Horse Riding Makgadikgadi

Safari Information

• Departure; Daily; Scheduled or Tailor-Made
• Duration; 6 Days/ 5 Nights
• Lodging; Safari Camp and camping
• Group Size; Minimum 2
• Minimum age; Eight years old
• Note: Travel insurance is compulsory for all safaris

An Unforgettable Six-Day Horseback Safari Through Botswana’s Mystical Makgadikgadi Pans, Perfect for Adventure and Family Bonding

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary six-day horseback safari that promises adventure, wildlife, and cultural intrigue amid the enchanting Makgadikgadi Pans of Botswana. This tailored experience combines the thrill of riding through wide-open spaces with intimate wildlife encounters and authentic cultural interactions. Whether it’s galloping across ancient landscapes or stargazing under the vast desert sky, this safari is designed to create lasting memories for families and small groups.

From the very first day, your adventure begins with being paired with your trusty steed, embarking on leisurely rides across the plains, and settling into the welcoming comforts of Camp Kalahari. The days to follow are filled with exhilarating horseback journeys through sand dunes and grasslands, punctuated by game drives to observe spectacular desert wildlife. Adding to the magic are encounters with habituated meerkats, visits to the iconic Chapman’s Baobab, and evenings spent at fly camps under a dazzling blanket of stars.

The safari concludes on a culturally rich note with a visit to a local Zu/'hoasi Bushmen village. Here, you’ll connect with community elders and learn their remarkable techniques for thriving in one of Earth’s harshest environments. This safari is not just a vacation but a deeply immersive experience combining nature, history, and culture, ensuring it’s an adventure you’ll treasure forever.

Day 1: Arrive Makgadikgadi Pans

• Today you’ll meet your host, David Foot, at Camp Kalahari.
• You are paired and matched with your four-legged companion for the duration of the safari.
• In the afternoon we take a relatively short horse ride across the plains Makgadikgadi area.
• The evening is spent around an open fire discussing the next few days.
• Accommodation: Camp Kalahari

Day 2: Makgadikgadi Pans

• After breakfast, we kick the day off with a rather long ride through the surrounding sand dunes, grasslands and ancient lakebeds.
• An afternoon game drive with sundowners and superb desert wildlife awaits, this gives our horses a break after the mornings' ride.
• Accommodation: Camp Kalahari

Days 3-4: Makgadikgadi Pans

• By horseback, it will take us most of the day to get to our overnight camp.
• Over the next few days we canter through mopane and acacia woodlands, game viewing and enjoying at that surrounds on horseback.
• Other activities include meeting a family habituated meerkats and guided walks to waterholes for some bird spotting.
• We always get back to camp just before sunset for sunsets drinks, dinner and discussions around the fire under a canopy of stars.
• Accommodation: Xau Xai Fly Camp

Day 5: Makgadikgadi Pans

• Today we head back in the direction of Camp Kalahari.
• En route we ride via Chapman’s Baobab, one of the largest trees on the continent, a must see.
• We arrive in camp early to mid-afternoon.
• Accommodation: Camp Kalahari

Day 6: Horsing Riding Makgadikgadi safari Ends

• Spend the morning touring a local Zu/'hoasi Bushmen village.
• Meet the community elders, before a short walking experience with the Bushmen learning how they survive in the harsh environment.
• In the afternoon, bid farewell to your horse and begin the journey onwards or home.