David Foot is one of Botswana’s most experienced private guides- specialising in walking and riding safaris in the Okavango Delta and Kalahari. David Foot safaris is a family run outfit offering authentic, unique and highly personable safari experiences on foot and on horseback. Safaris are offered privately or as a group on set departure dates, making this one the most affordable safaris options within this specialist field. Private 4x4 mobile safaris are also offered.

David Foot Safaris stand out for their authentic style, adventurous spirit, friendly and down to earth atmosphere. Being a small family owned and run outfit, David Foot Safaris has maintained its characterful style. These are experience led Okavango safaris run from simple camps with a focus on riding and walking – if water levels permit in the Okavango, mokoro rides will be offered too. No motorised activities, such as 4×4 game drives or boating are offered in the Okavango. This is a return to the original safari, a journey through wilderness leaving no footprint as you move lightly through the Okavango. A true adventure in the wilderness. The Kalahari is the exception, where a variety of activities are offered.

David Foot Safaris operate a variety of walking and riding safaris in a number of locations. In the Okavango they operate walking and riding safaris in the NG32 community concession and in the Kalahari they operate only riding safaris which are based out of Camp Kalahari, in the Makgadikgadi salt pans. Riding safaris are for experienced riders only, with options for less experienced riders available when staying in Maun.

David Foot Safaris is the only safari outfit which currently offer the unique opportunity of combining both the Okavango and Makgadikgadi to enjoy a desert and delta riding safari with one operator.

In the Okavango the camp is mobile in style and located about 30 minutes from Maun. Lightweight and very simple but comfortable, intended simply as a base to enjoy activity full days in the bush. The focus is very much on the experience rather than the accommodation – as safaris used to be. The camps in the Okavango are set up especially for each safari and will move only on safaris of 3 nights or more, providing the opportunity to explore further into the Okavango. The camp is transported by mokoro or by pack donkeys, depending on the water levels. A strong partnership has been established with the local community in this area, who assist with moving camps- offering the chance to meet the local people of the Okavango. The community know the area and waterways extremely well and are experienced in moving by mokoro- this is the traditional means of transport in the Okavango after all.

In the Kalahari the Ride Botswana safaris are conducted out of Camp Kalahari, a charming permanent camp set in the Makgadikgadi salt pans. Accommodation is simple but very comfortable and has plenty of character. Being a permanent camp the rooms and camp is more substantial and offers more comfort and facilities, including a swimming pool. The Kalahari safaris offer half a day drive together with one of the many other activities on offer at Camp Kalahari such as game drives, bushman walks and meerkat visits.

With David Foot Safaris the days are flexible and will depend on the season and environment – itineraries are not strict and instead will be adapted to make the most of every day whatever the season.

Both the walking and the riding safaris run set date departures for those happy to join a group – the group size is limited to 6 people walking and 8 people for riding. A minimum of 2 people are required to guarantee a trip will run. Private Safaris are also offered and based on a minimum of 4 people. There is a minimum age of 12 years for walking safaris. Children are accepted on the Okavango and Kalahari Rides but must be extremely competent riders. One of Africa’s most experienced guides, David Foot has been guiding for over 30 years and is an extremely accomplished walking and horse safari guide. Most safaris are led by David, but when unavailable some safaris will be led by another highly experienced guide. David can be booked as private guide for an additional daily rate.

Ride Botswana also offer horse riding near Maun, along the Thamalakane River – an opportunity for less experienced riders to enjoy a horse safari from Maun, staying at Royal Tree River Lodge.