Guided Pony Riding in the Tranquil Surroundings of the Notwane Dam

The best part of this outing is the setting: a calm pony ride beside Notwane Dam, where birdlife and open bush replace the noise of Gaborone. Children from age three can take part, and you do not need riding experience. Guides provide helmets and stay hands-on with safety.

I like the easy one-hour format and the fact that you can turn the ride into a longer family visit with Zorro’s Restaurant, a playground, and guest houses. I also like the choice between staying inside the 10-hectare equestrian centre or arranging a longer ride on dirt roads through the nearby bush. The main caution is booking: check your time closely, since availability and changes have caused confusion for some customers.

Key points at a glance

• Notwane Dam birdlife: The waterfront gives the ride a quiet natural setting, with White-Headed Eagles and other bird species possible in the area.
• Ponies for young riders: Children age three and up are accepted, and no previous riding experience is required.
• Two riding options: Stay on the equestrian centre’s 10-hectare grounds or prearrange a bush ride on dirt roads outside the property.
• Useful family extras: A playground gives children something to do before or after the ride, while parents can relax nearby.
• Food on site: Zorro’s Restaurant serves a broad menu that includes pizzas and German dishes, making lunch or a drink part of the outing.
• An hour, or longer: The ride itself lasts about an hour, but guest houses let you extend the visit beyond a short stop.

A gentle ride beside Notwane Dam

This is less a fast-paced horse excursion than a relaxed introduction to riding in a peaceful setting. You arrive at the Notwane Equestrian Centre on Crocodile Way, receive the required equipment, and meet the ponies and guides. The ponies are described as docile, which matters when a child is sitting on a horse for the first time.

The standard outing takes place on the centre’s 10-hectare grounds and continues toward the waterfront. That gives you a mix of managed riding space, trees, flowers, open areas, and views toward Notwane Dam. There is also time for photographs, so you are not expected to keep moving for the entire hour.

I see this as a good first riding experience for a family that wants something gentle and simple. You do not need to arrive with boots, riding clothes, or special knowledge. Helmets are provided, and the guides organize the practical side of the ride.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. That makes the timing easy to manage if you have other plans in Gaborone later in the day.

What the one-hour itinerary feels like

The ride begins at the equestrian centre rather than with a long transfer into the bush. That is useful for families with small children, since you avoid adding transport time to an activity that is already short.

Once the ponies are prepared, you follow the guide around the premises toward the waterfront. The centre covers enough ground to make the outing feel like more than a few circles in a riding ring, but the supplied details do not promise a set route or a guaranteed time directly beside the water. Conditions and the needs of the group can shape the ride.

The waterfront stop is the natural high point. Notwane Dam is known for birdlife, including the White-Headed Eagle, and the quiet setting gives you a chance to pause and take pictures. Bring your camera, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a pony ride with a nature setting, not a dedicated bird-watching excursion.

For a young rider, an hour is a sensible length. It is long enough to feel worthwhile and short enough to avoid fatigue. Parents can also watch the children without committing to a half-day horseback trip.

Choosing the bush option outside the centre

If your family wants more than the standard ride, ask about going beyond the equestrian centre and into the Notwane area. These rides follow dirt roads that meander through the bush, but they must be arranged in advance. They are not simply an automatic part of the regular booking.

This option should suit families with older children, adults who want more time in the saddle, or anyone who prefers a less contained outing. You get a closer look at the area around the dam and a better sense of the rural setting.

The tradeoff is planning. Since the bush route needs prearrangement, do not assume you can request it on arrival and leave immediately. Confirm the route, timing, and availability before your visit. The standard product is about one hour, while the expanded ride may require a different schedule.

The available information does not give a separate price for the bush option. Ask for the cost when arranging it, especially if you are comparing it with the basic $18.74 per person ride.

Why the setting matters

Notwane Dam gives this experience a calm, open-air feel that a city riding lesson cannot match. You have trees, flowers, shaded spots, and water nearby, along with the chance to notice local birdlife. The setting is one reason this works well as a family outing rather than only a riding lesson.

The grounds also have a farm-like character. You can spend time outdoors without needing to plan a full wilderness trip, and the centre brings together riding, food, play space, and accommodation in one place.

The White-Headed Eagle is one of the bird species associated with the area, but sightings are never guaranteed. If birds interest you, move slowly and allow time around the waterfront. A phone camera may be enough for family photos, but it is not a substitute for dedicated birding equipment.

I especially like the shaded tables and planted areas described around the property. They give non-riders somewhere comfortable to sit, which is important when one parent wants to watch a child while another family member eats or rests.

Zorro’s Restaurant turns a ride into an outing

The on-site restaurant is a major advantage. You can eat before or after the ride, order a drink, and avoid getting back into the car immediately after the activity. That simple convenience makes a difference with children.

The menu includes a wide range of food, with pizzas and German dishes among the specialties associated with the restaurant. If your group has mixed tastes, this is more practical than a narrow café menu. The restaurant also gives adults a proper place to relax while children use the playground.

The reviews supplied for the experience give the food and outdoor setting especially strong praise. That matches the way the centre is set up: the ride is the main activity, but the meal may become the part of the day that adults remember most.

Do keep the timing in mind. The ride is listed during opening hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday, but you should confirm your riding slot rather than simply arriving at any point in that window. The restaurant is on site, yet the supplied information does not guarantee a table reservation or specific service hours.

A playground for the non-riders

The playground is a useful feature for families with children of different ages. A three-year-old may ride, while a younger child or a sibling who does not want to ride can play nearby. It also gives children something to do while adults finish a meal.

This changes the pace of the visit. Instead of rushing from the ride straight to the car, you can build in time to sit under the trees, eat, and let the children play.

The playground does not replace active supervision. The information provided confirms that it is available, but it does not describe its equipment, fencing, or staff supervision. Plan to keep an eye on young children as you would at any public play area.

Staying overnight at the equestrian centre

Two one-bedroom guest houses are available for visitors who want to stay longer. This may appeal to families who prefer a slow rural stop rather than a quick activity between city plans.

An overnight stay gives you more time for riding, dining, and enjoying the property. It may also make sense if you are arranging the longer bush ride and want a less hurried schedule. The supplied information does not state the guest-house price, bed capacity beyond the one-bedroom description, or whether breakfast is included, so ask those questions before booking.

For most people based in Gaborone, the one-hour ride and restaurant can work as a half-day outing. The guest houses are better suited to those building a longer stay around the centre or looking for a quiet stop near Notwane Dam.

Price, timing, and booking details

At $18.74 per person, the basic ride is reasonably priced for a guided activity that includes the pony, guide assistance, helmet, and access to the equestrian centre setting. The value improves if you use the playground and restaurant, since you do not need to pay for a separate family activity immediately afterward.

The price is less easy to judge if you only want a very short introduction to horses. The ride lasts about an hour, and the standard route may be enough for a young child but brief for an experienced adult rider. If you want more saddle time, ask about lessons or the prearranged bush route.

The activity accepts up to 40 participants. That is a fairly large maximum, although the actual feel depends on how many people are booked for your time. If your family wants a quieter experience, confirm the expected group size before paying.

This is a mobile-ticket activity, and confirmation is received at booking. The experience is listed seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. One practical warning: check the date and time shown during checkout. Some booking availability has appeared confusing, including an odd same-day time, and changes made close to the start may not be accepted.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refundable. The cut-off follows local time. Since the activity depends on good weather, a cancellation by the operator for poor conditions should result in a new date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for families with children age three and up, first-time riders, and adults who want an easy outdoor activity near Gaborone. It also suits a mixed group because non-riders can use the restaurant, tables, and playground.

The standard ride is a good match if you want:

• A gentle introduction to horses
• A short activity that fits into a larger Gaborone itinerary
• Outdoor time near water and birdlife
• A family meal without another drive
• A place where young children can play

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced rider looking for fast riding, a long trail, or technical instruction. The standard experience is built around calm ponies and family comfort. Ask in advance about adult riding lessons or the longer bush route if you need a more serious equestrian session.

People with mobility needs should contact the centre before booking. The activity says most people can participate and service animals are allowed, but it does not provide details about mounting assistance, accessible paths, or adapted equipment.

Should you book the Notwane pony ride?

Book it if you want a relaxed family outing where the ride is only one part of the day. The combination of calm ponies, provided helmets, a waterfront setting, birdlife, a playground, and Zorro’s Restaurant gives you good value for the price.

I would book the standard one-hour ride for younger children and first-time riders. If you want to explore farther, arrange the bush ride before arriving and confirm the added cost and timing. Above all, check the booking details carefully and allow room for weather changes.

This is not a major safari or a demanding horseback expedition. It is a pleasant, practical way to spend time outdoors near Gaborone, with enough extras to keep the whole family comfortable.

FAQ

Where does the pony ride start?

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

How long does the ride last?

The guided pony ride lasts about one hour.

What age can children start riding?

Children age three and up are accepted.

Do I need riding experience?

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

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Riding helmets are provided for the pony rides.

Can I ride outside the equestrian centre?

Yes, rides into the bush on dirt roads around the Notwane area are possible, but they must be arranged in advance.

Is food available on site?

Yes. Zorro’s Restaurant is available for meals and drinks before or after the ride.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.