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:: Activities
:: Horse Riding
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Botswana |
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The Okavango Delta |
There are two fairly distinct areas of the Delta - the permanent swamp which is inundated with water all year round, and the seasonal swamp which is flooded annually and dries gradually with the onset of summer in October. The wildlife in the Delta is rich and varied. Many of the larger herbivores are present and include elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and antelope species as well as numerous smaller animals. The carnivore populations are healthy and widespread including lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, crocodile and jackal. In addition to the animal populations, the Delta is home to a staggering variety of birds; some 450 species exist within Northern Botswana. The most exciting aspect of encountering this wildlife is that the populations have never been imported or controlled in any way, and the large, protected areas are not fenced. Therefore Botswana is one of the last remaining areas where you are able to witness the complex interactions of a truly natural environment. Excellent horse riding can be arranged in certain areas of the Delta. Experienced guides take visitors on horse back through lush floodplains in search of the rich flora and fauna of this area. Wildlife will appear much more relaxed and unconcerned as you approach on horseback; the human small is disguised and the horses offer a natural and exhilarating game viewing experience.
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Botswana |
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The Tuli Block |
A 350km2 area of land in the southeastern region of Botswana, the Tuli Block was originally ceded to Cecil Rhodes in the 1890's to facilitate the construction of the Cape to Cairo railway. After some time the construction came to a standstill due to the rocky and inhospitable nature of the land, and the railway was built elsewhere. Subsequently, the Tuli Block was given to farmers who also discovered that the terrain was unsuitable for cattle or agriculture. In the end the area was dedicated to game conservation and today many visitors enjoy the private game reserves here which offer beautiful scenery of lush woodlands, rocky sandstone outcrops, rivers and gorges. The larger reserves include Mashatu (the largest private reserve in Southern Africa) and Tuli Nature Reserve. Excellent, guided horse back safaris can be arranged in this area.
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Namibia |
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Fish River Canyon |
A 90km hiking trail winds along the floor of the second largest canyon in the world, beginning at the northernmost lookout point at Hobas and winding its way through to Ais-Ais hot springs. The trail takes an arduous but worthwhile five days to complete and is open to groups of a minimum of 3 people, between May and September.
Breathtaking scenic flights can be arranged over the canyon, and horse riding excursions are available, allowing visitors to explore this vast and geologically fascinating area.
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Namibia |
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Sesriem & Sossusvlei |
This ancient desert is the perfect place to explore on foot as part of a guided excursion. Walks vary in length and overnight trips are available where visitors are able to enjoy nights under the amazing array of stars stretching from horizon to horizon.
Another excellent way to enjoy this environment is on horseback. A professional guide will accompany visitors through the desert plains and on up to rocky outcrops commanding unparalleled views across the Namib. Other activities available in the area include quad biking through the shifting dunes of a nearby private reserve, early morning hot air balloon excursions ending with a champagne breakfast, and scenic flights to view the dunes stretching out towards the Atlantic Ocean.
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South Africa |
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Cape Town |
The scenery surrounding this beautiful city lends itself perfectly to a good number of walking trails, ranging from easy strolls through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to a more strenuous hike up Table Mountain or Lion's Head. A picturesque morning's drive will bring you to Cape Point where you can enjoy short walks through the unique fynbos flora.
A great variety of adventure sports can also be arranged. These vary from climbing and abseiling around the Table Mountain area & shark diving with infamous Great Whites just off the coast, to more sedate horse riding along the Atlantic & Indian Ocean coastlines as well as in the rolling hills of the nearby winelands. Parachuting is also on offer, for a spectacular view of this cosmopolitan area! Sea kayaking is an excellent way to explore the scenically beautiful coastline. In addition, Cape Town is home to some unique golf courses with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, and with the classic "link" course layout.
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Zimbabwe |
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Eastern Highlands |
The cool uplands stretching between Zimbabwe & neighbouring Mozambique are a lush respite from the heat of Zimbabwe's lowland areas. Lush valleys, clear streams and meadows of wildflowers remind visitors of European mountain ranges, with the added interest of the wide variety of animal and bird life that can be seen here.
Walking varies from short day hikes with frequent stops at clear, refreshing pools to strenuous hikes offering rewarding views across the endless vistas of Zimbabwe & into Mozambique. Trout fishing can be arranged throughout the Eastern Highlands, as can horse riding and golf.
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