Botswana, Okavango Delta ~ African Horseback Safaris
3 to 10 nights (7 nights recommended) from a private safari camp in the Okavango Delta, available year round. Suitable for confident intermediate riders and above, with non-riders welcome.
Where Operating from the lovely Macatoo tented camp in the Okavango Delta. Wonderfully situated on a secluded palm island overlooking the Delta's grassy floodplain, a 25 minute charter flight over remote bush, from the safari hub town, Maun.
What is it like The Okavango Delta is a beautiful, pristine mix of flat, grassy floodplain, palm tree 'islands' and mopane forest all interspersed (when the flood is high) with a network of water channels and lakes. It is protected from domestic animals and development and is one of the world's foremost wildlife habitats, boasting huge numbers of elephant, large herds of buffalo, numerous species of antelope, zebra, giraffe, all the cats, hyena, crocodiles, hippo, monkeys, baboons, warthogs... the list goes on. Macatoo is a privately operated tented safari camp that blends seemlessly in this beautiful, remote setting whilst offering a high level of comfort and service.
Who does it suit Intermediate riders and above, who are confident and secure to ride in a remote, unfenced area with 'big' (and potentially dangerous) game. Really good quality, fun riding with plenty of excitement on offer, but also options for game drives, afternoons relaxing in a mokoro canoe (water level allowing), bird watching or just taking 'time out'. Strong child riders of 12yrs or over and non-riders are welcome. Its friendly and sociable, an excellent option for couples, families or mixed groups of riders and non-riders. (See detailed information for non-riding activity options and contact us for advice).
Why we love it A welcoming, convivial and extremely comfortable camp with staff who care that you have the best time. Its in a superb situation for game; has horses for the discerning and always plenty of action and thrills, whilst getting the balance between activity and relaxation, just right. Safaris aren't an endurance test, you feel very well looked after but the safari experience stays very real. The camp atmosphere is always fun. You will want to go back!
SUMMARY
Riding: around 6 hours a day, usually 3-4 hours in the morning, broken up with refreshment stops, and 1 ½ - 2 hours in the late afternoon
Horses: South African Boerperd cross, Namibian Hanovarians, Arabs, TBs and Arab crosses as well as one or two weight carrying Percheron crosses
Pace: moderate, with good chances for long canters
Riding ability: confident intermediate to experienced riders
Weight limit: 95kgs (15 stone)
Accommodation: 5∆+ camping
Group size: max 16 in camp (normally limited to 12 at any one time), rides are limited to a maximum of 8 guests
Season: year round
Price: 7 night safaris from £4070 per person (pricing is seasonal)
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: There are around 50 horses at Macatoo, all between about 14hh and 17.2hh. They include South African Boerperd crosses, Namibian Hanovarians, Arabs, TBs and Arab crosses as well as one or two weight carrying Percheron crosses. They are well mannered, responsive and forward going to ride, Grooms are on hand at all times, looking after the horses at camp. Saddles are English GP Wintecs, with a few (limited) 'Maclellans' available on request. Rides are limited to a maximum of 8 guests - when there are more guests in camp, riding is in two groups (and if there are less, riders may still be split according to wishes and ability).
Hours: Up to 6 hours a day, usually around 4 hours in the morning, broken up with refreshment stops and 1 ½ to 2 hours in the late afternoon.
Pace and experience required: Riders must be of a good intermediate riding level or above, well balanced, comfortable and secure on a well schooled horse at all paces from walk to fast canter in open, unfenced country. You should be confident of riding at all paces with a group of horses. Riding is in a varied, open area where 'big' game, including elephant and lion, wanders freely. The going underfoot is usually good but it is important to ride with awareness of, and the flexibility to adjust to, changing terrain and surroundings; there are places for long, energetic canters and you will enjoy a safari much more if you are riding fit. If in doubt about ability please contact us.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in 8 spacious, walk-in twin or double bedded safari tents, each with attached shower room with hot shower and flush loo. Tents are large and airy, raised on teak decking, well secluded and each has its own private veranda. They have proper beds with comfortable mattresses, cotton sheets, duvets, and solar powered electric lights (the camp is remote with limited mobile and wifi signal). There is a honeymoon tent, complete with bath under the stars on a larger private veranda, where couples can also have a special private dinner and a ‘family & friends suite’, two tents linked by a walkway above ground for direct, easy access between parents and children. The camp has a spacious central mess tent with sofas to relax on, a small plunge pool with sun beds, dinner is served at a candelit table under the stars, the atmosphere is convivial and service excellent and always welcoming.
RATES & DATES
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Rates 2024 |
£585 per person per night sharing Standard Season |
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Rates include - all riding and other available safari activities such as bird walks and game drives, accommodation in twin bedded safari tents, all meals, house drinks (including alcohol except premium wines & champagnes), Concession fees, government taxes, emergency medical evacuation, laundry and ironing service |
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Dates 2024 |
On request throughout the season for 3 to 10 nights; 7 nights is generally recommended |
Average temperature guide
ITINERARY
Example Itinerary (7 night safari)
| Day 1 | Met in Maun and shown to the charter flight that will fly you 25 minutes or so into the Delta. Collected at the airstrip and a game drive of about 45 minutes to camp, fording seasonal waters and looking for game as you go. Late lunch or tea in camp, meet the horses and a late afternoon ride to try them. Dinner and night in camp. |
| Days 2-7 | Six days to explore the floodplain, palm islands and lagoons of the Okavango Delta by horse. There will be early morning, full day and evening rides, stopping along the way to watch the abundant game and birds, for picnic lunches or return to camp for lunch, a game drive or to try a mokoro canoe. |
| Day 8 | Early morning game ride, return to camp to freshen up before transferring to the airstrip for onward charter to Maun. Own arrangements to fly on from Maun. |
| For more detailed itinerary, answers to questions and availability contact info@rideworldwide.com / tel (+44) (0)1837 82544 / 825440 |
TRAVEL
Safari meeting point is Maun in Botswana. Transfers from Maun are by air charter (about 25 minutes, subject to stops en-route) to the airstrip closest to camp followed by a game drive (or depending on water level, boat trip). The best way to travel from London is generally via Johannesburg in South Africa - there are no direct flights London to Maun. Travelling from London, you should plan to take an overnight flight to Johannesburg. Once in Johannesburg, you take an Air Botswana or South African Airlink flight onto Maun. On the return, daily flights from Maun to Johannesburg connect with overnight return flights to London. Please call us for more flight information, a quote for a flight inclusive holiday or if you would like us to book your flights. Our ATOL number for flight bookings is 6213.
