Botswana: Safari in the Okavango Delta
From 10.002 €

Botswana: Safari in the Okavango Delta

holiday package
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ref ID: 21061463
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
10.002 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Itinerary
Tours

Day 1: Okavango Delta

ITALY / MAUN / OKAVANGO DELTA (- / L / D)

An exclusive horseback safari in the delta awaits you... From the heights of a small Cessna, you'll witness life suddenly reborn from nothing. The Okavango River majestically opens into the second largest inland river delta on our planet, after the Niger Delta. It is one of the most unusual ecosystems in the world: the Okavango River, which originates in Angola, after a journey of over 1000 km and the meeting with numerous tributaries, reaches the sands of the Kalahari, flowing each year 11 cubic kilometers of water and creating a floodplain rich in islands, lagoons, and channels. This is how life is born in the desert, a burst of flora and an incredible concentration of animals drawn to the abundance of water. A breathtaking spectacle, a landscape that changes with the seasons, and the colors of the water mirrors at sunset. One of the last truly wild places in Africa; exploring it on horseback is truly a privilege... You’ll gallop across endless prairies and encounter buffalo and elephants up close; nothing is ever taken for granted, every day is different and unique... Riding through the swamps or floating on a small mokoro, you will experience emotions that will leave a lasting nostalgic mark after your return, known as the "Mal d'Africa" (Sick of Africa). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts travelers from all over the world eager to discover its uniqueness.

Meet the guides at Maun (or Kasane) airport and transfer by a 30-minute Cessna 206 or 208 flight to Macatoo Camp (about 1.5 hours from Kasane). Upon arrival at the airstrip, a jeep will be waiting for you for a game drive to take you to the camp. Welcome cocktail and in the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour horseback safari. Overnight at the camp with full board.


Day 2: Okavango Delta

OKAVANGO DELTA (B / L / D)
Early wake-up, breakfast around the fire, and horse assignments. Depending on the season, the morning safari may feature gallops through dry floodplains, flooded plains, or traveling through seas of tall grass to observe giraffes, zebras, antelopes, elephants, buffalo, and anything else we may encounter. A hearty lunch is served every day—you’ll need it after all those kilometers in the saddle. Chicken stew is a favorite, and wine is served to encourage a little nap before tea and the evening horseback safari. Evening drinks are often enjoyed in the bush before returning to the camp to freshen up. Dinner is always a big event at Macatoo, but there is no guarantee that it will always be served in the same place...


Day 3: Okavango Delta

OKAVANGO DELTA (B / L / D)
After yesterday’s adventure, you’ll be eager to wake up… breakfast and back in the saddle, taking a different route than the previous day. You will have gained confidence, and opportunities to gallop alongside wild animals will be plentiful. Return to camp for lunch and enjoy some downtime by the pool. Often, the pool turns into a watering hole for families of baboons, so keep your camera ready! In the afternoon, enjoy a horseback safari, a game drive, or a boat ride depending on your preference.


Day 4: Okavango Delta

OKAVANGO DELTA (B / L / D)
Morning horseback safari through mopane forests, which are favorites of the elephants. We may also spot giraffes and some of the more elusive antelope species. After lunch, we suggest renting a helicopter (extra cost) to reach the more remote areas of the delta and capture spectacular photographs. We will also take a night safari, looking for lions and hyenas—fun to spot animals by the reflection of their eye color in the light.


Day 5: Okavango Delta

OKAVANGO DELTA (B / L / D)
Today, we will venture into a wilderness area where vehicles cannot reach, while on horseback, we’ll be able to get closer to the animals. We will see small palm islands amid the water channels. Tonight, we may choose to camp outside the main camp, returning the next morning to observe the sunset and the starry sky from a different vantage point.


Day 6: Okavango Delta

OKAVANGO DELTA (B / L / D)
For those who stayed out overnight, we’ll return to camp by horseback and enjoy some relaxation time by the pool. Often, the sunburned "farmer tan" that distinguishes the riders needs a little evening touch-up. If we haven't yet spotted all the "Big 5," there's the option for a jeep safari.


Day 7: Okavango Delta

OKAVANGO DELTA (B / L / D)
Today, we will head deeper into the floodplains, which are sometimes so deep that the horses will have to swim... Keep your camera close! The surface is dotted with beautiful lilies and is the preferred area of buffalo, which can be seen gathered in groups of up to 2000 heads. Lunch at the camp and the last afternoon activity can be a game drive or horseback safari.


Day 8:

OKAVANGO DELTA / MAUN / ITALY (B / - / -)
The sound of life waking up at dawn will have become familiar, as will the smell of coffee around the fire waiting for you… If your return flight allows, we’ll enjoy another short horseback safari around the area, watching the myriad of birds inhabiting the water channels. Time for a shower and a game drive with a picnic lunch before heading to the nearest airstrip for a short flight to Maun (or Kasane) airport. Ask us for a quote if you'd like to continue your vacation at Chobe National Park.

Note: The itinerary above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. Packages are available from 3 to 10 nights.
NON-RIDERS are welcome and can explore the delta by 4x4, mokoro, and small boat, enjoy bird watching and fishing, and gather around the campfire in the evening with other participants to share different experiences.

Notes:
(B / L / D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°°° (ADVANCED)
ACCOMMODATION: Fixed luxury tented camp
EQUIPMENT: English, South African trekking saddles
HORSES: The cavalry consists of 50 horses, including Thoroughbreds, Namibians, Percherons, and Arab-Kalahari breeds. Each horse is carefully cared for and appreciated for its qualities and personality. Each rider will change 2-3 horses during their stay to allow them to rest and always be in top condition.
RIDING: 4 to 6 hours in the saddle. We will use all three gaits depending on the terrain. Full control of the horse in open spaces is required. ATTENTION: The local guides may decide to "dismount" a rider for their safety if they are not at the necessary level to undertake the safari (a test will be conducted to ensure proper control of the horse).
WHAT TO BRING: Suitable equestrian clothing in earthy tones (khaki/sand) to avoid visually disturbing the animals. Bring warmer clothing for the night-time temperature drop. Waterproof pouch for the camera. Helmet, sunscreen, and insect repellent (remember you are in the water channels of the river).
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 95 kg
TYPE: Equestrian stay with a base in luxury tented camp

ACCOMMODATION:
Macatoo Camp offers 8 luxurious tents, all discreetly camouflaged in the African vegetation, raised on a platform to enjoy views of the water channels and sunsets. Running water and electricity are available. The common area is used for meals and a campfire under the stars. Wi-Fi is available in the common area between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. There is also a swimming pool with sunbeds and panoramic views. Not far away, there is a tree platform where lunches or drinks are often served.

Departure Dates: Available upon request year-round, with a minimum of one person departing from Italy, starting any day of the week. Stays from 3 to 10 nights.

PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 16

Additional Information:
Flight from Kasane: €650 per person
Flight from Maun: €460 per person

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
10.002 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 2
Accommodations 1
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Included
All meals as per the program and specified drinks
7 nights in a luxury English-style tented camp
7 days of horseback riding (4-6 hours per day)
Horses and equipment available
Expert local guide fluent in English
Basic insurance covering medical assistance, repatriation, and baggage damage

Excluded
International flights to/from Maun, Kasane, etc.
Cessna flight to the camp's airstrip
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks, tips, personal extras
Anything not specifically listed under "the package includes"
Supplementary or cancellation insurance
Accommodation
- Campo tendato luxury