Okavango Delta Safari Ride

Highlights

• Ride among elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and wildebeest on horses used to game
• One of the Okavango's most experienced riding operators, running since 1995
• 450,000 acres of the private Abu concession: floodplains, palm islands and forest
• Fast canters and gallops across open plains, on morning and afternoon game rides
• A luxury tented camp with a pool, all meals and house drinks included

The riding

This is a fast safari through big-game country and novices cannot be taken. You need to be riding fit, confident and in control at all paces, able to rise to the trot and canter, and prepared to gallop out of trouble. A hard hat and riding insurance with medical evacuation cover are required.

The horses

Around 50 horses from roughly 14 to 17.2 hands, calm and used to game. A couple of weight-carrying Percheron crosses take heavier riders, so confirm the limit with the operator.

A typical day

Days follow the light: an early ride out across the floodplains before the heat, back to camp for brunch and a rest through the middle of the day, then out again in the afternoon, often finishing with sundowners in the bush. Rides are led by experienced guides who know the game, with a vehicle on hand. Non-riding activities such as game drives and mokoro (dugout canoe) trips can usually be arranged.

Accommodation & food

Macatoo, a luxury tented camp on the Abu concession: large en-suite Meru-style tents, a swimming pool, and open-sided living and dining areas overlooking the floodplain.

All meals included, along with house drinks. Dietary needs catered for with notice.

When to go

Best months: May to October

The dry season, roughly May to October, brings the Delta flood and the best game viewing. Green-season rides run from November, with dramatic skies and newborn game but hotter days.

Getting there

Nearest airport: Maun (MUB), reached via Johannesburg or Cape Town; Kasane is an alternative gateway

Transfers: Met at Maun airport, then a light-aircraft transfer of about 30 minutes into camp (Maun to Macatoo around 305 GBP per person each way, with 50% off for stays of 7 nights or more)

Fly to Maun via Johannesburg, then take the scenic light-aircraft hop in to Macatoo.

What's included

Good to know

• Minimum age 12 to ride; younger non-riding children by arrangement
• Rider weight limit around 95 kg for most horses; heavier riders on the Percheron crosses by arrangement
• Stays from 3 nights, with 5 to 10 nights recommended; no fixed arrival days
• Small groups led by experienced guides, with a back-up vehicle throughout