Horseback Riding in Botswana
OKAVANGO SAFARI |
Often referred to as the "Jewel of Africa," the fact that the Okavango Delta exists at all is a miracle.
This enormous river delta in the heart of the Kalahari, the world's most extreme desert, is an oasis teeming with an astonishing variety of bird, animal and plant life.
On the short charter flight from Maun to the camp, you get a bird's eye view of the delta's river channels, scintillating shallow pans, palm-covered islands, open plains and dense thickets.
The safari makes use of two main camps, and one or two "fly camps." The main camps are semi-permanent, with all the amenities and ambience of a classic safari experience. Tents are spacious and comfortable, each with an attached shower tent, proper beds, mosquito netting, and kerosene lanterns.
The "fly camps" are temporary sites strategically positioned to provide the best possible wildlife viewing in areas well separated from the main camps.
The day begins before dawn with a quiet wake-up call to be in the saddle before the sun breaks over the horizon. Each day's route is different, marked by the delta's ever-changing panorama of sights and sounds. There may be an hour spent trailing a rare pack of wild dogs, or a carefree gallop through the ankle-deep waters of a pan, or a cautious approach to a herd of buffalo.
The wildlife and birdlife of the Okavango Delta is unmatched. Be prepared to be completely captivated by this untrammeled corner of Africa that only the most discerning and discreet adventure travellers know about.
Picture a perfect day galloping through a foot of water on a wonderful Arab mare after a thundering herd of antelope.
- Bob Moore
At the end of our trip, we spent 2 nights at a luxurious lodge in Kruger National Park, and despite the luxurious accommodations and 5 star facilities, it didn't come close to comparing to our experience in Botswana. In fact, after being on horseback for 10 days, the jeep safaris seemed too passive (almost boring), and even though we could view the animals at incredibly close distances because they are so acclimated to people, we found this a bit odd, almost like they weren't wild animals any more. Bottom line is that if I return to southern Africa, I will definitely return to the Okavango and I think I'd have to go by horse again.
- Kathleen Deutsch
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You are met at Maun Airport by our representative and transferred by light aircraft to Xudum airstrip, a 25 minute flight. You are then transferred into the Kudjwana Camp by vehicle which takes approximately 1 hour. (Game viewing on the way). Alternatively you would be transferred by light aircraft to Xaxaba Airstrip where you would be met by the helicopter for a ten-minute scenic flight bringing you directly into camp. Kujwana Camp: Lunch and an introduction talk with demo on tack, and advice on game viewing from horseback. This is followed by an orientation ride for approximately 1 - 2 hours. |
| Day 2: | Kujwana Camp: Morning game ride in the Xudum area. Wake up is 1 hour before dawn to ensure best game viewing. Wade through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island, surprising a timid bushbuck out of his dense cover on a heavily wooded island or enjoying the herds of Lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces. Return to camp for lunch. Siesta. Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks and evening night drive with a spot light before returning to camp for a three course dinner by candle light. |
| Day 3: | Qwaapo Camp: Ride east towards Beacon and Lion Islands. These are two very large islands in the area which are cut off from Kujwana by the Qwaapo river. The area is criss-crossed with game paths leading you through a chain of rain pans. This is a great contrast to the open flood plains. Mapane forests and Acacia woodlands offer a good variety of food for kudu and giraffe. Breeding herds of elephant enjoy the security of the dense forest and should the pans be holding water zebra, wildebeest and buffalo will also be found. Animal tracks abound telling you of what has been and gone, or what you might still find. Afternoon bird walk with an opportunity to find out more about the traditional uses of the plants and trees of the area. |
| Day 4: | Qwaapo Camp: (Fly Camp) A full days ride, heading south into the edge of the floodwaters. Large open areas are ideal for plains game. Large herds of zebra, impala and wildebeest are seen in this area. With the plains game come the predators; wild dog and cheetah are often seen from this camp. The shallow waters also make it a birder's paradise with many waders seen here. Break for a vehicle supported picnic lunch under a shady fig tree, with a siesta. Mount up for an afternoon ride along the Qwaapo River to camp. |
| Day 5: | Kujwana Camp: A morning ride moving from Qwaapo to Kujwana camp. Shady rain pans and thick riverine forest make this ride an ideal time to track a breeding herd of elephants. Break for a chocolate bar on the edge of a hippo pool, before riding on into more open areas with the chance of picking up a herd of buffalo moving through. Afternoon mokoro allows for a relaxing trip being poled through the watery wilderness surrounding Kujwana. |
| Day 6: | Kujwana Camp: A rest day for the guests riding for 10 days. There is the option to game drive, walk, mokoro or view a water hole from the hide. Afternoon ride. Dawn game ride 2 hours for the guests riding for 5 days. Return to camp for breakfast.
Guests joining the safari do an orientation ride in the cool of the afternoon as the wildlife stirs from the heat of the day. 2 hours ride. |
| Day 7: | Kujwana Camp: A full morning ride exploring the western Baobab area. Small islands linked by numorous hippo channels eventually lead you onto Boabab Island. A good habitat for cheetah and breeding grounds for carmine bee eaters, our summer visitor. Boabab Island has thick riverine forest and is a good area for elephant and buffalo (and the unexpected). Afternoon game/night drive. |
| Day 8: | Mokolwane Camp: Move from Kujwana to Mokolwane camp. This is approximately 30km ride heading northwest. The route moves through open floodplains and scattered islands towards the Matsebe river system. A picnic lunch is served on a shady island 2 hours ride from Mokolwane camp. Arrive at sunset. Guests on a 7-night itinerary would ride for 2 hours, returning to camp for a cooked breakfast, flight times permitting. |
| Day 9: | Mokolwane Camp: Morning game ride. This camp is on the Matsebe river system and features wide open flood plains interspersed with Mokolwane palms, a favourite food of elephant and baboon. Good area for plains game. Afternoon: 1 - 2 hours mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) experience. |
| Day 10: | Kujwana Camp: A full day's ride from Mokolwane to Kujwana with a picnic lunch along away. A 35km. ride with 4 hours ridden in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. This ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Xudum river at numerous hippo channels. Picnic lunch. Arrive Kujwana at sunset. |
| Day 11: | Early morning game ride out of Kujwana camp if flight times permit. Clients leave after brunch. One hour’s game drive to the nearest airstrip for transfer by light aircraft into Maun. |
This itinerary is subject to change. The water level and game movements fluctuate constantly. These two variables will affect the exact day to day itinerary, as well as the location of the temporary camps.
Sometimes other safari camps are used depending on availability. All camps are situated in the big game area, and are selected for variety of terrain and the game species that favor particular areas. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Maun |
| Length of Ride | 11 days, 10 nights and 9 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours |
| Pace | Moderate to fast |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Arabs, Thoroughbreds, and TB cross |
| Weight Limit | 200lbs |
| 2012 Dates | 10 Night Safari
Mar 1-11, Mar 11-21, Mar 21-31, Mar 31-Apr10, Apr 10-20, Apr 13-23, Apr 20-30, Apr 30-May10, May 10-20, May 20-30, May 30-Jun 9, Jun 9-19, Jun 19-29, Jun 29-Jul 9, Jul 9-19, Jul 19-29, Jul 29-Aug 8, Aug 8-18, Aug 18-28, Aug 28-Sep 7, Sep 7-17, Sept 17-27, Sep 27-Oct 7, Oct 7-17, Oct 17-27, Oct 27-Nov 6, Nov 6-16, Nov 16-26, Nov 26-Dec 6, Dec 6-16, Dec 16-26, Dec 26-Jan 5, 2013
7 Night Safari
Mar 1-8, Mar 11-18, Mar 21-28, Mar 31-Apr 7, Apr 10-17, Apr 20-27, Apr 30-May 7, May 10-17, May 20-27, May 30-Jun 6, Jun 9-16, Jun 19-26, Jun 29-Jul6, Jul 9-16, Jul 19-26, Jul 29-Aug 5, Aug 8-15, Aug 18-25, Aug 28-Sep 4, Sep 7-14, Sep 17-24, Sep 27-Oct 4, Oct 7-14, Oct 17-24, Oct 27-Nov 2, Dec 6-13, Dec 16-23, Dec 23-Jan 1, 2013 |
| 2012 Price | $865 per night - High Season (July 25 –Oct 31)
$755 per night - Mid-Season (March 27 to July 24 and November)
$690 per night-Low Season (Jan-March 26; Dec)
Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
| Single Supplement | 50% of total (not required if willing to share) |
| Transfers | (additional cost if travelling solo) |
| Additional Information | Additional Information-Transfers
Option 1: Fixed Wing Aircraft Transfer to Xaxaba; Helicopter Flight Direct to Camp.
$350.00 One Way
Option 2: Fixed Wing Aircraft and Boat/Vehicle Transfer
(availability depends on weather)
$250.00 One Way
Option 3: Road and Boat Transfer
$115.00 One Way
It is possible to combine transfers using one to camp and another for the return. The helicopter transfer to or from Xaxaba is a 12 minute scenic flight and offers fantastic opportunities to view the delta from above the tree line and is popular with all of our guests. Because options 2 and 3 require more transit time, riding on the day of departure or arrival may be missed.
Insurance Required
Ride price is set, guaranteed, and final at the time the deposit is paid. |
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