General Info

The Equitrekking team, including host and equestrian Darley Newman, recently traveled to Botswana, Africa to ride in the Okavango and had an amazing experience on this horse safari, which we filmed for the Equitrekking TV show on PBS!

Established in 1995, Botswana Okavango Delta Safari is your ultimate horse safari vacation. From riding as part of a herd cantering across the plains to watching the setting sun while listening to the calls of lion and hyena, this is an amazing African horseback safari!

The main attraction of horseback safaris is the joy of riding good horses over superb natural country, with just about every landscape dotted with game. The riding is varied, sometimes quietly walking, stalking big game and admiring the bird life, sometimes cantering through the water-meadows alongside galloping giraffe.

Macatoo Camp is situated in a 500,000 acre private concession in the Delta. The Okavango is the largest inland delta in the world, a mix of labyrinth channels, palm fringed islands and fertile floodplains. Trapped in the parched sands of the Kalahari desert, it is a magnet for the wildlife who depend on the delta's life giving waters. More than 400 species of resident and migrant birds, lions, elephant, hyenas, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles congregate with a variety of antelope and smaller animals - warthog, mongoose, genets, monkeys and bush babies to name a few.

There are a variety of horses at the camp that are trained to meet your needs and used to the Delta's unique terrain. Qualified guides will share with you their intimate knowledge of this wilderness, using the horses to best effect to bring you closer to birds, game and nature. Non- riding spouses, partners, friends, and children are welcome on the Okavango Horse Safari and can enjoy the many alternative activities offered in the Okavango Delta including game drives, seasonal boating, mokoro and fishing.

The weather, game and waters change throughout the year in the Delta. 
March/ April: Warm or hot during daytimes and pleasant at night with some rain. Because of the rain and waterholes, game is dispersed throughout the country - so not concentrated in herds yet. Possible still to see the plains game: zebra, wildebeest, impala etc as well as elephant, maybe buffalo and cats. Pools left over from rainy season, but floodwater unlikely within distance of the camp.

May: It's cooler at night, but still pleasantly warm during the day. Rain unlikely. The Okavango annual floodwaters normally arrive in May or June - so are within riding distance for a couple of weeks before they actually reach camp. When the water arrives initially the birdlife is great as they feed off the shallow water areas. Game comes to drink from the water, with the buffalo and lechwe moving in as the water levels increase. However, there is a lot of water - so much of the game is still dispersed.

June/ July/ August: Botswana's winter, which can be chilly / cold in the early morning and evenings - warm in the middle of the day. This is when the water is at its highest levels, so there's plenty around to ride through and go boating on either in the motor boat or mokoro (canoe). Large herds of lechwe forming in the wetlands and perhaps hippo and crocodile in the area. Good potential for buffalo sightings with impala, tsessebe, kudu etc moving inland on islands.

September/ October: Winter is over and it gets progressively hotter building up to the first rains, which clear the hazy days and the skies are big and beautiful. Trees come into flower and then leaves go green and fruits grow. Evenings are warm and the plunge pool gets a lot of use! The floodwater normally stays around the camp area until October - but this, of course, depends on how big the flood was to start with. The game now tends to concentrate as the water sources lessen - often big herds of buffalo, elephant and with shorter grass more plains game can be seen. More likely to see wild dog as well as the cats who favour dry savannah such as cheetah. Young giraffe and lechwe; hyenas more evident cooling off in the pools.

November- February: The rainy season is any time from November - but impossible to say exactly when and how much. Normally the rain comes for an hour or so every day and then often goes away for a week or more before it rains again. It is warm to sticky hot before the rain and cooler after each rain. Depending on the flood level, there will be some water around with the rain topping up the pools. Very good until the first rain when it disperses again - the young antelope are born at this time and are very entertaining to watch.

Awards & Accolades

2010 & 2009 Good Safari Guide winner of Best Horseriding Safari in Africa!
2011 This safari was filmed for a future episode of the Emmy-winning PBS TV show, Equitrekking. Host Darley Newman and her crew had many adventures riding with elephants and wildebeest, fishing, canoeing, taking game drives and eating out under the stars.

What level of riding to I need to participate in this Botswana horse safari?

Expect to spend 4 to 6 hours a day in the saddle. You will need to feel confident in keeping up with the group, capable of riding at all paces, rising to the trot and controlling your horse at the canter. You may be required to gallop out of trouble, so no beginners for this trip.

Packing

Please let Equitrekking Travel's preferred travel agents know your packing questions prior to the trip. Check out general informaiton on packing for riding vacations and see what we took on our Africa riding holidays.

About the Horses

Horses include a variety of Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanovarians, Arabs and Kalahari-Arabs crosses, ranging from 14 - 16.2 hands (140-165cm). There is a choice of English and Western style trail saddles, each with their own water bottle. There are over 40 horses and the riding style is varied but mostly English. 

The horses are loved and well cared for by stable manager, who has been with the company for over 10 years. Mod's gentleness with the horses, together with his friendly nature and warm smile ensures that horse and riders are perfectly matched.
 

Activities/Events

Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple or as part of a larger group, your time spent around the camp fire, drinking sundowners on the deck, or dining al fresco will mean you are sure to acquire new friends during your stay at Macatoo on your African horseback safari. The Botswana Okavango Delta Safari enables its guests to experience the joy of riding good horses over superb country, with just about every landscape dotted with game.

The Okavango horse safari team is inspired each day by the beautiful surroundings to provide the best safari experience possible for the guests, while being enormously privileged to have a huge unspoilt wilderness in which to run these safaris. The Okavango Delta is an intriguing phenomenon, with ever changing landscapes due to the seasonal flood waters coming through from Angola. The movement of the game, the dramatic seasonal changes in the flora and the varying interests of the guests ensure that no two safaris are the same, each one is unique.

Prior to your early morning ride you will be woken just before dawn by a tent lady bearing gifts of tea or coffee. There will be time for a slice of home made toast or a bowl of fruit before you set off. On your return, late in the morning, you may wish to have a quick shower before indulging in Lydia's mouth-watering array of lunchtime fare.

A siesta now beckons, whilst the sun is at its strongest, but sunbathing by the plunge pool, a good book, sorting through your photos or watching the wildlife on the plains in front of the camp are popular alternatives. Tea is served prior to your evening ride or drive, and on your return there is time for a sun downer and shower before dinner is announced. The menu is varied and excellent, accompanied by attentive staff and a good selection of South African wines. Much time is spent re-living the events of the day, with the occasional myth creeping in too!

The 4x4s are used for night drives, spotting the nocturnal species and for close up photography of kills and predators. When the water levels permit, a boat trip allows for another perspective on the game.

Area Attractions

Macatoo Camp is situated on the western side of the Okavango Delta. Covering 17,000 km sq, the Okavango is the largest inland delta in the world, a mix of labyrinth channels, palm fringed islands and fertile floodplains. Trapped in the parched sands of the Kalahari desert, it is a magnet for the wildlife who depend on the delta's life giving waters.

More than 400 species of resident and migrant birds, lions, elephant, hyenas, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles congregate with a variety of antelope and smaller animals - warthog, mongoose, genets, monkeys and bush babies to name a few. You may also spot the Lechwe. The Lechwe, or Southern Lechwe, (Kobus leche) is an antelope found in Botswana, Zambia, south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, north-eastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Swamps.
 

Accommodations/Food

The camp features comfortable twin/double meru tents with en-suite facilities, hot water showers, comfortable beds, desks, wardrobe and luggage stand as well as a private deck overlooking the floodplains. All tents are supplied with drinking water, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and insect repellent. All tents are equipped with solar lights but please note that there are no power points in the tents. A central power point is available in mess tent area for charging of camera’s. Laundry service is provided.

Centrally there is a large furnished mess tent and tucked away a private pool. On the longer safaris, guests have the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding out to a mobile fly-camp.

Food

Meals consist of morning tea and biscuits in bed to a light breakfast - cereals, yogurts, fresh fruits and toast. Snacks on the ride include flapjacks, fruits and peanuts and raisins. A hearty lunch is served and generally made up of at least one warm dish (ie pie, quiche, pasta) two salads, freshly baked bread and followed by a cheese or fruit platter. There is sometimes an afternoon tea and cake to be followed by a multi-course dinner.

The Ideal Traveler

An ideal traveler is an advanced rider who wants to experience the holiday of a lifetime on a horseback riding safari in Africa, time and time again, as most of guests end up returning!

You will spend 4 to 6 hours a day in the saddle with groups of up to 8 guests. You will need to feel confident keeping up with a group and be capable of riding at all paces. You may be required to gallop out of trouble, so beginners are not allowed.

7 night Okavango Riding Safari

Dates and Rates for 7 Night Riding Safari

Flexible departure dates are available, so please contact us for availability.

2013: Jan - Mar $4,722 USD (£2,940)*
2013: Apr - Jun $5,341 USD (£3,325)*
2013: Jul - 15 Oct $5,959 USD (£3,710)*
2013: 16 - 31 Oct $5,341 USD (£3,325)*
2013: Nov - Dec $4,722 USD (£2,940)*

10% Discount for your non-riding companions. There is no single supplement if you are prepared to share, otherwise there is 50% of the ride price to guarantee a single tent. There is one tent which can be allocated to a single person without payment of a supplement - this tent will be strictly allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once this tent has been allocated the supplement will be payable to guarantee a single tent.

* Prices shown are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are indicative only; the price of your chosen holiday will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant, prior to your making a booking.

Included:
Accommodation; full board; drinks; riding; other safari activities.

Not Included:
Flight Transfer Costs. International flights to Johannesburg; flights from Johannesburg to Maun; air transfers from Maun to camp.

Sample Riding Safari Itinerary:

Below is a sample Itinerary for a 7 night riding safari.

Day One:
On arrival in Maun you will be met at the airport and then transferred from Maun to Macatoo camp by small plane (likely either a Cessna 206 or 208), giving you a birds eye view of the Okavango Delta. Macatoo camp overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon and is a short game drive or (depending on the time of year) an exciting boat ride from the airstrip. After a quick look around camp and lunch under the trees, there is usually time for a siesta before tea, and the evening ride where you can get to know your horse. You return to camp for a hot shower and candle-lit safari supper.

Day Two:
Wake up with a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast with homemade toast and muesli, then a ride out from camp to stretch our legs and explore. Depending on the season this may involve some galloping, (or even swimming) through the flood waters or pushing-on through seas of tall grass following giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, buffalo; whatever's out there. Relax on a lush date palm island before meandering back to camp. After lunch and a nap, take a boat ride and spot elephant or giraffe grazing the edges of the islands at sunset.

Day Three:
Rise early to spot the fresh game tracks that may be visible on the ground. There are animals everywhere in the Delta, making it an interesting place to travel and stay. Enjoy a champagne breakfast under a large boabab tree-- special trees in Africa. In the evening, take to the Delta in a mokoro, a slender canoe that gives you a different perspective on the area wildlife and nature. Enjoy drinks around the campfire, dinner and a good night's sleep.

Day Four:
Explore a new part of the Delta today, where you may find giraffe or antelope while trail riding through mopane woodlands. Pop over a log or two if you wish. The pace increases as you break out onto the flood plains, where you may find baboons. Back at camp, you have free time in the afternoon. Tonight, see what lurks in the dark on a night drive with a spot light.

Day Five:
This morning you horse ride to another new area of the Okavango Delta. On a riding safari here, there is much to explore! The afternoon may be spent walking or on a game drive. Tonight, there may be the chance to camp out in a treehouse with your mosquito net hung from a tree-- a truly unique experience!

Day Six:
Ride island to island, splashing through water on your horseback safari through the vast open plains, home to wildebeest and zebra. You may ride fast today in deep reedy areas full of bird life. Return for a picnic, possibly at a swimming hole with the afternoon to relax. Enjoy another feast tonight. You've earned it! In the Okavango Delta, meals are hearty and good.

Day Seven:
After breakfast, ride along tree lined waterways to see herds of game, colorful water birds, such as the wattle crane or open billed storks. There is much wildlife to encounter in the Okavango Delta, including buffalo. Tonight, fish for bream and enjoy another scrumptous meal.

Day Eight:
Continue the varied riding from island to island to perhaps see lions, giraffes, elephants and more! There's much to discover on your final ride in the Okavango Delta.

Transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Maun and onward connections.

* This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors.

Best of Botswana Horse Safari

The first half of your safari is in the Limpopo Valley in the Tuli Block in Botswana, home to Mashatu Game Reserve and known as "The Land of the Giants". This is an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas and land formations as ancient as time itself. It is also home to a multitude of wildlife species and remains largely untouched by the invasion of man. The riding trails are through riverine terrain and the mopane bushveld, including the famous sandstone formations of the Tuli Block. The area is famous for its large herds of elephant, but you should also see eland, impala, giraffe, hyena and hopefully leopard, lion and perhaps cheetah and wild dog.

The second half of your adventure takes you to Macatoo camp in the magical Okavango Delta. Here, the mighty Okavango River is tamed by the semi-desert and spills its contents into the thirsty sands, never reaching the ocean to the south. It is, in fact the largest inland delta in the world. The Delta, with its permanent supply of water, supports what is probably the most diverse profusion of plant and animal life in Southern Africa.

On the Tuli Trail, you stay at a number of wilderness camps. At Macatoo you stay in a stunning camp featuring eight large luxury en-suite safari tents on raised wooden platforms overlooking floodplains where you may be lucky enough to see elephant, zebra, buck and birdlife from your private verandah.  

Dates & Rates 2013

May 19-29, June 9-19 SOLD OUT, Nov 10-20
In addition to the set departures the Best of Botswana safari can also be tailor-made for groups of four or more.

2013: $7,643 USD* (£4,930) (10 nights per person sharing)

Includes: Accommodation, meals, all activities, selected beverages and laundry service, all transfers (as per the itinerary). (Included) Shared transfers at set times from Johannesburg International by road to Limpopo (c. 6 hours). Charter flight from Limpopo to the Macatoo (c. 4 hours). Charter flight from Macatoo to Maun (c. 30 mins).

No single supplement if prepared to share. At Macatoo, there is one tent which can be allocated to a single person without payment of a supplement - this tent will be strictly allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Airport: Johannesburg (transfers arranged to Limpopo). Maun is the nearest airport to Macatoo.

Not Included: International flights to Johannesburg; flights from Maun back to Johannesburg. Gratuities.

* Prices are subject to fluctuations due to currency changes

Best of Botswana Sample Riding Vacation Itinerary**

Please note that the following itinerary is an example. The day to day riding will be dependent on game movements and local conditions.

Day One

You will be met at Johannesburg International Airport and transferred by road to Limpopo (a journey of c. 6 hours). If arranging your own flights you should arrive in Johannesburg by 08.00 at the latest.

On arrival at the border you will be met by a representative from Limpopo Horse Safaris, who will take you to the stables, where you have a late lunch in the thatched dining room. After lunch it’s time to head off to the stables to meet your horse. You will embark on a short introductory ride to make sure that you and your horse are well suited. After a refreshing drink at the stables, head back to camp for a warm shower and a delicious dinner served in the Llala palm dining room of the Two Mashatus camp.

Day Two

The day begins at sunrise with tea/coffee brought to your tent, followed by a light breakfast. Mount up and head off in a north-westerly direction for Jwala Camp on the banks of the Jwala River. Six to seven hours are spent in the saddle enjoying the abundance of game and the magnificent scenery synonymous with the Land of the Giants. After arriving at Jwala Camp, lunch is the order of the day followed by a guided afternoon walk, examining the bush around you in detail. Enjoy dinner, prepared over an open fire before retiring to your spacious tent.

Day Three

An early wake-up call heralds a new day. Tea or coffee and a delicious light breakfast, is served around the log fire. Test the amazingly sure-footed Boerperds as you cross over basalt ridges following age-old elephant trails and enjoy long sustained canters to make up for the lost time traversing the ridge. After six to seven hours of riding, arrive at Kgotla Camp for a late lunch. This is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The open-air traditional African enclosure is made of leadwood logs in the shade of a century old Mashatu tree. In the afternoon there is the opportunity to visit the local village to buy hand-crafted Llala palm curios, and view Bushmen paintings before enjoying a sundowner looking out over the Motloutse River. Back at the Kgotla, have dinner around a large log fire after which the night is spent sleeping under the stars.

Day Four

Spend another night at Kgotla Camp, enjoying a full day exploring the sandstone formations including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Ancient civilizations harboured their wealth among these hills where two mighty rivers, the Limpopo and the Motloutse, meet. Today’s riding will be about four to five hours, leaving time in the afternoon to head to the archaeologically rich Mmamagwa hills where a 360 degree view of the reserve can be enjoyed as well as another beautiful African sunset.

Day Five

Another early rise and breakfast around the log fire will set the morning off to a good start. Today you wind your way through the mopane bush before reaching the more open plains. This will probably be your longest day of riding of about seven hours. On arrival at Camp you will be welcomed with a well-deserved drink and a refreshing lunch. Tonight is your opportunity to explore Mashatu from a game drive vehicle and try to locate the elusive leopard, wild dog, cheetah and lion the area is well known for.

Day Six

Today is your last day in the Tuli Block. After a final early morning tea/coffee and breakfast snack over the open fire, the morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River, back to the stables. This is a shorter ride of about two hours, allowing you to get back to the stables in time to enjoy a hearty brunch and to get ready for your light aircraft transfer to the magical Okavango Delta. You will most likely fly in a 14 seater "caravan" for this fascinating journey of about 4 hours across the heart of Botswana and into the Delta.

On arrival at the airstrip, it is a short game drive or (depending on the time of year) an exciting boat ride to Macatoo camp which overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon. After settling into your tent there should be time for tea, followed by a short evening ride where you can get to know your new horse. Return to camp for a hot shower and candle-lit safari dinner.

Day Seven

Wake up with a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast of homemade toast and muesli, before your morning’s ride. Depending on the season this may involve some galloping, swimming through the flood waters or pushing-on through seas of tall grass following giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant or buffalo. Return to camp for an open air lunch with the guides. The evening ride is deliberately slower-paced and it's a good opportunity to ask questions and take photographs. Leopard sightings are not infrequent, the bird-life is some of the best in the world and towards sunset there is often elephant or hippo interaction to observe. A sundowner can be enjoyed out in the bush before riding back to camp to freshen up before dinner.

Day Eight

Wake up with freshly-brewed coffee or tea then either ride out again (perhaps to find the rare semi-aquatic antelope, the red lechwe), or join a guided walk, game drive or perhaps do a spot of fishing for bream from the boat. Riders and those choosing non-riding activities can meet up for a delicious champagne breakfast under one of the large baobab trees. In the afternoon, there is the opportunity to relax and either swim in the pool, read a book or organise your photos. Homemade tea and cake is followed by a sunset ride, exploring the lower flood plains where elephant often gather at a pool. As dusk closes in, it is fascinating to watch them interact in the wild, and being on horseback and being on horseback brings you that much closer.

Day Nine

Today, ride through different terrain, making your way through clouds of bushman hair grass to plains dotted with fig trees. You may encounter giraffe or shyer antelope while passing through mophane woodlands. The pace increases as you break out onto the flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons. Return to the camp for an afternoon spent at leisure, or the possibility of hiring a helicopter for an hour to gain access to remote and otherwise totally inaccessible parts of the delta. Finish off the day with a night drive by spotlight, where the resident clan of hyena are often spotted. Bushbabies may be seen leaping from branch to branch through the terminalia and acacia trees. If lucky, the spotlight will pick up the glint of a leopard’s sultry stare.

Day Ten

This morning’s ride takes you deeper into the heart of the delta, along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains. After tea enjoy a slower ride to the magical tree house where you will have the option to spend the night, sleeping high up in the tree tops under the stars. To be out in the wilderness so freely in the Okavango bush like this is a wonderful experience and one that few people experience.

Day Eleven

If you have stayed at the tree house, you return to Macatoo for breakfast and your final morning ride. Enjoy splashing through water on the vast open plains, home to blue wildebeeste and Burchell's zebra. The riding may be fast as you approach deep reedy areas full of bird life including open-billed storks, squacco herons, slaty egrets, egyptian geese and many more. Return to Macatoo along the myriad of waterways lined with large trees. Once back, there will be time to pack and say goodbye before being driven to the airstrip with a picnic lunch. 

** This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors.

Riding Vacation Accommodations for this trip

On the Tuli Trail, you stay at a number of wilderness camps. These camps all offer accommodation in canvas ‘A’ frame tents with beds (made up with sheets and duvets) and additional blankets for colder nights. The camps have bucket showers and long-drop loos, which may be shared. The camps are not enclosed and so it is exciting to see game in and around camp. One place you normally stay at is the Kgotla, an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Motloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The boma is an open-air traditional African enclosure made up of leadwood logs. Guests sleep on beds around a large log fire which blazes at the centre.

Macatoo Camp is a stunning camp featuring eight large luxury en-suite safari tents on raised wooden platforms overlooking floodplains where you may be lucky enough to see elephant, zebra, buck and birdlife from your private verandah. Enjoy spacious twin bedded accommodation with proper beds (cotton sheets, blankets and towels provided). Each tent has an en suite shower with hot and cold running water and flush loo. Centrally there is a large well-appointed mess tent and tucked away, a private pool.

On one night it may be possible to sleep out under the stars on the Treehouse Platform which is lit with lanterns and candles. Mattresses are laid out for you on the platform, each with its own mosquito net strung overhead. 

Safari Guide Steven Rufus Ride

Join legendary safari guide Steven Rufus in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.

We are thrilled to announce that Steven Rufus will be hosting safaris at Macatoo from 28 Jun - 12 Jul 2013.

Steven is one of Africa's best-known and experienced safari guides who is at his happiest when sharing his love of the bush and wildlife with others.

With his passion for wildlife and entertaining personality, there is no better guide to ride alongside in the wilderness of the Okavango Delta.

Contact us to learn more or book this special trip.

Related Travel Articles

Meet Your Host- Botswana Okavango Delta

Learn more about your host for the Botswana Okavango Delta Safaris, John Sobey, who is certainly an adventurer. Originally from Cornwall, England, he's been living and working in the exotic and beautiful Okavango Delta since 1995.  What is your background with horses? John: I grew up riding horses on our farm… Read more »

A Mother Daughter Horseback Safari

By Georgia Hunter From Hippos to Hornbills in Botswana's Okavango Delta Matthew held our hands as we stepped into the wobbly dug out canoe he called a mokoro. I took my perch on a wooden plank at the front, my mother on one in the back. Matthew stood between us… Read more »

Traveler Reviews

It is hard to know where to start and what to say because when you have had the best holiday of 62 years there is so much to think of and be grateful for. In every sense of the word it was truly memorable. From the moment we touched down at Cement airstrip until we left you at Maun we were made to feel that we were the only thing that mattered. All your staff, without exception were first class hosts. None of us have ever spent a ten day period during which we laughed so much. Please pass on our deep felt and sincere thanks to each and every one of them for the parts they all played. Once again please tell all especially Kim, Bongwe, Douglas, Sekongo, Mod, Mary, Matthew and James how much we appreciated the time we spent with them.

-- Jeremy, June 2010

We preciously keep in mind every moment and every people, every canter and every dinner... Every glass and every discussion. This was so far, a moment of its kind that makes your life different after it. Accept our most sincere gratitude and extend it to your staff: Life is better after you!

-- Philippe and Natalie, June 2010

I appreciated not only the professionalism but also the kindness of the whole team. The horses are brave, the environment is pleasant, the rhythm of the day perfect and the food and wine very good. A very special thank you to Sekongo and Scorpion who both demonstrated their experience either in the front and at the back of the riders!! All the best to all of you Paola. 

-- Paola, December 2009
 

Reading List

Botswana: The Bradt Safari Guide, 3rd: Okavango Delta, Chobe, Northern Kalahari  (Paperback) by Chris McIntyre

A personal, detailed guide to Botswana, its history, culture, attractions and natural history. With color photographs, maps and excellent travel information. This British series of guidebooks is noteworthy for its focus on culture, nature and responsible travel. It covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Northern Kalahari and other popular destinations in detail.

Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia (Paperback)

An informative practical guide to Botswana and its attractions, including nearby Victoria Falls.

Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide (Paperback) by Peter Allison (Author)

Whatever You Do, Don’t Run is a hilarious collection of true tales from top ­safari guide Peter Allison. In a place where the wrong behavior could get you eaten, Allison has survived face-to-face encounters with big cats, angry ­elephants, and the world’s most unpredictable animals—herds of untamed tourists and foolhardy guides whose outrageous antics sometimes make them even more dangerous than a pride of hungry lions!
 

Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at Amazon.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.



Equitrekking DVD's featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes, available in the Shop section of Equitrekking.com 

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS. 

Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.

Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Season Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

    

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.