Both born and raised in Africa, David and Robyn Foot share a love for exploring the wildest places of Africa on horseback.
Together with their four children, Gordon, Kirsty, Julie and Harry, they have ridden with guests in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. David and Robyn have run their own horse safari operation since 1993, initially in the Nyika National Park in Malawi; since 2008 they have been fortunate to call Botswana home, offering horse safaris in the Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert and along the Thamalakane River.
Ride Botswana remains a 100% owner-operated company with their second daughter, Julie, who joined the business in 2023.
Their other children regularly return to Botswana to help on safari, often accompanying David on his trips on which the family combines their love of horses with a passion for the wilderness.
With over 38 years of guiding experience, David is considered one of Africa’s most accomplished horse guides; he continues to lead the majority of the trips himself. When not available, he will arrange another highly-rated safari guide for your safari.
With over 30 years of caring for horses, David and Robyn now have a herd of over 50 horses which are fit, responsive and reliable, and also adapted to the African environment.
The horses range in breeds from sporty Thoroughbred X, to hardy Apaloosas and tough African boerperds, as well as some lovely Shire X, Fresian X and wonderfully-tempered Botswana Kalahari ponies – perfect for kids!
The horses range in size from 12 hh to 17 hh, including weight carriers which can cater to riders of up to 95 kg.
Under the guidance of our permanent and qualified Equestrian Stable Manager, our team of 15 guides and grooms take pride in the well being of each horse, ensuring that they are well schooled, (but not over-worked) and well-rested between the trips, hence each guest will have the opportunity of riding several different horses during their stay.
Great care is taken in matching horse to rider. We ask our guests to respect each of our horses and treat them as they would their own: they are an integral part of the Foot family.