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HORSEBACK SAFARI
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A horseback safari is a unique experience for those who would enjoy the pleasures
of long distances riding with a love for the wild and the thrill of an African Safari.
On horseback one can venture further into the Delta and get closer to the wildlife
than you can on foot. The safari is conducted from Macatoo Camp,
is situated on the western side of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The Camp is open
almost year round to riders and their non-riding companions. The camp features large,
walk-in, twin bedded tents, each with its own en-suite shower and loo. Centrally
there is a large furnished mess tent and tucked away a private pool. On the longer
safaris guests have the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding out to a
mobile fly-camp. Activities include horseback safaris, game drives, helicopter rides,
bird walks, night drives, seasonal boating, canoeing and fishing. Riding groups
will normally be no more than 7 guests. The camp accommodates 12 guests in all.
The safaris are mainly for riders -we spend 4 to 6-hours a day in the saddle. You
will need to feel confident about keeping up with the group, capable of riding at
all paces; rising to the trot and controlling your horse at the canter. You may
be required to gallop out of trouble, so we can not take beginners. It will be at
the discretion of the company whether you will be permitted to ride, taking into
consideration your safety and enjoyment and that of the group as a whole.
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The camp offers 7-night or longer safaris normally starting and ending on set days.
This enables one to experience the Okavango in depth by staying out at one of the
mobile fly-camps - weather permitting. Otherwise there is a minimum of 3 or 4 nights
depending on arrival.
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Sample Itinerary ~ 7 Days / 6 Nights Safari
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Day 1
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On arrival in Maun, you are met and transferred by plane and a game drive to Macatoo
camp which overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon. After lunch under the trees,
there is usually time for a rest before the evening ride where you can get to know
your horse. We return to a candle-lit dinner.
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Day 2
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Awoken by a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast we then ride
westwards following elephant trails from one palm island to another, through seas
of grass, into the backcountry. After lunch and a siesta, we ride out into the plains,
later enjoying a refreshing drink while the sun goes down.
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Day 3
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We leave camp early to investigate fresh game tracks, joining the rare semi-aquatic
antelope, the red lechwe, as they thunder through the water meadows. A champagne
breakfast is waiting for us under a large baobab tree. The evening ride is spent
exploring the lower flood plains where elephant often gather at a pool. As dusk
closes in, we have drinks around the fire.
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Day 4
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We ride through different country, making our way through clouds of bushman hair
grass to plains dotted with fig trees. We might encounter giraffe or shyer antelope
while passing through mopane woodlands. Our pace increases as we break out onto
the flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons. Returning to the camp for
an afternoon spent at leisure and later a night drive by spotlight.
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Day 5
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While staff pack up, we leave for our fly-camp riding deeper into the heart of the
delta. On reaching another river system we find our fly camp already set up, looking
out over a favourite elephant watering hole. We stay here for a one night bush experience.
The afternoon may be spent swimming or walking. Fires are lit at night, creating
a strong human presence to keep marauding animals away from the horses. Night watches
are fun and guests usually join in.
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Day 6
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Having kept watch under the stars, the next morning we splash through water on the
vast open plains, home to wildebeeste and zebra. The riding may be fast as we approach
deep reedy areas full of bird life. After our break, we ride back to Macatoo along
the myriad of waterways lined with large trees.
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Day 7
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Your last full day's riding in this magical place takes you cantering through
the shallow flood plains, admiring the deeper pools of lilies. Here, the buffalo
gather in numbers and we have to creep up to them using islands for cover. The evening
offers a last quiet ride with memorable smells of sage as the sun goes down with
final sundowners in a surprising location.
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Day 8
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For your final ride, we will go along some of the high palm islands which offer
great vistas. We'll maybe take a final exhilarating gallop and run with the
game before returning to camp, where you will be transferred to Macatoo airstrip.
Seat in plane light aircraft transfer from Macatoo to Maun. Onward connections.
End of tour arrangements.
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Cost of safari per person sharing
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Shoulder Season ~ May, June, July & October 2008
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GB£ 2,510.00
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Peak Season ~ August & September 2008
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GB£ 2,860.00
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Single supplement applies if not prepared to share twin-bedded accommodation.
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Please Note: This itinerary is an example only, and can be tailor-made
to suit your personal requirements. We can combine this proposed itinerary with
other camps of your choice. Rates quoted are subject to change should there be
any circumstances beyond our control.
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