|
Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Botswana
Intro to Botswana
Mashatu Okavango Delta
Africa Overview
Mozambique
Namibia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
South
Africa
|
|
|
|
|
|
Okavango Big Five Safari
Okavango Delta
Botswana
A remote and exciting horseback safari deep into the world renowned wilderness of the Okavango Delta!
The Okavango Delta is undoubtedly the most outstanding of Botswana’s natural wonders, a 15,000 square kilometer wilderness of floodplain and forest interlaced with lagoons and waterways, and teeming with game and birds. A riding safari through this spectacular wetland sanctuary is an exciting and memorable experience for experienced horse riding enthusiasts with a passion of nature and international travel. Botswana is quintessential African wilderness: A vast country of savannah, desert, wetlands and salt pans, making it an ideal and varied safari destination. While nearly three quarters of the country is covered by the magnificent Kalahari Desert, yet in the north lies the Okavango Delta, the largest wetland delta in the world and an amazing contrast to behold. Botswana's huge wildlife populations make for some of the best game viewing in all of Africa. On the safaris here, you regularly encounter elephant, giraffe, buffalo, zebra and a multitude of other plains game and the big cats!
This is an extremely professional
establishment, owned and operated by PJ and Barney Bestelink for more than two
decades. They offer the very best in African riding safaris today; among other accolades, they have most recently been given the title, 'Winnner of Best Riding Safari Property in Africa' for 2013 awarded by 'The Safari Awards.' The safaris operate in their own private concession of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Western region of the Okavango Delta. Guests will be riding for four to six hours a day
through some of the most scenic and top quality game viewing areas available in the
world! The immediate area includes three major river systems of the Okavango Delta: the Xudum, the Matsibie and the Kiri. These rivers have created palm islands, grassy flood plains, mopane forests and clear streams. When the flood plains are full, the horses can wade through the water from island to island. Game viewing includes the sought after Big Five,
as well as equivocal African game such as meerkats, honey badgers and
red lechwe.
Safari groups are kept small, which allows for a personal touch on each individual departure which usually
last for five, seven or ten nights in the wilderness; your overnight accommodations will be at a selection of luxury bush camps, pending on the safaris trail chosen for the group. Kujwana Camp is the base camp with
luxury tented chalets combining double or twin beds with ensuite
bathrooms - each with private facilities. The other two camps -
Moklowane Camp and Kiri Fly Camp - consist of dome tents or bed rolls
under the stars. Meals are cooked by an expert chef and are prepared
every day to suit the activities organised – saddlebag picnic breakfasts
and lunches are a speciality before a three course candlelit gourmet
dinner is served once back at camp. With over
50 horses schooled and brought up in the African bush, the guides can and do go
to any length to make the best match of horse and rider.
The game trails you follow are sometimes the same routes used by the herds of elephant or buffalo, and when lucky, you may
get the exhilarating opportunity to gallop alongside the giraffe or zebras. As you will be riding in an
area of dangerous game, notably the elephant, buffalo and cats – these riding safaris in Botswana can only xperienced riders who are confident and capable riding at all paces. Rides are usually early in the day to avoid the most intense heat and sun, while afternoons are spent at leisure with a siesta or relaxing bird walks or
mokoro rides (water levels permitting), or jeep game drives. Non-Riders are welcome here too! They can have their own guide and enjoy
game drives, walks and Mokoros while their friends are out riding.
|
Camping Ride with vehicle support Progressive Ride (no camping) Safari Ride
|
|
Meeting:
|
Xudum Camp
|
|
Airport:
|
Maun, Kasane
|
|
Transfer:
|
Maun (charter flight) usually in at 12 noon, return by 1 pm.
|
|
Riders:
|
Min
2 riders
Max
8 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights accommodations at the base camp and fly camp, all meals, local drinks within reason, 7 riding days, guided game drives & walks, laundry service, concession fees & taxes
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP (Low) | 8d / 7n | £3185 | $5100 |
| Single supplement (if requested) | £1593 | $2550 |
| Additional Days | £455 | $730 |
| B | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP (Mid) | 8d / 7n | £3465 | $5545 |
| Single supplement (if requested) | £1733 | $2775 |
| Additional Days | £495 | $795 |
| C | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP (High) | 8d / 7n | £3990 | $6385 |
| Single supplement (if requested) | £1995 | $3195 |
| Additional Days | £570 | $915 |
Minimum Deposit:
50 %
Rates Note:
Single supplement is waived if you are willing to share with an assigned roommate
Transfer and Other Options:
|
2013
|
Transfer from Maun via plane (25 minutes) and road/boat (1 hr) per person (min of 2) return
|
£
310
|
$495
|
|
2013
|
Transfer from Maun via plane (25 minutes) and helicopter (12 min) per person (min of 2) return
|
£
420
|
$675
|
Charter flight from Maun is at approx 12 PM (noon). Return to Maun by approx 1 PM. Transfers are also available from Livingstone, Victoria Falls or Kasane - on request.
The optional helicopter transfer to and from Xaxaba Camp is a 12-minute scenic flight that offers a fantastic opportunity to view the delta from tree top level and is very popular with guests.
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2013
|
03/21
- 03/28
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Low)
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
03/31
- 04/07
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
04/10
- 04/17
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
04/20
- 04/27
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
04/30
- 05/07
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
05/10
- 05/17
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
05/20
- 05/27
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| B |
2013
|
05/30
- 06/06
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
06/09
- 06/16
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
06/19
- 06/26
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
06/29
- 07/06
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
07/09
- 07/16
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
07/19
- 07/26
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
07/29
- 08/05
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
08/07
- 08/14
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
08/08
- 08/15
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
08/17
- 08/24
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
08/18
- 08/25
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
08/27
- 09/03
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
08/28
- 09/04
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
09/07
- 09/14
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
09/17
- 09/24
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2013
|
09/27
- 10/04
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (High)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
11/06
- 11/13
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
11/16
- 11/23
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
11/26
- 12/03
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Mid)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
12/06
- 12/13
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Low)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
12/16
- 12/23
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Low)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
12/26
- 01/02
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip, AP (Low)
|
2
/8
|
Reserve
|
|
Trips can also be booked for January, February and December. However, they are from the base camp only - no fly camps. Shorter stays during this time are available for £430 (approx US$ 690) per day, minimum 2 riders.
|
Rates do not include:
Transfers, travel visas, travel and medical insurance, charter flight from Maun, staff gratuities

6 day/ 5 night Itinerary
A 5 night itinerary may take place on the first five nights or the second 5
nights of a 10 night itinerary. Clients depart on day 6 after an early morning
ride & breakfast (aircraft movements permitting).
8 day/ 7 night Itinerary
A 7 night itinerary usually starts on night 1 of a safari, it would usually be
split between 2 camps giving guests the opportunity to explore these areas more
than on a 5 night itinerary.
11 day/ 10 night Itinerary
On a 10 night itinerary we work out of our base camp Kujwana. This is situated
on the Xudum river in the Okavango Delta. We then use two other camps in
different areas of the concession. All these camps are well situated in big game
areas. They are chosen for the variety of terrain and species that favour
particular areas.
*This is a sample itinerary which may vary
according to water levels and game movements.
Day 1: Kujwana Camp
You are met at Maun Airport by our representative and transferred to camp.
Options on transfers available; fixed wing and helicopter shuttle highly
recommended. You’ll be served lunch and given an introduction talk on safety and
game viewing from horseback. This will be followed by an orientation ride
lasting 1 - 2 hours.
Day 2: Kujwana Camp
Morning game ride in the Xudum area. Wade through lush green malapos that lead
you from island to island. Surprise a timid reedbuck out of its dense cover on a
heavily wooded island; enjoy herds of lechwe and giraffes moving through the
open spaces. Return to camp for lunch and a siesta followed by an afternoon game
drive with sunset drinks and an evening drive.
Day 3: Qwaapu Camp
Ride eastwards to two very large islands that are cut off from Kujwana by the
Qwaapu River. Breeding herds of elephants enjoy the security of the dense
forest, and travel from pan to pan leaving a lattice of large paths. Zebras,
wildebeest and buffaloes are also attracted to this area. Animal tracks abound,
telling you about what has passed through – or what you might still find. Arrive
in time for late lunch followed by an evening bird and game walk.
Day 4: Qwaapu Camp
Full-day ride with a picnic lunch. This area forms seasonal marsh lands and
hosts a variety of exceptional birdlife. Wildlife moves freely to and from
Moremi National Park, and this is good buffalo and elephant country. Return to
camp in the cool of the late afternoon.
Day 5: Kujwana Camp
This morning’s ride returns along the western route, cutting through rain pans
and visiting deep hippo pools. Arrive at Kujwana in time for a swim in the Xudum
River. Take an afternoon trip in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe.
Day 6: Kujwana Camp
A rest day for the guests who are riding for 10 days. You can opt to take a game
drive, walk, float in a mokoro or relax with a pair of binoculars at a
waterhole. For guests riding 5 or 7 days, there’s a dawn game ride, transfers
permitting. Return to camp for breakfast. Guests joining the safari take a ride
in the cooler afternoon to see the wildlife stirring after the heat of the day.
Day 7: Kujwana Camp
A full-morning ride exploring the western Baobab area. Small islands linked by
numerous hippo channels lead you to Baobab Island. This is good habitat for
cheetahs and a breeding ground for Carmine Bee-eaters. Afternoon game/night
drive.
Day 8: Mokolwane Camp
Ride from Kujwana to Mokolwane Camp, following a 30 kms north-westerly route
through open floodplains and scattered islands to the Matsebe River system. A
picnic lunch is served on a shady island some two hours from Mokolwane Camp,
where you’ll arrive at sunset.
Day 9: Mokolwane Camp
Morning game ride. This camp lies on the Matsebe River system and features wide
floodplains interspersed with mokolwane palms - a favourite food of elephants
and baboons. This is a good area for plains game. In the afternoon, enjoy a 1-2
hour mokoro experience.
Day 10: Kujwana Camp
A 40-km full-day ride from Mokolwane to Kujwana with a picnic lunch on the way.
You’ll ride for four hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon through
game areas and ford the Xudum River via elephant highways. Arrival at Kujwana is
at sunset.
Day 11
Early morning game ride out on Kujwana Camp if flight times permit. Guests
depart after breakfast.
Note: We reserve the right to alter the itinerary according to water levels
and game movements. Mokoros (dugout Canoes) are offered as an activity depending
on water levels. Re:10 night itinerary - on day 6 the horses are sometimes rested and other activities
are offered, i.e.Mokoro with picnic lunch, game drive or bird walk.

Meeting:
Xudum Camp
Airport:
Maun, Kasane
Transfer:
Maun (charter flight) usually in at 12 noon, return by 1 pm.
Distance:
80 miles from Maun
Charter flight from Maun is at approx 12 PM (noon). Return to Maun by approx 1 PM.Transfers are also available from Livingstone, Victoria Falls or Kasane - on request.
The optional helicopter transfer to and from Xaxaba Camp is a 12-minute scenic flight that offers a fantastic opportunity to view the delta from tree top level and is very popular with guests.
|
Tack:
|
|
English leather saddles to a very high standard, some South African trail saddles. All horses go in snaffle bridles.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Thoroughbred, TB X, Arabians, Arabian X’s, Boerperds, American Saddlebred X’s, Warmbloods
|
|
Pace:
|
|
The terrain offers a wide range of pace with many areas that we can move on, flooded malapos allow for water canters but when game viewing we also move at a leisurely pace. 4 to 6 hrs in the saddle each day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate+
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs/14.5stone/90kg
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
TYPE OF
HORSE: Full and part Thoroughbred, Pure Arab,
Anglo Arab, American Saddle Bred. Between 14 and 17 hands. Well-schooled,
responsive and even temperament. There is a wide range of horses (over 50 )
suitable for the competition rider to a steady hack. Every effort is made to
match horse and rider.
TACK:
Tack is predominantly English Style and each saddle has a seat saver for comfort. All tack is of
high quality and kept in good condition. Saddles are well known makes such as
Ideals, Barnsby, and Symonds. There are a few South African trail saddles available upon advance request. These are similar to Australian Stock Saddles and McClellan military style saddles. Most horses are ridden in snaffle bridles.
RIDING ABILITY:
Minimum riding ability required is mastery of the basic aids, ability to post to
the trot for stretches of 10 minutes at a time, to be comfortable at all paces and must have the skills to gallop out of trouble safely. For example, a charging elephant or unexpected lion encounter. It is a great advantage if you are a
fit health wise.
WEIGHT LIMIT:
Maximum weight is 200 lbs
(14 ½ stone or 90 kg). Guests may be required to step on the scales. A special
program is available for clients over our weight limit, which offers shorter
rides, game drives & walks. Weight Supplement: Over 200 lbs. (14 ½ stone, or
90kg) a supplement of 50% will be charged for an extra horse.
CHILDREN: We do accept children but they must be strong competent riders. They should have a certificate from a pony club or qualified teacher to attest this. No adjustment in price of children.
SAFETY:
All rides are lead by qualified profession guides. A 375 rifle is carried on all
the rides. All camps and vehicles have radio communication and guides ride with
a hand held radios. A demonstration is given at the beginning of the safari with
a talk on how to handle big game situations.
GUIDING:
All rides are lead by qualified profession guides. A keen interest is taken in
birds as well as fauna & flora.
LENGTH OF THE RIDE: Between 4-6 hours in the saddle a day. This is broken by refreshment stops - picnic breakfast or lunch and a 10-minute walk for every two hours spent in the saddle. (This eases up the rider using different muscles, and helps the horse from constant pressure of the rider’s weight).
TERRAIN: The Okavango Delta has been described as a water meadow. Palm islands, grassy flood plains, mopane forests and clear streams. Highest water is normally between May to September. Many of the flood plains are full at this time and the horses wade through from island to island. The going is normally quite good and firm along the edges of the islands allowing the ride to move on at a trot and canter.
NON-RIDERS:
We can accommodate non-riders but they must be booked in as such.
Non-Riders have their own guide and enjoy game drives, walks and
Mokoros. They move with the riding guests to the various fly camps and
join non-riding activities and picnics.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Although our priority is riding, we offer alternative activities during the afternoons that are not day rides. A 6 hour morning can be tiring so afternoons are spent at leisure with evening bird walks or mokoro rides (water levels permitting). Afternoon game drives and night spotting are also offered.

Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:. more
Floods normally arrive Apr/May and recede Oct. Daytime temperatures warm but evenings can be cold. Unlikely to rain.
Autumn
March – April
Last of the rains fall during march. Temperatures start to drop toward the end
of April. Temp 30 – 20 degree C. Normally no flood water so molapos dry. Local rains over dec – Feb. create a
very green environment and top up lagoons. Rain pans holding water big
attraction for game as they become more concentrated.
Special Game: Zebra and wildebeest start their mini migration back to the delta from the
rainpans. Migrant bird species start to leave.A lot of elephant in the dry area
as the clay bottomed rain pans become their main source of water. Marula trees
are ripe, good food for the elephant.Good sightings of hippo and crocodile in
the lagoons as they await the arrival of the floodwater.
Notable Clothing: Rainproof jacket. Expect some showers. Warm fleece for evenings. Hot during days
May
One of the most interesting months. The flood usually arrives in May. Dry riverbeds start flowing and the sudden growth of vegetation and sound is
phenomenal.
Special Game: Usually an exceptional game viewing on the tongue of the flood as it moves
through the area.
Notable Clothing: Temperature is cold to cool at night. Cool to warm during the day. Highly
unlikely to rain but recommend a wind breaker.
Winter
June to July
Coldest months especially in the evening. Pleasant during day
and dry. Temperature varies 10 –20 degree C. Sun shines every day. Flood normally arrives Mokolowane mid may and Kujwana about 2 weeks later.
Qwappu receives water mid June.
Exciting time to be in the delta. Watching the annual transformation of the
delta. Deep wades and swimming begin.
Special Game: Great birding with the arrival of the floods. As the
molapos start to fill attracts big herds of zebra, giraffe, and impala. Large
herds of Buffalo.
Elephant start feeding on Mokolowane palms.
Clothing: Warm clothing for early am and evening. Mild/warm
during day so some cool clothes.
Spring
August to October
Warming up to hot. Trees start to flower. Water at its
peak and start to drop toward September and October.
Molapas are green and lush. Water lilies fill the lagoons. Very pretty time of
year.
Special Game: Migrant bird species start to arrive. Carmine
bee-eaters start to nest. Wattled crane are nesting and in august the elephants
feed on the fruit of the palm tree.
Notable Clothing:
Shorts, swimming things.
Summer
November
Temperatures
reach high 30 – 40 degree C. Water levels dropping fast. Good ground.
Special Game: Ungulates i.e. impala tssessebe start to calve. Zebra
start to foal.
Big herds of buffalo.
Notable Clothing: We advise clients to always bring sun
protection, hat, lotion, sunglasses. Bum bag always a good idea to carry
camera/binoculars.
Air transfers are in light charter aircraft - there is a weight restriction of 15 kg
(33 lbs) per person!
Luggage must be packed in soft sided bags only! Any extra luggage can be left
with our office in Maun.
Jodpurs or Riding jeans - at least two pairs!
Half or Full Leather Chaps
Light Cotton Trousers to wear
under chaps and or evenings
Shorts for the midday
break
Long sleeve shirt Optional: protection from the sun while riding
T Shirts
Swim suit
Kikoi or Sarong
Socks- 2 changes per day
(laundry is done daily except on camp moves)
Rubber Flip Flop -1 pair
Riding Shoes - 1 pair
Trainers - 1 pair or shoes to
wear when not riding
Slacks or similar for evenings
Sweat shirt
Warm Jacket - inter ( April to
September )
Hat - Hard for riding if
preferred, wide brim / straw for shade
Riding Gloves
Plastic Poncho - Rainy season
Torch and spare batteries.
All
clothes should be neutral, khaki or bush colored for riding and walking.
Other - Sunglasses, Suntan and Blockout lotion, Lip ice, Insect repellent,
Antihistamine cream and pills, Bumbag (Fanny Pack), Camera, film, binoculars
-
Laundry is done daily in camp but not when moving to fly
camp. All laundry is washed by hand by camp staff. Ladies underwear and
other personal items may not be sent to the laundry. Washing powder
is provided in the bathrooms.
-
Soap, Shampoo, hair conditioner, and body lotion is
provided in Kujwana camp
-
Bedrolls are complete with sheets, duvet and towels
provided.
-
A medical kit is available.
-
Recharging batteries: facilities are available at Kujwana
camp. Power point is British and Botswana (three prong round, or three prong
square)
For Extra Spending: accept cash USD, GBP and credit cards (charge 5% for any transaction)
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips

ACCOMMODATION: Kujwana camp offers spacious safari tents with shower en suite (flush toilet). There are two double-bedded tents and four twin bedded tents complete with attractive furnishings, bedside tables, hanging cupboard, luggage rack, floor rug, and chairs. Mokolwane has tree chalets with bucket and pulley showers and flush toilets. Fly camp has dome tents with camp beds, bedrolls with cotton sheets, duvet and towels. Long drop toilets for each tent and bucket and pulley showers with hot water. A tent personnel is on hand at all times.
MEALS: Safari cooks prepares 3 meals a day plus saddlebag picnic breakfasts and vehicle support picnic lunches. Emphasis is made on fresh vegetables and salads. Fresh bread is baked every day. Vegetarians are catered for. Light lunches, cold meats, salads and 3 course dinners served by candle light at the dining table near the campfire.
DRINKS: Iced drinks are available. Beer, bottled water, an assortment of cool drinks and limited choice of spirits. Special requests can be catered for. Cordials, tea and coffee are freely available and house wine is served with dinner. Special requests can be catered for with advance warning and billed out accordingly.
The Camps

KUJWANA CAMP
Kujwana camp is situated on the Xudum river south west of Chiefs Island in the Okavango Delta. The camp accommodates a maximum of 8 to 10 guests in spacious safari tent each with bathrooms en-suite. Fixed departure dates are published with a 5 and 10 night safari offering the opportunity to explore the three main river systems in this area, the Xudum, Matsebi and the Kiri river. An area of over 2500 sq. km it is rich in wildlife and variety of fauna and flora. The areas between the three rivers contrast greatly and support different species of game and birds.
Kujwana camp has 220volt solar power. Limited recharging of camera batteries is possible (no hair dryers or electrical appliances)

MOKOLWANE CAMP
Mokolwane camp is north west of Kujwana on the Matsebi river. This camp is situated in the open flood plains which receive flood water 3 weeks earlier than Kujwana camp. The vegetation consists of smaller palm island and wide open spaces. Mokolwane is also a 10-bedded camp. The tree houses (accommodation) are 10 feet off the ground boasting superb views, each with private bathroom.
The Matsibe river is your main feeder for Lake Ngami.

FLY CAMP
Qwaapu Fly Camp is south east of Kujwana camp. This camp is temporary and the site moves according to access with water levels. Deep lagoons make this is a good area for hippo and lechwe, as well as buffalo and other big game. The camp consists of walk in meru tents (see fact sheet).The term Fly camp means temporary camp easily moved ( from the days when you moved your fly sheet rather than you whole tent).
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
English leather saddles to a very high standard, some South African trail saddles. All horses go in snaffle bridles.
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Thoroughbred, TB X, Arabians, Arabian X’s, Boerperds, American Saddlebred X’s, Warmbloods
|
|
Pace:
|
|
The terrain offers a wide range of pace with many areas that we can move on, flooded malapos allow for water canters but when game viewing we also move at a leisurely pace. 4 to 6 hrs in the saddle each day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate+
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
200 lbs/14.5stone/90kg
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
TYPE OF
HORSE: Full and part Thoroughbred, Pure Arab,
Anglo Arab, American Saddle Bred. Between 14 and 17 hands. Well-schooled,
responsive and even temperament. There is a wide range of horses (over 50 )
suitable for the competition rider to a steady hack. Every effort is made to
match horse and rider.
TACK:
Tack is predominantly English Style and each saddle has a seat saver for comfort. All tack is of
high quality and kept in good condition. Saddles are well known makes such as
Ideals, Barnsby, and Symonds. There are a few South African trail saddles available upon advance request. These are similar to Australian Stock Saddles and McClellan military style saddles. Most horses are ridden in snaffle bridles.
RIDING ABILITY:
Minimum riding ability required is mastery of the basic aids, ability to post to
the trot for stretches of 10 minutes at a time, to be comfortable at all paces and must have the skills to gallop out of trouble safely. For example, a charging elephant or unexpected lion encounter. It is a great advantage if you are a
fit health wise.
WEIGHT LIMIT:
Maximum weight is 200 lbs
(14 ½ stone or 90 kg). Guests may be required to step on the scales. A special
program is available for clients over our weight limit, which offers shorter
rides, game drives & walks. Weight Supplement: Over 200 lbs. (14 ½ stone, or
90kg) a supplement of 50% will be charged for an extra horse.
CHILDREN: We do accept children but they must be strong competent riders. They should have a certificate from a pony club or qualified teacher to attest this. No adjustment in price of children.
SAFETY:
All rides are lead by qualified profession guides. A 375 rifle is carried on all
the rides. All camps and vehicles have radio communication and guides ride with
a hand held radios. A demonstration is given at the beginning of the safari with
a talk on how to handle big game situations.
GUIDING:
All rides are lead by qualified profession guides. A keen interest is taken in
birds as well as fauna & flora.
LENGTH OF THE RIDE: Between 4-6 hours in the saddle a day. This is broken by refreshment stops - picnic breakfast or lunch and a 10-minute walk for every two hours spent in the saddle. (This eases up the rider using different muscles, and helps the horse from constant pressure of the rider’s weight).
TERRAIN: The Okavango Delta has been described as a water meadow. Palm islands, grassy flood plains, mopane forests and clear streams. Highest water is normally between May to September. Many of the flood plains are full at this time and the horses wade through from island to island. The going is normally quite good and firm along the edges of the islands allowing the ride to move on at a trot and canter.
NON-RIDERS:
We can accommodate non-riders but they must be booked in as such.
Non-Riders have their own guide and enjoy game drives, walks and
Mokoros. They move with the riding guests to the various fly camps and
join non-riding activities and picnics.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Although our priority is riding, we offer alternative activities during the afternoons that are not day rides. A 6 hour morning can be tiring so afternoons are spent at leisure with evening bird walks or mokoro rides (water levels permitting). Afternoon game drives and night spotting are also offered.

Passports
Passports valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia, who do need a visa);
(b) transit passengers provided continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft and not leaving the airport.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission/embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Nationals travelling to South Africa, before or after entering Botswana, will require two clear pages in their passport for the South African stamp.
Types of Visa and Cost
General Entry: £60 (single- or multiple-entry).
Validity
Up to 90 days from the date of issue. Extensions are available from the Department of Immigration in Botswana.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
One to three.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
|
|
|
|
Okavango Big Five Safari
Tour Code:
IT-BORT01
8 days /
7 nights
~$5,100.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
|