Botswana’s remote wilderness areas make for an unforgettable African Safari experience no matter how you choose to explore them. From cruising through the lagoons of the Okavango Delta on a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) to driving across the salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, Botswana is as richly diverse in landscapes as it is in ways to experience them.
There is one particularly exciting way of going on safari in Botswana that takes you off the beaten track in the truest sense of the phrase. Saddling up, taking the reins and heading off into the wild on horseback offers you a different and incredibly immersive perspective of Botswana.
Horseback safaris evoke a real spirit of adventure in even the most experienced riders and eager thrill-seekers, but these safaris can be tailored to your expectations and preferred riding style, which means that if you wish, you can choose a more leisurely ride to experience Botswana’s wilderness.
All riding abilities are generally catered for so whether you are burgeoning horse-rider or a highly experienced professional, you can join a horse-riding safari that canters or gallops. It is best to choose a pace in line with your riding ability, or else you might be more worried about falling off your steed than taking in the scenery around you!
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then this is the safari for you. Without the crunch of wheels or engine of a motorized boat, you can get closer to birds and wildlife than you might on a more traditional safari – naturally, while still maintaining a respectful and safe distance.
You stand to enjoy the best seats in the wild while on the back of a horse, as wild animals generally view a horse as just another animal. From the saddle, you can see the dust gathered in the wrinkles of an elephant’s hide and be entranced by the intricate patterns in the coat of a painted wolf (African wild dog) at close quarters.
There are a wide variety of horseback adventures in Botswana, ranging from the desert regions such as the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the Kalahari Desert to wet riding in the Okavango Delta. The best horse-riding safaris in Botswana are led by guides who are experts in the topography of the area and know where the good wildlife-viewing spots are.
In the saddle, you will discover parts of Botswana unreachable by vehicles, boats or even mokoros, giving you a better chance to come face-to-face with wildlife. Horse-riding safaris in Botswana offer you a special opportunity to connect with its natural beauty on a different level to any other safari experience.
