Our Destinations

Why travelling with Randocheval ?

BOTSWANA : OKAVANGO EXPLORE RIDE ...

Imagine yourself mounted high above the long grass and reeds watching great herds of wildebeest and lechwe as they move across the golden floodplains. The breathtaking excitement when your silent progress along game paths only used by animals brings you upon a herd of buffalo or a family group of elephant. Cantering alongside the elegant motion of a giraffe is an experience you will never forget and the only sounds you will hear, as the wind soughs through the grass and rattles the palms, are the fisheagle's haunting cry, the splash of a disappearing crocodile and the faraway drumming of hooves. As the blood red sun drops into the black of night, the hyena's whoop-de-whoop and the lion's roar accompany your fireside reverie and the hippo's watery grunt punctuates your dreams. This is as close to nature as you will ever get.   Fixed departure dates are published with a 8 and 11 days safari offering the opportunity to explore the three main river systems in this area, the Xudum, Matsebi and the Kiri river. An area of over 2500 sq. km it is rich in wildlife and variety of fauna and flora. The areas between the three rivers contrast greatly and support different species of game and birds. 2 different accommodation for a 8 days safari, a good way to improve varied places and ecosystems at fast paces. Come and make your dream reality... If you prefer to join the 11 days itinerary, you'll access a thrid camp located in the wildest part of the Okavango delta.

8 days itinerary

The 7 nights itinerary starts on day 1 of the safari. It would usually be split between two camps giving guests the opportunity to explore both areas.

11 days itinerary

On a 10 nights itinerary, we work out of our base camp Kujwana. This is situated on the Xudum river in the Okavango Delta. We then use two other camps in different areas of the concession. All these camps are well situated in big game areas. They are chosen for the variety of terrain and species that favour particular areas.

ITINERARY

This is a sample itinerary which may vary according to water levels and game movements.

Day 1
You are met at Maun Airport by our representative. Fixed wing and helicopter shuttle will transfer you to camp. You’ll be served lunch and given an introduction talk on safety and game viewing from horseback. This will be followed by an orientation ride lasting 1-2 hours. Dinner and night at Kujwana camp.

Day 2
Morning game ride in the Xudum area. Wade through lush green malapos that lead you from island to island. Surprise a timid reedbuck out of its dense cover on a heavily wooded island; enjoy herds of lechwe and giraffes moving through the open spaces. Return to camp for lunch and a siesta followed by an afternoon game drive with sunset drinks and an evening drive. Dinner and night at Kujwana camp.

Day 3
Ride eastwards to two very large islands that are cut off from Kujwana by the Qwaapu River. Breeding herds of elephants enjoy the security of the dense forest, and travel from pan to pan leaving a lattice of large paths. Zebras, wildebeest and buffaloes are also attracted to this area. Animal tracks abound, telling you about what has passed through – or what you might still find. Arrive in time for late lunch followed by an evening bird and game walk. Night at Qwaapu Camp.

Day 4
Full-day ride with a picnic lunch. This area forms seasonal marsh lands and hosts a variety of exceptional birdlife. Wildlife moves freely to and from Moremi National Park, and this is good buffalo and elephant country. Return to camp in the cool of the late afternoon. Dinner and night at Qwaapu Camp.

Day 5
This morning’s ride returns along the western route, cutting through rain pans and visiting deep hippo pools. Arrive at Kujwana in time for a swim in the Xudum River. Take an afternoon trip in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe. Diner and night at Kujwana camp.

Day 6
A rest day for the guests who are riding for 11 days. You can opt to take a game drive, walk, float in a mokoro or relax with a pair of binoculars at a waterhole. For guests riding 8 days, there’s a dawn game ride, transfers permitting. Return to camp for breakfast. Guests joining the safari take a ride in the cooler afternoon to see the wildlife stirring after the heat of the day. Dinner and night at Kujwana camp.

Day 7
A full-morning ride exploring the western Baobab area. Small islands linked by numerous hippo channels lead you to Baobab Island. This is good habitat for cheetahs and a breeding ground for Carmine Bee-eaters. Afternoon game/night drive.

Dinner and night at Kujwana camp.

Day 8
Short morning ride for riders who joined the 8 days program. Transfer by helicoptere to Xaxaba airstrip and flight to Maun.
For the others, ride from Kujwana to Mokolwane Camp, following a 30-km north-westerly route through open floodplains and scattered islands to the Matsebe River system. A picnic lunch is served on a shady island some two hours from Mokolwane Camp, where you’ll arrive at sunset. Dinner and night at Mokolwane camp.

Day 9
Morning game ride. This camp lies on the Matsebe River system and features wide floodplains interspersed with mokolwane palms - a favourite food of elephants and baboons. This is a good area for plains game. In the afternoon, enjoy a 1-2 hour mokoro experience. Dinner and night at Mokolwane camp.

Day 10
A 40-km full-day ride from Mokolwane to Kujwana with a picnic lunch on the way. You’ll ride for four hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon through game areas and ford the Xudum River via elephant highways. Arrival at Kujwana is at sunset. Dinner and night at Kujwana camp.

Day 11
Early morning game ride out on Kujwana Camp. Helicopeter flight to Xaxaba airstrip and flight to maun.

NB : We reserve the right to alter the itinerary according to water levels and game movements.

Mokoros (dugout canoes) are offered as an activity depending on water levels.

10 night itinerary - on day 6 the horses are sometimes rested & other activities are offered, i.e.Mokoro with picnic lunch, game drive or bird walk.

EXTEND YOUR TRIP

Extend your trip and visit the Kruger National Game Reserve, Cape Town or Victoria Falls.
You can also combine this safari with one of our other ride :
- Wild Coast ride
- The Cape ride
- Combination South Africa - Botswana

- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Kenya
Contact us for further details...

Victoria Falls +2 nights

	90m high and 1800m long, Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful and impressive falls of the world. It's the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. A famous you absolutly have to visit during your stay in South Africa.
	The package includes : - Flights Xaxaba - Kasane and Livingstone - Johannesburg, - Airport taxes (60 €), - Transfer from Kasane to the Lodge, - Transfer to Livingstone Airport, - 2 nights in full board basis including local drinks and house wines to Island of Siankaba (a luxury Lodge located in the middle of the Zambeze river) - Activities : 1 trip to the Zambian side of the falls, laundry, dundown cruise, mokoro trip, nature trails and village/school tour.
	To add : - Optional activities, - Curio shop and office facilities, - visa fees (average 50 USD depending to your nationality), - Insurances. Consult rates.

HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL

Horses Full and part breed thoroughbreds, pure Arabs and Anglo Arabs, Saddle bred crosses, Boerperds. The horses are between 14hh and 17hh, well schooled, responsive and even-tempered. There is a wide range of horses suitable for the competition rider to the steady hack, every effort is made to match the rider and horse. There is plenty of selection with over 60 horses in camp. The horses are sure footed in their terrain and comfortable in their environment.

Tack Tack is English style leather saddles with seat savers. The tack is of a high quality, saddles are well known makes including Ideals, Barnsbys Fieldhouse and Symonds. All horses go in snaffle bridles. All saddles also have pommel pouches with a water bottle provided and space for sunscreen, small camera, ...

Required riding level
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 able to gallop out of trouble. It is a great advantage if you are fit and a proficient rider. We do not accept beginners.
Weight limit : 90kg
Non riders are welcome on this safari. We will provide them game drives, walks, mokoro or boat trips. Price remains the same.

Children are welcome from 10 years old if they have the required riding level.

YOUR GUIDES

You will be supervised by local qualified instructors. For riders who already made our Big Five safari, it's important to note that Philip was taught by our guide in Botswana. This is the guarantee you'll see the animals from a very close place. 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

Camp 1 : Kujwana Comprising of large Meru tents set along the Xudum River on a narrow island with a deep shady forest of ancient trees filled with the chorus of birdsong. The camp is situated south west of Chiefs Island in the Okavango Delta. It accommodates a maximum of 8 to 12 guests in six spacious safari tents each with bathrooms en-suite. The main area has a fully stocked bar, tree house overlooking the Xudum River and a separate dining area. This is the permanent year round home for the team and the horses. The camp is equipped with a solar system, lighting all tents and the main area. This also provides enough power for the charging of cameras during day light hours.

Camp 2 : Qwaapo (fly camp) To the remote South East is Qwaapo camp, called a fly camp as the accommodation is in the style of traditional safari tents, each with its own bucket and pulley shower and bush loo. Every tent has a unique view of the Qwaapo River. This is an area of large islands with rich mopane forests and rain pans to which game is drawn for water. It offers the contrast between the floodplains and dry areas. This is an ideal location to see some of the more unusual residents of the delta, we have had wild dog denning close to this camp. Many species are seen early morning or late afternoon when they come to drink from the river. The camp has walk in meru tents and a dining room under the stars. Qwaapo Fly Camp is south east of Kujwana camp. This camp is temporary and the site moves according to access with water levels. Deep lagoons make this is a good area for hippo and lechwe, as well as buffalo and other big game. The term 'fly camp' means temporary camp easily moved (from the days when you moved your fly sheet rather than your whole tent).

Camp 3 : Mokolwane (accessible only on the 11 days itinerary) Situated north west of Kujwana on the Matsebi River, this camp is made up of tree houses 2 metres off the ground. A real haven for elephants that love the palm trees of this area. This camp is situated in the open flood plains that receive floodwater 3 weeks earlier than Kujwana camp. The vegetation consists of smaller palm islands and wide-open spaces. Mokolwane is a 10-bedded camp, with the accommodation boasting superb views, each with a private bathroom. The Matsebe River is your main feeder for Lake Ngami.

Catering
All meals are prepared with fresh food by a cooker. You'll taste typical and traditional meals during your ride. Our logistic vehicule will meet you during picnic lunches. Succulent dinners will be served at camp.

DATES AND RATES

Single room supplement : 2385 €
Supplement does not apply if you are prepared for sharing, even if we do not find another rider for sharing your accomodation.

Please note we will charge single riders, a supplement for transfers : 595 €.

Single room supplement : 3155 €
Supplement does not apply if you are prepared for sharing, even if we do not find another rider for sharing your accomodation.

Please note we will cahrge single riders, a supplement for transfers : 595 €.

Options

Please contact us for further information...

Single supplement during the Victoria Falls trip :

+ 80 € from November 01 2009 to May 31 2010

+ 100 € from June 01 to October 31 2010
The rate for this travel extension is valid if international plane ticket booked via Randocheval. Otherwise, contact us for a detailled quotation.

BOOKING - INFORMATION

Please contact Dorothée for any enquiry !

PRATICAL INFORMATIONS

8 days itinerary :
8 days / 7 nights / 7 days safaris

11 days itinerary :

11 days / 10 nights / 9 days safaris

Scheduled flights to Maun (Botswana), then connection by a 30 minutes game flight to the Okavango Delta where the local team will welcome you and transfer you to the camp by a 20min scenic helicopter flight. Return is exactly the same.
Your luggage must not weigh more than 15 kg because of the low capacity of the aircraft in the delta.

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.