Our Destinations
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
BOTSWANA : EQUESTRIAN SAFARI IN THE HEART OF OKAVANGO DELTA...
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
"..... our first ride instilled a sense of wonder. Heads swivelled
left and right, fingers were pointed, exclamations stifled. Herds of giraffes
wandered past, elephants strolled left and right, wildebeest cavorted
with zebra, baboons partied in the middle of it all. Vultures, cranes,
storks and fish eagles flapped and stood and flew. To be surrounded by images previously only seen on the small screen, so many, so close, was an exhilarating and humbling experience. Cameras clicked, mouths stayed open. Only the horses were comfortably under whelmed." THE OKAVANGO transcends all the rules of " Mother Nature" by creating an Eden of greenery in the heart of lands burned with Kalahari. Lover of the horse, you can experiment, safely, the real African adventure. Qualified guides will accompany you and will share with you their inmost knowledge of the desert and the Delta. You will learn how waters come from some sands of Kalahari, bring the life in this delta and how the vast areas(extents) of spices become confused with the sparkling of the water, attracting(enticing) numerous wild crowds. |
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This safari will allow you to discover a very isolated protected zone
and little opened to the public making of this stay a rare and privileged
moment.
The Best Horseriding Safari in Africa 2009 & 2010 !
ITINERARY
Day 1: Maun - Okavango
On arrival in Maun, you are met and transferred by plane and a game
drive (or boat trip depending the season) to our camp which overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon.
After lunch under the trees, there is usually time for a rest before
the evening ride where you can get to know your horse. We return
to a candle-lit safari dinner.
Day 2
Wake up with a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast
with homemade toast and muesli, then a ride out from camp to stretch our legs and explore. Depending on the season this may involve some galloping, swimming through the flood waters or pushing on through seas of tall grass following giraffe, zebra, antelope, elephant, buffalo, whatever's out there. Back to camp for another brilliant open air lunch with the guides, if you're lucky it might be our famous chicken pie, and there's usually some wine to encourage a little nap before tea. The evening ride is deliberately slower-paced and it's a good opportunity to ask questions and take photographs. Leopard sightings are not infrequent, the bird-life is some of the best in the world and towards sunset there is often elephant or hippo interaction to enjoy. A sun downer can be enjoyed out in the bush before riding back to camp to freshen up. There's no guarantee that dinner is always eaten in the same place...
Day 3
Wake up as normal with freshly-brewed coffee or tea and depending on your whim, either ride out again (perhaps to find the rare semi-aquatic antelope, the red lechwe), or join one of our guided walks, game drives or perhaps a spot of fishing for bream from the boat? The riders and non-riders can meet up for a delicious champagne breakfast under one of the large baobab trees. After lunch take the opportunity to relax and either swim in the pool read a book or organise your photos. Homemade tea and cake is followed by the sunset ride, exploring the lower flood plains where elephant often gather at a pool. As dusk closes in, it is fascinating to watch them interact in the wild, and being on horseback brings you that much closer.
Day 4
We ride through different country, making our way through clouds of bushman hair grass to plains dotted with fig trees. We might encounter giraffe or shyer antelope while passing through mophane woodlands. Our pace increases as we break out onto the flood plains, often disturbing troops of baboons.
Return to the camp for an afternoon spent at leisure, or the possibility of hiring a helicopter for an hour to gain access to remote and otherwise totally inaccessible parts of the delta with spectacular photographic results. Finish off the day with a night drive by spotlight, where the resident clan of hyena are often spotted. Bushbabies leap from branch to branch through the terminalia and acacia trees – only seen by the brights of their eyes. If lucky, the spotlight will pick up the glint of a leopard’s sultry stare…
Day 5
This morning we ride deeper into the heart of the delta, along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains. After tea we'll do a slower ride to our magical tree house where you will have the option to spend the night out, sleeping high up in the tree tops under the stars. To be out in the wilderness so freely in the Okavango bush like this is a wonderful experience and one that few people experience.
Day 6
After waking up amongst the trees to the call of the African Fish Eagle, the next morning we splash through water on the vast open plains, home to blue wildebeeste and Burchell's zebra. The riding may be fast as we approach deep reedy areas full of bird life including open-billed storks, squacco herons, slaty egrets, egyptian geese and many more. We return to Macatoo along the myriad of waterways lined with large trees for a hearty lunch with the option of a night drive, mokoro or boating trip for all.
Day 7
Your last full day's riding in this magical place takes you cantering through the shallow flood plains, admiring the deeper pools of lilies. Here, the Cape buffalo can gather in large numbers (anything between a dozen and 2000 individuals) and we have to creep up on them using the islands as cover. The evening offers a last quiet ride with memorable smells of wild sage and the warm African dust as the sun goes down on your chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Your farewell dinner will be a memorable one with another surprise location in store.
Day 8: Okavango - Maun
For your final ride, we will go along some of the high palm islands which offer great sweeping views of the Delta plains. We'll maybe take a final exhilarating gallop and run with the game before returning to camp, lunch and perhaps a few tears as you say goodbye to your favourite horse and we send you off on your next adventure.
NOTE :
The itinerary below is indicative and may change depending the weather
and the season. It's sometimes impossible to join our Satellite camp,
and during hot season, a long ride can be parted in two.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
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Our safari can be completed with game drives, canoe, fishing, extra nights or continue your travel to visit more deeply Southern Africa like the Kruger National Game Reserve, Cape Town or Victoria Falls...
Please contact us for further details or any other project. |
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
Horses
Our 30 horses are pure-breds, Namibian Hanovarian, thoroughbreds, Arabs
and Kalahari-arabs horse crosse ranging from 14 to 17 hands.
They have very different natures, and are very experienced concerning
the silent approach of wild animals.
Some of them are retired competition horses from various places and backgrounds
and need a good control.
The horses work in turn from 4 to 5h in the morning and from 1 to 2h in
the afternoon. They are used to different sorts of horsemanship: western,
English.
Tack
We use different kinds of tack (western or english). Let us know your
choice if it's important for you.
Saddle bags are provided by our organization.
Recommended riding level
This safari is for riders. We spend 4 to 6 hours a day in the saddle.
You will need to feel competent about keeping up with the group, capable
of riding at all paces; rising to the trot and controlling your horse
at the canter. You may be required to gallop out of trouble, so we can
not take beginners. It will be at the guide discretion whether you will
be permitted to ride, taking into consideration your safety and enjoyment
and that of the group as a whole. You will be asked to complete our questionnaire
prior to the stay.
Useful information :
Age Limit: 12 years and over with an adult. Anyone over 60 needs to be riding fit and
strong.
It is important that you can have control of your horse in a wild environment,
and that you can follow the guide's instructions for your safety and the
safety of the group.
Weight limit : 95kg
Non riders are welcome on this safari. We will provide them game drives, walks, mokoro or boat trips. Price remains the same.
YOUR GUIDES
You will be supervised by local qualified instructors. At your arrival
in the camp, a general introduction of the safari is organized. Two of
the guides accompanying the group are equipped with first aid kit, rifle
and radio.
You will give us any particular information (medical, dietary…) before
your departure, as well as your own insurance. Any person victim of severe
allergies, heart or breathing problems, limited physical condition, must
consult his medical specialist to have an authorization to participate
in the safari.
In case of necessity, only the people in charge of the supervision will
be accredited to authorize the outings, for the safety of the group.
ACCOMMODATION
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The camp is set up in the occidental part of the Okavango delta, a very
remote area, with a limited number of visitors. You are accommodated in
secluded and very luxurious large double tents, each one with en-suite
shower and toilets. Your private verandah overlooks a seasonal floodplain,
home to baboon, hyena and elephant. Drinks are on tap, cake and biscuits
are there for the taking and we trust you will already feel relaxed and
at home. |
DATES AND RATES
A-la-carte departure all year with 2 riders minimum. If you're travelling alone, we will suggest you a departure on friday when possible.
| 2012 | ||
| Riding safari between January 01 to March 31 | 3440 € |
available |
| Riding safari between April 01 to June 30 | 4020 € |
available |
| Riding safari between July 01 to October 15 | 4400 € |
available |
| Riding safari between October 16 to 31 | 4020 € |
available |
| Riding safari between November 01 to December 31 | 3440 € |
available |
Single room supplement :
From 1580 € to 1990 € depending the season.
Supplement does not apply if you are prepared for sharing, even if we
do not find another rider for sharing your accomodation.
Ask us the rates of extra nights or a longer itinerary.
Flights to Maun
Please contact us to check the best
available rates from your country.
RATE INCLUDING
- the return transfers by aircraft Maun-Abu in the heart of the delta, then transfer by vehicle or boat to the base camp,
- 7 nights at the camp with full board, drinks included (within reason) (sharing accommodation),
- the horse safaris and game drives as described,
- the financial guarantee of the fund deposited at Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- the flights from and to Maun airport,
- the organisation of an extended stay in the area before or after the trail ride (consult us),
- single supplement if required,
- extra nights if required,
- any other services,
- tips and personal expenses,
- optional Insurance :You can subscribe our insurrance only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurrance company. More information.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Please contact Laurie for any enquiry !
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Botswana - Okavango Delta
LENGTH
8 days / 7 nights / 7 days on horseback
or longerLANGUAGE
English.
GROUP SIZE
The outings are made in small secure and user-friendly groups in the general interest.
ACCESS
Your luggage must not weigh more than 13 kg because of the low capacity of the aircraft in the delta.
CLIMATE
The floodwaters normally begin in May (this varies each year) and end
in October. From May to September it rarely rains.
Be aware that in the Southern Hemisphere, August is in the heart of winter,
and early mornings and evenings can be cold. (daily temperatures range
from 8-24°C).
In summer months (from October to March-April) temperatures range from
12-38°C.
Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..
A treatment against Malaria is also recommended. Please contact a doctor before departure.
REFERENCE :
CH34-botswana-okavango
