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For horse safaris in Northern Botswana, we offer the following options:

Okavango Horse Safaris began in 1986 and is the first riding safari company in Southern Africa. Founded, owned and run by PJ and Barney Bestelink, their aim is to provide the ultimate safari experience in the diverse landscape of the Okavango Delta. This safari takes place in a private concession area of over 2,500 sq/km using three different camps. Horses and tack are of the highest standard and guests can expect a small riding group, maximum of 8 (although larger groups can be accommodated on request). Non-riders are also welcome. Between 4 to 6 hours are spent in the saddle while other activities can be enjoyed in the afternoons such as swimming, game drives, mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) or walking. On full riding days, picnic lunches are a feature, supported by a vehicle. This gives the opportunity for a siesta on camp beds through the heat of the day before mounting up and riding into camp in time for sundowners. Game viewing includes sighting of great herds of wildebeest, lechwe, buffalo, giraffe and elephant. Cantering alongside the elegant motion of a giraffe is an experience you will never forget! Lion, hyena, hippo, crocodile and leopard are also found in the area. Kujwana Camp is situated south west of Chiefs Island and has six large Meru tents with en-suite bathrooms set along the Xudum River on a narrow island with a shady forest of ancient trees. The main area has a fully stocked bar, tree house overlooking the Xudum River and a separate dining area.

Ride and Walk Safaris is based in the remote Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana. The safaris camp, called Motswiri, was completely renovated in 2010 and incorporates the latest in comfort and environmental standards. The central mess area boasts a large comfortable lounge with separate dining area. It has wonderful views of the spillway and the wildlife that it attracts. There is a discreet sunbathing area with a plunge pool and a secluded viewing platform overlooking a deep pool where elephants come to bathe. Sited on the raised banks of the spillway, the 5 tents are airy, spaced well apart and each has its own shower, toilet and deck. The fly camp is a more rustic affair, with smaller tents equipped with a long drop toilet and bucket shower. A trip to fly camp enables access to the more remote areas of the reserve, where you will encounter differing landscapes and game viewing experiences. The reserve's diverse vegetation results in superb birding, and it is home to giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, lion, leopard, cheetah and the rare roan antelope, sable and wild dog. Many large herds of elephant and buffalo migrate through the area. The reserve is unusual in its clear definition between floodplains and permanently dry areas, making it uniquely suited to both riding and walking safaris. The proximity to the spillway and the high floods of recent seasons make boating, canoeing and mokoros (dugout canoes) possible nearly all year round. Game drives and night drives are also on offer, although the high floods currently being experienced do restrict the geographical reach of these, and boating options often allow better access to the reserve. The horses are a variety breeds and sizes, all well schooled, well cared for and acclimatized to the area and to the game that you encounter. There is a choice of English and trail saddles. Rides will not normally comprise more than six guests, and each ride is lead by a guide and accompanied by a back up. Up to six hours per day are spent in the saddle - riding fitness is a distinct bonus! You may be required to gallop out of trouble; therefore riding experience is essential. Riders should be aged 12 and over, and not be heavier than 210lbs (95kgs). Helmets are not provided, so please bring your own.

David Foot Safaris explores the unique landscape of the Magkadikgadi Pans and the stark beauty of the Kalahari. All safaris are guided by David Foot who has over 25 years of experience leading safaris throughout southern and central Africa. The five night safari on horseback follows the meandering shoreline of this ancient lake bed with the most perfect ground for exhilarating riding. When the rains fill the Pans, traverse the adjoining grasslands and woodlands where the full waterholes attract the last surviving migration of zebra and wildebeest in southern Africa. Imagine riding with more than 30,000 zebra scattered over the grasslands as far as the eye can see! See fascinating desert adapted wildlife - meerkat clans, brown hyenas and aardwolves and who better than the Zu/’Hoasi Bushmen to interpret the life around you. Three days are spent riding out of Camp Kalahari, a delightfully relaxed traditional tented safari camp on one of the palm thronged islands. Thereafter spend two nights in a remote fly camp or on bedrolls under the stars. David leads two five night safaris every month throughout the year but if these dates are not suitable or your time is limited we would suggest three exciting days riding out of Camp Kalahari.

Macatoo Camp overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon and is situated in a 500,000 acre private concession on the western part of the Okavango Delta. The Okavango is the largest inland delta in the world, a mix of labyrinth channels, palm fringed islands and fertile floodplains. Trapped in the parched sands of the Kalahari Desert, it is a magnet for the wildlife which depends on the delta's life giving waters. Lion, elephant, hyena, wild dog, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and more than 400 species of resident and migrant birds congregate with a variety of antelope and smaller animals including warthog, mongoose, genets and monkeys. The main attraction of a horse safari is the joy of riding good horses over superb country, with just about every landscape dotted with game. The riding is varied, from quiet walks while tracking game and admiring the bird life to cantering through water-meadows alongside giraffe, zebra or lechwe.  There are over 40 horses at the camp with every one trained to meet guests' needs. The riding terrain is scenically varied in all directions. You will spend 4 to 6 hours a day in the saddle (morning and evening rides of 2 to 3 hours each) with groups of no more than 7 guests. The camp features six large, comfortable twin bedded tents, each with its own en-suite shower and toilet. Laundry service is available. Centrally there is a large furnished tent and a private pool tucked away in the trees. The camp is open year round.

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Sample Itinerary:

DAY 1 - 3: On arrival at Maun Airport, you are met and transferred by light aircraft to the camp of your choice. Spend 3 or 4 nights enjoying adventurous horse riding and seeing wildlife from a different perspective.

DAY 4 - 7: Transfer by light aircraft to the camp of your choice, for game viewing in a different area in either the Okavango or Linyanti Region.

DAY 8: Transfer by light aircraft to Maun Airport in time for your scheduled flight to Johannesburg or continue your safari to Zambia or Zimbabwe.

 

Rates Include: accommodation, all meals, local drinks in certain lodgings and daily game vewing activities. Rates available on request.

 

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