There can be few areas as magical as the Okavango Delta, a natural phenomenon unique to Botswana, and we can't think of a better way to explore this water wilderness than from the back of a horse. Spotting game while riding adds a whole new aspect to game viewing as you blend with landscape and become part of the natural habitat. In this seven-night itinerary, days in the saddle are offset by occasional game drives and canoe trips to enhance the chances of excellent game viewing as well as giving you time to relax between rides.
BOTSWANA RIDING SAFARI
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the renowned Okavango Delta
- Riding through waterways and across floodplains
- Canter alongside wild antelope and zebra
- Comfortable, traditional tented camps in the wilderness
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in the Okavango Delta
On arrival in Maun you will be met by the Okavango Horse Safaris team and transferred by helicopter straight into to Kujwana Camp, a journey of 25 minutes. You’ll have time to settle in and have lunch before an introductory talk this afternoon. You’ll be given a demonstration of the tack and advised on the safety aspects of game viewing whilst riding. You’ll then be taken for an hour or two’s orientation ride.
Overnight: Kujwana Camp
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Day 2 Riding around Xudum
Early morning, just as it starts getting light and while the air is cool, is the best time for game viewing when animals are at their most active. You’ll be woken about an hour before sunrise each day. After breakfast, head out into the Xudum area to wade through the lush waterways from island to island, surprising reedbucks and perhaps chancing upon herds of lechwe zebra as the move across more open spaces. Lunch will be taken at camp followed by time to relax and perhaps have a nap in the heat of the day. This afternoon, enjoy a game drive rounded off with sundowners and a night drive back to camp for a delicious three-course meal.
Overnight: Kujwana Camp
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Day 3 Ride from Kujwana to Mokolwane
Today you leave Kujwana and head to Mokolwane Camp with a total riding distance of around 30km. Open floodplains are interspersed with islands scattering towards the Matsebe river system populated by a large variety of game. Break for a picnic lunch in a shady island spot and again have time to relax on camp beds or take a dip in the cooling delta waters. After a further two hours of riding arrive at Mokolwane Camp and enjoy a refreshing cocktail or beer as you watch the sun set over the floodplain. Tonight you should have some wonderful opportunities for stargazing.
Overnight: Mokolowane Camp
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Day 4 Game drive and ride
Give your legs and the horse a rest this morning and head out on a game drive around the Matsebe river system with its open floodplains and Mokolwane palms, which are a delicacy for elephants and baboons. You should also see plenty of antelope. An alternative morning activity is a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) trip along the river to enjoy the delta in utter peace and tranquillity. Re-unite with your mount this afternoon for a two to three-hour ride until sunset.
Overnight: Mokolowane Camp
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Day 5 Ride from Mokolwane to Kujwana
You have a full day back in the saddle today as you ride back to Kujwana Camp with a picnic lunch en-route. You'll cover around 35kms with a four-hour ride in the morning and a further two hours in the afternoon moving through a variety of game areas and fording the Xudum River at numerous points following hippo channels. Arrive back at Kujwana Camp in time for sunset.
Overnight: Kujwana Camp
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Day 6 Ride around Kujwana
Light out this morning in a different direction through dense riverine forest and across shaded rain pans, the ideal geography to possibly track a breeding herd of elephant. Break for elevenses by a hippo pool before entering more open areas where you may be lucky enough to pick up a herd of buffalo. Return to camp for lunch and perhaps spend the afternoon relaxing on a mokoro as you are poled through the crystal clear waterways.
Overnight: Kujwana Camp
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Day 7 Ride to Baobab Island
A final full morning's ride to explore the western baobab area where small islands linked by numerous hippos channels lead you towards Baobab Island. This is a breeding ground for the beautiful carmine bee-eater and an excellent habitat for cheetah as well as more general game viewing.
Overnight: Kujwana Camp
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Day 8 Depart
If flight times permit, have a final morning ride before transferring back to Maun for your onward international flight.
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Depart
| Low | $ 6,746 |
| Mid | $ 7,873 |
| High | $ 9,410 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Per person based on two people sharing a room.
- An intermediate level of riding experience is recommended for this itinerary.
- Most riding outfits provide horses that can cater for a maximum weight of 90 kilograms (14 stone). Please discuss with our specialists if you require a higher weight limit.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Return helicopter transfers between Maun and Kujwana.
- All meals and drinks (excluding premium brands).
- Fully guided riding and game viewing programme as detailed.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Items of a personal nature such as gratuities (discretionary).
- Visas (if required).
- Travel insurance.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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