Please note that the itinerary may change depending on the weather at the time and other local conditions, but always with your best interests at heart. The location of camp will be dependent on water levels, wildlife movements and the length of the safari - the longer the safari the further the camp is likely to move on.

Day 1
From Maun airport you will have a short 30-minute vehicle journey to the southern end of the Okavango where the safari begins at the so-called "buffalo fence". Here the horses are waiting, luggage is loaded onto mokoros and transported onto camp, whilst you get to mount up and begin your adventure into the Delta. We therefore suggest that you pack your riding kit at the top of your luggage, so that it is easily accessible upon arrival.

Riding time 1-3 hours.

Days 2 to 5
There is no set itinerary, and the location of camp depends on water levels and wildlife movements. Camp is likely to move twice during the five nights so that you can explore different areas of the delta. A typical day starts with a wake-up call and light breakfast at dawn. Spend the morning following ancient elephant trails searching for the large variety of wildlife, enjoying the prolific birdlife and cantering through the flooded plains. If you are lucky, you will see Giraffe, herds of buffalo, kudu and lechwe. Lunch is back at camp and rest under the shade of giant jackal berry or leadwood trees.

Enjoy a tranquil evening ride appreciating the Okavango, listening to the sounds of the bush and snorting and splashing of your horses. If you prefer a quieter afternoon, take a sedate journey in a mokoro or perhaps a bush walk to look for the smaller wildlife that inhabit the bush and learn basic tracking skills. Return to camp for dinner under the stars.

Riding time 4-6 hours

Day 6
Today you ride back to the fringes of the delta and the buffalo fence for your transfer to Camp Kalahari in the Makgadikgadi pans. You can either transfer by light aircraft (50mins) or road (3 hours). Camp Kalahari is a lovely static camp nestled amongst acacias and moklowane palms with thatched central areas and a refreshing pool. After afternoon tea, head out on an introductory ride to experience the magical open landscapes of the desert. Return to camp for sundowners so that the horses are safely in the kraal before the lions start prowling!

Riding time 3-4 hours

Day 7
Breakfast at dawn followed by a morning ride through the ‘land of a thousand islands’. The remains of this ancient lakebed are dotted with sand dunes covered in palm trees and is a beautiful and fascinating landscape. During the dry season the white encrusted pans between the island provide excellent going for the horses and there are plenty of opportunities for long gallops. Return to camp for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon head out in the game vehicle to search for the elusive brown hyena. Enjoy a night drive back to camp with the spotlight to look for nocturnal species such as aardvark, bat eared foxes, porcupine, honey badgers and perhaps even a black maned Kalahari lion. 

Riding time 3-4 hours.

Day 8
Head off on horseback to discover some of the Kalahari’s most endearing species – the meerkats. An ongoing habituation programme means you can get up close and personal with these captivating creatures, so you’ll leave the horses with the grooms and approach on foot to sit amongst the family. Watch how they interact with each other, and if you are lucky, become a lookout post! As the day warms up, leave the meerkats to their foraging and ride the well-worn paths to find resident zebra and ostrich gathered around water holes before returning to camp for lunch. Late afternoon head out for an adventure on a quad bike as you ride straight into the middle of the ancient lakebed. Eventually all that can be seen is a vast flatness stretching in every direction as the sun sets and the stars rise. Return to camp for dinner.

Riding time 3-4 hours.

Day 9
Ride through the bush to a traditionally built Bushmen village where the local Zu’hoasi people gather during the day. A two hour walk with these extraordinary people will provide a gentle introduction to the Kalahari and the bushmen’s way of life. The group will point out distinct ecological characteristics of the area along with its animal and bird species. After your walk, return to camp by horseback in time for a quick refresh before your transfer back to Maun for your flight home. 

Riding time 3-4 hours.

Please Note: This safari is usually guided by David Foot – although we are unable to guarantee this. On rare occasions an alternative lead guide may be your host.

Shorter Itineraries: We can also tailor make shorter rides for 2 riders or more, please ask for a quote.

Horse are mostly Boerperd and Thoroughbred crosses with some Appaloosas and local bush horses. They range in height from 14.3hh to 16hh.

The tack is mostly snaffles bridles and South African trail saddles or McClellan type saddles, but there are some English Wintec synthetic saddles available upon request.