Bucket List Safari & Recommendations?

DH and I have milestone birthdays coming up next year and we’ve been talking about celebrating by going on a safari. Given the current state of the world, we’re not set on any given time, just when we’re able to.

I’ve been eyeing http://okavangohorse.com - which although pricey looks like a once in a lifetime experience.

Does anyone have other safari (preferably horseback - for at least some portion) to recommend? Thanks in advance!

Charlotte Dujardin went on one a few months ago and posted about it on her facebook page - I think it was here: https://siraihouse.com/

Equitours has one --I’ve been to their Wyo Bitterroot Ranch --well run pack trips! Talking with the owners, all suggested the “Ride with the Zebras” horseback safari. A number of COTH folks have done their tours. If you have questions, Hadley Fox answers the emails promptly. She is the daughter-in-law of the owners. I THINK the family was originally from Tanzania –https://www.equitours.com/

My brother lives in Zimbabwe and knows someone who does horseback safaris in one of the parks there – Hwange, I think. It’s probably a lot cheaper than Botswana or other countries that get more tourists.

On the other hand, I have yet to be convinced that riding horse in a place where there are actually lions is a good idea. I’ll take the Hilux, thank you.

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Now THAT looks beautiful!

I’ve looked into them previously, thank you for the recommendation!

We were fortunate to spend the summer working remote on a ranch in WYO who’s owners were kind enough to take us packing most weekends! Such an amazing place (and I may have tried to bring a mule home)

Fair point!! :lol:

We’re certainly open to other areas (not just Botswana), looking into it, thank you!

I took my husband and daughter safariing through Botswana over 10 days in 2018 and it was incredible. We spent the last portion in the Okavango Delta at Khwai Private Reserve and truly, could have easily spent two weeks there, as there is so much to see, not to mention, it’s beautiful. Yes, it is quite pricey but just incredible; trip of a lifetime! While we did not do it by horse back, I do highly recommend the area. We were there late June to early July, and as the seasons are flipped, there was many a cold start as it got down near to freezing at night and into the mid to upper 60s/to a few low 70s during the day. Would love to see more of it via horseback. If you don’t follow Okavango Horse Safaris on Facebook, you should. They post a ton of videos and photos for you to review. The horses all look good and well cared for. The guides and the camps were all excellent. I can’t wait to go back., hopefully this time when it is a little warmer; preferably their spring time. Botswana is very safe.

Have a look at UK riding vacation companies as they are cheaper than the USA for the same trip. I have used all of the following and they do a good job, know the rides, ensure the horses are well looked after, tack safe. Phone up and speak in person as they will help you make the best choice.

www.rideworldwide.com
www.inthesaddle.com
www.unicorntrails.com