Botswana ~ African Horseback Safaris

Horse riding holidays in Botswana

Botswana's Okavango Delta, with its vast network of waterways, open floodplain and seasonal lagoons, is a haven for animal and spectacular birdlife and a wonderland to explore on a horse. These horse safaris are run from Macatoo tented camp, a luxurious base that is wonderfully situated on a palm island overlooking grassy floodplains and secluded from all but the colourful birds and multitude of game which wanders freely all around.

Days on safari are spent exploring the palm islands, floodplain and mopane forest, cantering across open grassland with wildly erratic wildebeest or splashing through shallows alongside elegant giraffe, an experience of indescribable exhilaration that little can match. On longer safaris, a day ride one day will take you to a temporary 'fly' camp to explore a new area and on other days you might try fishing for Okavango bream from a mokoro canoe, a game drive to see hyena and lion at night or a leisurely afternoon walk.

Safaris are possible for 4 to 10 nights with 7 nights or more recommended to fully enjoy the area. The camp is open year round.

Summary

Riding: 4-6 hours a day.

Horses: Arab crosses, TB crosses, Hanoverian crosses.

Pace: moderate, with good chances for long canters.

Riding ability: confident intermediate to experienced riders.

Weight limit: 95kg (15 stone).

Accommodation: 5∆+ camping.

Group size: max 12 in camp, usually 6 to ride.

For African Horseback Safari testimonials click here

The horses include Arab crosses, Hanovarians, Kalahari crosses and part Thoroughbreds. They are between about 14.2hh and 16.2hh, are well schooled, sensible, responsive and forward going to ride. Grooms look after the horses on safari and prepare them for rides. Tack is either English with some McClellan style saddles used. Groups are a maximum of 12 guests, split into groups of not more than 6 to ride.

Hours: There is usually about 4 to 6 hours riding a day, riding out from camp or to fly camp. Rides are broken with rests, for lunch and game viewing.

Pace and experience required: To join a safari you must be a fairly experienced rider who is comfortable riding at all paces from a walk to fast canter in open country. You will be riding in a varied, open area where there is big game including elephant and lion. The going on the safaris is good, there are places for long canters and you will enjoy it more if you are riding fit. If in doubt about ability please contact us.

Accommodation on these safaris is in a very comfortable semi-permanent tented base camp, which sleeps up to 12 guests and on some nights at simpler 'fly' camps (the name comes from the days when you moved your fly sheet off your permanent tent to make a temporary camp). The base camp is raised on teak decking, has 6 spacious double / twin walk-in safari tents with beds, tables, chairs and linen provided. Each tent has its own bathroom with hot shower and flush loo. There is a small plunge pool in camp and always plenty of staff. Service is excellent. Fly camps are simpler, with shared showers and shared long drop loos.

Rates 2010	Rates are charged per night and there are different rates for different seasons - also see special offers below: £340 per person per night standard season (standard season - January to April and November & December) £380 per person per night in the mid season (mid season - May, June, July & October) £420 per person per night peak season (peak season - August & September)
Example Inclusive Rates:	7 night safari in peak season - £3240 per person 7 night safari in mid season - £2960 per person 7 night safari in standard season - £2680 per person (include return charters from / to Maun) NB - From 1st June to 15th July the cost of charter charges to / from camp has been waived so no charter costs apply during these dates.
	Rates include - charter flights between Maun and the camp (based on two sharing), all riding and other activities such as bird walks and night drives, accommodation in twin safari tents (two sharing), meals and all drinks (except champagne).
	Rates exclude - international flights to Maun, personal medical insurance (compulsory), single supplements, visa fees and personal items such as tips. A single supplement of £210 per night peak season, £190 per night mid season, £170 per night standard season is charged for single travellers who wish to guarantee a single tent and are not prepared to share a twin tent if necessary.
Dates 2010	on request throughout the season for 4 to 10 nights; safaris usually start on a Friday and 7 or 10 nights is generally recommended.
Season:	year round

The meeting point is Maun in Botswana. We will arrange private charter transfers from there to the horse safari camp. To fly to Maun from London it is usually easiest to go to Johannesburg and to take a connecting flight from there to Maun. British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin all have direct flights from London to Johannesburg, departing every evening. Air Botswana have daily flights between Johannesburg and Maun. For an economy return flight from London, budget around £750 to £900 (fares vary with seasons).

Example Itinerary (7 night safari)

Day 1	You will be 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 taken on a game drive of about an hour or so to camp, fording seasonal waters and looking out for game as you go. Lunch when you arrive in camp, before meeting the horses and a late afternoon ride to try them. Dinner and overnight 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 breakfasts and barbecue lunches out riding or returning to camp for lunch, a game drive or to try a mokoro. On one day, a long ride to a 'fly' camp is followed by 2 nights in a new part of the Delta.
Day 8	An early morning game ride then return to camp for brunch before your transfer to the airstrip for your onward charter to Maun. Own arrangements to fly on from Maun.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions