Horses & game

We split up today into two groups, with one riding in the early morning and the other in the late afternoon. This was to beat the heat of the predicted 37C (fortunately there was no humidity) so we managed quite easily.

So, it was a 6.45 breakfast for all with the riders departing soon after on a truck while those remaining at Sitatunga went about their chores (some washing, repacking of suitcase, etc) before relaxing by the swimming pool or in the restaurant area.

It was a lazy day in part, an opportunity to unwind after a busy school week. When the first group returned we all lunched together and then roles were reversed and the second group departed at 3.00.

At the horse stables, managed by Welsh girl, Liz, half learned to groom a horse while the others rode out in search of game in the private reserve. During the day riders reported seeing giraffe, eland, zebra, springbok, ostriches and impala and often at quite a close range. After an hour, roles were reversed so that everyone rode and groomed .

It was a memorable experience, well-coordinated by Dany Hancock of Rides on the Wildside who was enthusiastically with us all day.

At dinner that night, back at Sitatunga, well-prepared and presented by Shah, we were joined by Sedie School Head, Senatla Mokobela, and Dany and Liz from our horseback experience. It was a most suitable grouping for our final dinner in Botswana.

Everyone had enjoyed their ride (in most cases their first ever) and the experience of seeing wildlife close up on horseback was something special. The farewells to Dany and Liz were genuinely touching.Read more