Okavango Big Five - 6 days

Introduction
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 organized – saddlebag picnic breakfasts and lunches are a specialty 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 experienced 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. 
 

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights will be spent in safari tents in different locations.

6-day Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
All nights are spent at Kujwana Camp.

8-day Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Most nights are spent at Kujwana Camp, except for night 5, which will be at Mokolowane Camp.


Kujwana Camp
Kujwana camp is situated on the Xudum River south west of Chiefs Island in the Okavango Delta. Tents are a mixture of pole-and-canvas lodging with sliding doors and Meru tents, with very comfortable handmade bespoke beds. There are two double-bedded tents and two twin bedded tents complete with attractive furnishings, bedside tables, hanging cupboard, luggage rack, floor rug, and chairs. Bathrooms are en-suite with flushing toilets and lovely hot showers.
There are 2 spacious Riverside suites with spectacular views built on the river (The Hippo Cradle or The Rocking Horse - can be booked on request for an extra fee).
This camp has a swimming pool, a bar, and a library to keep you entertained for when you are not riding. WiFi access allows you to stay in touch with family. The camp has 220volt solar power. Limited recharging of camera batteries is possible (no hair dryers or electrical appliances). Laundry and ironing is completed every day, inclusive of total cost.


Mokolwane Camp
Mokolwane camp is North West of Kujwana on the Matsebi River which is the main feeder for Lake Ngami. This camp is situated in the open flood plains, which receive floodwater 3 weeks earlier than Kujwana camp. The vegetation consists of smaller palm islands and wide-open spaces. Mokolwane is an 8-bedded camp with 5 tree houses. The tree houses (accommodation) are 10 feet off the ground boasting superb views, each with private bathroom with flushing toilets and hot showers. There is no WIFI or laundry on this site.

Room Occupancy
The first two singles to book will have their own guaranteed “no single supplement”. After this, guests would be requested to share or pay a single supplement.
Please, note that single supplements might also apply to transfers. 



Meals
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
Safari cooks prepares three meals a day including a 3 course dinner plus saddlebag snacks and vehicle support picnic lunches.

Emphasis is on fresh vegetables and salads. Fresh bread is baked every day.
Meals are eaten alfresco style in open aired boutique dining room, with tea and coffee served afterwards around the camp fire.
Picnics are served on long tables dressed with silver ware out in the bush under a shaded tree.

Beer, bottled water, an assortment of cool drinks, and a limited choice of spirits are available. Cordials, tea, and coffee are freely available, and house wine is served with dinner.
Special requests can be catered for with advance notice and billed out accordingly.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice. Please let us know at the time of booking.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Ability
Participants all need to master the basic aids, be able to post to the trot for stretches of 10 minutes at a time, be comfortable at all paces and be able to gallop out of trouble. It is a great advantage if you are a fit and a proficient rider.

Pace & Riding Terrain
We spend between 4-6 hours in the saddle a day. This is broken by refreshment stops 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.
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.

Horses
Full and part Thoroughbred, Pure Arab, Anglo Arab, Friesian cross, and Botswana Warmbloods (American Saddle bred cross African Boerperd) between 14 and 17 hands. All are well-schooled, responsive and even tempered. There is a wide range of horses (over 50) suitable for all kinds of riders. Every effort is made to match horse and rider.
The horses are chosen with temperament and suitability at the forefront. Many of the horses have either been sourced through close friends in Harare, Zimbabwe or are selected from well-known breeders in South Africa. In recent years, we have carefully selected mares to join our team and using Lamu, an American Saddlebred, we are breeding more of our own horses now.
When not on safari the horses freely graze the grassy molapos of the delta through the day. They graze loose and this truly is one of the amazing sights you will see while on safari with us.

Tack
Tack is English Style and South African Trail saddles. Each saddle has a seat saver for comfort. Tack is of high quality and kept in good condition. Saddles are well known makes such as Ideals, Albion, and Symonds. Most horses are in snaffle bridles.

Weight Limit
Maximum weight is 200 lbs (14 ½ stone or 90 kg). Guests may be required to step on the scales. We do not accept riders over that weight.

Group size
The 2 camps can accommodate up to 6 guests each so the rides are normally no larger than a group of 6-8 riders.

Children
We accept children over 12 years of age unless special arrangement is made with the camp for younger children and family groups. In order for a child to ride, we ask for a letter confirming the child's competence from an independent equine professional.

Safety
All rides are led by qualified, specialized and/or professional guides and a back up guide. A 375 rifle is carried on all the rides. All camps and vehicles have radio communication and guides ride with hand held radios. A demonstration is given at the beginning of the safari with a talk on how to handle big game situations. Should an accident happen all guests are registered with a helicopter evacuation service which can get you to a hospital within 20 minutes.
A medical kit is kept in the camp.

Guides
All rides are lead by qualified, specialized and professional guides as well as a back up guide. A keen interest is taken in birds as well as fauna and flora. Other activities including game drives, Mekoros, walks and power boats are also led by qualified, specialized and/or professional guides.

Insurance
All guests must have adequate medical and travel insurance to join this trip. Guests must check that there travel insurance covers horse riding. This is often an extra that must be added on.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: 6-day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
You are met at Maun Airport before a 25 minute transfer by helicopter straight into camp, or by light aircraft to Pompom airstrip, which is then roughly an hour’s drive to camp by vehicle or boat. Once you arrive in camp you will be given time to settle in before lunch and an introduction talk with demonstration on tack and advice on game viewing from horseback. This is followed by an orientation ride (about 1-2 hours).
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 2 (Monday): Xudum Ride
Wake up each day is 30 minutes before dawn to ensure best game viewing. After breakfast, a morning ride in the Xudum area, wading through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island, surprising a timid reedbuck
out his dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces.
In the afternoon head out for a peaceful mokoro expedition on the river and enjoy the tranquility of the Delta from our dug out canoes. Enjoy the beautiful colours of the Delta as the sun starts to sink behind the horizon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 3 (Tuesday): Qwaapu Ride & Game Drive
A full morning ride heading to the east exploring the Qwaapu area – a different river system with exciting game viewing opportunities and a different landscape.
Return to camp for lunch followed by a siesta.
Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks, followed by a bush dinner and an evening night drive.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 4 (Wednesday): Mastsebe River Exploration
A full day ride from Kujwana Camp, of approximately 30km heading northwest. The route moves through open floodplains and scattered islands towards the Matsebe river system, where you will see a wide variety of game.
A picnic lunch is served on a shady island followed by siesta with camp beds, maybe a swim, and then a further 2 hours ride in the afternoon. Arrive at back at Kujwana Camp at sunset and enjoy a refreshing drink as you admire the stunning views over the floodplain.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 5 (Thursday): Matsebi River Ride & Game Drive
A full morning ride exploring the southern Matsebi area. This ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Matsebi River through numerous hippo channels.
Afternoon a game drive or power boat to hippo pans; a great area for bush walks and tracking. The vehicle drops;you off and you can walk to the platforms for Sunset drinks. The platforms are 4 meters above the ground, camouflaged by a canopy of mangosteen trees. Enjoy the great view and wildlife moving freely below you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 6 (Friday): Departure 
Early morning game ride out of Kujwana camp if flight times permit. Guests leave after breakfast. One hour’s game drive to the nearest airstrip for transfer by light aircraft into Maun or a 20 minute helicopter ride.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: 8-day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
You are met at Maun Airport before a 25 minute transfer by helicopter straight into camp, or by light aircraft to Pompom airstrip, which is then roughly an hour’s drive to camp by vehicle or boat. Once you arrive in camp you will be given time to settle in before lunch and an introduction talk with demonstration on tack and advice on game viewing from horseback. This is followed by an orientation ride for approximately 1 – 2 hours.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 2 (Sunday): Qwaapu Ride
Wake up each day is 1 hour before dawn to ensure best game viewing. You start with a full morning ride heading to the east exploring the Qwaapu area – a different river system with exciting game viewing opportunities and a different landscape.
In the afternoon head out for a peaceful mokoro expedition up the river and enjoy the tranquility of the Delta from our dug out canoes. Enjoy the beautiful colours of the Delta as the sun starts to sink behind the horizon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 3 (Monday): Morning Ride & Game Drive
After breakfast, a morning ride in the Xudum area, wading through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island, surprising a timid reedbuck out his dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces.
Return to camp for lunch followed by a siesta. Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks, dinner in the bush and evening night drive with a spot light to end.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 4 (Tuesday): Matsebe River Ride
A full day ride from Kujwana Camp, of approximately 30km heading northwest. The route moves through open floodplains and scattered islands towards the Matsebe river system, where you will see a wide variety of game.
A picnic lunch is served on a shady island followed by siesta with camp beds, maybe a swim, and then a further 2 hours ride to in the afternoon. Arrive at back at Kujwana Camp at sunset and enjoy a refreshing drink as you admire the stunning views over the floodplain.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 5 (Wednesday): Kujwana Ride & Mokolowane Game Drive
Today you'll spend the morning on horseback, exploring the open plains to the south of the camp.
After lunch and a siesta, you'll game drive Northwest to our sister camp, Mokolowane (Mok), and stay overnight in its beautiful stilted accommodation which is raised up to be above the highest water.
The Mok experience specialises in predator viewing - lion and leopard are frequently seen and an afternoon game drive looking for these predators is often rewarded.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mokolowane Camp

Day 6 (Thursday): Game Drive to Kujwana & Afternoon Ride
Rising early, back in the game drive vehicle by dawn, ready to head out to look for lions and leopards in the area surrounding Mokolowane. After the thrill of watching predators in the wild, head back to Mok for lunch overlooking over the floodplains.
After lunch return to Kujwana with a game drive, with time for a short siesta before getting back in the saddle to explore the immediate area around camp on horseback.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 7 (Friday): Xudum Ride
An option of another full day ride exploring the Xudum area - picnic lunch along the way. The ride covers around 35 km, with 4 hours ridden in the morning and two hours in the afternoon.
This ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Xudum River through numerous hippo channels.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kujwana Camp

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure 
Early morning game ride out of Kujwana camp if flight times permit. Guests leave after breakfast. One hour’s game drive to the nearest airstrip for transfer by light aircraft into Maun or a 20 minute helicopter ride.
Meals included: 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.



Non-Riding 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.

Non-Riders 
We can accommodate non-riders but they must be booked in as such. 
We offer exciting walking itineraries combining two or three of our camps, as well as non-riding itineraries for those accompanying a riding party. Non-riding guests will meet up with riding parties at every meal and for every non-riding activity, so you won’t feel left out! These itineraries are built entirely around you to fit in with your requirements.
With your very own guide, our non-riding itineraries are put together on a case by case basis, depending on the interests of individuals and the time of year. However they often include the following:
- walking safaris
- land-rover driven safaris
- power boat safaris
- mokoro expeditions
- bush-craft lessons
For more information about our non-riding safari itineraries contact us, and we can put together and itinerary just for you.

Rates and Dates for Okavango Big Five - 6 days

Dates Note: If you wish to arrive on a different date, we might be able to organise a program for you staying at 1 camp only
Minimum 3-night stay

Other Info
Meeting: Xudum Camp
Airport: Maun, Kasane
Transfer: Maun (charter flight) usually in at 12 noon, return by 1 pm.

Climate:
                                                Maun area