A riding safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta: Marc’s adventure to Macatoo
Last year Jo arranged a Botswana safari for Marc, a client who wanted to combine riding, wildlife, and time to relax with his wife. The journey brought together one of the country’s finest riding safari camps, from which Marc has written a fabulous account. What began as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, has now become a twice-in-a-lifetime trip, with plans to return in 2027.
My trip to Botswana: fulfilling a lifelong dream
My fascination with Africa began as a child, sitting by my grandparents’ fireplace and reading about far-off animals. Classic TV shows like Daktari and the film Hatari, after our family got its first colour television, fuelled my imagination. I didn’t grow up in a riding family, yet the desire to learn was always present. In my early twenties, I seized the opportunity, which also led to me meeting my future wife, Jo. Early memories of African adventures as a child remained vivid, but reality intervened. Along with my spouse and our two daughters, we’ve been fortunate to own horses for twenty years, on the edge of Hampshire’s New Forest. Conscious we weren’t getting any younger, I asked my wife to join me on a riding safari. Aardvark Safaris guidance helped us select African Horseback Safaris’ Macatoo Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and so, after fifty years of yearning, the dream of embarking on a riding safari came true.
The shimmering waterways of the Okavango Delta promise exciting riding
The long-anticipated day arrived. We set off for Africa, reviewing Tswana phrases on the plane, we were warmly welcomed by local agents and hotel staff at Gray’s Eden, where we spent the night to rest before the short flight into the delta. We really enjoyed staying here, the onsite spa, especially after returning from the delta, was a blessing.
Jo enjoying the best of the Gray’s Eden refreshments!
Excitement soared as our early morning flight crossed the buffalo fence into the Okavango Delta, anxiously searching for signs of the seasonal flood below. Landing at Cement Airstrip, we were greeted by Thabo and whisked away on a wildlife drive enroute to camp. That first drive featuring a towering male giraffe and a visit to a hyena den to see the pups. Soon, it was time to ride. Would we be paired with suitable horses? How would we react to being so close to wild animals? Our questions faded quickly under the guidance of Mod, the horse manager, who matched us with responsive, well-mannered horses.
Jo sets eyes on their light aircraft
Describing the sensation of riding through the flooded delta is no easy feat. Memories abound: exhilarating splashy canters, galloping alongside red lechwe, giraffe, and zebra, watching elephants shake palm trees, a cartoonish ostrich dashing across the wetlands and crossing deep channels behind a herd of giraffe and a tiny calf. Some moments captured in photos; others remain in our minds.
A herd of giraffe ahead of Marc, Jo and the group
As a keen naturalist, I valued the insights our guide Chief shared, his encyclopaedic knowledge of the animals offered details you’d never get from a nature documentary. Chief was a master at reading animal behaviour, knowing when to give wildlife space and when to move closer. Some moments were thrilling: one day, while surrounded by elephants, a young bull hastened our crossing, prompting the protective matriarch and the herd to press home their dominance. Such encounters, with Chief’s steadfast calm, are unforgettable.
Marc and his steed Chairman watch an elephant bull
The team ensure the camp experience is as memorable as the riding and wildlife. The new tents, ours even had a bathtub on the deck, were a delight. Mealtimes brought opportunities to share stories, learn from guides, and meet guests from around the world. Visiting the kitchen to thank the catering team was required after eating such amazing food all week, also an opportunity to try my basic Tswana phrases such a “Ke a leboga” (Thank you). The word “Thusang” (“Help!”) always got a laugh from Bernie and the other guides! They taught me a local greeting “Bat Thee Hoo,” usually exchanged with a friendly fist bump. This phrase is unique to Maun, so don’t expect to find it in any travel guide!
Horses among wildlife in the Okavango Delta
We’re already plotting a return trip for our 30th wedding anniversary. I hope we’ve left our own imprint at Macatoo, and that the team there will remember the enthusiastic Englishman who rode Chairman and Phiri (aka Phil). I can’t wait to visit again and greet them with “Bat Thee Hoo!”.
View the riding safari itinerary here.
What next?
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