks and day and night game drives.

CENTRAL BOTSWANA: THE MAKGADIKGADI AND MAUN AREA

Ride Botswana: Magical Horse Rides with David Foot Safaris

Ride Botswana is owned and managed by David and Robyn Foot. Born and raised in Africa, David’s history in the safari industry spans some 26 years through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and now finally Botswana during which time he has had the opportunity to work alongside some of the old time greats in the bush.

Ride Botswana, as the name implies, will take you on a journey on horseback through Botswana exploring the unspoilt wilds, enjoying its abundance of wildlife, exquisite scenery and wealth of history as seen through the eyes of its people. There are two contrasting rides to choose from or, time permitting, combine the two into the perfect riding safari.

The Makgadikgadi Pans Ride is a five day journey along the edge of the vast Ntwetwe Pan with exhilarating endless canters over the vast lunar like landscape interspersed with palm trees and the landmark giant baobabs. A certain seasonal highlight is the thrill of riding with southern Africa’s largest migration of zebra and wildebeest as well as the opportunity to intimately enjoy an interaction with the habituated meerkats.

The Thamalakane River Ride offers the wonders of the delta water world from the comforts of the established Royal Tree Lodge in Maun. The game rich private area of this stylish lodge allows close encounters with giraffe, zebra, oryx, eland, kudu, springbok, blesbok and ostrich. Get to feel the heart of this great country as you experience wonderful riding through the endless acacia woodlands and the water fringes of the Thamalakane River.

SOUTHERN BOTSWANA: THE TULI BLOCK

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris operates in the vast Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli block in south eastern Botswana. Aptly named “Land of the Giants” for its Baobab-studded plains and large herds of elephant, the land remains largely untouched by human habitation and is home to a wide variety of wildlife species.

The horseback safaris are professionally managed and guided by owners Cor and Louise Carelsen, whose combined knowledge about horses and the African bush, make this safari an unforgettable lifetime experiences.

With a stable of 35 well-cared for and exceptionally schooled horses, guests can be sure to be matched with the right mount. The rides are fast at times and can lead over challenging terrain. For this reason, only experienced riders are accepted on safari. Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris offers a variety of safari styles including mobile safaris with tented bush camps, local safaris from the beautiful base camp and lodge based riding safaris.

NAMIBIA

Namibia Horse Safari Company - unique, unforgettable riding adventures

Experience great riding adventures through the dramatic Namibian scenery. Explore the Namib Desert, Fish river Canyon, Damara Elephant and Desert horse Country on rides are run by Sarah Jane Gullick and Dr Telane Greyling. These rides can travel up to 50 kilomtres a day - sometimes over tough and challenging terrain - so riders must be fit, must feel totally at ease on the back of a cantering horse, and be prepared for the riding adventure of your lifetime!

The longer rides are more challenging so requires riders with strong personalities, and a sense of humour that will see you through the tough moments! The shorter rides are less strenuous and are suitable for intermediate riders. The pace depends on the terrain and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders with walk, trot, canter and gallop. Because Namibia has such wide-open spaces it is possible to accommodate up to 15 riders on most trails plus 2 - 3 riding guides.

Your horse will be chosen from a mixed herd of many breeds. They are small to medium-sized (14.3 to 16 hands) sure-footed horses raised on rough terrain, some of them with experience in endurance riding, and every one of them a kind, reliable companion that deserves the very best treatment and care. We use comfortable skirted saddles (endurance type) to properly fit the horse as well as the rider.

Nights are spent mostly camping out under the desert stars.Large dome-shaped tents are provided, with camp beds and canvas bedrolls consisting of lambskin, duvet or quilt and pillow, folding chairs and hot showers. Many guests choose to take their stretcher and swag and sleep out under the canopy of the desert stars - a very special experience.

Camp is normally pitched at sunset with meals prepared on the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’ (casserole) - typically Namibian and often a surprise. All riders stay in Guest farms/ lodges/ guesthouses on the first and last nights of the ride. These accommodations vary but are all comfortable, twin-bedded rooms, mostly with ensuite facilities.