Description
Horse safaris take place in a private concession area of over 2500 sq kilometres using three different camps, all in diverse areas offering a unique experience of the Okavango Delta wildlife, birds and habitat.
Guests can expect a small riding group, maximum of eight although larger group bookings can also be accommodated on request, non-riders are also welcome. Itineraries are built around a five, seven or ten nights with fixed departure dates. Between 4-6 hours are spent in the saddle while afternoons can be spent enjoying alternative activities including swimming, game drives, mokoros (traditional dug out canoe) or walking.
On full riding days, picnic lunches are a feature, supported by vehicle. This gives the opportunity for a siesta on camp beds through the heat of the day before mounting up and riding into camp in time for sundowners.
Okavango Horse Safaris have three tented camps and guests can ride between them.
KUJWANA CAMP is situated south west of Chiefs Island in the Okavango Delta. It accommodates a maximum of 8 to 12 guests in six spacious safari tents each with bathrooms en-suite. The main area has a fully stocked bar, tree house overlooking the Xudum River and a separate dining area. The camp is equipped with a solar system, lighting all tents and the main area. This also provides enough power for the charging of cameras during daylight hours. From camp guests can explore the three main river systems in this area: the Xudum, Matsebi and the Kiri.
MOKLOWANE CAMP is situated north west of Kujwana on the Matsebi River, this camp is made up of 5 tree houses 2 metres off the ground. Bathrooms are on the ground beside the platform and consist of flush loos and bucket showers. The camp is a real haven for elephants that love the palm trees of this area. Mokowane is situated in the open flood plains that receive floodwater 3 weeks earlier than Kujwana camp. The vegetation consists of smaller palm islands and wide-open spaces.
QWAAPO CAMP is to the remote South East, it is called a fly camp as the accommodation is in the style of traditional Meru safari tents, each with its own bucket and pulley shower and bush loo. Every tent has a unique view of the Qwaapo River. The camp has a delightful dining room under the stars.
This is an area of large islands with rich mopane forests and rain pans to which game is drawn for water. It offers the contrast between the floodplains and dry areas. This is an ideal location to see some of the more unusual residents of the delta, we have had wild dog denning close to this camp.
Accommodation
Kujwana Camp six tents, Moklowane Camp has five Tree Houses, Qwaapo has Fly Camp Dome Tents.
Kujwana Camp's tents are airy and have en-suite bathrooms. At Moklowane, guests too have private bathrooms and the tree house accommodation provides superb views of the surrounding area and serves as a good observation point to watch the elephants wondering around below. The fly camp at at Qwaapo is in the style of traditional safari tents with bucket and pully showers and a bush loo. Each tent here has a spectacular view of the Qwaapo river.
Childcare
Welcome but must be strong and competent riders. Certificate from Pony Club or senior qualified instructor as proof of ability is required.
Activities
Between 4-6 hours are spent in the saddle while afternoons can be spent enjoying alternative activities including swimming, game drives, mokoros (traditional dug out canoe) or walking.
When to travel
Botswana’s winter is during our British summer, and the weather is hot during the day, but it isn't a stifling heat, and cold at night. The summer months (British winter) can be hot and humid and there is a chance of rain. Botswana has one rainy season which runs between mid-December and runs through to mid-March.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Okavango Delta, Botswana
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 Okavango Delta, the Xudum, the Matsibie and the Kiri.
How to get there
You are met at Maun Airport by a Okavango representative and transferred by light aircraft to Xudum airstrip, a 25-minute flight. You are then driven into the camp by vehicle, which takes approximately 1 hour (Game viewing). Alternatively you could be transferred by light aircraft to Xaxaba Airstrip where you would be met by the helicopter, a 10-minute scenic flight bringing you directly into camp.
