Guided Pony Riding at Notwane Dam near Gaborone

Ponies, a waterfront ride, and a restaurant at the edge of the bush

Guided pony riding at Notwane Equestrian Centre near Gaborone takes place on 10 hectares of grounds leading to the Notwane Dam waterfront, where you ride with a guide, helmet provided, and can stop for photos. The activity suits riders of all experience levels and children from age 2. Rides into the surrounding bush on dirt roads can be arranged in advance.

The experience

The ride starts at Notwane Equestrian Centre, just 12 km outside Gaborone. You get a helmet, a guide assigned to your horse, and access to the 10-hectare property that slopes toward the water. The route takes you across the grounds to the waterfront, where you can stop to take pictures. Riders don't need experience. The setup is built for beginners and children alike, and the pace stays manageable for anyone who has never been on a pony before.

The Notwane Dam itself is a working bird habitat. White Headed Eagles and Kingfishers are common sightings from the water's edge. If you want to venture beyond the fenced grounds, rides into the surrounding bush on dirt roads can be arranged ahead of time, though the standard experience stays within the centre's property. One guide rides with each horse, so you're not navigating alone.

Before or after riding, Zorro's Restaurant sits on the premises and serves meals and drinks in an open-air setting that feels like the African outdoors without the distance from the city. A playground on site gives children space to move around, which works well if you're mixing riding time with a longer afternoon. The whole setup is wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller if needed.

What’s included

• Riding helmet.
• one guide per horse.
• access to the 10-hectare grounds and waterfront.
• time for photographs.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (2 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 40 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by NOTWANE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Is this one for you?The centre sits 12 km outside Gaborone, so if you're staying in the city without a car, confirm transport arrangements when you book. The location is reachable but not walkable from central hotels.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (2 to 4 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride if I've never been on a pony before?

Yes. Guided pony riding at Notwane is built for all experience levels, and children from age 2 are welcome. You receive a helmet and a guide stays with your horse throughout.

What birds might I see at the Notwane Dam?

The dam is home to a range of bird species including White Headed Eagles and Kingfishers. You'll have time to look from the waterfront during your ride.

Is there food and drink available on the property?

Zorro's Restaurant operates on the premises before or after your ride, serving meals and drinks in an outdoor setting overlooking the grounds.

Can I arrange a ride into the bush beyond the centre's grounds?

Rides on dirt roads through the surrounding Notwane area can be arranged in advance. Contact the centre to set this up when you book.

How far is Notwane Equestrian Centre from Gaborone city?

The centre is 12 km from Gaborone's city limits, making it a short drive from hotels and the city centre.