Kujwana Safari
6 days - Maun to Maun
The Okavango, a vast inland delta, is one of Southern Africa's most enigmatic river systems. It lies like an emerald jewel on the edge of the great Kalahari desert, an astonishing maze of papyrus lined waterways, meadows and woodland rich in birdlife and game. This highly personalised safari is run, by owners PJ and Barney Bestelink, in a private concession of 2,500 sq. kms situated on the western side of the Okavango Delta bordering on Moremi Game Reserve. The area, in which you ride, includes three major river systems of the Okavango Delta, the Xudum, the Matsibie and the Kiri.To ride in the Okavango is a magical experience. Imagine yourself mounted high above the long grass and reeds watching great herds of zebra, wildebeest and lechwe as they move across golden floodplains and the breathtaking excitement when your silent progress along game trails, used only by the animals, brings you upon a herd of buffalo or a family group of elephant. Cantering alongside the elegant motion of a giraffe is an experience you will never forget and the only sounds you will hear, as the wind soughs though the long grass and rattles the palms, are the fish eagle's haunting cry, the splash of a disappearing crocodile and the faraway drumming of hooves.
Between May and September the floodwaters from the Angola highlands reach the Delta. When the waters are high you may need to swim your horse over rivers or wade him between the islands but along the islands' edges the going is firm, allowing for plenty of faster riding. Later in the season, when the water has receded, there are wide-open spaces for extended trots and canters. Apart from the fabulous riding, enjoy game drives, night drives and possible walking and mokoro excursions.The itinerary featured is a sample itinerary for a 5-night horse riding safari - the exact itinerary will vary depending on water levels, arrival date and game movements. Longer safaris of 7 and 10 nights are also available.
- Day 1
- You are met at Maun Airport & transferred by light aircraft to Xudum airstrip, a 25 minute flight. You are then transferred into the camp by vehicle which takes approximately 1-hour. Optional game viewing before having lunch and an introduction talk with demo on tack and advice on game viewing from horseback. This is followed by an orientation ride for approximately 1 to 2 hours. (L,D)
- Day 2
- Morning game ride in the Xudum area. Wake up is 1-hour before dawn to ensure best game viewing. Wade through lush green malapos that lead you from island-to-island. Surprise a timid bushbuck out his dense cover on a heavily wooded island, or enjoy the herds of lechwe & zebra moving through the open spaces. Return to camp for lunch and a siesta. Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks & evening night drive with a spot light. (B,L,D)
- Day 3
- Ride east towards Beacon and Lion Island. These are two very large islands in the area which are cut off from Kujwana by the Xwaapu river. 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. Mapane forests and Acacia woodlands offer a good variety of food for kudu and giraffe. Breeding herds of elephant enjoy the security of the dense forest and should the pans be holding water zebra, wilderbeest and buffalo will also be found. Animal tracks abound telling you of what has been and gone - or what you might still find. Afternoon bird walk. (B,L,D)
- Day 4
- Ride north east towards Moremi game reserve. This area forms seasonal marsh land and hosts a variety of exceptional bird life. Wildlife moves freely to and from the national park. Good buffalo and elephant country. Afternoon game drive with sunset drinks & evening night drive with a spot light. (B,L,D)
- Day 5
- A full days ride moving from Kiri/Xwaapu to Kujwana camp. This area is on the edge of the permanent water with papyrus beds & deep lagoons. Good area for hippo & lechwe. A picnic lunch is set up on a shady island. Return to Kujwana camp in the cool of the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
- Day 6
- Early morning game ride out of Kujwana camp if flight times permit. After breakfast, enjoy a final short game drive to the nearest airstrip for transfer by light aircraft into Maun. (B)
- The itinerary featured is a sample itinerary for a 5-night horse riding safari - the exact itinerary will vary depending on water levels, arrival date and game movements. Longer safaris of 7 and 10 nights are also available.
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Departure Dates:
01, 06,14, 19 Mar, 01, 09, 14, 22, 27 Apr, 04, 09, 16, 21, 26 May, 03, 08, 16, 21, 29 Jun, 04, 12, 17, 25, 30 Jul, 07, 12, 20, 25 Aug, 02, 07, 15, 20, 28 Sep, 03, 11, 16, 24 Oct, 03, 08, 16, 21 Nov.
Departures from the UK need to be one day earlier. Other dates and durations are available - more details on request. -
Prices (2009 Land only): Mar, Apr, May & Nov: £2,635 per person
Jun to Oct: £2,890 per person
Prices for 7 & 10 night itineraries are also available - please contact us for more details - Includes: Return light aircraft transfers from Maun, accommodation and meals as indicated, locally made drinks, laundry, horse riding, guiding, game drives, walks, mokoros and concession fees.
- Price with flights from London: From £3,580 depending on the season and availability.
- Single Supplement: None if prepared to share. If unwilling to share 50 per cent of ride only price.
- Non-Riders: Non-Riders are welcome and will have their own guide for game drives, walks and excursions by mokoro. They will move with the riding guests to the various fly camps and join non-riding activities and picnics.
- Children: Aged 8 and upward are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider. Children must be strong competent riders and have a certificate from a pony club or qualified BHS instructor to attest this.
- Riding ability required: Intermediate upward
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Type of ride: Trail ride / Safari
- Trip Code: EBKS