Botswana is one of the best places in the world for a safari adventure. It is a country filled with true, untouched wilderness and incredibly diverse ecosystems. Riding in Botswana puts you right in the middle of this wild beauty. Your first close encounter with a herd of elephants will stay with you forever. Alongside these gentle giants, you can often see leopards, wild dogs, brown hyenas and lechwe. Spotting these rare species from horseback is an experience that never gets old.
A horse riding holiday in Botswana is something you will remember for the rest of your life. The guiding, the camps and the horses are outstanding. Horseback safaris here take you from the desert landscapes to the wetlands of the Okavango Delta and far beyond. The riding is fast paced and full of energy. Some rides even include jumping fallen logs pushed over by elephants. Game viewing on horseback is exceptional and you can ride into remote areas that very few people ever see. For non riders or those who want a break from the saddle, Botswana offers unforgettable game drives, photographic safaris and peaceful mokoro outings. It is no surprise that Botswana sits at the very top of many riders bucket lists.
7 Nights: From USD $7535GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Combine the luxury of a permanent lodge with the adventure of a mobile safari, for an unforgettable adventure.
3 Nights: From USD $2190GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Embark on an unforgettable horse safari at Cha Cha Metsi, where the Okavango Delta unveils its wild wonders in style.
5 nights: From USD $GBP £3675EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Experience the original Okavango Delta Horse Safari with two exclusive camps and endless wildlife possibilities.
3 nights: From USD $GBP £1875EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Discover the heart of the Okavango Delta on an exhilarating horse riding safari, where adventure and luxury converge.
7 nights: From USD $GBP £2835EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Embark on an unparalleled equestrian adventure cantering through untamed Africa and the Land of the Giants.
7 nights: From USD $GBP £2513EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Seamlessly blending South Africa and Botswana\'s incredible landscapes into a single, unforgettable horse safari.
10 nights: From USD $8025GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Where the wonders of the wild and awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls come together to create a tailor-made journey.
8 nights: From USD $7535GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
The ultimate Botswana horse safari combining two unique landscapes - the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.
12 nights: From USD $GBP £5065EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
For intrepid travellers, this adventure combines riding on untouched beaches and incredible wildlife from the saddle.
7 nights: From USD $GBP £2835EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Wildlife Focused Horse & Cycle Safari
For non-riding partners, discover the perfect fusion of equestrian adventure and cycling thrills in the Tuli.
7 nights: From USD $5510GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Set off on an environmentally conscious journey to explore the untouched splendor of the Okavango Delta on horseback.
3 Nights: From USD $3876GBP £EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing
Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Embark on an otherworldly adventure as you canter across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans alongside unique desert wildlife.
Horse riding holidays in Botswana allow you to connect with nature in a powerful way. You can ride beside elephants, antelope and a huge variety of wildlife. Guided horse safaris offer the perfect mix of adventure, comfort and a deep connection with the African bush. It is one of the most memorable equestrian travel destinations for anyone who wants excitement, natural beauty and a sense of peace.
The Okavango Delta and the Tuli area are best suited to experienced riders. You will ride through wild terrain and encounter plenty of wildlife, which requires good control and confidence in the saddle. Intermediate riders can enjoy a horse safari in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The open plains are ideal for riders who want space, speed and the thrill of exploring a vast and magical landscape.
Botswana is also a dream destination for families, friends and groups. Even the journey into camp feels like an adventure, often with a scenic helicopter flight or a light aircraft hop across the wilderness. From game drives and guided walks to photographic safaris, animal encounters, quad biking and scenic flights, there is something for every type of traveller.
Riding through the Okavango Delta feels like stepping into Africa at its most wild and beautiful. This pristine area, often called Africa’s Eden, comes alive during the annual flood. It becomes a haven for an incredible range of wildlife. During the flood months from June to October, you can canter across shallow water with a huge smile on your face as splashes soak you from head to toe. The Okavango Delta is known for large herds of elephants, pods of hippos, prides of lions and packs of wild dogs. You will also see antelope that are perfectly adapted to the water. A horseback safari in the Delta always delivers outstanding game viewing and unforgettable moments.
Mashatu Game Reserve sits where Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe meet. This vast and unfenced wilderness is a paradise for horse riders. Mashatu is known as the Land of Giants. You will see herds of elephants, towering baobab trees and enormous open skies. The reserve is rich in wildlife and is home to lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and many other species. Picture long canters through the bush, dust rising behind you, with wildlife appearing around every corner. It is a wild, raw and exhilarating place to ride.
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are perfect for riders who want something different. If you crave speed, open space and an adrenaline rush, this is the place for you. The salt pans stretch out in every direction and create the best natural riding surface in the world. You will hear your horses hooves crunch across the vast white crust as you enjoy long, fast stretches and incredible sunsets. Many nights end with sleeping out under the stars. Desert adapted wildlife, meerkat encounters and walks with the local Bushmen make this one of the most unique safari experiences in Africa.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MOMENTS
For anyone who has ever watched the National Geographic channel, Botswana is always at the top of their must-see safari destinations. And it never disappoints! You never know if you’ll have wild dog joining you for breakfast, a dazzle of zebra allowing you into their midst, or a herd of elephants offering some heart-stopping moments in the saddle! And you get the chance to watch Big Cat Dairies and Meerkat Mansions up close and personal.
WILDLIFE IN THE OKAVANGO DELTA
During the flood season, large breeding herds of elephants gather in the Delta, creating spectacular scenes around lagoons filled with hippos. Ride past grazing zebra, red lechwe, impala and reedbuck. Pause to watch giraffes browsing the tallest trees. Towards the end of winter, large herds of buffalo, antelope and elephants congregate around the last remaining waterholes. And of course, there are prides of lions, territorial leopards and wild dogs that make this area so special. The Okavango Delta truly lives up to its nickname, Africa’s Eden. A horseback safari here delivers unforgettable game viewing and wildlife encounters.
SPLASHY CANTERS
Cantering through water in the high flood season is a childhood dream come true for many riders. The laughter, the splashing, and the shared excitement with fellow riders make it magical. You might even find herds of lechwe, zebra, or giraffe joining in the fun.
ZEBRA MIGRATION
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans offer a very different experience. These vast pans in northeastern Botswana are broken up by sandy desert islands. During the green season, witness thousands of migratory zebra and wildebeest. This is Africa’s second-largest land migration, and it is breathtaking to watch from horseback.
MEERKAT INTERACTION
Step off your horse to visit meerkat colonies. Watch these curious creatures pop above ground to soak in the morning sun. It’s a rare privilege to watch them feed and interact with one another. And if you sit still for long enough, they may use you as a handy lookout point. They are completely unfazed by your presence and leave lasting memories of your Botswana safari adventure.
GAME DRIVES
Guided game drives in open 4×4 vehicles bring you close to elephants, lions, leopards and other wildlife. Vehicles move steadily, giving you excellent opportunities for photography. After sunset, return to camp and look for nocturnal wildlife like leopards, hyenas, and owls. And of course, remember to take a moment to take in the African stars.
MOKORO SAFARIS
Glide through the waterways of the Okavango Delta in traditional dugout canoes called mokoros, known as the Gondolas of Africa. This serene and eco-friendly experience allows for excellent birdwatching and up-close encounters with aquatic wildlife and gives you a different perspective of animals like elephants and buffalo grazing on the banks.
WALKING SAFARIS
Slow down and join expert guides for walking safaris,. These offer a unique opportunity to explore the bush on foot. Learn about tracking animals, the local flora, and the smaller, often overlooked, creatures of the wilderness.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS
Botswana is a photographer’s paradise. Join specialised photographic safaris that provide expert guidance and access to prime locations for capturing incredible wildlife and landscape shots.
SCENIC FLIGHTS & HELICOPTER FLIPS
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Botswana from the air with scenic flights over the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert, and other iconic destinations.
QUAD BIKES
Swap your horse for a quad bike in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Explore the vast desert at speed and enjoy the quiet of the wilderness, where even your heartbeat feels loud.
BEYOND HORSE SAFARIS
We can create tailor-made safaris including multiple destinations in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. One of our favourite combinations is adding on a few nights in Victoria Falls after your horse riding holiday in Botswana.
Botswana is committed to low-impact, eco-conscious tourism. This ensures that your safari experiences are not only thrilling but also environmentally responsible. The luxury lodges blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. This is the epitome of luxury adventure travel in Africa, where every moment brings you closer to the untamed beauty of the wild.
Unwind in one of our exclusive luxury camps, which perfectly intertwine all those creature comforts with the bush wilderness experience. Return from fast-paced mornings in the saddle, recline by the pool and watch elephants drinking from a nearby lagoon. You may prefer to embrace nature to the fullest on one of the mobile camping safaris. Here you’ll dine under the stars every night, siesta in the shade under trees and enjoy a hot bucket shower hung from a tree to wash off the dust from a day in the saddle. And for those that like a combination of it all, our expedition-style safari in the Tuli offers a tented camp, sleep out and a unique treehouse!
From the minute you step off the plane and into the saddle, you will be met with the smiling faces of the Botswanans. The energy and vibe in Botswana is infectious, you will quickly find yourself smiling too as you chat to your guides, grooms and camp staff. On the Makgadikgadi horse safari, you get the privilege of spending time with the San Bushmen, who will show introduce you to their traditional ways of living in the desert.
The Okavango offers a spellbinding experience and great wildlife throughout the year. The hottest months are November to February and the coolest from June until August. If you are looking for flood plains to canter through, then you will need to head to the Okavango Delta between June and October but do remember flood water can never be guaranteed.
The majority of the riding in Botswana takes you through areas with bigger game, and as a result, requires an intermediate plus or advanced level of riding. However, in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, even novice riders can discover the magic of horse riding in Botswana. Here the wide-open landscapes means you are highly unlikely to come across any wildlife by surprise and thus can cater for a less confident rider. Enquire for more options.
A wildlife safari in Botswana combines brilliantly with a trip to the world-famous Victoria Falls. You fly directly from your Delta lodge or Maun International Airport to Kasane (1.5 hours) and then take a transfer (organised by us) to Victoria Falls (Approx 1.5 hours).
The majority of our rides start and end at Maun International Airport – Most flights go via Johannesburg but you can arrive via Nairobi or Windhoek. The Tuli Ride in Mashatu Game Reserve starts and ends from Johannesburg.
It really depends what you are looking for. If you are looking to canter across water-filled flood plains then you want the Okavango Delta. If you are looking for a healing and mindfullness retreat (with some epic gallops!) the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans offer just this. Or perhaps you are looking for an exciting trail ride in Southern Botswana where you can jump elephant-felled logs on the Tuli Trail.
Scroll left or right through the below alternative destinations.
