A unique horseback exploration of the wild reaches of Makgadikgadi
There can be few more exhilarating feelings than moving with the slow rhythm of a horse’s gait, feeling the sun on your back, surrounded by the sights and smells of the African bush. It’s quite difficult not to get all dreamy-eyed and start waxing all poetic about it; the fact is that exploring Africa’s wild places on horseback is really very romantic, not to mention great fun.
David and Robyn Foot are old safari hands and have operated guided riding safaris for years in various parts of the continent. Their latest offering, though, is certainly among the most special and unique experiences available in Botswana.
The widescreen, interminable expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans lends itself to a good gallop in a way that few other places do. Cruising along the edges of palm islands, hooves crunching through the crisp white salt crust of the pan, cantering amongst migrating herds of zebra – can’t you just taste the freedom?!
Trips operate between May and December and consist of 2 nights in Camp Kalahari where you can enjoy both the rides and also drives to explore the pan’s many facets. The real adventure starts when you head out for a long ride across the white expanse to fly camp for two nights under impossibly starry skies, before returning for a night at Camp Kalahari. Itineraries will vary depending on the time of year.
David also guides other horse and canoe trips throughout Botswana so give us a call if you’d like to find out what other exciting stuff is on offer.
Either comfortable permanent tented camp or simple fly camping
A unique horseback exploration of the wild reaches of Makgadikgadi
The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans form part of the Kalahari eco-system but are completely different from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The Makgadikgadi is a massive expanse of white that stretches to the horizon, so far in fact that you can see the curvature of the earth. Fossils of water creatures and the remnants of shells speak of its past as a great inland sea. The edges of the pans are trimmed with clumpy course grass and islands of palm trees. Nxai is a bit more of a grassy plain dotted with smaller pans and fossils beds. It is relatively little visited, even in comparison to Makgadikgadi which is still largely off the beaten track. Read more?
Safaris in Botswana offer dramatic extremes. One the one hand, the lush landscapes of the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti/Chobe River systems, on the other, the beautiful other-worldly expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert. The variety of habitats makes for varied animal and birdlife as well as beautiful scenery. Strict controls mean that Botswana safari camps and lodges are generally small, and due to the tricky logistics of operating in a delta or a desert, a safari here is seldom cheap, and it's important to know where to go if you are looking for that authentic safari experience. Read more?
Can't find the camp you're looking for? Just let us know and we will be sure to help.
Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.