Prepare for a one-of-a-kind horse riding holiday! The Makgadikgadi Salt pans go through notable transformations annually, turning into a vast temporary wetland in Africa. This unique environment draws in diverse wildlife and birds, including flamingos and zebra. A significant number of zebra from the South-eastern Okavango Delta migrate about 250km to the Makgadikgadi Pans during this time, remaining there until March. The pans are teeming with shallow water and lush grass rich in nutrients during this period.
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Tour highlights
Route details
Upon your arrival by air or road, you will be welcomed by your host and guide David and taken to Camp Kalahari, situated amidst acacias and Mokolwane palms on Brown Hyaena Island, near the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans National Park in Botswana.
The camp features a central library, living and dining area with a unique blend of African furniture, textiles, campaign-style pieces and colonial antiques for relaxation in the tranquil surroundings. Guests can cool off in the swimming pool or relax in the thatched pavilion.
In the afternoon light, guests can enjoy an introductory horse ride to explore the area's beauty and match horses with riders. Afterward, return to camp for sundowners, dinner and to secure the horses close by before the Kalahari lions begin their nightly activities.
For capable and healthy riders. This is a big game area and you should be able to stay on your horse and stay calm and in control in all situations.
Tack: trail saddles/English Wintec GP's.
Breed: mostly crossbreeds with some purebred Appaloosas.
Children are allowed to participate but they MUST be advanced riders.
Accommodation
The accommodation is shared.
Camp offers a total of 10 roomy Meru tents, including 7 twin tents, 2 double tents and 1 family tent made up of 2 connected tents that can each accommodate 2 guests. Each tent comes with its own outdoor bathroom, flush toilets, hot and cold water, comfortable beds, crisp cotton sheets, colorful African blankets and hot water bottles during the colder months.
Travel recommendations
Tour conditions
Included
- accommodation;
- all meals and all drinks;
- riding;
- daily laundry and ironing;
- guides;
- 4WD backup.
Extras
- flights;
- travel insurance;
- transfers from Maun to the Kalahari (road or air);
- tourism levy (c. US$30 pp) on arrival to Botswana;
- tips and personal expenses.
Group size
up to 8 touristsDuration
It's important to know
- a light-weight riding hat;
- a shade hat with strap;
- light-weight riding shoes (2 pairs);
- sunglasses on string, riding gloves and bandana;
- bush colour riding clothes (not white);
- jodhpurs or long trousers and chaps (2 pairs);
- long sleeved cotton shirts;
- jersey, fleece or multi- pocketed waistcoat;
- light weight waterproof windbreaker jacket;
- 4 x sets of socks and underwear (we recommend unpadded cycling shorts for men);
- shorts, T shirts, sarong, swimwear and sandals;
- sun block, lip salve, insect repellent;
- head torch (compulsory);
- waterproof camera;
- solar charging bank (to charge camera equipment);
- binoculars;
- a good book for lazy siestas.
Tour reviews
- A Andy22 Jul, 2023about providerThis tale continues to move us deeply. In April 2023, we had an unforgettable horse safari in the Okavango Delta, Botswana with David. Can we establish a connection with another wild equine species, similar to how we do with horses?22 Jul, 2023
- C Catherine17 Jun, 2022about providerHappy memories of our safari in Malawi all those years ago🥰17 Jun, 2022
Dates and Prices
- Any dates on request during the season1 Nov, 2024 – 30 Apr, 2025
- from US$ 4 1557 – 10 Nov 4 days 3 nights
- from US$ 4 15514 – 17 Nov 4 days 3 nights
- from US$ 4 15521 – 24 Nov 4 days 3 nights
- from US$ 4 15528 Nov – 1 Dec 4 days 3 nights
- from US$ 3 8375 – 8 Dec 4 days 3 nights