August 22 – September 1, 2008
12 riders (6 minimum)
An exciting Seven-day ride
in the wetlands of the Okavango Delta
August 22 /29 - 2008
Followed by An optional three
Day-Extension
August 29 / September 1 - 2008
With the Bushmen riding & walking in the grasslands of the Western
Kalahari
The Okavango Delta August 22-29, 2008
“Cantering through foot-high and sometimes higher water, floating
on the back of your swimming horse, trotting through the bush encountering
elephants galore, giraffe, herds of zebra, lechwe and a multitude of
game everyday at close range with absolute
luxury at the beginning and end of each day in camp,
has to be the vacation and experience of a life-time!”
Africa’s largest and most beautiful oasis the Okavango Delta
sits like a jewel in the middle 0f the Kalahari Desert. The renowned
wildlife photographer Frans Lanting described it as “Africa’s
Last Eden”. Home to a kaleidoscope of almost every African creature,
the Delta is one of Botswana’s prime wildlife location with palm-fringed,
thickly wooded islands, lush vegetation and crystal clear waters. During
the winter months (June/July/August) the Delta is flooded allowing for
some exhilarating canters with the game through water that are unforgettable
moments of great excitement!
Macatoo is our base Camp. The accommodation is in luxury twin bedded
elegantly appointed tents with their own traditional en-suite bathrooms
with hot/cold running water and flush loos.
Between 4 to 6 hours are spent in the saddle each day. The activities
are left to the discretion of our professional naturalist/guides who
always carry a rifle. Some afternoons can be spent at leisure, swimming,
walking, bird watching or gliding on the water in a dugout canoe locally
called mokoro.
For a greater enjoyment of this safari the guests are divided into
two groups of 6 riders, each with their own guide and backup.
You will return home with unforgettable memories, having perceived
that true sense of freedom, that only a rider and his horse can experience
together in the African Bush!
This is as close to nature as you will ever get !
Grasslands of the Kalahari Extension – August 29-September
1, 2008
The Kalahari Desert is a harsh environment to which animals, plants
and the San people (bushmen), through their unique ways, have adapted
and are able to survive. Consisting of vast open grass-plains (not called
grasslands for nothing) with bushy areas and many varieties of acacia
trees, the Kalahari can be very green during the rainy months (November
up to May) with lots of beautiful flowers. You will be surprised also
how rich it is in wildlife: large herds of antelope, eland, wild dog,
predators…. and many creatures of the Desert some of which can
only be seen during night drives (aardvark and brown hyena among others…).
Staying in the cozy setting of Grassland Safari Lodge situated on the
western side of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, (a charming cluster
of thatched bungalows with all the creature comforts) three days will
be spent riding with the Bushmen (yes, they ride horses) and experiencing
their amazing knowledge and skills. One day we will ride 15km to a traditional
village and see how they live, cook, make crafts, play games and participate
in some of these activities with them. They may even entertain us with
a cultural bushman dance
Furthermore, the brilliant stars in the Kalahari night sky with the
cool desert breeze is a sensuous experience not to be missed.
At Grasslands safari Lodge, we will be housed in extremely comfortable
thatched chalets with en-suite bathrooms. A huge lapa overlooks a waterhole,
where you can view game from the comfort of your canvas chair, while
a swimming pool lures you under the blue sky during the heat of the
day.
LOGISTICS
August 22
Meet in Maun noontime (arrival of Air Botswana flight BP212 from Johannesburg
– on own arrangement) and immediately board a charter flight bound
for Macatoo Camp in the Okavango Delta. Settle in. Short afternoon ride
to get acquainted with your horse and the environment.
And the adventure begins!
August 23 – 28
Six full days of interaction with the game on horseback in this extraordinary
“Garden of Eden”.
August 29
After one last early ride before brunch, fly back to Maun to connect
to your flights home ….
Or
Fly straight to Grasslands Safari Lodge for three more days of game
rides in a completely different environment, and interaction with the
Bushmen.
September 1
After brunch, air charter transfer to Maun to connect to your flight
to Johannesburg and home.
End of Services
Riding ability: This safari is for experienced riders
who feel comfortable and secure in the saddle at all paces and able
to gallop out of trouble if necessary. No beginners.
Horses: Various breeds of Thoroughbreds, Namibian
Hanovarians, Kalahari-Arab crossbreeds, South African Boerperd ranging
from 14-16.2 h.h. They have been carefully selected and chosen for their
temperament and ride-ability from the various South African breeds which
are well known for being of a tougher nature and able to cope under
extreme conditions.
Tack: Choice of English and Western McClellan saddles
each with their own water bottle.
Rider’s weight limit: Strictly 210lbs or 95kg.
Age limit: Children under 16 years are not permitted,
unless they are experienced and competent riders, they must be accompanied
by a parent. Anyone over 60 must be riding fit and strong.
COST (on the basis of 12 participants (6 minimum)
Okavango Delta – Macatoo: 7 nights $5,600 p/p sharing in twin or double
(Single supplement $ 2,80)
Grasslands: 3 nights
$1,200 p/p sharing in twin or double
Air charter seat p/p $530 Maun/Macatoo/Maun (1 only)
$940 Maun/Macatoo/Grasslands/Maun (1 +2)
Includes:
Ground transfers, accommodation in luxury spacious tents (Macatoo) and
twin cottages (Grasslands) with en-suite facilities, all meals and beverages,
all activities with horses, walks, game drives, canoe (mokoro) in the
Delta water level permitting, daily laundry and ironing.
Excludes:
Visas, travel and medical insurance (mandatory). Transport from your
home to Maun and return. Gratuities for camp staff and guides and items
of a personal nature.
BOTSWANA
2008