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Last Update: 16 Dec 2010
Riding Holidays | Botswana
A horseback safari in Botswana is considered by many to be the ultimate riding safari holiday. There is nothing to beat the thrill of riding amongst game and it offers a completely different experience to viewing game from a vehicle. This is what makes riding holidays in Botswana so special.
One of the best areas in Botswana for horseback safaris is the Okavango Delta, the ‘jewel of the Kalahari’. This area of the Kalahari desert floods annually creating a series of islands and waterways and providing an almost permanent source of water for the local wildlife. This a Big Five game area so you could be riding with elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino as well as various antelope, giraffe and zebra. The dry islands are perfect for fast canters and you are likely to get wet when wading through deep water from island to island. This equestrian safari in Botswana is also perfect for your non-riding friends and family who will have their own personal guide to introduce them to the magic of the Delta on game drives or boat safaris. The two camps that offer riding safaris in the Okavango Delta are Macatoo run by John Sobey (previously run by Sarah-Jane Gullick) and Kujwana which is owned and guided by PJ & Barney Bestelink. The Macatoo camp is run by African Horseback Safaris and Kujwana is run by Okavango Horse Safaris.
Another great place for an equestrian safari in Botswana is the Limpopo area of the country, based at Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tuli Block. This is a drier area than the Okavango Delta and is located on the banks of the Limpopo river. It is famous for having the biggest herds of elephant in southern Africa. The riding terrain is perfect for long canters, exhilarating descents of the river bank and jumping small trees dislodged by elephants. Depending on the time of year it is possible to participate in trail rides or to remain at main camp for a centre based ride. Trail rides offer the option of camping in the bush or of staying in various lodges in the area – it just depends on your budget and preference for canvas or a solid roof!
Horseback safaris in Botswana are for experienced and confident riders only as there is nothing between you and the game. The horses are a mixture of Thoroughbreds, Thoroughbred crosses, Arabs, and the local Boerperds. All are well schooled and ridden English style and in English bridles, although sometimes stock saddles or western saddles are used.
Horse riding safaris in Botswana combine well with a visit to Victoria Falls and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve or Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
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