Location: South Africa & Botswana
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Accommodation: Permanent camps
Dates: Set dates year-round
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

The African Explorer 1 itinerary features 4 nights in South Africa and 3 nights in Botswana, whereas the African Explorer 2 itinerary features 3 nights in South Africa and 4 nights in Botswana. Both itineraries feature the same camps.

Dates

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

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