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Macatoo Riding Safaris
Early pioneers of horse riding safaris in Africa, Macatoo Camp offers one of the most unique and exciting horseback adventures in the world - The Okavango Delta
There are few better ways to experience the magic of Botswana's Okavango Delta than on horseback. As the annual floodwaters transform the landscape, vast areas become inaccessible to vehicles, making horseback one of the most natural, immersive and exhilarating ways to explore this remarkable wilderness.
Each ride offers a wonderful mix of adventure and tranquillity. Enjoy exhilarating gallops alongside giraffe, zebra and antelope across open floodplains, splash through crystal-clear channels, and quietly track larger wildlife such as elephant and buffalo. Between rides, take time to appreciate the Delta's extraordinary birdlife, widely regarded as some of the finest birdwatching in Africa.
Accompanied by highly experienced guides, you'll gain a deeper understanding of this unique ecosystem, from its fascinating flora and ancient trees to the intricate behaviours of its wildlife. The horses themselves are an integral part of the experience. Their calm, instinctive nature allows guests to approach wildlife with minimal disturbance, while their alert ears often reveal animals hidden from sight. Once relaxed, the horses lower their heads to graze, reassuring nearby wildlife and creating remarkable opportunities for close, natural encounters.
To ensure both safety and enjoyment, this safari is best suited to riders who are confident and comfortable at all paces. Days in the saddle can be long, and temperatures vary throughout the day, so arriving riding fit and well prepared will help you make the very most of the experience.
With a string of almost 50 well-schooled horses, together with a choice of English or Western saddles, the Macatoo team are experts at carefully matching each guest with the ideal horse, ensuring an unforgettable riding safari in one of Africa's most extraordinary landscapes.
3-10 Night Riding Safaris
Main Camp - 8 large safari tents, including one honeymoon tent and two family tents
Bush Camp sleep out option (when conditions allow)
Swimming Pool
Activities for non-riders available including bush walks, mokoro and game drives
For riders - 2 riding activities each day
Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians, Percherons and Kalahari-Arab crossbreeds ranging between 14hh and 18hh. Horses are rotated through rides to allow time off.
Full Board Accommodation with local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Accessed via Maun hopper flights
Lower Season: Jan-Mar & December
Mid Season: Apr to Mid-June | Mid Oct-Nov
High Season: Mid-June to Mid-Oct
Macatoo Riding Safaris
full gallery
Macatoo Riding Safaris
rates | inclusions & exclusions:
Adult per night rates start at:
656
£
Macatoo Riding Safaris
(NB. This price is based on a full game package safari stay. It is also possible to stay in this property on a full-board basis without safari. This is understandably substantially cheaper, so please contact us if you'd like a quote on FB only).
This lead price is based on a longer stay on a full board, full game package experience. Offers are available on this property which may include Honeymoon stays, Family Savings, Early Booking Discounts or Last Minute Reductions. Do please get in touch with us to get a full quote and we will ensure we won't be beaten on price.
Why this Camp..?
(According to Google Reviews)
Macatoo Horseback Safari Camp, operated by African Horseback Safaris in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is widely considered one of the premier riding safaris in the world, maintaining an exceptionally high rating (averaging 4.8/5 stars across major travel platforms).
An overview of what past guests say in their reviews breaks down as follows:
The Riding & Horses
Exhilarating Paces: Reviewers frequently mention Macatoo's signature "splashy canters". Riders love galloping knee-deep through the delta's shallow floodwaters alongside wild game like zebras, giraffes, and lechwe.
Strict Ability Requirements: Multiple reviews strongly emphasise that this safari is strictly for confident, intermediate to advanced riders. Out in the open bush with big game (including elephants and lions), you must be able to handle a forward-going horse at a fast pace for your own safety and that of the group.
Excellent Horse Care: Guests consistently praise the health, training, and management of the camp's herd of over 50 horses (ranging from Namibian Warmbloods to local crosses). The barn managers are highly commended for expertly matching horses to each rider’s style.
Camp Life & Amenities
Luxury Bush Tents: Guests note that while it retains an authentic, unpretentious "bush feel," the newly refurbished raised tents are incredibly luxurious, comfortable, and feature ensuite bathrooms.
Wildlife at Your Doorstep: Reviews frequently highlight magical moments of watching elephants, hippos, or antelopes grazing mere feet from tent verandahs or right outside the dining area.
Standout Hospitality: The hospitality receives glowing feedback, especially the thoughtful touches like morning tea delivered directly to your bed and hot water bottles placed in beds at night. The three-course dinners are described as "hard to believe" given the remote location.
Non-Riding Activities
Great for Non-Riders: Reviewers who travelled with non-riding partners note that the camp keeps them fully engaged. Macatoo offers exceptional alternative activities including traditional 4x4 game drives, night drives, and mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions.
