Botswana Riding Safari Welcomes Non-riders

Traditionally known for it?s superb riding, Okavango Horse Safaris now offer game drives and mokoro (dug out canoe) trips for non-riding partners. The main camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta, has a couple of vehicles, and with specialist guides flown in from Maun, non-riders can be sure that they will see the best game the region has to offer.

Days can also be arranged so that riders and non-riders meet up for lunch or at overnight fly camps. These are simple tented camps where clients will spend one or two nights. For riders there are some 60 horses to choose from, and either a five or ten day itinerary. A maximum of eight people can ride for between four and six hours a day, and on both the longer and shorter itineraries there is the opportunity to fly camp.

Also based within the Okavango Delta is African Horseback Safaris. Again they have a great reputation for good horses, excellent riding and game viewing, though they are perhaps more suitable for riders than non-riders. Another recommendation for riders and non-riders travelling together, is Ant?s Nest in South Africa?s Waterberg region. There are also excellent riding safari opportunities in South Africa, Malawi and Kenya. In Zambia it is possible to take day rides from Chundukwa River Lodge on the Zambezi, and from Shiwa House in the north for longer trails. Shiwa is part English stately home and part Tuscan villa, and this extraordinary bush location provides a unique base for your four day riding trail through indigenous forest and open plains.

Anyone considering going on a serious riding safari (rather than just hacking gently in the bush) should be able to rise to the trot for ten minutes, should be comfortable at all paces, and be happily able to gallop out of trouble. It is a great advantage if you are a fit and proficient rider as your safari will be much more enjoyable.

http://www.aardvarksafaris.com/articles-botswana-ridingsafari.htm

John Spence originally cut his teeth as a cocktail barman in Cape Town and white water raft guide in Zimbabwe. This unorthodox first travel to Africa buried a strong seed of love for that continent which has grown and grown. Endless weird and wonderful trips to Africa on horse back, by canoe, on foot, light aeroplane and behind the wheel of his own Land Rover have yet to fully satisfy his thirst for knowledge of Africa. John?s two children are also set to become safari experts and are beginning to accompany him on some of his less adventurous trips so he?s a good person to talk to about family holidays as well. An itinerary to Africa designed by John will be based on a huge bank of knowledge and a big injection of enthusiasm and adventure.