Guided Pony Riding in the Tranquil Surroundings of the Notwane Dam

The best part of this outing is the setting: a quiet pony ride beside Notwane Dam, with water, native bush, and birdlife around you. White-headed eagles are among the birds found here, so this is more than a short circuit for children. I like the calm ponies and the fact that you need no riding experience. I also like the restaurant and playground, which give parents a place to sit while children enjoy the centre.

The main drawback is the booking process. The advertised experience lasts about an hour, but scheduling can be unclear, and one past booking problem involved an odd same-day time showing online. Confirm your start time directly if possible. You should also remember that the ride depends on good weather.

Key points at a glance

• Gentle ponies for children from age 3: No previous riding experience is required, and helmets are supplied.
• Notwane Dam views and birdlife: The ride reaches the waterfront, with chances to spot species such as the white-headed eagle.
• A family outing, not just a riding lesson: Zorro’s Restaurant and a large playground make it easy to stay longer.
• Bush riding is available by arrangement: You can request a ride beyond the equestrian centre on dirt roads through the Notwane area.
• Good value at $18.74: The price covers roughly one hour of guided riding and basic riding equipment.
• A small overnight option: Two one-bedroom guest houses let you turn a quick visit into a longer stay.

Riding beside Notwane Dam

Notwane Equestrian Centre covers about 10 hectares near Gaborone. The pony ride takes place on the centre’s premises and heads toward the waterfront, giving you a simple introduction to the area without asking young riders to manage a long or demanding route.

I like this format for families. A one-hour ride is long enough to feel like a real activity, but short enough for children who are new to horses. You also get time for photographs near the water, which matters when the ride itself moves at a gentle pace.

The setting is quiet rather than dramatic. You should expect a farm-style outing with trees, flowers, shade, open ground, and the dam nearby. That slower mood is part of the appeal. You are not racing through an attraction or moving from one scheduled stop to another. You are spending time outdoors with an animal, then deciding how long you want to linger.

The centre is also a useful choice if different members of your group want different things. A child can ride, another child can use the playground, and parents can sit at the restaurant. That flexibility is worth more than it first appears, especially on a family holiday when everyone does not share the same energy level.

Calm ponies and a gentle first ride

The ponies are described as docile, and the guides provide hands-on help. You do not need to arrive with riding skills, and helmets are provided for the riders. For a first experience, those details make a real difference.

Children from age 3 are accepted. The information does not give a specific weight or height limit, so you should ask the centre if a rider is unusually tall, very young, or needs special support. Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part.

You should still treat this as a proper animal activity, not a playground ride. Your child may need to listen carefully, wait for help, and remain calm around the pony. The guide’s role is important here, since young riders may need support mounting, steering, or staying comfortable during the route.

The helmets are supplied at the centre, so you do not need to bring riding equipment. I would still suggest closed shoes, comfortable clothing, and sun protection. Those are sensible choices for an outdoor ride, though the supplied information does not list a formal clothing requirement.

From the centre to the waterfront

The standard route stays on the grounds of the Notwane Equestrian Centre and continues toward the waterfront. This gives you a contained ride with fewer unknowns, which is helpful for beginners and small children.

The waterfront is also where the outing gains its strongest sense of place. Notwane Dam is known for a wide range of birdlife, including the white-headed eagle. I would not treat bird watching as a guaranteed part of every ride, since the animals are free to move around, but the dam gives you a good reason to pause and look beyond the ponies.

Bring a phone or camera for the picture-taking time. The ride is short, and photographs by the water can help preserve the memory of a child’s first time on horseback. Just keep the camera work secondary to listening to the guide and keeping the rider settled.

This route is likely the best choice for a first visit. You get the main experience without adding a longer outing on dirt roads. If your group includes very young children or anyone uncertain about riding, begin with the standard premises ride rather than asking for the bush option immediately.

Adding a bush ride outside the centre

For a longer or more exploratory outing, rides can be arranged outside the property and into the bush. These routes follow dirt roads through the Notwane area and must be prearranged.

That last point matters. Do not assume the bush ride is included automatically with the standard booking. Ask specifically for it before you arrive, and confirm whether it changes the duration or price. The supplied information confirms that this option is possible, but it does not give a separate rate or exact riding time.

I see the bush option as best for riders who already feel comfortable on the pony. It offers more room to see the surrounding area and a closer look at the natural setting, but it may be less simple for a nervous beginner. For a family group, you may prefer to let the youngest children take the regular ride while older children or adults request the longer route.

Because the activity depends on weather, an outdoor bush ride may also be more affected by poor conditions. If the centre cancels because of weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund under the stated policy.

Zorro’s Restaurant makes the visit last longer

Zorro’s Restaurant is one of the strongest reasons to plan this as a half-day family stop rather than a quick ride. You can eat before or after the activity, order a drink, and give children time to settle after handling the excitement of the ponies.

The food selection includes German dishes and pizza, with pizza receiving especially strong praise. I would not book this solely as a restaurant outing, since menus and service can change, but the onsite dining gives the centre a useful advantage over a riding activity that sends you straight back to town.

The restaurant also solves a common family problem: what to do before the ride begins or after one child finishes. The large playground provides a separate activity for children, while parents can sit nearby and enjoy the setting.

The grounds have flowers, trees, shade, and tables. That makes the place suitable for a relaxed meal or a longer pause. You should still allow time around the one-hour ride rather than planning a tight schedule. The point of this outing is the combination of riding, food, outdoor space, and family time.

Two guest houses for a longer stay

Notwane Equestrian Centre has two one-bedroom guest houses. These offer a way to stay on the property and combine riding with meals and time outdoors.

The accommodation is a useful option if you want more than a short activity, but the supplied details do not specify bed arrangements, bathroom facilities, rates, or booking terms. Ask for those details before committing to an overnight stay.

Staying onsite could suit a family that wants an easy, quiet break near Gaborone. It may also work for riders interested in taking lessons for adults, since adult riding lessons are available at the centre. I would confirm the lesson schedule separately, because the one-hour pony ride and adult riding instruction may not use the same booking times.

This is also where the centre’s farm-life character becomes most useful. You can plan less and linger more. Eat, let the children play, ride, and rest without having to repack the car after every activity.

What $18.74 buys you

At $18.74 per person, the price is reasonable for a guided one-hour ride that includes a helmet and access to a family-friendly setting. The value is strongest if you use the centre’s other features, such as the restaurant, playground, waterfront, or arranged bush route.

For a child who has always wanted to ride a pony, the price is easy to justify. You are paying for guidance and a controlled introduction, not simply for access to an animal. The hands-on support also means parents do not need to know how to ride in order to bring a beginner.

The value is less clear if you want a long horseback excursion. The standard ride lasts about an hour, and the bush option has to be arranged separately. Ask about the length and cost of any extended ride before booking if you are looking for a bigger riding experience.

The maximum group size is 40 people. That is a fairly large possible capacity, although the actual group may be smaller. If a quiet, personal ride matters to you, ask how many riders are expected at your chosen time.

Timing, meeting point, and booking advice

The meeting point is on Crocodile Way in Botswana, and the activity finishes back there. The listed opening hours are Monday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for the stated operating period from May 21, 2024, through June 16, 2026.

The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is provided at booking. You should keep the confirmation handy, but I would also verify the time if the online system offers an unusual slot. One reported booking problem involved limited scheduling choices and a same-day time that did not feel practical, so direct confirmation is a sensible precaution.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since poor weather can affect the ride, check the local forecast and keep your schedule flexible.

The activity is suitable for most people, but the centre does not provide detailed information here about mobility access, rider weight limits, or assistance for specific disabilities. If any of those points affect your booking, contact the provider before paying.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would choose this activity for families with children from age 3, especially if some people want horses while others prefer food, shade, or a playground. It also suits visitors who want a nature stop near Gaborone without giving up basic comfort.

It is a good match for a first pony ride because the ponies are calm, helmets are supplied, and the guides help riders directly. You do not need to arrive as an experienced rider.

Bird watchers may enjoy the dam and the chance to see species such as the white-headed eagle, though this is not presented as a dedicated birding tour. The experience gives you a setting for casual observation rather than a specialist wildlife outing.

I would be more cautious about booking it if your main goal is a long, fast, or highly technical horseback ride. The standard experience is short and gentle. You should also reconsider if your day cannot tolerate a weather-related change or a possible scheduling discussion.

Should you book the Notwane pony ride?

Book it if you want an affordable family activity with a peaceful outdoor setting, gentle ponies, and somewhere comfortable to eat afterward. The playground and restaurant give parents more value than a one-hour ride alone, while the dam and birdlife make the outing feel connected to Botswana rather than purely recreational.

Before booking, confirm your time and ask in advance about the bush ride if that is important to you. For a first ride with young children, the regular route around the centre and waterfront is the safer, simpler choice. For a longer family day, add lunch and plenty of unhurried time on the grounds.

FAQ

Where does the pony ride begin and end?

The activity begins at Crocodile Way in Botswana and ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the guided pony ride last?

The ride lasts approximately one hour.

Can children with no riding experience take part?

Yes. No previous experience is required, and children from age 3 are accepted. Guides provide hands-on help, and helmets are supplied.

Is the bush ride included in the standard activity?

The standard ride takes place on the premises of Notwane Equestrian Centre and goes toward the waterfront. Rides into the bush on dirt roads are possible, but they must be arranged in advance.

Can I eat at the centre?

Yes. Zorro’s Restaurant is onsite and serves food and drinks. The centre also has a playground for children.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.