Welcome back to the next chapter of our Botswana adventure! If you’ve been following along from our South Africa series, you’ll know this trip is already wild—but things just got even more intense as we head into the heart of the Botswana bush for five days of riding, camping, and dodging the local wildlife.
In this first part, we’re finally introduced to the incredible horses that are going to be our trusty companions for the next leg of the journey. Mine was Smokey, a stunning buckskin Boerperd—a breed with deep roots in South African history (how cool is that?!). They’re known for being hardy and brave, which was definitely a must for this trip, considering what lay ahead…
We kicked things off with our first ride, and literally within minutes of leaving camp, we were greeted by some elephants! Seeing them up close from horseback was both magical and slightly terrifying (in the best way). Our guides were super strict with instructions, and when you’re that close to such massive animals, you definitely pay attention.
And just to give you an idea of how rustic things were… Our first night in the bush I was listening to lions whilst going for a late night wee, with only canvas seperating me and them!
This is just the start of our Botswana safari, and there’s so much more to come. The landscape, the animals, the sheer adrenaline—it’s going to be a ride to remember. So grab a snack, sit back, and come along for this unforgettable adventure!
Horizon Horseback is an award-winning safari company offering incredible horseback adventures in South Africa and Botswana. Since 1993, they’ve been providing unforgettable riding experiences through some of the most stunning landscapes in Southern Africa. Whether you’re exploring wildlife reserves, spotting the Big Five, or simply enjoying the serenity of the African bush, Horizon combines exceptional horses, expert guides, and warm hospitality to make every safari a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Check them out here https://www.ridinginafrica.com/
Videos You Might Enjoy:
SAVAGE COACH Meets ‘CRAZY’ PONY
Watch my dressage instructor, Rich, as he meets Bear after her 3-year break. Can Rich’s brutal honesty handle our favorite pony?
Simon Plays Chase Me Charlie on Wilma 👀
Dive into pony camp with Simon Grieve and me as we challenge Wilma in a thrilling Chase Me Charlie competition!
VALI WAS RUSHED TO HOSPITAL
A tough week as our foal Vali had a health scare. Get the full update on his condition and the support we received.
THE DAY IT ALL CAME CRASHING DOWN
Experience the highs and lows of eventing with Jammy at Ascott Under Wychwood, including the challenges we faced.
One of My MOST SPECIAL Days Eventing!
Join me as I take Winnie to her second 80cm event and achieve a sentimental victory—my first win on a homebred horse!
Ultimate CHASE ME CHARLIE ~ Jam VS Winnie
The long-awaited showdown between Jam and Winnie in the ultimate Chase Me Charlie challenge!
BADMINTON (Part 2) Showjumping & Cross Country
Relive the excitement as I tackle the jumping phases at Badminton Grassroots—my first time at 100 and Jam’s impressive performance.
MEET MY NEW HORSE (The big reveal)
Get the first look at my new horse and join the excitement of the big reveal!
DECISION TIME IN IRELAND 🇮🇪
Follow along as I make crucial decisions during my horse shopping trip in Ireland.
THE MOST HORSES WE TRIED IN A DAY (Part 3)
Experience the excitement and challenges of trying multiple horses in one day.
IRISH HORSE SHOPPING TRIP CONTINUED
Join me for more of our Irish horse shopping adventure.
BUYING HORSES IN IRELAND (Part 1)
The beginning of our journey buying horses in Ireland—what you need to know!
SHOWJUMPING AFTER A FALL ~ Bicton 3 Day Event (Part 3)
Watch as I have to showjump on the final day after a fall at Bicton 3 Day Event.
BEAR’S FOAL REVEAL ~ We’ve Waited 2 Years for This…
The long-awaited reveal of Bear’s foal—see the adorable new addition!
RIDING 2 HORSES AT BADMINTON GRASSROOTS (Jumping Day)
Catch all the action as I ride two horses at Badminton Grassroots on jumping day.
I HAVE MY WORST EVER HORSE FALL ~ Bicton 3 Day Event (Part 2)
Watch my most challenging fall at Bicton 3 Day Event and how I dealt with it.
Instagrams: @elphick.event.ponies @adventures.of.hobbit
Beautifully edited by @TeamTLS101
For any business enquiries please contact me through my email: elphickeventponies@outlook.com
42 Comments
Epic vlog Pete is amazing on that camera I can't wait for the next one this is my dream holiday ❤❤❤❤
SUPER IMPRESSED with the horseflesh on this group! WOW! Not what I expected! Someday, I will go.
Where can I find the South African Series?
Cool! Great presentation from Meg and amazing videography from Pete!
This vlog was unreal omg! Should go viral woww! And the production on these videos is so impressive 🤩
Wow! Outstanding shots of the leopards…just amazing!!!. What a trip to go on.❤❤❤
Wow what a great opportunity ,so good to see you with Simon and Kat. Thank you for sharing your journey. Take care and all the best .😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍👍👍
What Amazing footage, Well done Mr Camra Man. I'm so Jelous, I wish i was a good enough rider to go on a horse back safari
All those photos and camera video(s) are absolutely beautiful, but lets talk about that leopard footage omg!.
Gorgeous kitties!! (The leopards haha) I've gone on safari several times but never been lucky enough to see one in person! Would find that way more exciting than seeing lions, awesome shots Peter!
Peter Thank you so much for your fantastic filming .It's so remarkable. ., take care and have a great time .😊😊😊😊😊😊👍👍👍
Amazing place. Did the Tuli Trail in 2018 and my friend rode Smokie. Absolutely loved it! Great to see it again.
Ahhh!! More from Africa!!! Meg, this is a stellar series! I have loved all these episodes-videos-footage 🙌🏼
Love from California⛰️🌲☀️🐴🩵 ps. Give all your ponios a hug for me!
The poodle😂
Absolutely stunning !
Reminds me of my very last time I rode, which was in S.A Entabani Lodge and in the Draakinsburg . Thanks for bringing back wonderful memories ❤❤
The three baby elephants!! That alone was worth the trip (the rest looks beyond incredible too!)
The baby Elephants playing was so cute 🥹❤️
Another brilliant video and the most amazing photography – well done guys 👏🤩
This is so cool! Smokey is so pretty 🤩 Also hyenas are part of the cat family
Wow wow wow 🤩 what an amazing experience! Stunning footage from Pete ❤
I’m South African, lived in SA most of my life, been on many safari trips and have never been lucky enough to see a leopard.. you should feel very blessed ❤️
Loved this video ❤️
That was such a cool vlog i loved it😊🎉!!! I live in Zimbabwe and we go camping to the zambezi River every year , and I just love the peace of the bush and all the animals! So I love watching these kind of vlogs , I have never gone on a horse safari but hopefully one day I will be fortunate enough to go on one it looks mega❤.😊😊
And Smokey is adorable 😍 💕!!
I would absolutely love to do this one day. I’ve seen a few YouTube equestrians use this company, and they seem to take great care of their horses and guests.
Also, surprisingly, hyenas are more closely related to cats.
Totally different from South Africa. Scary (little bit), excited (definitely) Loved this!
Wooooooow just AMAZING 😍😍😍
I love the leopard shots so much!
Oh wow, the big cat. Just incredible. But the Ellie's were awesome! And did I spot a little poodle….. hahahha!
I throughly enjoyed that! Thanks for taking us along!!🤩
Very cool!
Interesting watching the horses reactions to the elephants. They certainly were keeping an eye on them too. Beautiful photography.
Absolutely awesome! The shots were epic. What a great adventure. Well done Meg and Pete and everyone!
Wow 😮 amazing and scary. What an experience 💜
were the lepards female or male?
Wow this was breathtaking scary adrenaline rush what a beautiful experience guys.The elephants were magical. The horse are in super condition and guides are amazing looking after you all. Super vlog Meg.tfs🤗🏇🤗
WHERE IS THE BEAR VID??????
Hang on what happened to the video of you jumping bear???
Whyyyy didddd youuuu delete the vlog of u jumping bear! Didn’t get to see the jumping part yet! Anyway who wants a hobbit riding reveal bc she road bear a few times!! Plsss Meg do a hobbit riding reveallllll
Phenomenal video!
What happened to the Bear jumping vid?
My goodness Meg! What an experience! This is my favourite video ever. The leopard footage was sensational, Pete did an amazing job. I would love to go to horizon horseback one day. Cant wait fir the next video ❤
When is part 2 coming???