African Explorer

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Combined horseback safari in South Africa and Bostwana

FROM £2034 (7 nights)

The African Explorer is one of the most varied African horse safaris, as it goes to two countries in one trip and covers a range of different topography and terrain, combined with excellent and wide ranging game viewing.

The South African bushveld is soft going for the horses, with wonderful sandy tracks to canter along and beautiful blue dams to swim with your horse.

In Botswana there is an ancient landscape of rock formations, and open plains dotted with giant Baobab trees and riverine bush. This place feels very wild and will definitely get your adrenaline flowing.

The African Explorer is probably one of the most varied African horse safaris, as it goes to two countries in one trip and covers a lot of different topography and terrain. The South African bushveld is soft going for the horses, with wonderful sandy tracks to canter along and beautiful blue dams to swim with your horse.

In Botswana there is an ancient landscape of rock formations, and open plains dotted with giant Baobab tree and riverine bush. This place feels very wild and will definitely get your adrenaline flowing.

Riding Level: Advanced intermediate to experienced. Must be able to independently control a horse at all paces. Jumping – the ability to jump natural obstacles is a benefit, but not essential as these can be ridden around. Must be able to take a light seat at canter.

Riding Test: Horse riding ability is assessed in South Africa and riders will also take a short riding test in Botswana to confirm they are competent enough for this leg of the safari, and fall into the above guideline. The decision of the manager conducting the test is final.

Camp Davidson was modelled on the old ‘outspan’ camps of E.A. Davidson (great grandfather to one of the founding partners of Horizon Horseback) when he was selling goods across the area from his wagon in the early 1900s. Horizon has captured the early camp atmosphere in Camp Davidson. Beautiful decked canvas tents are nestled amongst the sandstone ridges overlooking grassy game filled valleys. Each luxury tent has an en-suite bathroom. The camp is completely run on solar energy and as a small swimming pool.

Savannah Lodge is on the south western side of the conservancy. It is a tastefully decorated lodge with five en-suite rooms. The lodge had a large comfortable living space and dining areas inside and outside. There is a small pool and deck which overlooks a plain and watering hole close by where the wildlife frequent.

Two Mashatus Camp, nestled in the shade of two large Mashatu trees, the heart of the camp has two traditionally built Lala Palm rondavels for dining and lounge areas. Guest accommodation is in large A-frame walk-in tents set on teak platforms each with an ensuite bathroom. Each tent is private and positioned in the shade of a tree in the bush, not far from the main area. Each tent has a small deck area in front where guests can relax privately during the afternoons. Two Mashatus Camp also has a small swimming pool under a Mashatu tree for guests to enjoy.