Thamalakane River Horse Ride

The Thamalakane River Horse Ride operates from the Royal Tree Lodge, a small intimate lodge with luxurious tented accommodation.

Nestled in 400 acres of riverine trees and acacia woodland on the edge of the Thamalakane River, it is only a short drive from Maun and yet it feels deep in the heart of the bush. There are eight stylishly appointed en suite safari tents and superb cuisine can be enjoyed either in the main dining room or out on the expansive shady deck under the majestic leadwood and bird plum trees. A swimming pool to cool off in during the heat of the day and surrounding sun deck are discreetly adjacent to the main area.

A surprisingly large variety of wildlife roams the Reserve including giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland, oryx, springbok and other species. The different habitats in the reserve encourage prolific birdlife from water birds to the dry woodland Kalahari species.

Itinerary

Day 1

On arrival in Maun a short road transfer takes you to the Royal Tree Lodge. Once settled into your comfortable accommodation and having had lunch or afternoon tea you will join your guide for a safety briefing before being introduced to the horses.

As the day cools down we set off for a fun afternoon ride around the environs of the reserve where the wildlife is wonderfully relaxed in the presence of the horses allowing for close encounters and great photographic opportunities. We arrive back before dark and enjoy a sundowner at the lodge followed by a delicious dinner.

Day 2

Up with the dawn for a long morning ride. After a shorter stint with the wildlife we leave the Reserve and head off into the back country for some lovely long canters through the endless acacia woodlands with a choice of fallen logs to jump if you wish. We will be passing the occasional cattle posts and will have the opportunity to learn how the local Motswana live with their vast free roaming cattle herds. As the morning warms up we head for the cool riverine woodlands of the Thamalakane River where a sumptuous breakfast set up in the shade of the jackalberry trees has been prepared.

With appetites duly satiated a leisurely ride takes us along the river whilst enjoying the numerous waterbirds and of course some splashing canters through the shallow waters!

Lunch back at the lodge will be followed by a pleasant siesta and in the afternoon a short walk to the river’s edge where we alight a boat for an afternoon on the water with wonderful bird watching, fishing and of course our favourite sundowners!

Day 3

Up with the dawn and breakfast before mounting up for an all day ride to explore further afield, hopefully reaching the “junction” where the Thamalakane River splits into two – the Nhabe heading west to Lake Ngami and the Boteti heading east to the Makgadikgadi.

These rivers were the lifeline that allowed the early explorers, hunters and traders to penetrate deep into this area with David Livingstone being the first European to see the famous Lake Ngami having spent many thirsty days crossing the Kalahari before reaching the Boteti.

Picnic lunch is in the shade of the evergreen mangosteen trees and for some there may be a temptation to have a swim. The river will guide us home and if the water levels are low enough we may cross the river and ride back on the north bank looking out for the resident hippos as they become more active with the setting sun.

Day 4

A last early morning ride through the Reserve followed by a welcome hearty breakfast before heading on to your next exciting destination.