Curator’s statement
Truly a novel experience wildlife in the Okavango Delta region of Botswana. You can get as close to wildlife as possible while riding on horseback through the African landscape. The pace varies throughout, allowing for thrilling gallops alongside zebras and giraffes. You'll get a close look at leopards and hyenas perched on trees or moving around in herds. Exploring the Delta offers both land and water-based safari experiences. Stationed at one camp location, you can go in different directions each day to view wildlife in their natural habitat. You might even get lucky and spot wild dogs, elephant remains or a 1,500-year-old Baobab tree.
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Things to do in Botswana
The best time to visit Okavango Delta is whenever you can, as each season has its own charm. September–October is the peak season as winter ends and floodwater is present throughout the delta.
The warm weather during the day increases the chances of wildlife sightings. Another popular season is June–August, where flood water is at its highest level. It is winter in Botswana, where nights can be cold and days pleasant.
Groups can be split into riders and non-riders. Riders mount on horseback while non-riders use jeeps for their experience. Safety levels are top-notch for both groups.
Places to eat & drink in Botswana
After horse / jeep safari ride, few lunches are in the outdoors, such as jungle or treetop machan. In the camp, lunch tables are under the tree to prevent the sun.
Dinners at Macatoo are always special, featuring 3-course meals and candlelight settings. It’s a perfect time to chill, enjoy savory delights and chat with other guests on the property.
Need to know
The Macatoo “tent ladies” provide a gentle wake-up call with your choice of beverage, fruit and rusks, served in bed. A light breakfast is set up around the campfire before the group departs for a morning safari lasting up to 4 hours. This allows ample time to ride on horseback or drive in jeeps to watch giraffes, zebras, antelopes, kudus, leopards, hippopotamuses, elephants, wild buffalo and wild dogs. After lunch and some siesta, the camp's pool nested between trees is a great area to relax and unwind. Be sure to have binoculars as you might view elephants or kudu within a short distance. After afternoon tea, head for a slower-paced 2-hour horse or jeep ride to view amazing sunsets. On one of the days, the rider’s group can alternatively take a jeep safari to view lions in their habitat or visit a Baobab tree or elephant remains.
Hippos are a lifeline of Okavango Delta. They help in creating Hippo Highways (due to their weight) which helps build distributaries to disburse floodwater throughout the delta
Dinners at Macatoo are always special, featuring 3-course meals and candlelight settings. It’s a perfect time to chill, enjoy savory delights and chat with other guests on the property.
One afternoon, you can take a helicopter flight for an aerial view of the delta.
Take a scheduled charter flight to Maun or Kasane for your trip home or your next destination in your African adventure. A trip to Victoria Falls or Cape Town is highly recommended if you have the time.
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Botswana. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Cindy Rhee's guide, Guide to Pairing the Best of South Africa with Safari Experiences in Botswana.