Ride Botswana
 Botswana is quintessential wilderness. A vast empty country of savannah, desert, wetlands and salt pans making it an ideal riding safari destination. Nearly three quarters of the country is covered by the magnificent Kalahari Desert, while in the north lies the Okavango Delta, the largest wetland delta in the world, and the Chobe national park, famous for its huge herds of game, especially elephant. To the south-east, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are huge empty horizons dotted with palm islands, and are guaranteed to provide a unique and compelling wilderness experience.
Botswana was the birthplace of the horse riding safari, and the country’s riding safari operators continue to set the standard for good quality riding safaris in Africa. Riding safaris are mainly operated in the Okavango Delta (African Horseback Safaris & Okavango Horse Safaris) and the Limpopo region in the eastern part of Botswana (Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris). The accommodation on Bostwana riding safaris is generally of a high standard – with nights spent in lodges, tented camps or lightweight flycamps.
Botswana huge wildlife populations make for some of the best game viewing in Africa. Riding safaris here will regularly encounter elephant, giraffe, buffalo, big cats, zebra and a multitude of other plains game. As you will be riding in an area of dangerous game – riding safaris in Botswana do call for experienced riders who are happy to ride at all paces. Riders also need to be fit and should be happy in the saddle for up to six hours.
 
Riding in Botswana can be combined with elements of a traditional safari holiday. Victoria Falls is easily accessible, and a 1 ½ hour flight to Johannesburg provides easy transport links with beach holiday destinations such as Mozambique, the Seychelles and Mauritius.
 When To Go
Botswana has a variable climate. In winter (late May to September) the days are clear, dry and hot, often over 40ºC. However, at night it can get very cold, sometimes dropping below freezing in the Kalahari. In summer (November to March) it is generally cooler. January and February are the wettest months.
Getting There
The best way to get to Botswana is flying via Johannesburg. British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin all have daily flights from London to Johannesburg. From there it is a 1 ½ hour flight to the safari areas of Botswana (Maun or Kasane airports) or to Livingstone on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, which is also a convenient place to start a safari in Botswana.  Visas
UK and US citizens do not require a visa. Other nationalities should check for up to date information. 
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Intermediate
