Meerkats and Mokoros
A unique ride in Botswana that combines the best of the Kalahari salt pans with the waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Explore furtherBotswana
Bechuanaland become independent in September 1966, just after England won the world cup, and metamorphosized into Botswana, which is now one of Africa’s greatest success stories: politically stable, economically solid and with a conservation heritage that is the envy of the world.
The country is flat and most of it is Kalahari Desert; which doesn't sound promising. But Botswana is the ultimate safari destination: nowhere else can you see huge tracts of land that are pristine and support massive herds of herbivores with the headline-grabbing predators that follow them. The bird life is astonishing and the real gem that makes Botswana unique is the wilderness feeling that it possesses.
If you ask one of those leathery-skinned old Africa hands what Africa used to be like they will describe a world without fences and frontiers, where you can go all day and not see another rider, where there are no manmade sounds and zero light pollution. What they are describing is Botswana as it is today.
Horse riding in Botswana is outstanding: a riding safari in the Okavango Delta is exhilarating and splashy. Nearby are the salt pans and riding holidays here complement the Delta perfectly - particularly if you join a Botswana riding holiday to see the Meerkats!
The Okavango Delta is probably more famous than the country where it’s found; add in such evocative names as Deception Valley, the tongue-twisting Makgadikgadi Pan and the utterly charming Meerkats and this really is the safari connoisseur’s destination.
The Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world. It’s sandwiched between two deserts, the Namib on the west and the Kalahari on the east.
Local rainfall, such as it is, falls between Christmas and February (about 3 inches per month).
The rain in Angola falls in Feb and March and takes a good month or two to reach the Okavango (over 1,000 Km away) which means the water level peaks in the Okavango Delta in April (varies a bit from year to year).
An area of over 15,000 Km² floods when local rainfall is virtually zero; thus water is most abundant when local rain is least. The Delta draws in animals from far and wide, creating Africa's greatest concentration of wildlife.
Okavango Map
Horse Rides
Macatoo, Okavango Delta
In the heart of the Okavango Delta is a magical camp with a twist – it has a stable attached. The horses vary between 14hh and 18hh and are calm, experienced rides.
Explore further
Motswiri, Okavango Delta
Way out in the heart of the Delta, close to the Linyanti concession, is Motswiri Camp, nestled on the bank of the renowned Selinda Spillway which links the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti floodplain.
Explore furtherMore nights
PomPom Camp
In the heart of the Okavango Delta a 20 min flight from Maun, overlooking a lagoon is another jewel in Botswana’s crown!
Explore further
Gunn’s Camp
Overlooking the legendary Chief’s Island and bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, Gunn’s Camp is a luxury, vintage safari camp.
Explore further
Moremi Crossing
At the southern end of Chief’s Island, just outside Moremi Reserve, sitting on a small palm-fringed island called Ntswi, is the Moremi Crossing camp.
Explore further
Machaba Camp
Machaba is s one of the newer camps in the Delta (built 2013). Tip-top guides, excellent camp managers and secluded location combine to make this an outstanding wildlife experience.
Explore further
Kwara Camp
In the heart of the Okavango Delta on permanent water, adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. 8 en-suite Meru tents. Game drives, walks and mokoro trips.
Explore further
Lagoon Camp
Sitting on the bank of the Kwando River; 8 Meru en-suite tents. Safaris in 4x4, on foot and in a launch.
Explore further
Lebala Camp
In the wide open plains of the Linyanti Marshes; 8 en-suite Meru tents; Game drives and walks. Excellent predator action.
Explore further
Nxai Pan
In the semi-arid habitat of Nxai Pan, not far from Baines’s Baobab, overlooking a permanent waterhole. 8 en-suite Meru tents, 100% solar powered. Game drives, walks and stargazing.
Explore further
Little Kwara Camp
In the heart of the Okavango Delta on permanent water, adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. 5 en-suite Meru tents. Game drives, walks and mokoro trips.
Explore further
Tau Pan
Far out in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, about an hour’s flight from Maun, is the remarkable Tau Pan. Just 9 Meru tents; 100% solar powered; and not another human being for miles! Game drives, walks and stargazing.
Explore furtherhighlights and hidden gems
The Moremi Game Reserve
Varied habitats; superb game and bird life, this integral part of the Okavango Delta is easy to access and offers fly camping and great lodges.
Explore further
The Okavango Delta explained
The majority of Botswana is dry, sandy, scrub-desert, known as sandveld, but in the north-west corner is the phenomenon known as the “Okavango Delta”.
Explore furtherBotswana Weather and Climate
We're here to help with your African Adventure, its what we do best.
If you would like to talk directly to the VentureCo team about your tailor made african travel requirements, you contact us via email, phone, live web chat or just drop into our office.