The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta which floods seasonally covering an area of up to 15,000 square kilometers. After rainfall from the Angolan highlands flows into the Okavango River, across the Caprivi Strip and into the Kalahari Desert, the delta comes to life with lush grassy plains and verdant river systems, creating an incredibly beautiful, diverse environment for some of the world’s most endangered species.
This safari takes place on 90,000 hectare of unfenced private concession in the southwest of the Okavango Delta. It's a true wilderness area where you will be fully immersed in nature and won't see another tourist for your entire stay. The area is characterized by the Xudum river system, wide open floodplains and beautiful forests. It's a wild, diverse area and brilliant riding country, and with only 6 tents and a maximum of 8 guests on any ride, safaris don't get more exclusive. Experience breathtaking wildlife and scenery, knowledgeable guides and staff, and comfortable bush accommodation.
For those who are not riding, there are options for game drives, walks, night drives, boat and mokoro safaris, meaning non-riders are not confined only to a vehicle and riders have plenty of activities to choose from as well, making for a varied, active safari with plenty of options for immersing yourself in the wilderness.
The horses are chosen with temperament and suitability at the forefront. Many of the horses are selected from breeders in Botswana and South Africa, with others coming from Zimbabwe. The herd is made up of a wide variety of breeds, shapes and sizes, including Arabians and Arabian crosses, Boerperds, Thoroughbreds, Thoroughbred crosses, and Fresian crosses.
The horses are looked after extremely well. From yearly dental checks to regular hoof trims, vaccinations, and worming schedules, the team ensures the basics are well-covered. Each horse is treated as an individual; ensuring they get the right feed, rest, and training they require to excel at their job and live a happy life. Guests will rotate through several horses during their stay to get a nice balance of trying different and varied horses while also having time to bond with each one.
When not on safari, the horses graze the grassy molapos of the delta through the day and come in to their stables as a herd for the night, truly a magical sight to see in the delta!
Riding Level: Upper-Intermediate to Advanced
The minimum riding ability required is mastery of the basic aids, ability to post to the trot for stretches of 10+ minutes at a time, to be comfortable at all paces, and to be able to gallop out of trouble.
Speed: Walk / Trot / Canter / Gallop
Distance: Average 20-30 kilometers / 12-18 miles per day
Ride Time: Average 5-7 hours per day
Tack: South African trail saddles, with seat savers and saddle bags. Most horses are in snaffle bridles.
Terrain: The Okavango Delta has been described as a water meadow. Palm islands, grassy flood plains, mopane forests and clear streams. Highest water is normally from May to September, when the flood plains are full and the horses wade through from island to island. The going is normally quite good and firm along the edges of the islands, allowing for faster riding.
Kujwana Camp sits on an island of the Xudum river on the south-western side of the Okavango Delta. The camp is nestled into the island's woodland, surrounded by the calls of incredible birdlife. Expect to visited by the vervet monkeys and enjoy wakeup calls from elephants casually grazing the marula fruits along the river bank. 6 rooms make this camp a small, exclusive camp perfectly designed for anyone who wants a true wilderness experience with a touch of wild luxury. All suites and tents have verandas to relax and watch the elephants wallow in the crystal-clear waters of the delta while the king fishers take a well-earned break in the riverine trees that line the banks. Lie in bed and listen to the hippos grazing while eagerly awaiting the beautiful sunrise that floods the suite with warm light every morning.
Visiting Fly Camp is often the highlight of a safari. Situated in the eastern part of the concession, spending a couple of nights at fly camp allows you to access areas that are too far to ride or walk to in a day from Kujwana. Fly camps offer a chance to safari in the old way, a journey from one point to another through true wilderness. After the adventure of a full day's ride, you will arrive in camp to find luxurious tents with comfortable beds, hot showers in your ensuite bathroom and a large mess tent complete with sofas and a library.
Okavango Horse Safaris offers a delightful, fresh, and locally-sourced dining experience with varied meals, from light breakfasts to hearty lunches and three-course dinners featuring fresh vegetables and local meats, all complemented by local beers/gin and wines, set in incredible bush settings with bush breakfasts, sundowner snacks, and intimate feasts under the stars, catering to dietary needs with advance notice.
There are several options for arrival and departure: transfer by charter plane from Maun or Kasane, or by helicopter from Maun. To extend your trip and visit Victoria Falls, there is a road transfer from Kasane.
Single or shared tent
From lunch on arrival day to breakfast on the last day
Fountain drinks & alcoholic beverages
Horses, tack, equipment, qualified safari guides
Flights to/from Botswana
Book as add-on
Travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all riders
Suggested tip amount: $20 per rider per day