Best for riding in Botswana
Whether exploring the Okavango Delta's floodplains and shallow reed-beds on the back of an elephant or the wide, dry grasslands of the Kwando-Linyanti area on horseback, riding in Botswana is a great way to get around these areas. Many of the camps occupy regions where the game densities are fairly moderate, but there is still every chance that you'll come across big game and you never know what's just around the corner.
If you're looking for a more isolated experience, a quad bike tour over the sparse landscape of the Kalahari's salt pans might be a great option for you. With less of a focus on big game, such rides cross a landscape that few will have witnessed before, making them a real adventure.
African Jacana Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$7,770 - US$12,280 per person
Camp Kalahari
The exceptional scenery around Camp Kalahari makes a stunning backdrop for horseriding in Botswana. Horseback safaris, suitable for a range of riding abilities, last from a few hours to up to five nights.
Red Lechwe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$10,800 - US$28,240 per person
Jack's Camp
The grasslands and vast pans of the Makgadikgadi are a stunning place to enjoy horseriding in Botswana. Trips from Jack’s Camp last from a few hours to up to five nights and are suitable for a range of riding experience and ability.
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
US$5,420 - US$8,600 per person
Namib Outpost
Guests at Namib Outpost can take advantage of some of the best horseriding in Namibia at its sister property, Desert Homestead, situated only 10km away.
Best camps & lodges for Riding holidays in Botswana
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele provides a relatively safe environment for horseriders of all abilities to enjoy a short horseback safari. This is a great opportunity to get up close and personal to the reserve’s giraffe, zebra and other plains game without the risk of encountering predators.
San Camp
Guests at San Camp can ride quadbikes out onto the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, either for half a day or on expeditions of up to four days to the centre of the pans. Horse riding can also be arranged, lasting from two hours to several days.
Jack's Camp
The grasslands and vast pans of the Makgadikgadi are a stunning place to enjoy horseriding in Botswana. Trips from Jack’s Camp last from a few hours to up to five nights and are suitable for a range of riding experience and ability.
Camp Kalahari
The exceptional scenery around Camp Kalahari makes a stunning backdrop for horseriding in Botswana. Horseback safaris, suitable for a range of riding abilities, last from a few hours to up to five nights.
Riding holidays elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Riding holidays in other countries.
Kenya
Although it's not a major destination for riding holidays, Kenya offers a great diversity of scenery ...
Malawi
If you are interested in horseback riding in Malawi, there is just one place we'd advise you to visit...
Mozambique
We can't currently suggest any full-time riding holidays in Mozambique; there's nowhere that we ...
Namibia
We don't specialise in riding holidays in Namibia; however, we do know several great small guest ...
South Africa
South Africa's Cape is well known for its stunning scenery and horse riding is just one of the ...
Tanzania
While there are comparatively limited options for horse riding in Tanzania, one excellent option ...
Zambia
Explore diverse scenery and remote environments whilst horseback riding in Zambia. Several lodges ...
Zimbabwe
There are a handful of lodges that offer riding in Zimbabwe. While we do not offer multi-day riding ...
Where to see wildlife species in Botswana
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,320 sightings from 4,099 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,137 sightings from 4,540 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,125 sightings from 3,442 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
965 sightings from 3,026 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,377 sightings from 4,323 observations
Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
263 sightings from 1,667 observations
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
21% SUCCESS
92 sightings from 447 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,004 sightings from 4,404 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,818 sightings from 3,397 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,834 sightings from 4,464 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,938 sightings from 3,284 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
671 sightings from 2,217 observations
White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
43% SUCCESS
533 sightings from 1,240 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
69% SUCCESS
1,431 sightings from 2,068 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
49% SUCCESS
1,567 sightings from 3,230 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
543 sightings from 2,241 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
523 sightings from 2,250 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
69 sightings from 369 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,691 sightings from 4,005 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,203 sightings from 4,995 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
60 sightings from 3,629 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
79 sightings from 3,602 observations
Other styles of holiday in Botswana
Discover all that Botswana has to offer
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.
Family holidays
Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.
Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family
Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.
Solo Travel
Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.
Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
Walking safaris
Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.
Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations
Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.