Go on a Riding or Walking Safari in Botswana to Have a Truly Authentic Wildlife Experience
In today’s Bucket List Talk I speak with David Foot the founder of David Foot Safaris and Ride Botswana. Born and raised in Africa, David has over 30 years of guiding experience and is considered one of Africa’s most accomplished horse guides. To this day he continues to lead the majority of his companies walking and riding safaris.
David has ridden with his clients in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. He has lived and worked in some of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife areas – the Kafue and Luangwa in Zambia, the Matusadona and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe and for 15 years he pioneered safaris and especially horse safaris in the Nyika National Park in Malawi before calling Botswana home since 2008. Ride Botswana is the only company in Botswana that offers horse riding experiences to the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert and along the Thamalakane River.
Botswana is a place where wildlife still roams freely with it being known as one of Africa’s last wildlife sanctuaries with 25% of Botswana’s land area being set aside for parks and reserves, making it a haven for endangered species. It is also known as “The Land of the Giants” with the country boasting more than 130,000 elephants and is home to the second largest lion population in Africa.
With fewer people thinking about Botswana when they consider locations for their African safari, you won’t find as many tourists on safari in Botswana’s principle wildlife destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, or the Kalahari Desert. So you can expect fewer crowds and more animal encounters. It is a place where wildlife still roams freely and where the San Bushman, the original inhabitants of Africa still call home.
In our talk David will give his tips, insights and advice to help you plan your safari trip to Botswana and perhaps including as part of your itinerary a walking and riding safari to ensure you have a more authentic experience.
David also shars an expedition he recently undertook which saw him ride for 53 days and 1500km horse ride around northern Botswana.
Feeling inspired? You can find more Bucket List talks here.
