Elisa Wallace with Fledge after 2 months
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The jewel in Botswana’s crown Those who have travelled to Botswana are often heard to say that the country ‘has got under their skin’. The vast open spaces, beautiful climate and the privileged feeling of being in close proximity to some of nature’s most spectacular animals are just a handful of the many draws. Experiencing this magical kingdom on horseback provides a unique and memorable way to view the area; we speak to equestrian travel expert, Olwen Law from In The Saddle, to find out more… WHERE IN THE WORLD Botswana is a landlocked nation covering an area slightly smaller than France, nestled between South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Renowned for its abundant and varied wildlife, it has set aside a larger percentage of land for national parks and game reserves than any other country in Africa, making it sparsely populated and perfect for observing fauna in its natural habitat. The most dominant geological feature in Botswana is the Kalahari Desert, which covers roughly two-thirds of the country. It is
at the northern edge of this area that the Jewel of the Kalahari can be found, otherwise known as the Okavango Delta. The Delta is the only inland delta in the world and with its permanent supply of water it supports the most diverse profusion of plant and animal life in Southern Africa. Visiting the Okavango Delta by horseback Macatoo provides horse riders with the chance to combine a touch of luxury with the exhilaration of discovering Botswana. Enjoy long canters alongside zebra and giraffe, spot lion, blue wildebeest and crocodile in their own environments, track elephant and buffalo across the open plains or through the palm studded islands or simply relax in the lavish bush camps. During the flood season, April to October, there is usually water everywhere so you should expect wet, splashy canters as you traverse from island to island. The summer months of November to March mean dry flood plains provide the perfect platform for adrenalin-fueled canters. Botswana can be explored all year round and no matter what season you visit in you can be assured breathtaking sights and experiences.
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WHAT TO EXPECT There is no typical day on safari in Botswana, however you will spend four to six hours a day in the saddle, so ensuring you are a fit and competent rider is imperative before embarking on this kind of adventure. The horses are a variety of breeds, from Thoroughbreds, Anglo Arabs, Kalahari-Arab Crossbreeds to Namibian Hanoverians – they are all well cared for, much loved and kept in impeccable condition. Enjoy early morning tea or coffee in bed as the sun rises at your feet, before devouring a delicious breakfast and heading off to explore for the day. Canter across open plains alongside herds of animals, before enjoying a freshly made lunch on a lush date palm island and spend afternoons meandering through the Delta on foot or by
boat, before enjoying a gourmet three course dinner around a campfire. No two days are the same at Macatoo and the bush life gives welcome relief from the stresses and strains of everyday life back home. MORE THAN JUST A RIDING HOLIDAY Joining a safari at Macatoo offers so much more than a simple riding holiday, enabling non-riding guests to experience the magic of the Delta, without having to get in the saddle. Fishing, bird walks and game drives provide an insight into the country’s treasures, while exploring the area by Mokoro – a traditional canoe – provides a fun and relaxing viewpoint. For more information about visiting Macatoo in the Okavango Delta, Botswana visit www.inthesaddle.com
www.inthesaddle.com