Botswana - The Okavango Delta - Fran Griffith
I have ridden my entire life and spent over 30 years of that involved in the African safari industry but for me our ride in the Okavango Delta is an all time highlight. I have been fortunate enough to do our Kujwana ride twice. This highly personalised safari is run by owners PJ and Barney Bestelink and is probably one of the best riding safaris in Africa.
To ride anywhere in Africa is a magical experience but the ride in the Okavango Delta is the ultimate of all magical experiences. On horseback you can get closer to game than you ever dreamed possible... when you are on horseback the animals don't perceive you as a threat- you are truly part of the bush. Just imagine yourself mounted on a great horse sitting high above the long grass and reeds watching great herds of zebra, wildebeest and lechwe as they move across golden floodplains. Now imagine yourself slowly cantering through the shallow floodplains, the spray on your face refreshing in the heat of the day! Now imagine the breathtaking excitement of riding silently along game trails used only by the animals and coming face to face with a family group of elephant!
This ride doesn't only meet all your expectations it exceeds them. Another highlight that will stay for ever in my memory is swimming my horse across one of the waterways, lying flat on his back as he surged through the water and then hanging on for grim death as he shook off the water on the far side!
Barney is an outstanding horsewoman and has an unerring ability to suit horse and rider - whether you are a happy weekend hacker or an International competition rider. Hers horses are all much loved, well looked after and excellently schooled - and the tack is good quality and superbly maintained.
You will need to be an experienced rider and reasonably riding fit. Expect to ride for about 4 hours in the morning and 2 or so in the afternoon, and be prepared to get off and lead your horse every couple of hours to give its back (and your bottom) a much needed break! There are plenty of long trots and steady canters as well as leisurely walks along game trails.
Between May and September the floodwaters from the Angola highlands reach the Kalahari Sands. Where they meet the water fans out, giving life to this otherwise semi-arid land, creating cool lagoons and crystal cleat channels, where wild herds feed And papyrus reed grows. This is one of the last utterly unspoiled paces of the world, a truly unforgettable wilderness experience.
When the waters are high you may need to swim your horse over rivers or wade him between the islands but along the island's edges the going stays firm, allowing for plenty of faster riding. Apart from the fabulous riding one can enjoy game drives, night drives and even some walking and mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions.
The main camp, Kujwana, where you start and finish your safari, is situated on the banks of the Xudum River - some half hours flight by light aircraft from Maun - and accommodates a maximum of ten guests in luxurious and spacious safari tents, each with bathrooms en-suite. The safari can be five, seven or ten nights. On the 5 and 7-night safari you will visit either Moklowane or Qwaapu fly camp for a 2 night stay as well as staying Kujwana. On the 10-night safari you will ride from Kujwana to both other camps so you are able to explore a larger area of the Okavango.
Click here for the Okavango Kujwana Safari.
Click here for the Okavango Macatoo Safari.