Ride Botswana

Ride Botswana with David Foot Safaris are based at the Royal Tree Lodge, near Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. They offer two rides – the Thamalakane River ride in the game rich reserve around the Tree Lodge and surrounding farm land, and the Kalahari ride which takes place on the strikingly beautiful Makgadikgadi salt pans, an ancient super lake. All safaris are guided by David Foot, who has over 25 years experience leading safaris throughout Southern and Central Africa.

The Riding
More than 20 horses are stabled at the Royal Tree Lodge, with a range of different breeds such as Boerperd/Percheron X, Fresian/Boerperd X, Appaloosa and Shire/TB X, and hardy local horses. These horses range in size from 14.3 to 16.2 hands and are forward going but sensible, with brakes. The Thamalakane ride is a lodge based ride that is suitable for families and riders of all abilities, allowing guests to ride amongst the game of the Tree Lodge (no dangerous game), explore the Thamalakane River and surrounding farm land. The Kalahari ride is a five night set departure that rides out of Uncharted Africa’s Camp Kalahari and explores the remote and mysterious salt pans. On the Kalahari ride you can expect to spend between four and seven hours in the saddle daily, and due to the fantastic ground here the pace of riding is fast and suitable for confident riders who are comfortable at all paces. Guests on the Kalahari ride also experience a range of non riding activities, such as the Meerkat experience, walking with Bushmen and sleeping out under the stars on the pans.

Accommodation & Facilities
Guests stay on the Thamalakane ride stay at the luxurious Royal Tree Lodge in large comfortable tents on raised platforms. These tents have electricity, hot and cold running water, outdoor showers and baths. On the Kalahari ride guests stay at Camp Kalahari, which has ten Meru tents. The camp is furnished with unusual and attractive furniture from East and Southern Africa, and each tent has a large en-suite bathroom with running water and a flush loo. The camp has a large airy central thatched dining and sitting room, and a small swimming pool.