Horseback Riding in Botswana

Discover the Delta

Overview

Recently declared the 1000th World Heritage Site, the unique Okavango Delta is a horse rider’s Eden: as the floodwaters spread down into the Kalahari sands, the herds and bird life follow, and horseback is the perfect place from which to observe them.

This Delta Ride is unlike any other. Rather than a permanent riding camp, a lightweight mobile camp is transported by a flotilla of mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) poled by members of the local community, who live on the fringes of the Delta and know it intimately. Only when the water levels are too low are vehicles employed.

The emphasis is on the experience, the loveliness of the Okavango, and top-level guiding. The riding and the horses are unsurpassed, the wildlife is astonishing and the food (cooked over a log fire) is fabulous.

Your camp is refreshingly simple, yet comfortable, with lightweight tents with standing room, fully made up stretcher beds, bucket showers and short drop loos.

This ride emphasizes fresh tastes and originality, with interesting and delicious dishes from all over Africa. Please inform your ride consultant of any dietary requirements prior to travel.

  • Overview:
    A suitable well cared for horse will be chosen from a stable of some 20 horses made up of cross breeds which include Shire/TB, Boerperd/TB, Friesian/BP, Arab crosses, Quarter horse crosses. They range in size from 14.3h to 16.2h. There is a choice of well fitted English (Wintec) saddles and trail saddles. Each saddle has specially designed holders to carry 2 water bottles per rider. Guests are welcome to bring their own personal seat saver of choice.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Fresian Boerped, Shire Thoroughbred, Arab Crosses, Quarter Crosses
  • Trip Pace:
    All paces
  • Tack:
    Safari trail saddles
  • Weight limit:
    210 lb in full riding gear

Maun airport

Itinerary Summary

There is no set itinerary, with the location of the camp dependent on water levels, wildlife movements and the length of the safari (the longer the safari the more likely the camp is to move). However every location is exquisite, there being a plentiful choice of shady, tree-lined islands.

A typical day starts with an early wake-up call and a light breakfast around the camp fire as dawn breaks. The morning is spent on horseback, following ancient elephant trails, searching for a variety of wildlife, enjoying the prolific birdlife, and cantering through the recently flooded plains. Herds of buffalo may be in the vicinity, giraffe often saunter by and red lechwe splash through the water alongside, whilst kudu peer out from the thickets.

Return to camp for lunch and siesta in the dense shade of the giant jackalberry or leadwood trees. A meditative evening ride is spent listening to the sounds of the bush and the snorting and splashing of the horses, before returning to camp for dinner under the stars.

Occasionally guests (and horses) may wish to rest, which is the perfect opportunity for a tranquil ride in a mokoro, the traditional way of traversing the glittering, lily-lined lagoons and waterways. It is a chance too, to venture out on foot to appreciate the smaller creatures that inhabit the bush - or to learn some rudimentary tracking skills.

No two days are the same, but every day is astonishing and joyous, and it is a privilege to share this unique and untouched wilderness with you.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Additional trips of 3 nights or more can be added with a minimum of 2 guests.
Additional Pricing Information:
A deposit of 50% is required for this ride.


Request Booking

Tell us more about your riding experience and trip preferences below so we may find the perfect options to meet your needs. We will research availability and get back to you with a booking confirmation detailing suggested departure, cost and extended ride itinerary.

Tell us more about yourself

* required field

Email Phone

Yes No
Yes No

Preferred Departure

Group Information

Riding Level

Please answer the equation: 6 + 3 =
Processing your request...

Do you have questions about this ride itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right ride for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the ride consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have

Call us

Speak with our reservation team directly.

1.800.545.0019

Customize this Trip

Our reservation team would be happy to customize this trip to meet your groups needs. Customize your trip.

Email this Trip Consultant

Contact Megan Barrett

We are very excited to be able to offer this new itinerary with one of the absolute best outfitters in Africa. They do an unbeatable job with all of their safaris, and so this option in the Okavango Delta, which is such a spectacular area, is sure to be an incredible combination.

Megan, Ride consultant, 2017