Three Night Riding Safari

A short but action packed riding safari from one of the leading Okavango specialists in a stunning corner of the delta. This itinerary is perfect for those constrained by time or budget but eager to experience the unique thrill of riding in the Okavango. A full range of activities are also offered from this wonderful little camp ensuring any non-riding companions can enjoy a classic Okavango safari at the same time.

African Horseback Safaris have been operated since 1995 and run one of the best riding safaris in the Okavango from their beautiful camp, Macatoo. Set on the scenic Abu concession in the south west of the Okavango, this area offers quintessential Okavango landscapes and good game viewing. As well as riding the camp also offer game drives, walks, boating and mokoro excursions, depending on the season, allowing guests to experience a full range of safari activities during their stay.

African Horseback Safaris offer the most flexible riding safaris in the Okavango, accepting visits of any duration from 3 nights onwards, there are no set arrival or departure dates. All rides begin from the camp, Macatoo, and the team have gathered a huge array of different routes which keep the rides fresh and exciting.

Macatoo is a delightful camp and offered the most luxurious accommodation of all the riding safaris. Spacious tented rooms offer lovely views of the Okavango and the welcoming main area features a nice swimming pool deck which makes a perfect spot to relax between rides and watch the animals pass along the floodplains.

The beautiful Abu concession is marked by wonderfully varied and pretty landscapes and Delta. The wildlife is as varied as the habitats here, whether open floodplains, palm islands, riverine forest and the wooded Kalahari sandveld. Life is abundant everywhere and every ride is different and interesting. Elephant roam in large numbers alongside big herds of buffalo. On the grass plains the usual suspects can be found on the sandveld region such as zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe, impala and giraffe. Kudu browse in the denser areas and wharthogs travel widely. Hippos languish in the waters while the specially adapted antelope such as red lechwe and reedbuck are never far from the water. Predators are frequently seen too, most commonly lion and spotted hyena. Leopards are also spotted here and the rare African wild dog have regularly made their den near camp.

While riding is at the heart of African Horseback Safaris, they offer a full range of traditional safari activities as well to ensure guests, both riders and non-riders, can enjoy a comprehensive Okavango experience. This not only allows riders a break from the saddle but also means any non-riding partners who are travelling with them can easily be catered for. To fully appreciate the Okavango guests are encouraged to participate in a range of activities. Game drives for example, offer the opportunity to approach predators much closer than would be possible on horseback, allowing for great photo opportunities. And a sunset enjoyed from the boat, as the incredible fiery skies are reflected onto the Okavango waters is a truly special thing.

As all rides takes place in true wilderness and potentially dangerous situations only experienced riders are accepted, novices will not be able to ride although they will be well catered for with other safari activities. Please speak to us for more information.

Day 1 - Macatoo, African Horseback Safaris

On arrival at Maun International Airport you will be met by a representative guide who will assist you onto your connecting flight to the Okavango. This is a light aircraft flight of about 30 minutes, a beautiful scenic flight and a superb introduction to the Delta. You guide will be waiting to transfer you to camp. Depending on water levels this will be a 4x4 game drive of about 45 minutes or a boat ride through the channels. This will depend on the flood water levels at the time. Both offer the opportunity to spot wildlife so keep your eyes peeled!

A warm welcome awaits you at camp. Having met the team and explored the camp you will have some time to settle into your new Okavango home before meeting your guide for a briefing over some light refreshments.

You will the head to the stables. This is always great fun, this is really the heart of the camp! Having been matched to your horse you will sett off on your first ride. The evening rides are purposefully slower to offer the chance to appreciate the sunset and wildlife and capture the moment on camera if you wish. A gentle and wonderful introduction to the Okavango.

Returning to camp you will freshen up with a hot shower and meet around the camp fire for drinks before dinner. After a candle-lit dinner in the mess tent you will retire to your room for your first night in the Okavango.

Day 2- Macatoo, African Horseback Safaris

Early this morning you wake to the gentle wake-up call of Macatoo’s housekeeping team who will deliver your choice of tea, coffee and rusks. Meeting in the central area you will enjoy light breakfast around the camp fire before setting off on your first long ride.

The stables are home to a good selection of horses and the experienced team have the knack of making great horse and rider partnerships.
Depending on the season, the morning ride may involve some galloping across dried flood plains, swimming through flood waters or pushing on through seas of tall grass to watch giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, buffalo - whatever is out there.

Returning to camp a hearty lunch awaits. You will need it after all those miles in the saddle – the chicken pie is a firm favourite and wine is always offered, it certainly helps to encourage a little nap before tea to rejuvenate before the evening ride. The sunsets are always special in the Okavango and often celebrated with sundowner drinks in the bush before heading back to camp to freshen up.

Dinner is always a great occasion at Macatoo, but there is no guarantee that it is always eaten in the same place.......then bed and rest for another adventure the following day.

Day 3- Macatoo, African Horseback Safaris

The morning chorus may wake you before the housekeeping ladies do. You enjoy a hot drink in your tent before meeting the team for breakfast round the camp fire. Emboldened after your riding from the day before you will be keen to return to the saddle. You set off on a new route today to explore different landscapes, home to different wildlife and the promise of new animal sightings. The pace of ride will be varied as you move through different terrain.

Returning for a well-earned lunch you will then have a few hours to rest before the evening ride. The pool deck is a wonderful spot to relax between rides and stretch out your muscles after your morning ride. Or perhaps take a siesta in your tent or in your hammock. Or simply settle in for a sofa style safari and watch the animals on the plains come and go from your deck.

Meeting for tea and cake in the mean area you then return to the stables for your evening ride. For those interested there is the option to enjoy another activities – game drives, walking or boating is also an option, depending on the season.

Day 4- End of Safari

Your last morning begins early as before. No doubt you are keen to make the most of your last morning in the Okavango with one last ride. On this last ride you stay quite close to camp, splashing through water on the vast open plains, home to blue wildebeest and Burchell's zebra. The riding pace will be deliberately quite fast to cram as much fun as possible into the final hours – be prepared to get wet as we approach deep reedy areas full of bird life.

You will return to Macatoo along the myriad of waterways lined with large trees, before arriving back at the barn where you say a sad farewell to your horse. There will be just enough time to shower, change and pack before the game drive to the airstrip, carrying a picnic lunch to tide you over until your return to the real world.

Your guide will return you to the airstrip for your flight to Maun.

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