safari cost · weather · general info · what to bring
We
are sure you will never forget the true sense of freedom that
you will experience on your horse with us in the Okavango
Delta in Africa. Please note this horseback safari
is exciting but not strenuous. This itinerary only serves
as a guide; all scenarios are dependent on the season and
levels of the Okavango flood. At times it may not be possible
to go on fly camps and during cooler months one longer ride
may replace the normal morning and evening rides.
Join us on a horse adventure of a lifetime…a safari
into the heart of the Okavango Delta.
There are two options available:
5
Night Itinerary
A 5 night itinerary may take place on the first five nights
or the second 5 nights of a 10 night itinerary. Clients would
depart on day 6 after an early morning ride & breakfast
(aircraft movements permitting).
10
Night Itinerary
On
a 10 night itinerary we work out of our base camp Kujwana.
This is situated on the Xudum River in the Okavango Delta.
We then use two other camps in different areas of the concession.
All these camps are well situated in big game areas. They
are chosen for the variety of terrain & species that favour
particular areas.
(Herewith a sample itinerary)
DAY 1: MAUN TO THE OKAVANGO DELTA
You are met at Maun Airport by our representative & transferred
by light aircraft to the nearest airstrip to Kujwana, a 25
minute flight. You are then transferred into the camp by vehicle
which takes approximately 1 hour. (Game viewing). An introduction
talk & demo on tack & general advice on game viewing
from horseback is followed by an orientation ride for approximately
1 - 2 hours.
DAY 2: KUJWANA CAMP
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.
Surprise a timid bushbuck out his dense cover on a heavily
wooded island, or enjoy the herds of Lechwe & Zebra moving
through the open spaces. Return to camp for lunch. Siesta.
Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks & evening night
drive with a spot light.
DAY 3: KUJWANA CAMP
Kujwana Camp. Ride east towards Beacon and Lion Island. These
are two very large islands in the area which are cut off from
Kujwana by the Xwaapa 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.
DAY 4: MOKLOWANE CAMP
Moklowane Camp. Move from Kujwana to Moklowane camp. This
is approximately 30km ride heading North West. 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 Moklowane Camp. Arrive sunset.
DAY 5: MOKLOWANE CAMP
Moklowane Camp. Morning game ride with a picnic breakfast
carried in saddle bags. This camp is on the Matsebe river
system and features wide open flood plains interspersed with
Moklowane palms - favourite food of Elephant & Baboon.
Good area for plains game. Afternoon: 1 - 2 hours mokoro experience
(traditional dug out canoe).
DAY 6: MOKLOWANE CAMP
Moklowane Camp. Dawn game ride 2 hours. Return to camp for
breakfast. Optional game drive before lunch. Ride again in
the cool of the afternoon as the wildlife stirs from the heat
of the day. 2 hours ride.
DAY 7: FLY CAMP
Fly Camp. Move from Moklowane riding north east towards the
Kiri river. The fly camp is situated on the Kiri river system
approximately 30km from Moklowane, on the border with Moremi
Game reserve. (The term "fly camp" comes from the
days when you moved your flysheet off your permanent tent
to make a temporary or simple camp. In our case we use dome
two man tents.) Arrive before lunch. Afternoon game and bird
walk.
DAY 8: FLY CAMP
A full days ride exploring this area which is on the edge
of the permanent water with papyrus beds & deep lagoons.
Good area for hippo & lechwe. A picnic lunch is set up
on a shady island. Return to Fly Camp in the cool of the late
afternoon.
DAY 9: FLY CAMP
Saddle bag breakfast. Ride north east towards Moremi game
reserve. This area forms seasonal marsh land and hosts a variety
of exceptional bird life. Wildlife moves freely to and from
the national park. Good Buffalo and Elephant country. Afternoon
game drive with sunset drinks & evening night drive with
a spot light.
DAY 10: KUJWANA CAMP
A full days ride from fly camp to Kujwana with a picnic lunch
along away. A 40 Km ride with 4 hours ridden in the morning
and two hours in the afternoon. We now head south west towards
the Khurunxaraga & the swing south into the Xudum. This
ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Xudum
River at numerous hippo channels. Arrive Kujwana on sunset.
DAY 11
Early morning game ride out of Kujwana Camp if flight times
permit. Clients leave after breakfast. One hour's game drive
to the nearest airstrip for transfer by light aircraft into
Maun.
SAFARI ENDS
Your flight out from Botswana to your next destination - maybe to Victoria Falls
or Lake Kariba.
Cost:
Please contact us for a detailed quote.
High season weight Supplement
Over 200 lbs. (14 stone, or 90kg) a supplement of 50% will
be charged for an extra horse. The weight limit remains 210lbs
(15stone or 95kg)
Included:
Accommodation,
meals,drinks supplied locally, guiding, riding, game drives,
walks & mokorors, concession fees and VAT
Excluded:
Air Transfers, Staff gratuities.
Single supplement: 50% (only applicable if unwilling to share)
Transfers:
Air
Transfer (inclusive of Botswana Government 10% VAT):
$ 180.00 (€ 184.00, £125.00) per person return
(Maun to OHS return)
Single supplement where applicable 50%
Weather Conditions:
Summer months are September to April. October, November and
February are the hottest months, with temperatures varying
from 12 degrees C and peaking to 38 degrees C at midday. The
rains can start in October, with the occasional thunder shower.
December to February are the wettest months. Winter is May
to the end of August. No rain. Evening and early mornings
are cold. Temperature varies from 8 degrees C to 24 degrees
C at midday.
General Information
Riding
Ability: We cater for beginner to advanced riders,
matching horses to your ability. It is an advantage to know
the basic aids and to be fit before joining our safaris.
Children are accepted but they must be strong competent riders.
Types
of Horses: A mix of Thoroughbreds, Boerperds,
Arab, Anglo Arab and SaddlebredAll are between 14 - 16 hands, even tempered and well
schooled.
Tack: Tack is English style and each saddle has a
seat saver for comfort. Well known makes such as Barnsby,
Ideal, Kiefer and Wintecs are used.
Size
of Rides: Rides are limited to a maximum of eight
guests accompanied by a professional guide and second staff
member.
Length
of Ride: Between 4-6 hours in the saddle a day.
This is broken by refreshment stops - picnic breakfast or
lunch and a 10 minute walk for every two hours spent in the
saddle. (This eases up the rider using different muscles,
and helps the horse from constant pressure of the rider's
weight).
Accommodation:
Kujwana camp offers spacious safari tents with shower en suite
(flush toilet). There are two double bedded tents and four
twin bedded tents complete with attractive furnishings, bed
side tables, hanging cupboard, luggage rack, floor rug, and
chairs. Moklowane has similar tents with bucket and pulley
showers and safari toilets. Fly camp has dome tents with camp
beds, bedrolls with cotton sheets, duvet and towels. Long
drop toilets for each tent and bucket and pulley showers with
hot water. A tent personnel is on hand at all times.
Meals:
Safari cooks prepare 3 meals a day plus saddlebag picnic breakfasts
and vehicle support picnic lunches. Emphasis is made on fresh
vegetables and salads. Fresh bread is baked every day. Vegetarians
are catered for. Light lunches, cold meats, salads and 3 course
dinners served by candle light at the dining table near the
campfire.
Terrain:
The Okavango Delta has been described as a water meadow. Palm
islands, grassy flood plains, mopane forests and clear streams.
Highest water is normally between May to September. Many of
the flood plains are full at this time and the horses wade
through from island to island. The going is normally quite
good and firm along the edges of the islands allowing the
ride to move on at a trot and canter.
Other
Activities: Although our priority is riding, we
offer alternative activities during the afternoons that are
not day rides. A 6 hour morning can be tiring so afternoons
are spent
Non
riders: We can accommodate non-riders
but they must be booked in as such. Non-riders have their
own guide and enjoy game drives, walks and Mokoros. They move
with the riding clients to the various fly camps and join
non-riding activities and picnics.
Children:
We do accept children but they must be strong competent riders.
To ensure this they should have a pony club test pass. No
adjustment in price of children.
Single
supplement: This is only enforced
when the client will not share a tent.
Drinks:
Iced drinks are available. Beer, bottled water, an assortment
of cool drinks and limited choice of spirits. Special requests
can be catered for. Cordials, tea and coffee are freely available
and house wine is served with dinner.
Safety: All rides are lead by qualified profession
guides. A 375 rifle is carried on all the rides. All camps
and vehicles have radio communication and guides ride with
a hand held radios. A demonstration is given at the beginning
of the safari with a talk on how to handle big game situations.
Insurance: We
cover all guests for Emergency Medical Evacuation. However
guests must gave adequate medical Insurance.
Game
viewing: Game is plentiful, including
elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, lechwe,
reedbuck, bushbuck, steenbok, impala, roan antelope, duiker,
waterbuck, tsesebe, bat-eared fox, sidestriped and blackbacked
jackal, African wildcat, baboon, vervet monkey, honey badger,
spotted hyena, mongoose, meerkat, warthog, tortoise and ostrich;
special nocturnal creatures - porcupine, aardwolf, aardvark,
civet, genet, serval, spring hare; water species - hippo,
crocodile, cape clawless and spotted necked otter; predators
- leopard, lion, cheetah, wild dog. Safety precautions are
taken when viewing any dangerous game.
Where
the horse safaris operate: Okavango
Horse Safaris operate in a private concession 2,500 sq. km
situated on the western side of the Okavango Delta bordering
on Moremi Game reserve. The area includes three major river
systems of the delta, the Xudum, the Matsibie and the Kiri.
Information
We Require On Booking:
Age, weight, height, and riding experience of client.
Drinks preferred. Any specialised diet or allergies.
What
to Bring: (Clothes
List)
Jodphurs
Half chaps
Warm jacket
Windcheater
Light Cotton Trousers
Long Sleeved Shirts ( protection from high altitude sun.)
Sweatshirt
Hat
Tracksuit for evenings
Riding Gloves
Swimsuit for the brave!
Riding/Walking shoes
Camera, & film
Binoculars
Sunblock / Lipice or Chapstick
Sunglasses
Flyfishing rod
Transfers
Air
Botswana fly from either Johannesburg, Gaborone or Victoria
Falls and Air Namibia from Windhoek into Maun. We can book
all Air Botswana flights. We arrange transfer by light aircraft
from Maun to the nearest airstrip. Clients are collected from
the airstrip and transferred by 4x4 vehicle to camp. Please
remember that internal transfer light aircraft have a luggage
weight restriction of 12 kg.
Indemnity:
Clients will be asked to sign an indemnity in camp before
they ride.
Medical:
A medical kit is kept in the camp. Clients should take Malaria
tablets.
Other:
Clients are given personal attention and attention is paid
to detail. A limited assortment of half chaps and riding gloves
are kept in the camp.
Please Contact Us for more
details
Terms and
conditions:
Please read our terms
and conditions for more information on how to
book, travel insurance, cancellation fees, baggage and other
important issues.
Horseback
Safari in Botswana
THE
OKAVANGO DELTA EXPLORER
7
nights / 8 days exploring the okavango delta
safari cost · weather · general info · what to bring
DAY 1:
On arrival in Maun you are met and transferred by plane
and a game drive to our camp which overlooks a seasonal
flood plain lagoon. After lunch under the trees, there is
time for a rest before the evening ride where you can get
to know your horse. We return, as every evening, to a candle-lit
dinner.
DAY 2:
Awoken by a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light
breakfast we then ride westwards following elephant trails
from one palm island to another through seas of grass into
the backcountry. After lunch and a siesta we ride out into
the plains, later enjoying a drink while the sun goes down.
DAY 3:
We leave camp early to investigate fresh game tracks, joining
semi-aquatic red lechwe as they thunder through the water
meadows. A champagne breakfast is waiting for us under a
large baobab tree. The evening ride is spent exploring the
lower flood plains where elephant often gather at a pool.
As dusk closes in we have drinks around the fire.
DAY 4:
We ride through different country, making our way through
clouds of bushman hair grass to plains with fig trees. We
might encounter giraffe or shyer antelope while passing
through mopane woodlands. Our pace increases as we break
out onto the flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons.
Returning to the camp for an afternoon spent at leisure
and later a night drive by spotlight.
DAY 5:
While the camp staff packs up we leave for our fly camp
riding deeper into the heart of the delta. On reaching another
river system we find our fly camp looking out over a hippo
pool. Here we stay for two nights. The afternoon may be
spent swimming or walking. Fires are lit at night to create
a strong human presence to keep marauding animals away from
the horses. Night watches are fun and guests usually join
in.
DAY 6:
Having kept watch under the stars the next morning we splash
through water on the vast open plains, home to wildebeest
and zebra. The riding may be fast as we approach deep reedy
areas full of bird life. After a picnic lunch we venture
out again to the large lagoon to listen and watch as the
night draws in and a lion starts to call.
DAY 7:
After breakfast we ride back to Macatoo along the myriad
of waterways lined with large trees. We canter through the
shallow flood plains admiring the deeper pools of lilies.
Here the buffalo gather in numbers and we have to creep
up to them using islands for cover. The evening offers a
last quiet ride with memorable smells of sage as the sun
goes down.
DAY 8:
For your final ride we will go along some of the high palm
islands which offer great vistas. We'll maybe take a final
exhilarating gallop and run with the game before returning
to camp to prepare for your onward journey.
SAFARI
ENDS
Your flight out from Botswana to your next destination - maybe to Victoria Falls
or the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Cost:
Please contact us for a detailed quote
Included:
Accommodation,
meals,drinks supplied locally, guiding, riding, game drives,
walks & mokorors and concession fees
Excluded:
Air Transfers, Staff gratuities.
Single supplement: 50% (only applicable if unwilling to
share)
Transfers:
Charter Flight and game drive transfer : US $
188 one way per person - inclusive of airport taxes and
meet and greet in Maun. This is a 30 minute flight from
Maun to Abu over the remote Western side of the Delta followed
by a 1 - 2 hour game drive in an open vehicle to Macatoo
camp, depending on water levels. Please enquire for other
flight details. An extra airstrip transfer fee of $ 35 per
trip will be charged for self booked charter flights. Arrival
and departure days are Tuesdays and Fridays.
Weather Conditions:
Summer months are September to April. October,
November and February are the hottest months, with temperatures
varying from 12 degrees C and peaking to 38 degrees C at
midday. The rains can start in October, with the occasional
thunder shower. December to February are the wettest months.
Winter is May to the end of August. No rain. Evening and
early mornings are cold. Temperature varies from 8 degrees
C to 24 degrees C at midday.
General
Information:
Riding
Ability: We cater for beginner to advanced riders,
matching horses to your ability. It is an advantage to
know the basic aids and to be fit before joining our safaris.
Children are accepted but they must be strong competent
riders.
Types
of Horses: A mix of Thoroughbreds, Boerperds, Arab, Anglo
Arab and SaddlebredAll are between 14 - 16 hands, even tempered and well
schooled.
Number of riders:
Riding groups will normally be no more than 6-8 guests.
However the camp accommodates 12 guests in all .
Age limit:
12 years and over. Anyone over 60 needs to be riding fit
and strong.
Weight:
Rider weight: max 210 Lbs (95 Kg's). Over this weight please
enquire - for the sake of our horses we have to be strict.
Riding ability:
The safaris are for riders. We spend 4 to 6 hours a day
in the saddle. You need to feel competent about keeping
up with the group, capable of riding at all paces including
rising to the trot and controlling your canter in a forward
seat (off the horses back) for five minutes at a time. You
are required to fill in a riding ability questionnaire and
a responsible riding attitude and safe level of competence
is paramount.
Tack:
Quality English saddles and Western styled trail saddles
are used, each with their own water bottle.
Climate:
The flood waters normally arrive in May (this
varies each year) and recedes in October. From May to September
it rarely rains, days are clear and sunny but winter, early
mornings and evenings can be cold. (Daily temperatures range
from 46-75F (8-24C).) In summer months from October to March
to April temperatures range from 54-100F (12-38C) with rain
at times.
Important information:
Please supply us with information regarding any special
occasions, dietary requirements or medical conditions before
departure with your medical insurance details. Anyone with
severe allergies, heart or respiratory conditions or any
other physical limitations must consult their physician.
Please fill in the questionnaire provided by your travel
agent and return it as soon as possible. If you do not receive
it please request one. You will be required to sign an indemnity
form on arrival.
Safety:
On arrival in camp an introductory talk will be given on
all aspects of the safari. Two guides will accompany each
safari and will be equippedwith a first aid kit, rifle and
radio.
List of essentials: (Clothes
List)
we recommend a light weight riding hat - wearing one is
your responsibility - and we do not have any to lend you
a shade hat with strap
2 pairs of lightweight riding shoes or 1 pair and 1 pair
of long rubber boots for the flood season ( May to end of
August) .
sunglasses on string , riding gloves and bandana
bush colour riding clothes ( not white):
2 pairs of cotton riding trousers
2 long sleeved shirts
a jersey , fleece
a light weight waterproof windbreaker jacket
4 pairs sock and underwear( recommend un padded cycling
shorts for men)
shorts T shirts, sarong, bathing costume and sandals.
sun block, lipsalve, insect repellent, talcum powder and
malaria pills ( consult your doctor)
torch and binoculars
film and a camera on a strong shoulder strap - preferably
in a waterproof pouch to be secured to belt. Otherwise a
strong zip lock plastic bag.
We
recommend that you wear your riding clothes and boots on
the plane and bring your hat and wash bag as hand luggage
in case your luggage gets delayed. We can lend you half
chaps - long leather boots are impractical.
Luggage limit
26 lbs (12 kgs) per person in soft bags due to light aircraft.
Excess luggage can be stored in our Maun office and there
is a daily laundry service in the camp.
Transfers
Air
Botswana fly from either Johannesburg, Gaborone or Victoria
Falls and Air Namibia from Windhoek into Maun. We can book
all Air Botswana flights. We arrange transfer by light aircraft
from Maun to the nearest airstrip. Clients are collected
from the airstrip and transferred by 4x4 vehicle to camp.
Please remember that internal transfer light aircraft have
a luggage weight restriction of 12 kg.
Indemnity:
Clients will be asked to sign an indemnity in camp before
they ride.
Medical:
A medical kit is kept in the camp. Clients should take Malaria
tablets.
Other:
Clients are given personal attention and attention is paid
to detail. A limited assortment of half chaps and riding
gloves are kept in the camp.
Please Contact
Us for more details
Terms
and conditions:
Please read our terms
and conditions for more information on how to
book, travel insurance, cancellation fees, baggage and other
important issues.
