Okavango horseback safari

With over 450 000 acres of pure Okavango magic to explore, a horseback safari in the delta is one of the most exciting African holidays.

Led by knowledgeable guides, guests are able to explore this wilderness paradise on calm, experienced horses. On these exhilarating rides you become part of the herd alongside big game, such as giraffe, zebra and elephant.

You have the option to curate your days according to how much riding you want to do. For example, morning rides tend to be long as you explore different landscapes and terrain and search for new animals. While in the afternoon, enjoy spectacular sunsets from the top of a termite mount or the cool of the river.

However, there are plenty of options to explore out of the saddle. And of course the camp gladly accommodates non-riding partners and families. All of the regular activities associated with an Okavango delta safari are available. Game drives offer the opportunity to follow and track big game such as lions, which would normally be avoided on horseback. And in the Okavango, mokoro safaris, fishing and motorboat safaris are popular when the flood is in, between May and July.

Highlights

Splash

through the crystal waters of the delta

Smell

the pungent bush

Feel

the exhilaration of galloping alongside herds of zebra

Make

memories and lifelong friends

Experiences

Day One

Arrival in camp

On arrival at Maun, you are met and assisted with transfer to a small plane for a 30 min flight to camp.

Transfer to camp by safari vehicle or by boat (depending on water levels).

Enjoy afternoon tea before heading to the barn to prepare for a late afternoon ride. These are generally slower-paced to enjoy the sunsets and to make the most of the ‘golden hour’ for photography.

Return to camp to share dinner and stories from the day.

Non-riders head out on their first game drive this evening and the exhilarating sights, sounds and smells of the Okavango bush.

Day Two

On safari

You are woken with your first “knock-knock!” wake up call this morning, accompanied by tea or coffee in bed. Your Okavango horseback safari has started!

Enjoy a light breakfast before heading out on your first long ride. Depending on the season, this could be galloping across dried flood plains, swimming through flood waters or pushing-on through seas of tall grass to watch giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, buffalo.

Return to camp for a hearty lunch and some siesta time before the afternoon ride.

Once again, watch the sun set from the bush, returning to camp for dinner.

Non-riders will head out on a morning walk or game drive. Walking provides the chance to explore the smaller creatures, plants and trees that would normally fly past in the vehicle. The afternoon activity could include a game drive, a boat safari or a fishing trip (the latter are season-dependent).

Day Three

Riding and safari

Awake at dawn, once again with coffee in bed.

Today you head off in a new direction with new landscapes and fresh game viewing possibilities.

As you become more confident with the terrain, you can pick up the pace to keep up with the large, faster-moving animals.

After lunch, the pool deck is the ideal place to cool down or stretch out the tightness from time in the saddle.

Later, head out for an afternoon ride, or you may prefer to watch game from a vehicle or a boat.

Non-riders can curate their day to include walking safaris, game drives, boat safaris or fishing trips.

Days Four - Seven

Riding, riding and more safari

Wake each morning with tea or coffee in bed, before heading out on a ride.

Each long morning ride explores a new landscape, new terrain and different game surprises.

Meanwhile, non-riders and riders who want to spend some time off the horse can explore on foot, by vehicle or by boat (season-dependent).

After dinner, head out on a night drive, exploring the bush with its characteristic night sounds and smells. This is a great opportunity to look out for hyenas, bushbabies, spring hares and the elusive aardvark.

Of course we recommend spending one night in the treehouse. This is real ‘fly camping’ in the canopy.

From your treetop roost, watch and listen as the birds and animals prepare for night, while the whooping of hyenas and throaty call of lions lull you to sleep.

Day Eight

Departure

Sadly, this is your last morning in camp. You will stay quite close to home this morning and the riding pace will be deliberately fast, to cram as much as you can into your final ride.

Thereafter, return to camp to shower and pack before leaving for the airstrip. A picnic lunch will keep the wolves (or should we say.. lions) from the door.

On arrival in Maun, you will be assisted to check in for your departing international flight or your next adventure

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!

Walking, game viewing, fishing and mokoro safaris are also available for out-of-saddle time and for non-riding guests.

Game viewing - Okavango horseback safaris

Elephant viewing on foot - Okavango horseback safaris

THE CAMP
This Okavango horseback safari makes use of a single camp and all rides and safaris leave from here.

Macatoo Camp is a luxury tented bush camp located in heart of the Okavango Delta.

Eight spacious tents are set on individual raised platforms, offering guests panoramic views of the flood plain.

A variety of sleeping configurations offer flexible accommodation to suit every need, whether honeymoon privacy or family comfort.

The newly-built honeymoon tent for couples celebrating any special occasion, has an additional deck for private dining as well as a raised double tub bath overlooking the floodplain.

The ‘family and friends suite’ comprises two tents, directly linked by a raised walkway and viewing deck above ground. This provides direct, easy access for parents, children and single travellers who are anxious about sleeping alone.

Significantly, a swimming pool deck offers refreshing relaxation between rides and activities. And of course, that omnipresent flood plain is always in full view. Elephants and giraffe often come very close to the deck and the pool doubles as a popular watering hole for passing families of baboons.

A short drive from camp, atop a long, sturdy ladder, a magical tree platform hosts lunches, drinks and the occasional sleepover under the African night sky.
THE HORSES
Macatoo’s string of nearly 50 horses are all schooled and well-mannered.

They comprise Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverian, Percherons and Kalahari-Arab crossbreeds ranging between 14hh and 18 hh (140-180cm).

Each horse is recognised and appreciated for its unique ability and personality and every effort is made to match every horse with the most suitable rider.
TRIP PRICE
From approx US $ 6200 per rider, sharing (2021)

From approx US$ 5620 per non-rider, sharing (2021)

Please note regarding all Active Africa trips:
- Unless otherwise specified, all prices shown on the website are based on mid/shoulder season rates. These prices will change for travel in low / high season
- Specials may apply to one or more of the hotels in any itinerary. The price shown may not take these into account. Please contact us for a date-specific quote
- Unless you’re looking at a scheduled departure or founders’ trip, all itineraries are customisable. Tell us how we can make it perfect for you.
TRIP PRICE INCLUDES
Accommodation at Macatoo Camp on a shared basis

All meals and local beverages

Riding and Non-Riding activities

Charter flights from/to Maun
TRIP PRICE EXCLUDES
Visas and full travel and medical insurance – which is essential

Gratuities for camp staff and guides

Purchases from the curio shop

Any optional additional activities undertaken from camp (for example, heli sightseeing)
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Okavango horseback safaris operate year round

The green season in Botswana runs from December through March, during which time there can be heavy rain. This may come in prolonged downpours or in afternoon thunderstorms.

The dry season runs from June to October, during which the days are warm and the nights cold. However, little to no rain falls in these months.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Riders must be:
- Over 12 years old
- Riding fit and confident at all riding paces
- Weigh no more than 95kgs (210lbs / 15 stone).
A maximum of eight riders make up each group, to ensure the best possible standards of safety and enjoyment.

Be prepared to spend up to six hours a day in the saddle.

This holiday is not suitable for novice or beginner riders.

There are risks involved with riding horses generally

The presence of wild and potentially dangerous animals presents additional risk

For these reasons guests are required to sign an indemnity form before participating

Each safari tent is elevated on a wooden walkway with views over the flood plain. A tree house sleep-out is available for the more adventurous travellers.