Africa on Horseback  

By Heidi Beaumont, International Ventures

Horse safaris in three African countries, Botswana, Kenya and South Africa each offer abundant opportunities to see plenty of wildlife.

The horses and tack in each of the countries are excellent. The primary difference among the safaris for the three countries is the services in camp and the terrain to be covered.

Botswana

Botswana is an excellent first time riding safari destination, particularly if you have never been to Africa before. You begin your safari by flying to Johannesburg, South Africa (direct flights daily from New York), where you overnight at an airport hotel and continue the next day for the short flight to Maun, Botswana. When you land in Maun, you will be met by our representative and transferred by small plane (4-to-6 passengers) for a 30-minute flight into the heart of Botswana’s Delta region. From that point, you will not see another vehicle,  road, camp or village as the safaris take place in a private concession reserved exclusively for horse safari use. This place is one of the few pristine, untouched areas left in Africa.

The camps are semi-permanent, each with it’s own long-drop toilet and bucket showers. They provide an easy introduction to the bush with out suffering any hardship. Grooms take care of tacking and untacking the horses, and the mounts are rested at regular breaks throughout the day.  While riding through the Delta you will enjoy long canters in along the sandy river beds.

Kenya

By contrast, Kenya offers exciting rides geared towards the heartier traveler where mobile camps, moved every three days, are used. The overall operation is a bit rougher in style. Each tent still has its own long-drop toilet, but the camp’s 10-12 guests share two shower facilities. While grooms tack the horses for you in the morning, you untack them during the long lunch breaks that are required on moving days, so that the workers can concentrate on setting up camp before your evening arrival.

Another primary difference in Kenya is that if you ride in Masailand, you’ll encounter the Masai people and their herds of cattle, goats and sheep. So besides the great game viewing, you can enjoy a cultural encounter.

South Africa

In South Africa, you’ll have the option of riding out from the base camp on day trips, or going on longer trips, camping in the bush in the lovely Lapalala Reserve. This is also a good safari for the first-time traveler to Africa. And since there are daily flights from the U.S. to Johannesburg, South Africa an easy place to reach.

No matter which horse safari you choose, you’ll spend long hours in the saddle – from four to six hours per day – riding in the presence of hundreds of animals in exquisite scenery.  It is by far the best way to see Africa and should not be missed by the experienced rider.