Description

The African Horseback Safari Camp (Macatoo), is situated on the western side of Botswana’s famed Okavango Delta, stands on a palm-fringed Falcon, surrounded by infinite grassy plains, punctuated with watery meadows, and seasonal lagoons. Macatoo is intimate and comfortable, and the attention to detail allows guests to relax and enjoy themselves. The camp accommodation is large, walk-in, twin-bedded Safari tents, each with their own en-suite shower and toilet. Centrally there is a large furnished mess tent and tucked away a private pool. On the longer safaris, guests have the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding out to a mobile fly-camp. The riding terrain is scenically varied.

The main attraction is the joy of riding good horses (a variety of Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians, Arabs and Kalahari-Arabs crosses, ranging from 14 – 16.2 hands are at Macatoo). This is a superb area in which to ride, and the wildlife is both varied and abundant. The riding is varied – sometimes walking quietly while stalking big game and admiring the bird life, and sometimes cantering through the water meadows alongside galloping giraffe and lechwe.

Groups of riders rarely exceed seven guests, and Macatoo itself only accommodates a maximum of 12 guests. For safety reasons, there is a lower age limit of 16 years for riders, and anyone over 60 years will been to be riding fit, and strong. There is also a strictly enforced weight limit for riders, of 210 lb/ 95 kg.

Macatoo is a specialist camp, and therefore riding ability is important. 4 to 6 hours a day is spent in the saddle. Riders do 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 a canter. You may be required to gallop out of trouble, which means that beginners, unfortunately, are not catered for. It will be at the discretion of African Horseback whether you will be permitted to ride, as safety, and enjoyment of individuals, and the group, needs to be taken into consideration. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, at the time of requesting a booking.

Apart from the horseback safaris, 4×4 vehicles are used for night drives, spotting the nocturnal species and for close up photography of kills and predators. When the water levels permit, guests can also go out in boats – putting an entirely new perspective on game viewing.  Birding walks, canoeing, and fishing are also offered at Macatoo.

Activities Include: Horseback Safaris, game drives, bird walks, night drives, seasonal boating, canoeing and fishing.