Guided Pony Riding in the Tranquil Surroundings of the Notwane Dam

Small ponies, big breathing room. This gentle one-hour ride near Gaborone gives families an easy way to enjoy the outdoors, with docile ponies, hands-on guides, and views toward the Notwane Dam. I like the no-experience-needed format and the chance to turn a short ride into a longer family outing with lunch, playtime, or an overnight stay. The main drawback is scheduling: the online booking system may offer awkward time slots, and the operation has received criticism for poor organization.

The setting is the real treat. You ride at the 10-hectare Notwane Equestrian Centre, with time for photographs near the waterfront and the option to arrange a longer outing along dirt roads into the bush. I also like the practical touches, especially supplied helmets and acceptance of children from age three. Just allow extra time for the restaurant and playground, because the ride itself lasts only about an hour.

Key points to know before you go

• Children from age three can ride: The activity is designed for young riders, and no previous riding experience is required.
• Notwane Dam supplies the scenery: The waterfront offers a calm setting with birdlife, including the White-Headed Eagle.
• The ride stays on the centre grounds by default: Bush riding on dirt roads is possible, but it must be arranged ahead of time.
• Zorro’s Restaurant makes this more than a quick ride: You can eat, have a drink, and give children time on the playground.
• The price is modest for a family activity: At $18.74 per person, the ride is good value if you use the wider site.
• Book with care: Confirmation is provided at booking, but scheduling has been reported as disorganized, so check your time before setting out.

Arriving at the Notwane Equestrian Centre

The meeting point is on Crocodile Way, Botswana, at the Notwane Equestrian Centre near Gaborone. The activity begins and ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point or work out a return transfer.

The centre covers about 10 hectares. That gives the ride more room than a small urban paddock, while keeping the experience manageable for young children and first-time riders. You are not signing up for a demanding trek. This is a short, supervised introduction to riding, with nature and family time built around it.

The centre is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The stated operating period runs from May 21, 2024, through June 16, 2026. Since the activity requires good weather, it is wise to check your booking if the day looks wet or unsettled.

One practical warning deserves attention. A complaint about the booking process described limited scheduling choices, including an unsuitable midnight or 12:30 a.m. slot appearing online. That may not affect every booking, but I would not assume the online calendar tells the whole story. Check the confirmed time carefully and contact the provider if anything looks odd.

Meeting the ponies and preparing to ride

You do not need to know how to ride before arriving. The ponies are described as docile, and guides stay hands-on to help keep riders safe. That matters most for children, who may be excited one minute and nervous the next.

Helmets are provided. You simply arrive, receive the proper equipment, and let the centre organize the ride. The information supplied does not describe a specific clothing list, so practical outdoor clothing and closed shoes are sensible choices, but I would confirm any special requirements directly with the centre.

Children from age three are accepted. That makes this a useful choice for families who cannot yet take part in longer horseback outings. Still, very young children may need more reassurance and close attention. The ride is supervised, but parents should expect to remain involved rather than treat it as an hour completely free of childcare.

The maximum group size is 40 people. That is a fairly large possible group, although the actual number on your date may be smaller. If your family wants a quieter outing, ask about the expected group size and the available ride time before you go.

The one-hour ride around the centre

The standard activity is a guided pony ride on the grounds of the equestrian centre. The route leads toward the waterfront, where you have time to stop for photographs. The ride is short enough for a first attempt, but long enough to give children a proper taste of being on horseback.

I like this format because it does not ask too much from beginners. There is no claim that you must master complicated riding skills, and no prior experience is needed. Instead, the guides manage the practical side while you enjoy the setting and help your child settle into the saddle.

The route around the centre also gives you a look at the property beyond the animals. Trees, flowers, shaded areas, and tables create a relaxed farm-style setting. The outdoor spaces are useful for families who want to spread the day out rather than rush straight back to town after the ride.

The waterfront stop is the most distinctive part of the basic outing. Notwane Dam is known here for birdlife, including the White-Headed Eagle. You should not treat the ride as a dedicated birding tour, since no bird guide or viewing equipment is included, but the dam adds a pleasant nature focus to what could otherwise be a simple pony circuit.

Bring a phone or camera if you want pictures. The schedule specifically allows time for photographs, and the waterfront gives you a natural pause before returning to the centre.

Extending the route into the Notwane bush

If the standard ride feels too short, you can arrange an outing beyond the equestrian centre. These rides follow dirt roads that meander through the Notwane area and offer a closer look at the native bush.

This option must be prearranged. Do not arrive expecting the longer route to be added automatically. Ask about it before your visit, especially if the bush ride is the main reason you are booking.

The outside route may suit older children, adults, or families who already know they want more time in the saddle. It also gives the experience a stronger connection to the surrounding area. The standard ride is centred on the property and waterfront, while the longer outing lets you see more of the land around Notwane.

At the same time, the available information does not give the exact length, price, route, or riding requirements for the bush option. Ask those questions before paying or confirming. The regular $18.74 price should not be assumed to cover an extended ride unless the centre confirms it.

Zorro’s Restaurant and the family-friendly setting

Zorro’s Restaurant is one of the best reasons to build a full outing around the ride. You can relax before or after riding, order food, and have a drink while the children use the playground.

The food has earned especially strong praise for its range, with German dishes and pizza singled out as favourites. That is useful for a mixed family group. One person may want a substantial meal, while a child may be happier with pizza. The restaurant is described as offering a wide variety, so you are not limited to a quick snack after the horses return.

The setting also works well for parents. Flowers, trees, shade, and tables provide places to sit, and the playground gives children something to do while adults finish a meal. This makes the centre more than a place to arrive, ride, and leave. You can turn the booking into a half-day outing without adding another attraction.

The tradeoff is that the restaurant and playground are part of the wider setting, not included parts of the one-hour riding time. Food, drinks, and any extra activities should be treated as separate from the pony ride unless the centre tells you otherwise.

Staying overnight at the two guest houses

Two one-bedroom guest houses are available on the premises. They give you the option to stay longer and combine riding, dining, and time outdoors in one visit.

This could be useful if you are already spending time around Gaborone and want a slower family break. It also removes the need to fit the ride, meal, and return journey into a tight schedule. You could ride during the day, eat at Zorro’s, and enjoy the centre at a gentler pace.

The supplied information does not give guest-house prices, bedding details, occupancy limits, or booking conditions. Ask for those details separately. Do not assume that a pony ride booking includes accommodation.

For a short city stay, the one-hour activity is probably enough. For a family looking for a farm-style holiday with equestrian activities, the guest houses make the site more appealing.

Is $18.74 good value?

At $18.74 per person, the basic ride is reasonably priced for a guided family activity. The value is strongest when you want a gentle introduction to riding rather than a long equestrian expedition.

You receive a guided experience, a pony, a helmet, supervision, and time near the waterfront. The centre setting adds trees, shade, birdlife, and open-air space. For a child who has never ridden before, that package can be more useful than paying for a longer ride that may feel tiring or intimidating.

The price is less compelling if you expect a full day of activities to be included. The standard duration is about one hour, and food, drinks, playground time, bush riding, and accommodation appear to be additional parts of the centre rather than part of the basic ticket.

For a family, calculate the full cost before booking. Add the number of riders, restaurant spending, transport, and any prearranged bush ride or overnight stay. Even then, the basic activity remains a fairly accessible addition to a Botswana holiday.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This experience is best suited to families with young children, first-time riders, and anyone looking for a quiet outdoor activity close to Gaborone. The age minimum of three is a strong point for families with children too young for many horseback outings.

It also suits parents who want flexibility. You can ride for an hour and leave, or stay for food and playground time. The guest houses add another option if you want to make the centre part of a longer break.

Adults can take riding lessons at the centre, according to the information available, so the property may appeal to mixed-age groups. A child can enjoy a pony ride while an adult looks into further riding opportunities.

I would be more cautious if you want a highly structured, polished tour with precise online scheduling. The activity has received a rating of 4 from four published reviews, but the small number of ratings gives you limited evidence. One detailed complaint focused on disorganized management and an online booking process that felt unreliable. That does not erase the appeal of the setting, but it does mean you should confirm arrangements rather than assume everything will run like clockwork.

Practical booking advice for a smoother visit

Confirmation is provided when you book. Still, double-check the date and start time, particularly if the booking page shows an unusual slot. The centre operates from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so a midnight booking time would not make sense as an actual ride time.

The activity is mobile-ticket friendly. You can use the ticket on your phone rather than needing a printed voucher.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The information does not list detailed restrictions for mobility, weight, or specific medical conditions, so contact the provider if your group has a special concern.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted and are not refunded. The cut-off uses local time. Poor weather can also cause a cancellation, in which case you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Notwane pony ride?

Book it if you want a low-pressure family activity with gentle ponies, outdoor space, and a good restaurant nearby. The combination of a short guided ride, waterfront photographs, birdlife, playground time, and optional bush routes gives you more flexibility than the basic one-hour label suggests.

I would especially recommend it for families with children aged three and up who have little or no riding experience. Plan to stay for lunch if you want the outing to feel worthwhile, and arrange any bush riding in advance.

Skip it if you need a tightly managed tour with flawless online scheduling or if you are seeking a long, serious horseback trek. For everyone else, the modest price and relaxed setting make this a sensible addition to a Gaborone itinerary. Just confirm the time, allow room for a little local disorganization, and let the centre’s calm pace do the rest.

FAQ

Where does the pony ride start?

The activity starts at the Notwane Equestrian Centre on Crocodile Way, Botswana.

Where does the activity finish?

The ride ends back at the same meeting point, the Notwane Equestrian Centre.

How long does the guided pony ride last?

The standard guided pony ride lasts about one hour.

What age can children start riding?

Children from age three are accepted.

Do riders need previous experience?

No. Previous riding experience is not required, and guides provide hands-on help with safety.

Are riding helmets provided?

Yes. Riding helmets are provided as part of the activity.

Can you ride outside the equestrian centre?

Yes, rides into the bush along dirt roads are possible, but they must be arranged in advance.

Is there somewhere to eat at the centre?

Yes. Zorro’s Restaurant serves food and drinks before, during, or after the family ride.

Is there a playground for children?

Yes. A sizable playground is available on the premises.

Can you stay overnight at the centre?

Yes. Two one-bedroom guest houses provide the option to stay longer, although accommodation details must be arranged separately.

What are the opening hours?

The centre is open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the activity are not refunded.