Please note that all of our safaris and tours are custom-made; this itinerary is just a suggestion and can be amended to better fit your requirements.

The focus is to give guests a journey through the diverse landscape of the Okavango Delta and understanding of the ecosystems, flora and fauna of this truly unique area. Horses and tack are of the highest standard. With a string of over 60 horses based in the Delta, mainly thoroughbreds, TB crosses, Arabians and American Saddle bred crosses and boerperds. English leather saddles with leather bridles, South African trails saddles are available.

This safari takes place in a private concession area of over 2500 sq kilometres using three different camps, all in diverse areas offering a unique experience of the Okavango Delta wildlife, birds and habitat. Between 4-6 hours are spent in the saddle while afternoons can be spent enjoying alternative activities including swimming, game drives, mokoros (traditional dug out canoe) or walking. On full riding days, picnic lunches are a feature, supported by vehicle. This gives the opportunity for a siesta on camp beds through the heat of the day before mounting up and riding into camp in time for sundowners.

Kujwana Camp: Comprising of large Meru tents set along the Xudum River on a narrow island with a deep shady forest of ancient trees filled with the chorus of birdsong. This is normally your first introduction to Okavango Horse Safaris. The camp is situated south west of Chiefs Island in the Okavango Delta. It accommodates a maximum of 8 to 12 guests in six spacious safari tents each with bathrooms en-suite. The main area has a fully stocked bar, tree house overlooking the Xudum River and a separate dining area. This is the permanent year round home for PJ, Barney and the horses. The camp is equipped with a solar system, lighting all tents and the main area. This also provides enough power for the charging of cameras during day light hours.

Moklowane Camp: Situated north west of Kujwana on the Matsebi River, this camp is made up of tree houses 2 metres off the ground. A real haven for elephants that love the palm trees of this area. This camp is situated in the open flood plains that receive floodwater 3 weeks earlier than Kujwana camp. The vegetation consists of smaller palm islands and wide-open spaces. Mokolwane is a 10-bedded camp, with the accommodation boasting superb views, each with a private bathroom. The Matsebe River is your main feeder for Lake Ngami.

Qwaapo Camp: To the remote South East is Qwaapo camp, called a fly camp as the accommodation is in the style of traditional safari tents, each with its own bucket and pulley shower and bush loo. Every tent has a unique view of the Qwaapo River. This is an area of large islands with rich mopane forests and rain pans to which game is drawn for water. It offers the contrast between the floodplains and dry areas. This is an ideal location to see some of the more unusual residents of the delta, we have had wild dog denning close to this camp. Many species are seen early morning or late afternoon when they come to drink from the river. The camp has walk in meru tents and a dining room under the stars. The term 'fly camp' means temporary camp easily moved (from the days when you moved your fly sheet rather than your whole tent).

The horses are chosen with temperament and suitability at the forefront. Many of the horses have either been sourced through close friends in Harare, Zimbabwe or are selected from well-known breeders in South Africa.

The team is made up of thoroughbreds and thoroughbred crosses, Arabians and Arabian crosses and Boerperds. In recent years selected mares have joined the team and using Lamu, an American Saddlebred, to breed more horses.

When not on safari the horses freely graze the grassy molapos of the delta through the day. They graze loose and this truly is one of the amazing sights you will see while on safari.

Lamu: Lamu was sourced in South Africa as a 2 year old. He has proved himself in all aspects of safari work and has been a principle lead horse for many years. His temperament is exceptional and his influence on the herd is an incredibly steadying one. Originally bought as a gelding, it did not take Barney long to realise that this might not be the case! His offspring have proven themselves as fantastic safari horses, comfortable rides with great attitudes to their work.

The Thoroughbreds: In the early days some of the first horses were thoroughbreds sourced from South Africa. Many of these boys are still with us now and are as popular as ever, from Tutwa, always trying to please, to a steady rock such as Delta. They really have been great friends through the years. In the 1990s we started to source our thoroughbreds from Zimbabwe, these horses have proved to be very popular with our guests.

Racing is still a huge industry in Zimbabwe. The re-education of racehorses that takes place in Harare is an example to the world. Many of the TBs have gone on to be eventers, showjumpers, dressage horses and polo ponies after their racing careers have finished. The reaction on seeing their first giraffe is often comical but once they settle with the game their suitability in this kind of industry is remarkable.

The Arabians: Arabian horses really are bred in the purple. The Pienaars are world-renowned breeders of Arabian horses and their bloodlines are second to none. They have strived to breed height and movement into their horses and the success of these horses in show rings across the world is a true credit to them. For our purposes the Arabians are immensely popular. Comfortable, tough, with fantastic confirmation and great feet, they really are bred for these climates. They have a fun outlook on life, while grazing can often be observed playing and in high spirits. While under saddle many of our guests have fallen under the Arabian spell.

The Boerperds: The original South African farm pony, its breeding can be traced back to 1652. Selective breeding from the original Berber-Arabian ponies, imported from Java and Persian Arabians, form the basis of this now independently recognised breed, there is also a large Spanish influence in their bloodlines. Well known for their sound temper, intelligence, endurance and extreme hardiness, they are now found throughout Africa and are incredibly adaptable for safari work. This year we are adding 3 new Boerperds to our team. Amongst the new horses that we have bought this year we also have a mare, with the hope of crossing her back to the American Saddlebred, which will give us more height but maintain the hardy nature of this truly exceptional breed.

The Mares: There are three mares in camp. The gentle natured Xai Xai, whose 5 offspring are all in camp, with her five year old Komatsu and four year old Kujwana (the first foal to be born at Kujwana camp), both coming into safari work this year. Her last foal was a filly, Holala, foaled in November last year. Mejumbe, a beautiful grey Anglo Arabian has just had her first foal her at OHS, a chesnut filly called Pashawa. Hanah Hi, a very striking Anglo-Arabian cross Boerperd, she also joined us last year from South Africa, she sadly lost her first foal in October but we are hoping for future success, she certainly seems keen enough on Lamu!

The Homebreds: there are eight homebred horses with another 4 youngsters waiting in the wings. Barney bred Smous in the early years of OHS, one of the biggest characters in camp, he is still going strong and his character as intact as ever! Mashshushu, the gentleman and number 2 of the herd, enjoyed by anyone who rides him, he really has been an amazing asset to the team. In more recent years Topknott and Pangani, the brothers, have joined us and both proved very popular and of course Kuke, our TB Saddlebred cross with similar colouring to his father is one of the most striking horses in our string.

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 able to gallop out of trouble. It is a great advantage if you are fit and a proficient rider. We do not accept beginners.

Types of Horses: Full and part breed thoroughbreds, pure Arabs and Anglo Arabs, Saddle bred crosses, Boerperds. The horses are between 14hh and 17hh, well schooled, responsive and even-tempered. There is a wide range of horses suitable for the competition rider to the steady hack, every effort is made to match the rider and horse. There is plenty of selection with over 60 horses in camp. The horses are sure footed in their terrain and comfortable in their environment.

Weight Limit: Maximum weight limit is 200lbs (14 1/2 Stones or 90kg). Guests may be required to step on the scales. A special program can be offered for heavier riders, including shorter rides, game drives, walks and mokoros.

Safety: professional guides lead all safaris. A .375 rifle is carried on all rides. All camps, vehicles and activities have radio communication. A safety briefing is given at the beginning of the safari with detailed information about how to handle a big game situation. Full Medical Insurance is required and details must be submitted prior to your arrival.

Guiding: Qualified professional guides lead all rides. A keen interest is taken in the birds as well as the flora and fauna of the area. During your stay you will also learn many of the traditional uses of plants and trees of the delta. Our guides are dedicated and knowledgeable.

Tack: Tack is English style leather saddles with seat savers. The tack is of a high quality, saddles are well known makes including Ideals, Barnsbys Fieldhouse and Symonds. All horses go in snaffle bridles. Okavango Horse Safaris has a well-established reputation for the quality of both horses and tack.

Size of Rides: Maximum 8 guests unless requested to ride as a bigger group. We can accommodate up to 12 in a private group.

Meals: Safari cooks provide 3 meals a day, including vehicle supported picnic lunches. There is a strong emphasis on fresh vegetables and salads. Special diets can be catered for by prior warning. All food is locally sourced; three course candlelit evening meals, and alfresco lunches.

Terrain: The Okavango Delta has been described as a water meadow. Palm islands, grassy flooded plains, mopane forests, and clear streams. Highest water is normally between May and September. Many of the flood plains are full at this time of year and the horses wade through from island to island. The going is normally good along the edges of the islands allowing the ride to move on. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of cantering through shallow clear water with giraffe and zebra splashing next to you.

Other Activities: Although our priority is riding, we offer alternative activities during the afternoons that are not day rides. A six hour morning ride can be tiring so afternoons are spent at leisurely pace with evening bird walks, mokoros (traditional dugout canoe), fishing (water levels permitting), game drives with sundowners and night drives.

Clothing: Laundry is done daily accept on camp move days. Light aircraft and helicopter transfers mean there is a weight limit of 15kg on luggage. Extra luggage can be left at our office in Maun. Bags must be of a soft holdall type as the planes are unable to take hard suitcases. Riding clothes should be of a neutral colour, khaki or bush colours, no red or white if possible.

Insurance: All guests are covered for emergency medical evacuation. However all guests must have adequate medical and travel insurance, details of which must be submitted prior to travel.

Game Viewing: Game is plentiful, including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, lechwe, reedbuck, bushbuck, impala, steenbok, roan antelope, duiker, waterbuck, tsessebe, bat-eared fox, side striped and blackbacked jackals, African wildcat, vervet monkey, honey badger, spotted hyena, mongoose, meerkat, warthog, tortoise and ostrich. Special nocturnal creatures include porcupines, aardwolf, aardvark, civet, genet, serval, springhare, and bush babies. Water babies include hippos, crocodile, cape clawless and spotted neck otters. The Delta also has plenty of predators and these include lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog in this area. Safety precautions are taken when viewing any dangerous game.

How to get there: You will be met in Maun and transferred by light aircraft to the nearest airstrip. Please remember the internal baggage weight restriction of 15kg per person.

7 NIGHT ITINERARY::
A 7-night itinerary usually starts on night 1 of a safari. It would typically be split between 2 camps giving guests the opportunity to explore these areas in more depth than with a 5-night itinerary.

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 also 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.

Day 1 - Kujwana Camp - You are met at Maun Airport and transferred by light aircraft to Xudum airstrip, a 25-minute flight. You are then driven into the camp by vehicle, which takes approximately 1 hour. (Game viewing). Alternatively you would be transferred by light aircraft to Xaxaba Airstrip where you would be met by the helicopter, a 10-minute scenic flight bringing you directly into camp. Lunch and an introduction talk with demonstration on tack and advice on game viewing from horseback. This is followed by an orientation ride for approximately 1 - 2 hours.
Day 2 - Kujwana Camp - Morning game ride in the Xudum area. Wake up is 1 hour before dawn to ensure best game viewing, wading through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island, surprising a timid reedbuck out his dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of lechwe and zebra moving through the open spaces. Return to camp for lunch followed by a siesta. Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks and evening night drive with a spot light to end, returning to camp for a three course candlelit meal.
Day 3 - Qwaapo Camp (Fly Camp) - The area is criss-crossed with game paths leading you through a chain of rain pans. This is a great contrast to the open flood plains. Mopane forests and acacia woodlands offer a good variety of food for elephant, kudu and giraffe. Breeding herds of elephant enjoy the security of the dense forest and should the pans be holding water, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo will also be found. Animal tracks abound telling you what has been and gone - or what you might still find. Afternoon bird walk, with the opportunity to learn more about the traditional uses of the plants and trees of the area.
Day 4 - Qwaapo Camp (Fly Camp) - A full day’s ride, heading south into the edge of the floodwaters. Large open areas are ideal for plains game. Large herds of zebra, impala and wildebeest are seen in this area. With the plains game come the predators, wild dog and cheetah are often seen from this camp. The shallow waters also make it a birder's paradise with many waders seen here. Break for a vehicle supported picnic lunch under a shady fig tree, with a siesta. Mount up for an afternoon ride along the Qwaapo River to camp.
Day 5 - Kujwana Camp - A morning ride moving from Qwaapo to Kujwana camp. Shady rain pans and thick riverine forest make this ride an ideal time to track a breeding herd of elephants. Break for a chocolate bar on the edge of a hippo pool, before riding on into more open areas with the chance of picking up a herd of buffalo moving through. Afternoon mokoro allows for a relaxing trip being poled through the watery wilderness surrounding Kujwana.
Day 6 - Kujwana Camp - A rest day for the guests riding for 10 days. There is the option to game drive, walk, mokoro or view a water hole from the hide. Afternoon ride. Two-hour dawn game ride for guests on a five or seven night itinerary, returning to camp for breakfast. Guests joining the safari do an orientation ride in the cool of the afternoon as the wildlife stirs from the heat of the day. 2 hours ride.
Day 7 - Kujwana Camp - A full morning ride exploring the western Baobab area. Small islands linked by numerous hippo channels eventually lead you onto Boabab Island. A good habitat for Cheetah and breeding grounds for Carmine Bee eaters, our summer visitor. Boabab Island has thick riverine forest and is a good area for general game viewing (and the unexpected). Afternoon game/night drive
Day 8 - Mokolwane Camp - Move from Kujwana to Mokolwane camp. This is approximately 30km ride heading northwest. The route moves through open floodplains and scattered islands towards the Matsebe river system. A picnic lunch is served on a shady island 2 hours ride from Mokolwane camp. Arrive at sunset. Guests on a 7-night itinerary would ride for 2 hours, returning to camp for a cooked breakfast, flight times permitting.
Day 9 - Mokolwane - Morning game ride. This camp is on the Matsebe river system and features wide open flood plains interspersed with Mokolwane palms, favorite food of elephant and baboon. Good area for plains' game. Afternoon: 1 - 2 hours mokoro experience.
Day 10 - Kujwana Camp - A full days ride from Mokolwane to Kujwana with a picnic lunch along away. A 35 Km ride with 4 hours ridden in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. This ride moves through a variety of game areas fording the Xudum River at numerous hippo channels. Picnic lunch arriving at Kujwana at sunset.
Day 11 - Early morning game ride out of Kujwana camp if flight times permit. Guests leave after breakfast. One hour's game drive to the nearest airstrip for transfer by light aircraft into Maun.

What is included in this tour:
• Fully inclusive of all accommodation, activities, meals, beverages (within reason), guiding, riding, game drives, walks, mokoros and VAT

What is NOT included in this tour:
• Visas, travel and medical insurance - which is essential
• Transport from your home to Maun and return
• Charter flight from Maun to camp
• Gratuities for camp staff and guides
• Purchases from the “bush boutique” such as caps, shirts and toiletries

ALL OUR TOURS CAN BE ENTIRELY CUSTOM MADE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR VISIT OUR HORSE BACK SAFARI PAGE.