The Okavango Delta Safari
- Ride through the legendary Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s last untouched wilderness sites,
- Stay at Macatoo luxury tented camp, set on raised platforms, offering panoramic views over the floodplains,
- Experience thrilling gallops among giraffes, zebras and bucks, in water and on land.
Non-riders are welcome to Macatoo Camp, and can enjoy a wide range of activities (game drives, fishing, mokoro canoë tours, etc.).
Set in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Macatoo Camp is accessed via Maun Airport (MUB).
Maun is easily reached by air from Johannesburg (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by direct flight), as well as from Victoria Falls, Windhoek, and Cape Town via connecting flights. There are typically around two direct flights daily from Johannesburg to Maun, operated by Airlink, CemAir, and Air Botswana. Please ensure to plan international connections carefully to arrive in Maun early enough and avoid losing a day of safari.
Upon arrival in Maun, a Macatoo Team member will meet you at the airport and assist with your onward transfer by light aircraft. Enjoy a scenic 30-minute flight over the Okavango Delta to the camp’s private airstrip.
From the airstrip, you will continue to camp with a 45-minute game drive or boat transfer, depending on seasonal water levels — a lovely introduction to the Delta and its wildlife.
The Okavango Delta Riding Safari is designed for fit and experienced riders. As you will be riding up to 6 hours a day, you need to be confident about keeping up with the group, capable of riding at all paces, rising to the trot and controlling your horse at the canter across open country.
You will ride in groups of 8 riders, along with well-trained Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverian, Percherons and Kalahari-Arab crossbreeds, ranging between 14hh and 18hh (140-180cm). To ensure their well-being and proper rest, you will rotate between two or three horses throughout your stay.
Please note that riders need to be over 12 years old, and weigh no more than 95kgs (210lbs or 15 stone). Riders who are younger or over the weight limit would need to make special arrangements for this with our reservations team and need to be advanced riders.
Non-riders are also very welcome to join the journey : While equestrians explore the trails in the morning, we offer alternative experiences including game drives, fishing, boat tours, walks, and more - ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized experience at Macatoo.
*Horseback riding in Okavango Delta involves inherent risks due to the presence of wild and potentially dangerous animals. While your guides and horses are experienced in managing these situations, some risks cannot be entirely eliminated. For your safety, you should be prepared to respond quickly and to gallop out of trouble if needed.
When you reach out through our booking or contact form, our team will provide you with a comprehensive brochure of your chosen journey. This booklet includes the full itinerary, details about accommodations, rates, and available departure dates (along with many pictures to give you a glimpse of the ride!).
If the journey aligns with your wishes and you would like to join, we will send you a detailed riding form to complete. This helps us understand your riding level, background, and experience, ensuring you meet the required skill level for the ride. This step not only prioritizes safety but also guarantees an enjoyable experience for the entire riding group.
Once our team and riding guide confirm your suitability, you can secure your saddle by paying a 30% deposit and the full payment will be 60 days prior to your departure date.
For your convenience, this can be easily completed via our secure payment link or through a traditional bank transfer.
Saddle up for one of the most unique riding safaris across Africa’s extraordinary Okavango Delta.
Deep in Botswana, within the Moremi Game Reserve, the Delta offers a deep immersion in a pristine, ever-changing nature, where landscapes and wildlife shift with the natural rhythms of the floodplains. Every year, as the Delta floods, most areas are inaccessible to vehicles, leaving vast expanses of unspoiled land calling out to be discovered on horseback.
Guided by local and experienced riding guides, along with very well-trained horses, you will ride in the open savanna while enjoying thrilling and splashy canters through the vast floodplains. With every hoofbeat, the Delta reveals its own magic: herds of elephants grazing in the distance, giraffes reaching for the highest leaves, dazzles of zebras on a trot, and a symphony of migrating birds filling the sky — a magnificent scene and a sensory journey that stays with you long after the ride is over.
At Macatoo Camp, you will stay in one of the few luxury camps set deep within the remote, wild heart of the Okavango Delta. Its spacious tents, perched on raised platforms, offer panoramic views that bring the sights and sounds of the Delta directly to your doorstep.
An Okavango Delta riding safari combining untouched landscapes, close wildlife encounters, and refined tented camps — an adventure to treasure for a lifetime.
THE SCHEDULE
☽ P.M - Upon arrival at Maun Airport, a Macatoo team member will assist with your light aircraft transfer. Enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight over the floodplains, followed by a 45-minute game drive or boat transfer (depending on the season) to Macatoo Camp.
After being welcomed with a refreshing drink and settling into your tent, enjoy afternoon tea and homemade cake during a briefing with your guide, before heading to the stables for your first ride.
This evening ride offers a gentle pace, allowing time to soak in the golden light of the sunset and capture unforgettable moments with the abundant birdlife and wildlife.
Return to camp for a warm shower before gathering for drinks and snacks in the inviting mess tent, followed by a candlelit dinner around the fire.
Time in the saddle : Approximately 2-hours late afternoon
☽ Dinner & Night at Macatoo Camp
☼ A.M - Start the day with tea, coffee, and rusks in bed, followed by a light breakfast. Then set out on your first long morning ride, which may include galloping across floodplains, swimming through waters, or riding through tall grass among giraffes, zebras, antelope, elephants, and buffalo.
☽ P.M - After a hearty lunch featuring the camp’s famous chicken pie, unwind before afternoon tea and your sunset ride. Spend the evening exploring the tranquil savanna on horseback, surrounded by birdsong, grazing wildlife, and stunning scenery. Sundowners are often enjoyed in the bush before returning to camp to freshen up, followed by a memorable dinner at Macatoo in a setting that changes daily to enhance your experience.
Time in the saddle : Approximately 4-hours in the morning / 2-hours late afternoon
☽ Dinner & Night at Macatoo Camp
☼ A.M - Wake up to your daily morning tea, coffee, and rusks served in bed, accompanied by the dawn chorus, before preparing for a morning ride along new paths. Today’s ride offers fresh landscapes and exciting wildlife viewing opportunities – guides are always hoping to see the rare semi-aquatic antelope, the red lechwe.
☽ P.M - Following lunch, take time to unwind - either in the swimming pool or on the deck - enjoying the sun and watching wildlife wander nearby. Later in the afternoon, enjoy the daily cakes before heading out on your sunset ride, or choose to replace riding with other activities such as fishing from boats or the riverbanks, where hippos soak in the water. This evening, dinner will be served in a carefully chosen location to ensure the best possible setting.
Time in the saddle : Approximately 4-hours in the morning / 2-hours late afternoon
☽ Dinner & Night at Macatoo Camp
☼ A.M - This morning, ride deeper into the heart of the Delta to explore remote wilderness areas where horseback allows a closer approach to wildlife. Crossing high palm islands with sweeping views of the plains, you may spot giraffes, elephants, or buffalo in the distance. The ride ends beneath a grand baobab tree, where riders and non-riders reunite for a champagne breakfast, sharing stories from the morning’s adventures.
☽ P.M - Back at camp, enjoy lunch and some time to relax before your sunset ride, accompanied by the peaceful sounds of the savanna as wildlife settles for the night. This evening, head to the hidden treehouse for dinner overlooking the plains. For those who wish, spend the night under the African sky, listening to the rhythms of the bush.
Time in the saddle : Approximately 4-hours in the morning / 2-hours late afternoon
☽ Dinner & Night at Macatoo Camp
☼ A.M - By your fifth day, your muscles are conditioned and confidence in the saddle is high, setting the stage for the most exhilarating ride of your stay. Canter through clouds of bushman hair grass and across vast plains dotted with fig trees, letting your horse carry you toward the floodplains where faster gallops bring a true sense of freedom.
☽ P.M - A well-deserved lunch awaits back at camp, followed by a relaxed final afternoon. You may choose a helicopter flight to explore further into the Delta or an evening game drive in search of hyena clans or lions on the hunt. As night falls, enjoy dinner at camp while bushbabies leap through the terminalia and acacia trees overhead, their bright eyes briefly catching the light.
Time in the saddle : Approximately 4-hours in the morning / 2-hours late afternoon
☽ Dinner & Night at Macatoo Camp
☼ A.M - By now, the dawn call of the African Fish Eagle feels like your morning alarm. Hot drinks delivered to your bed mark the start of your final morning at camp. Staying close to camp, you will splash through waters on the vast open plains - home to blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra. The pace will be lively, designed to pack as much excitement as possible into these final hours. Be prepared to get wet as you approach reed-filled waterways teeming with birdlife, including open-billed storks, squacco herons, slaty egrets, and Egyptian geese.
As you follow the intricate network of waterways lined with large trees, head back to the barn where you will say a bid farewell to your horse and riding guides.
☽ P.M - Following your ride, you will have just enough time to shower, change and pack before the game drive to the airstrip, carrying a picnic lunch to tide you over until your return to the real world.
Time in the saddle : Approximately 2-hours in the morning
What our riders say
Optional activities
Game Drives
Head out in open-top safari vehicles at dawn or dusk, when the Delta comes alive. Watch lions hunting, gazelles on the move, elephants drinking at the water’s edge, and birds settling to roost - all set against breathtaking landscapes.
Mokoro - Traditional Canoë
Explore the Delta by traditional mokoro, guided by an expert poler. Glide silently past elephants feeding in the shallows, red lechwe wading through the reeds, and birds lifting from the papyrus - an intimate and peaceful way to experience the Okavango at its most magical.
Fishing
Fish from boat or shore in some of the Delta’s most beautiful waterways. Cast your line among water lilies and wallowing hippos, where the real challenge is not just the catch - but landing it before a swooping fish eagle or flash of kingfisher steals the prize.
Bush Walk
Bush Walk
When you are not on horseback or at camp, venture through the bush on foot with an expert guide. Track wildlife, uncover hidden signs of animals, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the Okavango.
Accommodations
Nestled deep within the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Macatoo Camp is a luxury tented camp hosting up to 16 guests, offering an intimate and exclusive experience. Surrounded by unspoiled wilderness and vast floodplains, the camp offers an intimate and peaceful setting for your stay.
Each of the eight tents is set on its own large, raised platform, offering panoramic views of floodplains that can be enjoyed from the bed or deck. Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, traveling with family, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the flexible sleeping arrangements ensure you a comfortable and personalized stay.
Between rides or as the sun sets, relax on sunbeds by the pool, offering sweeping views of the savanna - an ideal spot for bird and wildlife watching. Elephants and giraffes often come close to the deck, while baboon families frequently visit the pool to drink.
At Macatoo Camp, you will experience the untouched beauty of the Okavango Delta without compromising on luxury, enjoying an immersive and exclusive retreat.
Macatoo Camp, Botswana
Remote, Luxurious & Refined
Honeymoon Suite, Macatoo Camp
Intimate, Romantic & Scenic
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland river systems and among its most extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries. Unlike most rivers that flow into the sea, the Okavango spreads out into the sands of the Kalahari Desert, forming a network of waterways, swamps, islands, and floodplains that change with the seasons.
Each year, a flood of water travels over 1,000 kilometers from Angola, spilling into the Delta and transforming the landscape into a stunning mosaic of winding river channels, tranquil lagoons, lush islands, and expansive floodplains.
This seasonal flood attracts some of the greatest wildlife concentrations in Africa, including the iconic Big Five - elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and black rhinoceros - along with rare species like the elusive red lechwe and wild dog.
Experiencing a horseback riding safari in the Okavango Delta offers a unique way to immerse yourself in one of Africa’s last great pristine wildernesses.
Your Riding Team - Local & Experienced Guides
Macatoo’s riding guides are experts at bringing the Okavango Delta to life, with fascinating stories about its ever-changing landscape, its trees and plants, and wildlife - including an incredible ability to spot even the best-camouflaged animals.
Bongwe, Head Guide, grew up near the Makgadikgadi Pans and offers unmatched knowledge of the Okavango’s wildlife, especially its birdlife, all shared with a great sense of humor.
Thabo, a lead guide, is known for his passion for galloping through floodwaters and his exceptional tracking skills, especially when it comes to finding the elusive cheetahs that roam the hidden corners of the Delta.
Bernard began as a groom before becoming a lead guide. He is an expert tracker, renowned for his ability to find lions in dense bush, and is also famous for leading thrilling boat safaris during flood season.
Chief, a local from nearby Tubu, grew up riding donkeys and later worked as a horse manager. He loves showing the variety of the Delta to the riders and takes pride in leading them to spot wild dogs and other unique species on their horseback riding safari.
Together, the riding guides ensure your Okavango Delta riding sagari is a safe, unforgettable, rich in discovery (and unforgettable) experience.
ThE HORSES
Macatoo Camp is home to nearly 50 exceptional horses, very well-looked after while carefully selected and trained to navigate through the wild Okavango Delta. This herd is a blend of Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians, Percherons, and Kalahari-Arab crosses - breeds chosen for their strength, stamina, agility, and calm temperament.
These horses (all boys) are well adapted to the diverse and sometimes challenging terrain of the Delta, while each horse is appreciated for his unique ability and personality, and every effort is made to match him with the most suitable rider.
To maintain the highest standards of care, you will rotate between two or three horses throughout your safari, ensuring each horse receives the rest it needs. This rotation also allows you to meet various riding companions and experience different riding sensations, while creating harmonious partnerships tailored to your riding backgrounds and preferences.
Frequently asked questions
The Okavango Delta Safari is designed for fit and experienced riders. As you will be riding up to 6 hours a day, you need to be confident about keeping up with the group, capable of riding at all paces, rising to the trot and controlling your horse at the canter across open country.
Horseback riding in Okavango Delta involves inherent risks due to the presence of wild and potentially dangerous animals. While your guides and horses are experienced in managing these situations, some risks cannot be entirely eliminated. For your safety, you should be prepared to respond quickly and to gallop out of trouble if needed.
Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to prevent any client from riding if we feel they do not fulfill the minimum competence level as indicated.
If you are looking for a less intense but still exhilarating experience, we recommend our Calcione Experience, in Italy, our Andalusian Safari, in Spain, or our Castles of the Loire Valley, in France - all of which are tailored for intermediate to experienced riders but feature shorter riding days.
If you find yourself uncertain about your suitability for this ride, we are here to help and assist you. Please feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you.
Yes - Our commitment lies in curating tailor-made experiences that cater to the unique preferences and needs of each of our guests. This includes accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Prior to embarking on a horse riding holiday or day trip, we request guests to complete a comprehensive form. This form allows us to gather essential information, not only about dietary restrictions and allergies but also about your gastronomic preferences. By doing so, we can craft an experience that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Your safety, well-being and satisfaction are at the forefront of our personalized service, making every ride with us a truly unforgettable experience.
The minimum age for participants to join this horseback riding safari in Botswana is 12 years old.
Riders under the minimum age must make special arrangements with our reservations team.
To ensure both safety and enjoyment, we carefully assess each participant’s size, stamina, riding ability, and how they fit within the overall group dynamic before confirming participation.
If you are unsure whether a horse-riding holiday is the perfect fit for your family - particularly if you’re considering the participation of younger riders - please do not hesitate to reach out. We recognize the importance of safety, comfort, and the right adventure level for every rider, especially children. Our team is happy to assist you in making an informed decision.
Feel free to contact us at any time via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp with your questions or concerns. We will work together to help ensure your horse-riding adventure in the Dolomites is a cherished and memorable experience for every member of your family.
The Okavango Delta can be visited year-round, with each season revealing a unique landscape and atmosphere shaped by changing water levels, wildlife movements, and light.
Rather than one perfect moment, the best time to come depends on the experience you are seeking.
January to February :
- Days are hot with a cooling morning breeze and small chance of rain, while evenings remain warm.
- Daytime temperatures : 35-45°C in the middle of the day / Nights : 10-20°C.
- The bush is lush and green, with tall grasses and seasonal rains forming pools in the Mopane forests and across the plains (floodwaters are unlikely). Wildlife sightings include plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, impala, and kudu, with predators active, nomadic bull elephants passing through, and abundant birdlife in breeding plumage.
March to April :
- Days are warm to hot with warm evenings, occasional light rain.
- Daytime temperatures : 25-45°C / Night : 10-20°C.
- The bush is green and lush, with tall grass. Rain pools remain from the rainy season (floodwaters are unlikely to be within riding distance of the camp). The game is more dispersed due to plentiful water, but sightings may still include zebras, wildebeest, impala, elephant, occasional buffalo and cats.
May :
- May brings cooler evenings and warm days with very little chance of rain.
- Daytime temperatures : 20-30°C / Night : 5-10°C.
- Vehicle game drives are replaced by motorboats or mokoros.
- The bush remains green as grasses shorten, and the Okavango floodwaters begin to arrive within riding distance of the camp. The rising water creates shallow floodplain canters, deeper channels to cross. Flooded areas attract abundant birdlife, while buffalo and lechwe move in as water levels increase - though game remains dispersed.
June to August :
- Winter months bring chilly mornings and evenings, with warm temperatures during the day.
- Daytime temperatures : 20-25°C / Night : 3-5°C.
- The bush is drying except around the edges of the islands, where fresh green shoots begin to appear. Floodwaters are at their highest, providing extensive opportunities for riding through water and boating by motorboat or mokoro. Large herds of lechwe gather in the wetlands, with buffalo, hippo, crocodile, and plains game like impala, tsessebe, and kudu moving across the islands.
September to October :
- As winter ends, temperatures gradually rise and the first rains arrive, clearing hazy skies and revealing beautiful landscapes.
- Daytime temperatures : 30- 45°C / Night : 15-25°C.
- The bush is dry with short grass, and trees begin to bear fruit. As floodwaters recede - usually staying near the camp until October - remaining waterholes attract concentrated wildlife, including large herds of buffalo, elephant, and plains game. In the dry savanna, wild dogs, cats, and cheetahs are often seen, along with young giraffes, lechwe, and hyenas cooling off in the pools.
November to December :
- The rainy season begins around November, bringing hot, humid days with brief daily showers followed by dry periods. Temperatures are warm to sticky before rain and cooler afterward.
- Daytime temperatures : 30–40°C / Night : 15-20°C.
- The bush turns green as trees and flowers bloom, with dramatic sunsets and replenished waterholes. Game is abundant before dispersing after the rains - making it a great time to see newborn antelope.
For our Okavango Delta Safari, we recommend wearing your riding clothes and boots on the flight and carrying your riding hat and wash bag in your hand luggage, as checked bags can occasionally be delayed.
Please note that light aircraft transfers to and from Macatoo Camp operate under strict luggage regulations:
- Maximum allowance: 20 kg per person
(This includes hand luggage and camera equipment.) - Bags must be soft-sided and easily stowable
- Maximum dimensions: 35 cm x 70 cm
- Hard suitcases, wheeled bags, or rigid frames are not permitted
- Non-compliant luggage may need to be repacked prior to departure
If you are travelling with additional items, secure storage facilities are available at our Maun office for the duration of your safari.
A comprehensive list tailored to your specific riding holiday will be sent prior to departure. In the meantime, we have outlined a typical packing list designed to cover the basics for riders:
For the time in the saddle:
- Riding Pants: Choose the fabric based on the weather of the destination, ensuring comfort and adaptability.
- Riding Boots and Chaps: If not provided on-site, these are essential for a secure and comfortable ride.
- Lightweight Riding Helmet: Ensure you have a suitable helmet for protection, especially if not provided on-site.
- Sports Bras for Women: Prioritize support and comfort during rides.
- Long Socks: Opt for woolen ones in colder weather to keep your feet warm and cozy.
- Button-Up Long-Sleeved Cotton Shirts: Choose thermal options in cold weather for added warmth.
- Fleece or Wool Jumper: Layering is key, and a jumper provides insulation during cooler rides.
- Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket: Be prepared for unexpected weather changes with a reliable, waterproof jacket.
- Waterproof Over Trousers: Protect yourself from rain and wind with these essential over trousers.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from sun, wind, and dust for a clear and comfortable ride.
- Riding Gloves: Ensure a good grip and protect your hands during the ride.
- Filtered Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with clean water throughout your journey.
- Sunscreen: Guard against sun exposure, especially for extended rides under the open sky.
For after the ride:
- Hat and Gloves: Stay warm during chilly evenings after your ride.
- Sun Hat: Shield yourself from the sun during the afternoon visits.
- Soft Shoes: Slip into comfortable footwear after hours in riding boots.
- Comfortable Loungewear: Relax and unwind post-ride with comfortable clothing.
- First-Aid Necessities: Be prepared with a basic first-aid kit, based on your medical needs.
- Paracetamol: For general pain relief and fever.
- Gastro-Stop Medication: To address digestive issues if they arise.
- Nurofen or Ibuprofen: In case of muscle soreness for a comfortable recovery.
- Lip Balm: Keep your lips moisturized, especially in varying weather conditions.
On The Okavango Delta Safari, you will be welcomed and guided by local passionate guides, who are fluent in English.
For the Okavango Delta Safari, our partnering tour operator requires all participants to have adequate travel insurance and medical coverage in order to participate in the ride.
This insurance should cover personal liability, medical expenses (including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation), accidental injury, and holiday cancellation. Coverage must be valid from the moment your booking is confirmed until the end of your trip.
Please note that many insurance providers only offer cover while riding if you are wearing a properly fitted hard hat or safety helmet. It is therefore your responsibility to bring your own correctly fitted helmet. We cannot accept liability for head injuries sustained as a result of not following this guidance.
While our typical package rates do not include travel insurance and medical coverage, we are more than happy to include it for an additional fee (5% of the journey’s total cost).
We understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, and upon inquiry, we will provide you with a comprehensive insurance package for your convenience, ensuring you depart with serenity.
If you have any questions about the insurance we are providing, feel free to reach out to us through our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.
To confirm a ride’s booking with us, guests have the possibility of sending a deposit through two payment options: Traditional bank transfer or Secure payment link.
Traditional bank transfer provides a secure and direct way to process payments.
Alternatively, secure payment link offers more convenience but usually include additional card payment fees.
We acknowledge that unforeseen events may occur and we are committed to providing our guests with a fair and transparent cancellation policy. It is important to note that our cancellation policy may be subject to variations based on the conditions of our guiding partners.
If you need to cancel your reservation, the following terms apply:
- Cancellations made 31 days or more before departure: 80% of the total payment will be refunded.
- Cancellation made less than 30 days before departure: Unfortunately, no refunds can be provided.
Please note: A booking fee of €150 per participant will be deducted from all refunds.
Feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you.
For The Okavango Delta Safari, we accept riders weighing up to 95 kg (210lbs or 15stone).
This limit ensures the safety and well-being of our horses, as they cannot comfortably carry more weight.
Riders who are over the weight limit would need to make special arrangements for this with our reservations team and must be experienced riders.
A glimpse into the Okavango Delta Safari
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