A remote and exciting horseback riding safari into the Okavango Delta

Rates Note:

Transfer Option:

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.

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.
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.
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.
Game:
Usually an exceptional game viewing on the tongue of the flood as it moves through the area.
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.
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.
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.
Clothing:  Shorts, Swim things.

Summer

November
Temperatures reach high 30 – 40 degree C. Water levels dropping fast. Good ground.
Game:
Ungulates i.e. impala tssessebe start to calve. Zebra start to foal. Big herds of buffalo.

We advise clients to always bring sun protection, hat, lotion, sunglasses. Bum bag always a good idea to carry camera/binoculars.
The above chart is a guideline only. The arrival of the flood and weather are variable as is the game activity.

Air Transfers are in light aircraft and there is a weight restriction of  15 kg (33 lbs) per person.

Luggage must be packed in soft hold-all type bags. Any extra luggage can be left with our office in Maun.

Jodpurs - at least two pairs
Half Chaps to wear with Jodpurs
Leather Chaps alternative to Jodpurs
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)

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

TACK: Tack is English Style and 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, Barnsby, and Symonds.  Most horses are 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 to be able to gallop out of trouble. It is a great advantage if you are a fit and a proficient rider.

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.