LOCATION
BOTSWANA,
THE OKAVANGO DELTA & THE KALAHARI DESERT
TIME/PAX/EXPERIENCE
8 NIGHTS
MIN 4 MAX 12 RIDERS
RIDERS LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED
PRICE
FROM £698 pppns
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE
HIGHLIGHTS
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
BIG ENDANGERED GAME
ZU'HOASI BUSHMEN TRIBE
DESOLATE YET TEEMING WITH LIFE.
Immerse yourself in a combined spiritual and out-of-planetary experience. Connecting with one of the oldest indigenous populations on our planet combined with experiencing the landscape at night, the closest thing to being on the moon. A vehicle free trek working in partnership with the local community offers a genuinely ‘green’ experience. This safari is known as one of the most environmentally friendly safaris around.
PART 1: THE OKAVANGO DELTA
Home to some of the world’s most endangered species of large mammal, such as the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog and lion.
The annual flooding from the River Okavango occurs during the dry season resulting in the native plants and animals synchronising their biological cycles with these seasonal rains and floods. Establishing the Delta as an exceptional example of the interaction between climatic, hydrological and biological processes.
THE DAY TO DAY EXPERIENCE
With no set itinerary for the safari, the location of the camp depends on water levels, wildlife movements and the length of the safari. Therefore, there is no permanent riding camp.
Instead, a lightweight mobile camp is transported by a flotilla of mekoros (traditional canoes comprising of large tree trunks hollowed out by hand) and poled (punted) by the local Delta community. When the water levels are too low for the mekoros, a train of pack donkeys and handlers take over the camping goods transportation.
THE BUFFALO FENCE
From Maun Airport it is only a 30 minute drive to the southern end of the Okavango where the safari begins.
The Delta proper is demarcated by the 'buffalo fence' and here you find the horses waiting. The controversial fence stretches across the breadth of the country, separating wildlife from domestic cattle and preventing the spread of disease.
CAMP AMONG TREE LINED ISLANDS
A typical day starts with an early wake up call and light breakfast around the campfire as the dawn breaks.
After breakfast the day’s adventure begins as the guides follow animal trails and spoors through the delta leading the tour towards the best wildlife siting's of the day.
Before the setting sun the tour heads towards a secluded camp on a beautiful, remote island, set up by safari staff.
ANCIENT ELEPHANT TRAILS
A tremendously thrilling and emotional experience when face to face with a herd of majestic elephants.
Follow the ancient elephant trails, spotting the immense variety of wildlife whilst enjoying the prolific birdlife and cantering through the flooded plains. Look out for the buffalo herds and the mesmerising giraffe sauntering past. Spot the splashing red lechwe, medium sized antelopes, bathing in the waterways, and kudu peering out from the thickets.
RETURNING TO MAUN
Riding back to the edge of the Okavango Delta where a safari vehicle awaits to transfer you back to Maun.
The tour arrives, after, either a short flight or 3 hour drive, at Camp Kalahari on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. This beautiful camp is the base for the next three days riding in the Kalahari.
PART 2: THE KALAHARI DESERT
Head off in the beautiful afternoon light to experience the beauty of this magical area.
Camp Kalahari is nestled amongst the acacias and Mokolwane palms of Brown Hyaena Island, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, adjacent to the Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans National Park, Botswana.
'LAND OF A THOUSAND ISLANDS'
Experience the 'land of a thousand islands'. Stranded on the ancient lakebed, these sand dunes covered in palm trees are one of the most beautiful and fascinating areas of the Botswana wilderness.
The islands and adjoining grasslands are awash with zebra, wildebeest, springbok and ostrich - and of course the attendant predators! The white encrusted pans between the islands provides excellent going for the horses.
NIGHT GAME DRIVE
Enjoy a night game drive back to camp, with the aid of a spot light.
Look for nocturnal desert inhabitants such as aardvark, bat eared foxes, aardwolves, porcupine, honey badgers and perhaps even a black maned Kalahari Lion.
MEET THE KALAHARI MEERKATS
Due to an ongoing habituation Programme, it’s possible for guests to get up close and personal with these captivating creatures!
By spending quality time with these incredibly social, superbly adapted animals, you will be able to see how they interact with each other and their environment.
QUAD BIKE AN ANCIENT LAKEBED
Set off in the late afternoon by quadbike for one of the greatest adventures imaginable.
A ride straight out into the middle of the ancient lakebed (we cannot do this on horseback). Eventually all that can be seen is the vast flatness stretching in every direction. Watch the sun set and the stars rise.
16,000 sq. kilometres of baking soda void, are inhabited only by you and a few gazillion invisible brine shrimp!
MEET THE ZU'HOASI TRIBE
Ending the tour on a high note, ride through to a traditionally built Bushmen village.
A two hour walk with these extraordinary people provides a gentle introduction to the Kalahari and Bushmen way of life. The group points out the distinct ecological characteristics of this area and its animal and bird species.
After the walk ends mount up for a return ride to camp in time for your road or air transfer back to Maun.
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For more information on the horses, weight limits, climate, insurance, terrain, accommodation and meals please request a brochure.