Riding Safaris

Okavango Horse Safaris started in 1986 and is the first riding safari company in Southern Africa. Founded, owned and run by PJ and Barney Bestelink, born from Barney’s love of the horse and PJ’s love of the bush, they provide one of the ultimate safari experiences in Botswana.

Horses and tack are of the highest standard. Okavango Horse Safaris have a string of over 60 horses based in the Delta, mainly thoroughbreds, TB crosses, Arabians and American Saddle bred crosses and boerperds. English leather saddles with leather bridles, South African trails saddles are available.

We have a huge variety of places across Africa where you can ride amongst big game, in deserts, or in wild bush, so just click here for a little more information on riding safaris in Africa.

Their main safari takes place in a private concession area of over 2500 sq kilometres using three different camps, all in diverse areas offering a unique experience of the Okavango Delta wildlife, birds and habitat.

Guests can expect a small riding group, maximum of 8 although larger group bookings can also be accommodated on request, non-riders are also welcome. Itineraries are built around a 5, 7 or 10 nights with fixed departure dates. Between 4-6 hours are spent in the saddle while afternoons can be spent enjoying alternative activities including swimming, game drives, mokoros (traditional dug out canoe) or walking. On full riding days, picnic lunches are a feature, supported by vehicle. This gives the opportunity for a siesta on camp beds through the heat of the day before mounting up and riding into camp in time for sundowners.