THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend an easy hour on guided pony rides along the Notwane Dam waterfront — family-friendly, helmeted, and rich in birdlife. Read on for what to expect, timing tips, and how to prep for this short escape from Gaborone.
Spend an easy hour on guided pony rides along the Notwane Dam waterfront — family-friendly, helmeted, and rich in birdlife. Read on for what to expect, timing tips, and how to prep for this short escape from Gaborone.
You meet your pony at the edge of the Notwane waterfront as a soft wind fingers across open water and reeds sway like an audience. The path threads along dirt tracks and short grass, the dam reflecting low hills while waterbirds pick at the shallows. Guides adjust helmets, lead the ponies forward, and the ride begins — slow, safe, and focused on the view as Kingfishers flash and raptors wheel above.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by NOTWANE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE · Gaborone, South East
You meet your pony at the edge of the Notwane waterfront as a soft wind fingers across open water and reeds sway like an audience. The path threads along dirt tracks and short grass, the dam reflecting low hills while waterbirds pick at the shallows. Guides adjust helmets, lead the ponies forward, and the ride begins — slow, safe, and focused on the view as Kingfishers flash and raptors wheel above.
The Notwane River has long shaped this corner of the South-East District, its small dam supporting local ecology and providing a quiet escape a short drive from Gaborone. Geologically the basin is flat, with ferric soils and sandier tracks that dry quickly after rain; culturally the site blends weekend leisure with Botswana’s outdoor dining tradition at Zorro’s Restaurant nearby. The equestrian centre operates on roughly 10 hectares of paddocks and waterfront trails, with a history of family-friendly riding and community events.
Practical guidance: rides are about an hour, helmets supplied, children from age 3 accepted; rides are accessible and suitable for beginners. Morning and late-afternoon slots offer cooler temperatures and better bird activity. Wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and bring a refillable water bottle; expect dust on dry trails and mud after rains. If you want a longer bush ride on dirt roads, arrange it in advance — guides will plan routes based on conditions and rider ability. Photography is welcome but keep a steady pace and follow the guide’s instructions to avoid spooking animals. After the ride, relax at the restaurant or let children play on-site before returning to Gaborone.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for beginners and families; minimal fitness required for a gentle, led pony ride.
No — rides are led by guides and designed for beginners and children from age 3; guides walk through mounting, basic cues, and safety.
Yes — helmets are provided and there is one guide per horse; bring your own boots if you prefer but closed-toe shoes are required.
Yes, rides outside the premises onto dirt roads and through the Notwane area are possible but must be prearranged and depend on weather and guide availability.
The facility notes wheelchair- and stroller-accessible areas, but access to uneven trail sections may be limited — contact the operator to discuss specific needs.
The Notwane River has long supplied local communities; small dams and wetlands here support birdlife and weekend recreation near Gaborone’s outskirts.
Stick to designated paths, avoid feeding wildlife, and follow guides’ instructions — the dam’s shoreline is a sensitive bird habitat and benefits from low-impact visitation.
NOTWANE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You meet your pony at the edge of the Notwane waterfront as a soft wind fingers across open water and reeds sway like an audience. The path threads along dirt tracks and short grass, the dam reflecting low hills while waterbirds pick at the shallows. Guides adjust helmets, lead the ponies forward, and the ride begins — slow, safe, and focused on the view as Kingfishers flash and raptors wheel above.
You meet your pony at the edge of the Notwane waterfront as a soft wind fingers across open water and reeds sway like an audience. The path threads along dirt tracks and short grass, the dam reflecting low hills while waterbirds pick at the shallows. Guides adjust helmets, lead the ponies forward, and the ride begins — slow, safe, and focused on the view as Kingfishers flash and raptors wheel above.
The Notwane River has long shaped this corner of the South-East District, its small dam supporting local ecology and providing a quiet escape a short drive from Gaborone. Geologically the basin is flat, with ferric soils and sandier tracks that dry quickly after rain; culturally the site blends weekend leisure with Botswana’s outdoor dining tradition at Zorro’s Restaurant nearby. The equestrian centre operates on roughly 10 hectares of paddocks and waterfront trails, with a history of family-friendly riding and community events.
Practical guidance: rides are about an hour, helmets supplied, children from age 3 accepted; rides are accessible and suitable for beginners. Morning and late-afternoon slots offer cooler temperatures and better bird activity. Wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and bring a refillable water bottle; expect dust on dry trails and mud after rains. If you want a longer bush ride on dirt roads, arrange it in advance — guides will plan routes based on conditions and rider ability. Photography is welcome but keep a steady pace and follow the guide’s instructions to avoid spooking animals. After the ride, relax at the restaurant or let children play on-site before returning to Gaborone.