The Best of Botswana & South Africa

When to Travel:

Available year-round
Friday to Friday

Duration:

8 days / 7 nights

Riding Level:

Intermediate-Advanced

This unique riding safari combines the diverse wildlife and terrain of Botswana and South Africa. Experience both countries while riding between multiple mobile safari camps, and access areas by horseback that are otherwise nearly impossible to reach, making for a unique and exceptional safari experience.

Horses

Horse breeds on safari range from Thoroughbreds to Boerperd (a South African breed) to Percheron crosses, along with a variety of mixes. Horses are selected based on their good temperament in the bush and stamina for long days covering distance during safaris. The horses have been exposed to all the wildlife seen on safari and are comfortable in this environment.

Riding Level

Advanced intermediate to experienced. Must be able to independently control a horse at all paces. Jumping – ability to jump natural obstacle, a benefit, but not essential as can be ridden around. Must be able to take a light seat at canter.

Riding Test: Before each safari, every rider will take a short riding test to ensure they are competent enough for the safari, and fall into the above guideline. The decision of the manager conducting the test is final.

Tack and Terrain

English tack (general purpose saddles) or McLellan trail saddles.

Terrain consists of open, grassy plains, hills, rocky outcrops, rivers, and mountains. Enjoy exploring the differing topography of the area: open bush, wooded riverine areas, wetlands, and strange rock formations home to large baobabs.

Accommodation

South Africa - Camp Davidson
Modelled on the old ‘outspan’ camps of E.A. Davidson when he was selling goods across the area from his wagon in the early 1900s, Camp Davidson captures the atmosphere of early safari camps. Beautiful decked canvas tents are nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy game filled valleys. Each luxury tent has an en-suite bathroom. The camp is completely run on solar energy and has a swimming pool with a lovely view over the surrounding nature.

Botswana - Two Mashatus Camp 
Named for the two large Mashatu trees which shade the camp, it is made up of two traditional  rondavels for dining and lounge areas. Guest accommodation is in large A-frame tents set on teak platforms, each with en-suite bathrooms. Each tent is in the shade of a tree in the bush, not far from the main area. Each tent has a small deck area in front where guests can relax privately during the afternoons, as well as a small swimming pool under a Mashatu tree for guests to enjoy.

Dining

A light breakfast will be taken first thing in the morning before riding Lunch will usually consist of a picnic in the bush, and dinner will be a decadent and delicious affair in camp, under the stars.

Itinerary

  • Arrival in Johannesburg and transfer to Camp Davidson

    Lunch

    Meet the horses, afternoon ride through the Matlapeng Reserve

    Sundowners and dinner

    Night at Camp Davidson

  • Breakfast

    Ride through the reserve, tracking giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, kudu, and impala

    Lunch in camp

    Relax by the pool until tea time, followed by afternoon ride

    Night sky safari with local astronomer

    Dinner and night at Camp Davidson

  • Breakfast

    Morning ride with optional cross-country jumping and swimming with the horses

    Lunch at camp

    Afternoon Big Five game drive in a vehicle on neighboring reserve

    Dinner and night at Camp Davidson

  • Breakfast

    Full day ride and lunch on the historic Baber homestead

    Afternoon Sotho village and craft workshop visit

    Dinner and night at Camp Davidson

  • Breakfast

    Early departure for last ride on South African side

    Transfer to Botswana

    Introductory afternoon ride

    Dinner and night at Two Mashatus camp

  • Breakfast

    Morning ride tracking large herds of elephants and many species of antelope

    Lunch in camp

    Optional afternoon ride or walking safari

    Dinner and night at Two Mashatus

  • Breakfast

    Morning ride through diverse terrain

    Lunch in camp

    Afternoon game drive searching for big cats

    Dinner and night at Two Mashatus

  • Breakfast

    Morning ride back to stables

    Brunch

    Transfer to Johannesburg

Dates

Itineraries begin and end on Fridays throughout the year. Contact us for availability.

Rates

2024 Rates

Sharing:

Single Supplement:

Price Includes:

  • All accommodations

  • All meals

  • National Park fees

  • All riding activities, including tack and equipment

  • Transportation in-country (including to and from airport) and between South Africa and Botswana

Does not include:

  • Airfare to and from South Africa

  • Additional travel costs such as riding apparel and insurance

  • Visas and travel costs

  • Guide gratuities

Book Now

Please fill out this form to request more information or to book this trip, and a member of our team will contact you shortly regarding the next stage of your booking.