Okavango by Horseback

Day 1 : Maun > Okavango Delta

Fly from Maun into the Okavango Delta. Transfer by vehicle or by boat to camp, depending on the water levels. Evening ride with the African sunset! Spend four nights at Macatoo Camp. Authentic tents are set on large, raised platforms, offering panoramic views that can be enjoyed from the bed or deck. Between rides and activities, the swimming pool is a refreshing pit stop and also commands a wonderful view of the vast flood plain in front of camp. Elephants and giraffe often come very close to the deck and the pool doubles as a popular watering hole for passing families of baboons.

Days 2 – 4 : Okavango Delta

A gentle wake-up call along with your choice of tea, coffee and rusks, all served to you in bed. A light breakfast is set up around the campfire ahead of the first long ride of the holiday. There is a wide selection of horses in the barn and Macatoo’s experienced staff has the knack of putting together great horse and rider partnerships.

Depending on the season, the morning ride may involve some galloping across dried flood plains, swimming through floodwaters or pushing-on through seas of tall grass to watch giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, buffalo – whatever is out there. You may pass giraffe along the way or shyer antelope that dart into the depths of the mopane woodlands. On the way back to camp, we pass through deep reedy areas full of bird life including open-billed storks, Squacco herons, Slaty egrets, Egyptian geese and many more before a hearty lunch with the option of a night drive, mokoro or boating trip for all. A hearty lunch is served every day – you will need it after all those miles in the saddle – the chicken pie is a firm favourite and wine is always offered to encourage a little nap before tea and the evening ride. Sundowners are often enjoyed out in the bush before heading back to camp to freshen up. Dinner is always a great occasion at Macatoo; there is no guarantee that it is always eaten in the same place!

Day 5 : Okavango Delta > Maun

Final activity this morning (time permitting) gliding through the waterways in the boat and admiring the vast open plains, home to blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra. Time to freshen up before the game drive to the airstrip, carrying a picnic lunch to tide you over until your return to the real world.