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Botswana Safari Holidays Tours Okavango Chobe Savuti Victoria Falls

African Horseback Safari, Botswana: Macatoo Riding Holiday, Okavango + Vic Falls

Botswana Horseback Safari (Macatoo) + Victoria Falls
African Horseback Safari Botswana Macatoo Riding Holiday Okavango Vic Falls
7 NIGHTS FROM:
$6,074
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
6BRA7B
• African Horseback Safari Botswana
• Okavango Delta
• Macatoo Riding Holiday
• Daily Outrides
• Game Viewing
• Mokoro Canoe
• Sleep Outs
• Vic Falls
• Zambezi Cruise
• Riding Holiday Okavango

This African horseback safari in Botswana is based at Macatoo camp & offers a riding holiday in the heart of the stunning Okavango delta. Gallop through the wetlands on horseback & enjoy game drives, walking safaris, boat & mokoro canoe rides. Afterwards relax at Victoria Falls. Intermediate & experienced riders only, with activities for non-riding partners.  All riding, transfers & light aircraft flights included.

Day 1
You will be met at Maun Airport and, after completing border formalities, take your connecting light aircraft flight to the seasonal Okavango Delta.
 
Flooded annually by the Okavango River, which flows inland from Angola into the dry sands of the vast Kalahari, these waters never finds the sea but instead form a huge inland delta - making it one of the great natural wonders of the world and an amazing wetlands ecosystem. Comprising 6,000 square miles of crystal clear channels, serene lagoons and a myriad of islands, the Okavango Delta is a natural oasis in the middle of the Kalahari for a vast variety of wildlife and birds of all descriptions.
 
You will be met at the landing strip and transferred to your comfortably furnished tented camp, overlooking a seasonal lagoon. After lunch under the trees, there is time to relax before your first ride into the flood plains, where unforgettable sightings and exhilarating riding is guaranteed. With a herd of nearly 50 responsive Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanovarians, Percherons and Kalahari-Arab crossbreeds ranging in size from 14 to 18 hands, the lodge is able to closely match horse to rider capability.
 
Return for drinks around the fire and an outdoor candlelit dinner – combining good company, great food & exceptional horses in this pristine water wilderness.
 
Note: As you will be flying in a light aircraft you must pack soft sports bags only, as rigid suitcases will not fit into the luggage pods. A baggage allowance of 15 kg (which includes your hand luggage) is strictly enforced for safety reasons.
 
You must bring your own helmet, gloves and riding boots (half chaps are advised rather than long boots). Wear comfortable riding clothing in neutral colours such as green, brown and khaki. Loose fitting cotton shirts are the most comfortable, with short sleeves to protect your shoulders from thorns. Avoid white or bright colours as these are easily seen by the animals. Also black and navy as these absorb the heat. Tight synthetic fabrics, shorts & skirts should also be avoided. Remember to pack sunglasses, wide brimmed sunhat, sunscreen, head torch, insect repellent and first aid kit with plasters.
 
This riding holiday is suitable only for intermediate and advanced riders (not beginners or novices), as you will be riding close to wild animals and on rough terrain. Riding weight limit is 210 lbs (95 kg) and minimum riding age is 12 years. No single supplement is charged, provided you are willing to share.
Days 2 To 5
Rise early each morning to gallop with herds of giraffe, zebra and other plains game across the vast open floodplains of the Okavango Delta. Be prepared to spend up to 6-hours a day in the saddle as we track elephant or buffalo from island to island, canter and splash with game through the lagoons of the delta or simply watch the setting sun, whilst listening to the calls of lion and hyena.
 
On rides expect to see most of the Big 5 – especially lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo – as well as zebra, giraffe, hyena, baboons, wildebeest, tsessebe, jackal, crocodiles, red lechwe, reedbuck, impala, kudu, monkeys, warthog, mongoose, steenbok, porcupine and many other species. You will be accompanied by a lead guide and back-up guide on all rides to ensure your safety. As all rides take place during the cooler hours of the day, when the game is most active, there is plenty of time to relax and cool off in the swimming pool between rides.
 
You need to feel confident about keeping up with the group and capable of riding at all paces, rising to the trot and controlling your horse at the canter. You may be required to gallop out of trouble, so this holiday is not suitable for novice riders. Vehicle-based game drives are also available, as well as walking safaris. In the flood season boat and mokoro canoe rides are also available. Each evening dine unforgettably under the stars.
 
Note: You will be required to sign an indemnity form on arrival, as there are risks involved with riding amongst wild animals. Bring your own safety helmet and ensure you have travel insurance that covers riding and includes medical evacuation insurance.
 
A variety of activities are available for non-riding partners - including game drives, birding walks, fishing and seasonal boat and mokoro rides.
Day 6
Transfer to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Kasane Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Zimbabwean border. After completing immigration formalities, transfer 2-hours to your hotel near Victoria Falls on the mighty Zambezi River.
 
Located in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), where the borders of five African countries converge, the sheer scale of this vast international conservation project is difficult to comprehend. It encompasses a bewildering range of experiences, ranging from the mighty Victoria Falls to the lifeforce of the region, the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers.
  
Check in, settle in and relax whilst you catch your first glimpses of the magnificent Smoke That Thunders first discovered by Dr. David Livingstone and still one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. The flow of water over the Victoria Falls is greatest during the wet months (February to June) but the falls are a magnificent sight at any time of year.
Day 7
Today enjoy a shared tour exploring on foot the mighty Victoria Falls and its rainforests, which offer magnificent views.
 
Afterwards you may wish to visit Elephants Walk, a small crafts complex where you can see talented local artists and sculptors at work and support them by buying one of their items. Alternatively you can participate in various optional activities, such as a helicopter flight over the falls.
 
In the late afternoon enjoy an included shared cruise on the Zambezi River where you may see hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
 
Note: Take light rainwear for use when the falls are full.
Day 8
Transfer to Victoria Falls Airport for your flight home.