Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

Kalahari Bushman Safari

4 days - Maun to Maun

The Kalahari Desert is a real wilderness area covering about two thirds of Botswana. Unlike the classic deserts of rolling sand dunes, the Kalahari is largely made up of grasslands, saltpans and acacia forests. Although it is a seemingly inhospitable land, it supports a diverse range of wildlife from predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and brown hyenas, to plains game such as wildebeest, gemsbok, duiker and springbok. With the coming of the rains the desert comes alive with new grass attracting huge herds of zebra and wildebeest in an amazing migration, second only in size to the famous migration of East Africa. The reserve is one of the world's largest, at about 53,000 square kilometres. It was originally set up in 1961 as a refuge for the San (Bushmen). In recent years this has been the cause of many problems, as the Bushmen were forcibly removed from the reserve and placed in settlements on the outskirts. Thankfully, however, this decision was successfully defeated in court in 2006 and the Bushmen are now returning.

Grassland Safaris is situated between the cattle ranches of Ghanzi and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Big and small game from the reserve move freely onto the farm, complementing the wildlife sighting opportunities the farm already offers. During your stay you will have an opportunity to explore the area on horseback escorted by a 'San' tracker and have a chance to join the local people on a food gathering experience. This will not only enable you enjoy game viewing but to also see the amazing skills that the San have - "reading" the signs of the veldt and surviving in such a seemingly hostile environment.

The riding can be tailored to suit the your requirements - the going is ideal for long, extended canters and the open plains make a sharp contrast to the waterways of the Okavango.

The itinerary featured shows just a short ride in the Kalahari, we can also offer longer itineraries and the ride can be booked as a stand alone holiday or as an add-on to a 5 or 7 night ride in the Delta.

Day 1
Ghanzi and on to Grassland (approximately 5 hours drive). After a chance to freshen up, meet with your horse and enjoy a late afternoon ride. (D)
Day 2
Take a morning ride, follow the tracks of wild dog or canter over the plains in search of zebra. In the afternoon you will be driven to meet the bushmen for a food gathering and medicinal use experience. They will make fire, show hunting skills and much, much more. (B,L,D)
Day 3
At leisure to explore the local area on horseback and meet with San and learn about their traditions and customs (B,L,D)
Day 4
After breakfast transfer back to Maun. (B).
The itinerary shown is for three nights and makes an ideal add-on to an Okavango safari, but any duration is possible.
Book Now
Botswana
  • Departure dates: Daily throughout the year.
  • Prices (2009 Land only): Jan, Feb & Mar: £730
    Apr, May & Nov: £860
    Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep & Oct: £1,115
  • Includes: Return transfers from Maun, accommodation and meals as indicated, local drinks and all riding.
  • Price with flights from London: Prices depend on the airline and routing chosen and whether you are choosing this ride as an add-on or are spending the entire time at Grasslands. Please contact us for a quotation.
  • Single Supplement: From £160 - based on low season prices.
  • Non-Riders: Non Riders are welcome and can enjoy walking with the San and game drives.
  • Children: Aged 12 and upward are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider.
  • Riding ability required: Intermediate upward.
  • Type of ride: Trail ride / Safari

    Botswana

  • Trip Code: EBKB