Belmond Announces a Horseback Safari Experience with Jodie Kidd in Botswana

India, July 2018: Belmond partners with British Equestrian Polo Player and International Fashion Model, Jodie Kidd to host exclusive 6-night Horseback safari in the breath-taking wilderness of Botswana from 25 September to 1 October 2018 at Belmond’s intimate lodges, Belmond Savute Lodge and Eagle Island Camp.

Equestrian Escapism

From the remote Savute region where large herds of elephants and mighty prides of lions abound, to the watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta; the horseback safari offers the opportunity to experience the rich wildlife and landscape from many angles.  When not in the saddle, guests can take a birds-eye view in a helicopter safari with views across the vast expanse of wilderness or get close to the wildlife in open-vehicles.

Jodie accompanies guests on wildlife adventures each day following a glorious sunrise breakfast at each lodge. A traditional Botswanan Boma dinner is served at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, where guests can settle around the campfire to exchange stories of the day. An evening sunset cruise along the majestic and glistening waters of the Delta is also offered for guests at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge.

 Model Adventurer

With an international fashion career working for brands such as Chanel, Karl Largerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent as well as being British Show jumping and Polo Player, Jodie Kidd possesses a perfect blend of elegance and adventure. “Horses are incredible animals and being able to ride them through Botswana will be a truly breath-taking experience, not only for the riders but also for the horses’ comments Jodie.

Wild Luxury

Positioned on a secluded island, surrounded by river channels and floodplains, Belmond Eagle Island is Botswana’s ultimate water and experience-based safari lodge. Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge relaunches this summer as a ‘Modern Explorers 'retreat alongside the Savute Channel with its own wildlife viewing hide overlooking the watering hole and relaxing spa. Both lodges feature twelve tented rooms with panoramic vistas. Open dining and bar spaces are at the heart of the lodge, leading onto an observation deck and pool relaxation area. Belmond lodges are positioned in unrivalled locations and combine the most spectacular views of wildlife and authentic local experiences. Truly genuine African adventures rooted in heritage and the natural world.

The Jodie Kidd hosted horseback six-night safari starts from $13,850 per person, including accommodation, meals, drinks (excluding premium brands), internal flights and safari activities. For any queries on the safari or to make a booking, please contact Belmond Safaris reservations on +27 21 483-1600 or e-mail: safaris@belmond.com

About Belmond: Belmond (belmond.com) is a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. Established almost 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, its unique and distinctive portfolio now embraces 47 hotel, rail and river cruise experiences, including one scheduled for a 2018 opening in London, in many of the world’s most celebrated destinations. From city landmarks to intimate resorts, the collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro; Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara. Belmond also encompasses safaris, eight luxury tourist trains, including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and three river cruises. Belmond also operates ‘21’ Club, one of New York’s most storied restaurants. belmond.com

About Jodie Kidd: Jodie grew up in Sussex, where she was a keen show jumper & polo player, before being ‘spotted’ aged 15 and from there began a stellar modeling career which spanned the late 90s & 2000s, fronting global fashion campaigns for major brands such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Moschino, Chloe & Karl Largerfeld; walking catwalks around the world for designers including Donna Karen, Calvin Klein, Valentino and Fendi; and appearing on the cover of many magazines from Vogue to Tatler, enjoying a very successful & long modelling career. Away from the catwalk, Jodie has appeared on BBC1’s Who Do You Think You Are, BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing & BBC1’s Celebrity Masterchef, where she finished as Runner Up after demonstrating serious skill in the kitchen. Combining her passions for horses & fashion, she has appeared as the fashion commentator for the BBC at Royal Ascot, and for Channel 4 Racing at Goodwood, as well as hosting the Red Bull Air Race, presenting Fashion Avenue (her own US show) as well as Channel 5’s The Classic Car Show alongside Quentin Willson.

Furthering Jodie’s love for cars, Jodie has enjoyed a successful career as a high octane Maserati racing driver, competing at some of Europe’s most prestigious racing circuits in the Maserati Trofeo Series.  She also hosted the first ever live car launch, unveiling the new Rolls Royce Dawn to the world’s media via a global live video link up alongside the Chief Executive of Rolls Royce. 

2015 saw Jodie showing off her winter sports prowess in Channel 4’s The Jump, as well as tapping into her showjumping expertise and continuing her role as host of CNN Equestrian for CNN International. Jodie also began an ongoing collaboration on a golf clothing range with sports lifestyle brand Green Lamb, as well as being a brand ambassador for BMW & Fitbit.

In 2016, Jodie focused on her passion for philanthropy and completed a hat trick of grueling challenges “Challenge Kiddo” for Help For Heroes, for which she was awarded the prestigious Just Giving Celebrity Fundraiser of the Year 2016. In 2017, Jodie turned her attention to her love of food & cooking, and bought, renovated and launched her local “The Half Moon Kirdford”, which is currently receiving glowing restaurant reviews.