Macatoo Safari

Day 1

On arrival in Maun you are met and transferred by plane and a game drive to Macatoo camp which overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon. After lunch under the trees, there is time for a rest before the evening ride where you can get to know your horse. Return, as every evening, to a candle-lit dinner. (L,D)

Day 2

Awoken by a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast you then ride westwards following elephant trails from one palm island to another through seas of grass into the backcountry. After lunch, enjoy relaxing by the pool on the sun deck. After tea, ride out into the plains, later enjoying a drink while the sun goes down. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Leave camp early to investigate fresh game tracks, joining semi-aquatic red lechwe as they thunder through the water meadows. A champagne breakfast is waiting under a large baobab tree. The evening ride is spent exploring the lower flood plains where elephant often gather at a pool. As dusk closes in enjoy drinks around the fire. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Ride through different country, making your way through clouds of bushman hair grass to plains with fig trees. You might encounter giraffe or shyer antelope while passing through mopane woodlands. The pace increases as you break out onto the flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons. Returning to the camp for an afternoon spent at leisure and later a night drive by spotlight. (B,L,D)

Day 5

While staff pack up you and your guide leave for the fly camp riding deeper into the heart of the delta. On reaching another river system you will find the fly camp looking out over a hippo pool. Here you stay for the night. The afternoon may be spent swimming or walking. Fires are lit at night to create a strong human presence to keep marauding animals away from the horses. Night watches are fun and guests usually join in. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Having kept watch under the stars the next morning, splash through water on the vast open plains, home to wildebeest and zebra. The riding may be fast as you approach deep reedy areas full of bird life - heading back to main camp for a hearty lunch. (B,L,D)

Day 7

For the last full day, ride through the shallow flood plains admiring the deeper pools of lilies. Here the buffalo gather in numbers and you may be able to creep up to them using islands for cover. The evening offers a quiet ride with memorable smells of sage as the sun goes down. (B,L,D)

Day 8

For your final ride you will go along some of the high palm islands, which offer great vistas. Maybe take a final exhilarating gallop and run with the game before returning to camp to prepare for your onward journey. (B)

The itinerary shown is for a 7-night horse riding safari - 10-night itineraries are also available. Please contact us for further information.