Botswana, Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert ~ Ride Botswana
Safaris in the Okavango Delta, either using a lightweight camp which can be moved to a different location, or based from a semi-permanent 'fixed' camp. Safaris from the fixed camp can also be combined with a few nights in the Kalahari Desert to make a Delta & Desert Safari. Suitable for intermediate riders and above. Non-riding groups also welcome.
Where Ride Botswana's base is in the south eastern part of the Okavango Delta where, uniquely amongst riding safari operators in Botswana, it offers Delta safaris that use a non-permanent, lightweight safari camp, the location of which can change and as an alternative for those who prefer (or want more flexibilty with dates and activities), riding from the semi-permanent Cha Cha Metsi camp. For riders wanting to see another side to Botswana, a few days safari at Cha Cha Metsi can be combined with a stay in central Botswana's Kalahari desert, exploring the glistening white moonscape of the Magadikgadi saltpans.
What is it like The Okavango Delta is a mix of flat, grassy plain with raised 'islands' of palm trees, thick mopane forest and a network of streams and water channels that branch out from the main Okavango River. When rain falling further north causes the river to burst its banks, water overflows these channels, flooding out over the plains to create vast watermeadows and huge, clear lakes. Protected from domestic cattle on its southern border by the 'Buffalo Fence', the Delta is one of the world's foremost game areas boasting huge numbers and species of game which moves around seasonally, depending on flood levels. Further south in Botswana, in complete contast to the Delta's often lush, green landscape and far beyond the reach of any flood water, are the vast expanses of dry Kalahari desert plains. Within these, the unending white of the Magadikgadi saltpans, an ancient lakebed, is like an empty moonscape, a unique environment - and perfect going for horses!
Who does it suit Intermediate riders and above who are confident and secure to ride in remote, unfenced areas that are open to 'big' (and potentially dangerous) game. Safaris from the lightweight Delta camp are a great choice for any adventurous safari-goer who enjoys the feeling of being immersed in nature. They are purposefully low impact, with minimal use of vehicles and the overall feeling is to leave no trace. For those wanting a broader mix of activities, a little more comfort or who are unsure of their riding fitness, Cha Cha Metsi is a small, privately owned, relaxed but comfortable camp with a welcoming family feel. All safaris are for small groups and the atmosphere is easy going and relaxed. Families with (if wishing to ride) confident, strong child riders aged 12yrs and above are always welcome.
Why we love it For the simplicity and adventure of the lightweight Delta camp, simple but comfortable with everything you need and nothing you don't, set up where there was no human imprint before and will be none after. The feeling of merely passing through to observe nature in its course and that every safari is different; every safari is a new adventure. At Cha Cha Metsi, the offer of game drives, walks and mokoro canoes as well as riding out to explore is hard to resist and if you want to see Botswana's vastly contrasting environments, a Delta & Desert Safari is THE way to do it!
SUMMARY
Riding: 3-6 hours a day
Horses: Boerperd crosses, TB and Arab crosses
Pace: moderate and varied with good chances to canter
Riding ability: confident intermediate to experienced riders
Weight limit: about 95kg (15 stone) but please contact us if your weight is close to this
Accommodation: 4 Δ lightweight, mobile camp; 5 Δ fixed camps
Group size: maximum 8
Season: year round
Price: 7 night safaris from USD 4725 (aaprox £3940) per person
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: Mixed crossbreds, all owned by Ride Botswana. They include Boerperd crosses, Shire/TB crosses and others with Arab, Friesian and Appaloosa blood. They range from around 14.2hh to 16.2hh and are keen, responsive and forward going but sensible to handle, used to game and at home in the bush. Saddles are comfortable Maclellans. Riding groups are up to 8 guests (occasionally more for private groups on request) lead by a professional guide, accompanied by a back-up rider. Grooms are on hand to look after the horses in camps.
Hours: Around 3 to 6 hours riding a day, usually 3 or 4 hours in the morning and 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the evening.
Pace and experience required: Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders, who are comfortable at all paces, from walk to fast canter, in open country and on different types of terrain. You will be riding in a varied, open area where there is 'big' game including elephant and lion so need to be confident of controlling a well-schooled horse at all paces and of keeping up with the group. The ground underfoot is generally good and there are places for long canters. You always need your wits about you, keeping a close eye on signals from your guide and watching out for holes, ditches and game - big and small. You will also enjoy the whole experience much more if you are riding fit. If in any doubt about ability, please contact us.
ACCOMMODATION
In the Delta, safaris use a lightweight 'mobile' camp, carefully located for views and shade, or the semi-permanent Cha Cha Metsi camp. The lightweight camp has walk-in 2 man dome tents, with stretcher beds made up with duvet, pillows and blankets, shared ‘short-drop’ loos and traditional 'bucket and pulley' showers (usually one shower and loo between 2 tents). It is deliberately simple but you have all you need - chairs and tables for meals, solar lamps for lighting, extras such as soap, towels and even ice for your drinks! When the camp is moved, luggage and equipment is transported by vehicle or, if water level allows, by mokoro canoe. Cha Cha Metsi camp is another Delta option, sleeping 12-14 guests in 6 walk-in 'East Africa' style safari tents, raised on decking and each with attached bathroom with shower and flush loo. There is also a central dining and sitting area with views over the Gama Tau lagoon. In the Kalahari, the safari base is usually the very comfortable Camp Kalahari where large walk-in tents, set on decking under thatch, have 'proper' beds and spacious attached bathroom with shower and flush loo. The camp has a large, comfortable sitting and dining area and plunge pool for hot days. Rates assume two sharing and single supplements will be charged to guarantee single occupancy.
RATES & DATES
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Rates 2024 |
Okavango Delta Safari (7 nights) |
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Rates INCLUDE All riding and other safari activities within the itinerary, guiding and equipment, 7 (8 on Delta & Desert) nights camping accommodation, meals (dinner first day to breakfast last), drinks (a selection of soft drinks, local spirits, beer and house wine), group vehicle transfers between the safari start point and Maun airport at set times on the first and last day and emergency evacuation Okavango Air Rescue cover. |
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Dates 2024 |
Okavango Safaris (7 nights) |
Average temperature guide
ITINERARY
Example Itinerary - 7 night Okavango Delta safari (please ask for othet itineraries)
| Day 1 | Meet your guide and other guests at Maun Airport and then a drive of around 30 minutes to the buffalo fence which marks the southern boundary of the Okavango Delta. Horses and the back up team will be waiting here and whilst luggage is transferred to a mokoro canoe or vehicle, mount up and set off riding into the Delta, arriving at camp in time for sundowners. Settle in to your tent and a hot shower followed by a delicious bush dinner, cooked over a log fire. |
| Days 2-7 | Six full days to explore the Delta. Each day’s activity and timetable varies according to the weather, water levels, movement of game and also group wishes - but typically days start with an early wake-up call and light breakfast around the camp fire as day breaks. Then you might mount up for a morning ride, heading out early to track game when it is often most active, enjoying the prolific bird life and cantering across open floodplains. You may return to camp for lunch and a siesta in the shade during the heat of the day and after tea at about 4pm, ride out again, generally at a gentler pace, enjoying the softening early evening light and sounds of the bush. Or perhaps in the afternoon, you'll swap horses for mokoro canoes to explore the Delta's waterways in the traditional manner or head out on foot with your guide, a different but equally wonderful way to get to know the bush. Returning to camp at sun set, there are drinks and hot showers before dinner under the stars or on some days, you may ride to a new camp, set up ahead by the back-up team. Nights camping out in lightweight mobile camps. |
| Day 8 | An early breakfast before mounting up to ride back to the buffalo fence, where your luggage will meet you. Group transfer (about 30 mins) back to Maun airport for your onward travel. |
TRAVEL
The safari meeting point is Maun in Botswana. To fly from London it is usually easiest to go to Johannesburg where you can connect with an onward flight to Maun. British Airways and Virgin have direct flights from London to Johannesburg, departing every evening and arriving early the next day (British Airways timings are usually best, to connect onto Botswana directly). Air Botswana and South African Airlink then have daily flights between Johannesburg and Maun (about 1 hour 40mins flying time). For an Economy return flight from London, budget around £800 to £1200 (fares vary with seasons).
