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. Contact us for first hand information on this trip! We've done it!

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 over 40 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. Riders should be aged 12 years and over and anyone over 60 needs to be riding fit and strong. There is a maximum weight limit of 15 stone, 210lbs or 95kgs. Over this, you will need to enquire, but only if you are an advanced rider.

You must be able to ride to one of the following competence levels:

Experienced - Confident at all paces on almost any horse. Competes or hunts seriously.
Intermediate - Ridden for a number of years. Able to control fit thoroughbreds at all paces.
Competent - Able to control a sensible/quiet horse at all paces and feel confident on such a horse. Balanced in the saddle and able to rise/post to the trot.
 

Packing

Packing for the Okavango Horse Safari

Luggage must be limited to a weight limit of 26 lbs (13 kg) per person, packed in soft bags, so as to fit on the light aircraft. Excess baggage can be stored in the Maun office.

Suggested items:

• a light-weight riding hat
• a shade hat with strap
• Two pairs of light-weight riding shoes (All terrain riding boots work best. Paddock boots will also work well)
• Sunglasses on string, riding gloves and bandana
• Bush color riding clothes (not white):
* 2 pairs of cotton riding trousers.
* 2 long sleeved shirts.
* 1 jersey, fleece or multi- pocketed waistcoat.
* 1 light weight waterproof windbreaker jacket.
• Four pairs sock and underwear (unpadded cycling shorts recommended for men)
• Shorts, T shirts, sarong, bathing suit and sandals
• Sun block, lip salve, insect repellant, talcum powder and malaria pills (consult your doctor)
• Torch and binoculars
• Waterproof camera

Laundry Service:
Macatoo provide a complimentary laundry service, although for hygiene reasons, undergarments are not washed. Laundry detergent will be provided in your room for this purpose.

Please see Equitrekking Travel’s General Packing List for other ideas for what to pack for a horseback riding vacation.
 

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 Mod, 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 sun downers 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 seven luxury 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. Daily 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 will be an afternoon tea and cake to be followed by a 3-Course dinner. All beverages included, within reason.

The Ideal Traveler

An ideal traveler is an intermediate to 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 no more than 7 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. Riders should be 12 years of age and over and anyone over 60 needs to be riding fit and strong. There is a maximum weight limit of 210 lbs or 95kgs.

5 Night Okavango Riding Safari

Dates and Rates for 5 Night Riding Safari

Flexible departure dates are available, so please contact us for availability. 5, 7 and 10 night stays available.

January 1, to December 31, 2012

Standard Rate: Jan, Feb, Mar & Nov, Dec $3,273.53 USD* (1997 GBP)*
Mid Rate: Apr, May, Jun & 16th - 31st Oct $3,699.73 USD* (2257 GBP)*
Peak Rate: Jul, Aug, Sep & 1st - 15th Oct $4,124.29 USD* (2516 GBP)*

Single Supplement of 50% on daily rate will apply if not prepared to share twin-bedded accommodation.

*Prices are subject to fluctuations based on currency conversions. 

Included:
Rates are per person and fully inclusive of all accommodation, activities, meals, beverages (within reason) and VAT.

Not Included:
Visas, travel and medical insurance - which is essential, transport from your home to Maun and return, charter flight from Maun to camp, gratuities for camp staff and guides, purchases from the curio shop.

Flight Transfer Costs:
Flights to Macatoo is a 30 minute scenic flight from Maun or 1½ hours from Kasane (which is located on the Botswana side of Victoria Falls), followed by a game drive/boat trip, depending on water levels. Due to the Kasane flight being longer guests would not be able to ride on their day of departure. Costs are per person one way and include government and airline taxes, which are subject to change.

2012 Rates

Maun-Macatoo Camp $307 USD* (187 GBP)
Kasane- Macatoo Camp $443 USD* (270 GBP)

Single Supplement at 50% of charter cost for lone travellers may apply on charter flights for single travellers.

Green Season Special
50% discount will be offered on charter flights from Maun to Macatoo during Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov and Dec subject to a minimum stay of 7 nights.

*Prices are subject to fluctuations based on currency conversions. 

Description:
While staying at the Macatoo Camp, you will you will experience a sense of freedom on your horse. The riding safaris are exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible to go on fly camps and during cooler months one longer ride may replace the normal morning and evening rides. Due to weather and logistics fly-camping is not possible during rainy season (usually Nov-Feb).

Itinerary:

Below is a sample Itinerary for a 5 night riding safari.

Day One:
On arrival in Maun you will be met at the airport by a member of our team and then transferred from Maun to Macatoo camp by small plane (either a Cessna 206 or 208), giving you a birds eye view of the Okavango Delta. Macatoo camp, that overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon, 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. Back to camp for another brilliant lunch outside with the guides, if you're lucky it might be our famous chicken pie, and there's usually some wine to encourage a little nap before tea. The evening ride is deliberately slower-paced for safety reasons 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 enjoy. A sundowner gin and tonic can be enjoyed out in the bush before riding back to camp to freshen up. There's no guarantee that dinner is always eaten in the same place...

Day Three:
Wake up as normal with freshly-brewed coffee or tea and depending on your whim, either ride out again (perhaps to find the rare semi-aquatic antelope, the red lechwe), or join one of our guided walks, game drives or perhaps a spot of fishing for bream from the boat? The riders and non-riders can meet up for a delicious champagne breakfast under one of the large baobab trees. After lunch take the opportunity to relax and either swim in the pool or sort out your digital photos. Homemade tea and cake is followed by the 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 brings you that much closer.

Day Four:
We ride through different country, making our way through clouds of bushman hair grass to plains dotted with fig trees. We might encounter giraffe or shyer antelope while passing through mophane woodlands. Our pace increases as we break out onto the flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons. Return to camp for an afternoon of leisure, or the possibility of hiring a helicopter for an hour to gain access to remote and otherwise totally inaccessible parts of the delta with spectacular photographic results. Finish off the day with a spot-lit night drive.

Day Five:
Your last full day's riding in this magical place takes you cantering through the shallow flood plains, admiring the deeper pools of lilies. Here, the Cape buffalo can gather in large numbers (anything between a dozen and 2000 individuals) and we have to creep up on them using the islands as cover. The evening offers a last quiet ride with memorable smells of wild sage and the warm African dust as the sun goes down on your chilled Savannah Dry or Sauvignon Blanc. Your farewell dinner will be a memorable one with another surprise location in store.

Day Six:
Sadly, it's time for your last wake-up call and final ride; we will go along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains. We'll maybe take a final exhilarating gallop and run with the game before returning to camp, lunch and perhaps a few tears as you say goodbye to your favourite horse and we send you off on your next adventure.

* Please note this Horseback Safari is exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible to go on fly camps and during cooler months one longer ride may replace the normal morning and evening rides. This outfitter reserves the right to alter the itinerary in any way and leaves this to the discretion of the guides. Local weather conditions may also affect game movements.

5 Night Okavango Safari for Non-Riders

Dates and Rates for 5 Night Safari

Flexible departure dates are available, so please contact us for availability. 5, 7 and 10 night stays available.

January 1, to December 31, 2012
10% discount will be offered on the daily rate for any non-riding partner joining a safari. Non-riding activities include Game Drives, Boat Trips, Mokoro, Fishing, Bird Watching and Game Walks (all activities are subject to water levels) 

Standard Rate: Jan, Feb, Mar & Nov, Dec $3,273.53 USD* (1997 GBP)* Non-riders take 10% off.
Mid Rate: Apr, May, Jun & 16th - 31st Oct $3,699.73 USD* (2257 GBP)* Non-riders take 10% off.
Peak Rate: Jul, Aug, Sep & 1st - 15th Oct $4,124.29 USD* (2516 GBP)* Non-riders take 10% off.

Single Supplement at 50% of daily rate if not prepared to share twin-bedded accommodation.

*Prices are subject to fluctuations based on currency conversions. 

Included:
Rates are per person and fully inclusive of all accommodation, activities, meals, beverages (within reason) and VAT.

Not Included:
Visas, travel and medical insurance - which is essential, transport from your home to Maun and return, charter flight from Maun to camp, gratuities for camp staff and guides, purchases from the curio shop.

Flight Transfer Costs:
The flight costs to Macatoo camp as indicated below include your meet and greet in Maun/Kasane and road/boat transfer from the airstrip to Macatoo Camp. It is a 30 minute scenic flight from Maun or 1 ½ hours from Kasane (which is located on the Botswana side of Victoria Falls), followed by a game drive/boat trip, depending on water levels. Costs are per person one way and include government and airline taxes, which are subject to change:

2012 Rates
Maun-Macatoo Camp $307 USD* (187 GBP)
Kasane- Macatoo Camp $443 USD* (270 GBP)

Single Supplement at 50% of charter cost for lone travellers may apply on charter flights for single travellers.

*Prices are subject to fluctuations based on currency conversions.

Description:
While staying at the Macatoo Camp, you will you will experience a sense of freedom on your horse. The riding safaris are exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible to go on fly camps and during cooler months one longer ride may replace the normal morning and evening rides. Due to weather and logistics fly-camping is not possible during rainy season (usually Nov-Feb).

Itinerary:

Below is a sample Itinerary for a 5 night safari for non-riders.

Day One:
On arrival in Maun you will be met at the airport by a member of our team and then transferred from Maun to Macatoo camp by small plane (either a Cessna 206 or 208), giving you a birds eye view of the Okavango Delta. Macatoo camp, that overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon, 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 game drive. 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 set off to explore your surroundings. Depending on the season this may be either by boat or game drive vehicle. Travel through narrow channels flanked by tall grasses where the kingfishers and African Fish Eagles find perches to fish from. You might encounter giraffe or shyer antelope such as reedbuck while moving through these areas. The deep, lily-studded lagoons, offer excellent fishing so use the opportunity to cast your lines for bream and catfish. Back to camp for another brilliant open air lunch with the guides, if you're lucky it might be our famous chicken pie, and there's usually some wine to encourage a little nap before tea. Afternoon activities are leisurely and include mokoro trips (the dug out canoes used by the local fishermen of the Delta) that enables you to travel over the flooded seas of grass. This is the ideal opportunity to ask questions and take photographs. Crocodile sightings are not infrequent, the bird-life is some of the best in the world and towards sunset there is often hippo interaction to enjoy. A sundowner gin and tonic can be enjoyed out in the bush before heading back to camp to freshen up. There's no guarantee that dinner is always eaten in the same place.

Day Three:
Wake up as normal with freshly-brewed coffee or tea before setting off on foot to investigate the island - perhaps to find lion on a kill or a pack of wild dog returning from a night's hunting. While using the seas of tall grass or cathedral-like termite mounds for cover follow giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, buffalo or whatever's out there. The riders and non-riders can meet up for a delicious champagne breakfast under one of the large baobab trees. After lunch take the opportunity to relax and either swim in the pool or sort out your digital photos. Homemade tea and cake is followed by an evening drive to our bridge and cast for bream and catfish while elephants often gather on the edges of the riverbanks. As dusk closes in we return to camp to have drinks around the fire and catch up on everyone's adventures of the day.

Day Four:
Why not take the boat in a south-easterly direction taking you through different country, following the major channels which meander around palm and fig tree islands. Quietly moor the boat, with the hope of finding breeding herds of elephant with their intricate social structures between the boisterous youngsters who are always overlooked by the protective matriarch. If you're lucky you might find them taking a dust-bath, rolling and spraying the dust, until they become almost ghostly with their white sand dusting. In the shade of the Big Baobabs unpack your refreshments while troops of baboons entertain you with their antics as they gather seeds and play in the trees. 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 with spectacular photographic results. Finish off the day with a night drive by spotlight, where the resident clan of hyena are often spotted. Bushbabies leap from branch to branch through the terminalia and acacia trees - only seen by the brights of their eyes. If lucky, the spotlight will pick up the glint of a leopard's sultry stare...

Day Five:
For our last full day we take the boat to one of the deeper pools to see what we can catch for our final dinner. The journey takes us to a favourite haunt of elephant, buffalo and hippo, which wallow and thrash in the mud on the periphery of the pool - a spectacular display as you enjoy your picnic lunch. The evening offers a last opportunity to take a drive with memorable smells of wild sage and the warm African dust as the sun goes down on your chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Your farewell dinner will be a memorable one with another surprise location in store.

Day Six:
For your final drive, we will go along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains dotted with the now familiar outlines of the wildlife. We return to camp for lunch and perhaps a few tears as you say goodbye and we send you off on your next adventure.

* This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible to go on fly camps. This outfitter reserves the right to alter the itinerary in any way and leaves this to the discretion of the guides. Local weather conditions may also affect game movements. 

7 night Okavango Riding Safari

Dates and Rates for 7 Night Riding Safari

Flexible departure dates are available, so please contact us for availability. 5, 7 and 10 night stays available.

January 1, to December 31, 2012

Standard Rate: Jan, Feb, Mar & Nov, Dec $4,583.63 USD* (2796 GBP)
Mid Rate: Apr, May, Jun & 16th - 31st Oct $5,178.72 USD* (3159 GBP)
Peak Rate: Jul, Aug, Sep & 1st - 15th Oct $5,773.44 USD* (3522 GBP)

Single Supplement at 50% of daily rate if not prepared to share twin-bedded accommodation.

*Prices are subject to fluctuations based on currency conversions. 

Included:
Rates are per person and fully inclusive of all accommodation, activities, meals, beverages (within reason) and VAT.

Not Included:
Visas, travel and medical insurance - which is essential, transport from your home to Maun and return, charter flight from Maun to camp, gratuities for camp staff and guides, purchases from the curio shop.

Flight Transfer Costs:
Flights to Macatoo is a 30 minute scenic flight from Maun or 1½ hours from Kasane (which is located on the Botswana side of Victoria Falls), followed by a game drive/boat trip, depending on water levels. Due to the Kasane flight being longer guests would not be able to ride on their day of departure. Costs are per person one way and include government and airline taxes, which are subject to change.

2012 Rates
Maun-Macatoo Camp $307 USD* (187 GBP)
Kasane- Macatoo Camp $443 USD* (270 GBP)

Single Supplement at 50% of charter cost for lone travellers may apply on charter flights for single travellers.

Green Season Special
50% discount will be offered on charter flights from Maun to Macatoo during Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov and Dec subject to a minimum stay of 7 nights.

*Prices are subject to fluctuations based on currency conversions. 

Description:
While staying at the Macatoo Camp, you will you will experience a sense of freedom on your horse. The riding safaris are exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible to go on fly camps and during cooler months one longer ride may replace the normal morning and evening rides. Due to weather and logistics fly-camping is not possible during rainy season (usually Nov-Feb).

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 by a member of our team and then transferred from Maun to Macatoo camp by small plane (either a Cessna 206 or 208), giving you a birds eye view of the Okavango Delta. Macatoo camp, that overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon, 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. Back to camp for another brilliant lunch outside with the guides, if you're lucky it might be our famous chicken pie, and there's usually some wine to encourage a little nap before tea. The evening ride is deliberately slower-paced for safety reasons 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 enjoy. A sundowner gin and tonic can be enjoyed out in the bush before riding back to camp to freshen up. There's no guarantee that dinner is always eaten in the same place...

Day Three:
Wake up as normal with freshly-brewed coffee or tea and depending on your whim, either ride out again (perhaps to find the rare semi-aquatic antelope, the red lechwe), or join one of our guided walks, game drives or perhaps a spot of fishing for bream from the boat? The riders and non-riders can meet up for a delicious champagne breakfast under one of the large baobab trees. After lunch take the opportunity to relax and either swim in the pool or sort out your digital photos. Homemade tea and cake is followed by the 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 brings you that much closer.

Day Four:
We ride through different country, making our way through clouds of bushman hair grass to plains dotted with fig trees. We might encounter giraffe or shyer antelope while passing through mophane woodlands. Our pace increases as we break out onto the flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons. Return to camp for an afternoon of leisure, or the possibility of hiring a helicopter for an hour to gain access to remote and otherwise totally inaccessible parts of the delta with spectacular photographic results. Finish off the day with a night drive by spotlight, where the resident clan of hyena are often spotted. Bushbabies leap from branch to branch through the terminalia and acacia trees – only seen by the brights of their eyes. If lucky, the spotlight will pick up the glint of a leopard’s sultry stare…

Day Five:
This morning we ride 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 we'll do a slower ride to our magical tree house where you will have the option to spend the night out, 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 Six:
After waking up amongst the trees to the call of the African Fish Eagle, the next morning we splash through water on the vast open plains, home to blue wildebeeste and Burchell's zebra. The riding may be fast as we approach deep reedy areas full of bird life including open-billed storks, squacco herons, slaty egrets, egyptian geese and many more. We return to Macatoo along the myriad of waterways lined with large trees for a hearty lunch with the option of a night drive, mokoro or boating trip for all.

Day Seven:
Your last full day's riding in this magical place takes you cantering through the shallow flood plains, admiring the deeper pools of lilies. Here, the Cape Buffalo can gather in large numbers (anything between a dozen and 2000 individuals) and we have to creep up on them using the islands as cover. The evening offers a last quiet ride with memorable smells of wild sage and the warm African dust as the sun goes down on your chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Your farewell dinner will be a memorable one with another surprise location in store.

Day Eight:
For your final ride, we will go along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains. We'll maybe take a final exhilarating gallop and run with the game before returning to camp, lunch and perhaps a few tears as you say goodbye to your favourite horse and we send you off on your next adventure.

* Please note this Horseback Safari is exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible to go on fly camps and during cooler months one longer ride may replace the normal morning and evening rides. This outfitter reserves the right to alter the itinerary in any way and leaves this to the discretion of the guides. Local weather conditions may also affect game movements. 

7 Night Okavango Safari for Non-Riders

Dates and Rates for 7 Night Safari for Non-Riders

Flexible departure dates are available, so please contact us for availability. 5, 7 and 10 night stays available. 

January 1, to December 31, 2012
10% discount will be offered on the daily riding rate for any non-riding partner joining a safari. Non-riding activities include Game Drives, Boat Trips, Mokoro, Fishing, Bird Watching and Game Walks (all activities are subject to water levels)

Standard Rate: Jan, Feb, Mar & Nov, Dec $4,583.63 USD* (2796 GBP) Non-riders take 10% off.
Mid Rate: Apr, May, Jun & 16th - 31st Oct $5,178.72 USD* (3159 GBP) Non-riders take 10% off.
Peak Rate: Jul, Aug, Sep & 1st - 15th Oct $5,773.44 USD* (3522 GBP) Non-riders take 10% off.

*Prices are subject to fluctuations based on currency conversions. 

Included:
Rates are per person and fully inclusive of all accommodation, activities, meals, beverages (within reason) and VAT.

Not Included:
Visas, travel and medical insurance - which is essential, transport from your home to Maun and return, charter flight from Maun to camp, gratuities for camp staff and guides, purchases from the curio shop.

Flight Transfer Costs:
The flight costs to Macatoo camp as indicated below include your meet and greet in Maun/Kasane and road/boat transfer from the airstrip to Macatoo Camp. It is a 30 minute scenic flight from Maun or 1 ½ hours from Kasane (which is located on the Botswana side of Victoria Falls), followed by a game drive/boat trip, depending on water levels. Costs are per person one way and include government and airline taxes, which are subject to change:

2012 Rates
Maun-Macatoo Camp $307 USD* (187 GBP)
Kasane- Macatoo Camp $443 USD* (270 GBP)

Single Supplement at 50% of charter cost for lone travellers may apply on charter flights for single travellers.

*Prices are subject to fluctuations based on currency conversions. 

Description:
This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible to go on fly camps. Due to weather and logistics fly-camping is not possible during rainy season (usually Nov-Feb).

Itinerary:

Below is a sample Itinerary for a 7 night safari for non-riders.

Day One: On arrival in Maun you will be met at the airport by a member of our team and then transferred from Maun to Macatoo camp by small plane (either a Cessna 206 or 208), giving you a birds eye view of the Okavango Delta. Macatoo camp, that overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon, 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 game drive. You return to camp for a hot shower and candle-lit safari dinner.

Day Two: Wake up with a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast with homemade toast and muesli, then set off to explore your surroundings. Depending on the season this may be either by boat or game drive vehicle. Travel through narrow channels flanked by tall grasses where the kingfishers and African Fish Eagles find perches to fish from. You might encounter giraffe or shyer antelope such as reedbuck while moving through these areas. The deep, lily-studded lagoons, offer excellent fishing so use the opportunity to cast your lines for bream and catfish. Back to camp for another brilliant open air lunch with the guides, if you're lucky it might be our famous chicken pie, and there's usually some wine to encourage a little nap before tea. Afternoon activities are leisurely and include mokoro trips (the dug out canoes used by the local fishermen of the Delta) that enables you to travel over the flooded seas of grass. This is the ideal opportunity to ask questions and take photographs. Crocodile sightings are not infrequent, the bird-life is some of the best in the world and towards sunset there is often hippo interaction to enjoy. A sundowner can be enjoyed out in the bush before heading back to camp to freshen up. There's no guarantee that dinner is always eaten in the same place...

Day Three: Wake up as normal with freshly-brewed coffee or tea before setting off on foot to investigate the island - perhaps to find lion on a kill or a pack of wild dog returning from a night’s hunting. While using the seas of tall grass or cathedral-like termite mounds for cover follow giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, buffalo or whatever's out there. The riders and non-riders can meet up for a delicious champagne breakfast under one of the large baobab trees. After lunch take the opportunity to relax and either swim in the pool read a book or organise your photos. Homemade tea and cake is followed by an evening drive to our bridge and cast for bream and catfish while elephants often gather on the edges of the riverbanks. As dusk closes in we return to camp to have drinks around the fire and catch up on everyone’s adventures of the day.

Day Four: Why not take the boat in a south-easterly direction taking you through different country, following the major channels which meander around palm and fig tree islands.

Quietly moor the boat, with the hope of finding breeding herds of elephant with their intricate social structures between the boisterous youngsters who are always overlooked by the protective matriarch. If you’re lucky you might find them taking a dust-bath, rolling and spraying the dust, until they become almost ghostly with their white sand dusting. In the shade of the Big Baobabs unpack your refreshments while troops of baboons entertain you with their antics as they gather seeds and play in the trees. 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 with spectacular photographic results. Finish off the day with a night drive by spotlight, where the resident clan of hyena are often spotted. Bushbabies leap from branch to branch through the terminalia and acacia trees – only seen by the brights of their eyes. If lucky, the spotlight will pick up the glint of a leopard’s sultry stare…

Day Five: This morning we ride 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 we'll go for a lazy boat ride to our magical tree house where you will have the option to spend the night out, 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 Six: After waking up amongst the trees to the call of the African Fish Eagle, we set off on a game drive stopping en-route to capture antelope, zebra, giraffe and elephant on film as we see them splash through the water crossings we will ford by vehicle. Moving along the tracks, which skirt the open floodplains, offers the opportunity to view the semi-aquatic red lechwe as they thunder through the water meadows. Then head back to Macatoo for a hearty lunch with the option of a night drive, mokoro or boating trip for all.

Day Seven: For our last full day we take the boat to one of the deeper pools to see what we can catch for our final dinner. The journey takes us to a favourite haunt of elephant, buffalo and hippo, which wallow and thrash in the mud on the periphery of the pool – a spectacular display as you enjoy your picnic lunch. The evening offers a last opportunity to take a drive with memorable smells of wild sage and the warm African dust as the sun goes down on your chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Your farewell dinner will be a memorable one with another surprise location in store.

Day Eight: For your final drive, we will go along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains dotted with the now familiar outlines of the wildlife. We return to camp for lunch and perhaps a few tears as you say goodbye and we send you off on your next adventure. 

* Please note this Horseback Safari is exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible to go on fly camps and during cooler months one longer ride may replace the normal morning and evening rides. This outfitter reserves the right to alter the itinerary in any way and leaves this to the discretion of the guides. Local weather conditions may also affect game movements.  

Special Ride with Legendary Equestrian Lucinda Green

The legendary British equestrian Lucinda Green is coming to Botswana to join travelers on the Botswana Okavango Delta Safari. Lucinda is to host a group at Macatoo Camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta for seven nights.

Lucinda's spectacular eventing achievements combined with the fact that she is great fun, make her a fantastic safari companion for any prospective travelers. She's a record six-time Badminton winner and in 1984 took home team silver at Los Angeles Olympic Games and 6th Individually.

Dates & Rates

Nov 30,  2012 to Dec 7, 2012 (7 nights) 

$5,133 USD* (3320 GBP) per person sharing fully inclusive including flights from Maun to camp

Please contact us for more information or to reserve this special trip!

Note: Prices subject to fluctuations based on currency conversions. This offer is subject to a minimum of 6 bookigs for the safari by the end of Sept 2012. Thereafter if there are insufficient bookings, clients will be given the option to cancel or revert to our standard safari package.

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.