Botswana's Okavango Delta, with its vast network of waterways, open floodplain and seasonal lagoons, is a haven for animal and spectacular birdlife and a wonderland to explore on a horse. These horse safaris are run from Macatoo tented camp, a luxurious base that is wonderfully situated on a palm island overlooking grassy floodplains and secluded from all but the colourful birds and multitude of game which wanders freely all around.

Days on safari are spent exploring the palm islands, floodplain and mopane forest, cantering across open grassland with wildly erratic wildebeest or splashing through shallows alongside elegant giraffe, an experience of indescribable exhilaration that little can match. On longer safaris, a day ride one day will take you to a temporary 'fly' camp to explore a new area and on other days you might try fishing for Okavango bream from a mokoro canoe, a game drive to see hyena and lion at night or a leisurely afternoon walk.

Safaris are possible for 4 to 10 nights with 7 nights or more recommended to fully enjoy the area. The camp is open year round.

The horses include Arab crosses, Hanovarians, Kalahari crosses and part Thoroughbreds. They are between about 14.2hh and 16.2hh, are well schooled, sensible, responsive and forward going to ride. Grooms look after the horses on safari and prepare them for rides. Tack is either English with some McClellan style saddles used. Groups are a maximum of 12 guests, split into groups of not more than 6 to ride.

Hours: There is usually about 4 to 6 hours riding a day, riding out from camp or to fly camp. Rides are broken with rests, for lunch and game viewing.

Pace and experience required: To join a safari you must be a fairly experienced rider who is comfortable riding at all paces from a walk to fast canter in open country. You will be riding in a varied, open area where there is big game including elephant and lion. The going on the safaris is good, there are places for long canters and you will enjoy it more if you are riding fit. If in doubt about ability please contact us.

Accommodation on these safaris is in a very comfortable semi-permanent tented base camp, which sleeps up to 12 guests and on some nights at simpler 'fly' camps (the name comes from the days when you moved your fly sheet off your permanent tent to make a temporary camp). The base camp is raised on teak decking, has 6 spacious double / twin walk-in safari tents with beds, tables, chairs and linen provided. Each tent has its own bathroom with hot shower and flush loo. There is a small plunge pool in camp and always plenty of staff. Service is excellent. Fly camps are simpler, with shared showers and shared long drop loos.