Okavango Delta Horseback Safari
Seven Days Cantering Through Africa’s Greatest Wetland on Horseback
Overview
This is the horseback safari that defines the genre — six nights at Macatoo Camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta, riding four to six hours daily through seasonal floodplains, palm-fringed islands, and open grassland alongside elephants, giraffe, zebra, and red lechwe. You canter through shin-deep floodwater at dawn, watch hippos from mokoro canoes at sunset, and fall asleep in a luxury tented camp with nothing between you and the Delta but canvas and starlight.
African Horseback Safaris maintains nearly 50 horses — Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians, and Kalahari-Arab crosses — matched to your ability and rotated throughout the stay. Non-riding activities include game drives in open 4x4s, walking safaris, mokoro excursions, and bird-watching. The Abu Concession covers approximately 450,000 acres of unfenced wilderness in one of the most wildlife-dense regions of the Delta.
Who It's For
Experienced, riding-fit equestrians who can maintain a light seat at canter for sustained periods. You must be confident at all paces and able to respond to guide instructions immediately. Minimum age 12. Maximum weight 95 kg. Not suitable for novice or beginner riders.
Package Highlights
Floodplain Canters
The iconic Okavango experience — galloping through shallow floodwater at dawn
Big Five Country
Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and hippo in the Abu Concession
Mokoro Excursions
Glide through papyrus channels at water level with local polers
Luxury Tented Camp
Eight raised-deck tents at Macatoo with en-suite facilities
Eye-Level Photography
Photograph wildlife from the saddle at perspectives no vehicle can match
Flexible Schedule
No fixed arrival dates — rides calibrated to water, wildlife, and ability
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly into Maun and transfer by light aircraft to the Abu Concession airstrip. Your guide meets you and drives through Delta woodland to Macatoo Camp. After settling into your raised tented suite, an afternoon orientation ride introduces you to your horse and the Delta’s rhythms.
🏨 Accommodation: Macatoo Camp (6 nights)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Macatoo Camp
📍 Abu Concession, Okavango Delta, Botswana
A luxury tented bush camp of eight raised-deck rooms overlooking Delta floodplains, home base for African Horseback Safaris and its herd of nearly 50 horses. En-suite canvas suites, open-air dining, a pool deck, and lantern-lit sleep-outs sit within roughly 450,000 acres of unfenced wilderness.
From $1,483 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Classic Green Season
(~$1,483/night)
Six nights at Macatoo in the November–April green season — greener landscapes, fewer riders, and excellent value, with classic floodwater riding less reliable.
Get QuotePeak Flood Signature
(~$1,917/night)
Six nights during the June–September high-water peak — the iconic splashy floodplain canters, prime game viewing, and long days in the saddle.
Get QuotePrivate Guided Ride
(~$2,483/night)
A privately guided small-group departure with a dedicated riding guide, flexible routing, and priority horse selection throughout the stay.
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 6 nights luxury tented accommodation at Macatoo Camp
- ✓ All meals, local beverages, and house wines
- ✓ Daily horseback riding with experienced guides (4–6 hours)
- ✓ Game drives, mokoro excursions, walking safaris
- ✓ Return light-aircraft transfers Maun ↔ Abu Concession
- ✓ Concession and park fees
- ✓ Laundry service
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International and regional flights to/from Maun
- ✗ Visa fees
- ✗ Comprehensive travel and riding insurance (mandatory)
- ✗ Premium spirits and champagne
- ✗ Gratuities (recommended USD 25–40/day for guides and staff)
- ✗ Personal expenses and curio purchases
- ✗ Single supplement (approximately 50% surcharge)
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
High water (commonly June–September) delivers the iconic splashy floodplain canters; the late dry season concentrates game on firmer ground; green season (November–April) is lush but classic floodwater riding is less reliable.
Why Choose This Package
The Definitive Delta Ride
Macatoo is the benchmark Okavango horseback safari — nearly 50 horses matched to your ability across 450,000 acres of unfenced wilderness.
Eye-Level Wildlife
Approach elephant, giraffe, zebra, and red lechwe from the saddle at perspectives no vehicle can offer.
Flexible, Unhurried
No fixed arrival dates and no rigid schedule — rides are calibrated daily to water levels, wildlife, and your group.
Fully Inclusive Comfort
Luxury tented suites, all meals and local drinks, light-aircraft transfers, and non-riding activities all included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Okavango Delta Horseback Safari?
From $8,900 per person | 7 Days / 6 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates