The wild animals treat you as though you are part of the scenery, just another herd animal in their domain. One moment you are cantering through deep water and the next you are running with the herds. You become one with the graceful giraffe or keep a wary eye on the matriarch as you sidle up to a large group of elephants. This is an unparalleled way to see the wildlife of Africa, for experienced riders only. Rides take a maximum of 8 guests. Weight limit is 15 stone (95kgs). Non-riders can be accommodated but they must be booked in as such. Non-riders have their own guide and enjoy game drives, walks and mokoros. They move with the riding clients to the various fly camps and join non-riding activities and picnics.
For riding itineraries in the Okavango, you fly into the base camp Kujwana, situated on the Xudum River. Trips can be planned to suit you and the number of nights you would like to travel for - riding during the day in the cooler times and moving each day to different camps. Riding time each day is usually 4-6 hours in the saddle with breaks for snacks and lunch.
Guests must have proficient riding abilities, particularly to be able to gallop and get out of trouble where necessary! Children are allowed if proficient riders (pony club test pass required). The horses are full and part Thoroughbred, Pure Arab, Anglo Arab, American Saddle Bred. Between 14 and 17 hands. Well-schooled, responsive and even temperament. There is a wide range of horses (over 50 ) suitable for the competition rider to a steady hack. Every effort is made to match horse and rider.
All rides are lead by qualified profession guides. A 375 rifle is carried on all the rides. All camps and vehicles have radio communication and guides ride with a hand held radios. A demonstration is given at the beginning of the safari with a talk on how to handle big game situations. All rides are lead by qualified profession guides. A keen interest is taken in birds as well as fauna & flora.
Kujwana camp (the base camp) has en-suite safari tents with flush toilets, they have bedside tables, hanging cupboard, luggage rack, floor rug, and chairs. Moklowane camp has tree chalets with bucket and pulley showers (water heated on demand) and flush toilets. Fly camping uses dome tents with camp beds, bedrolls with cotton sheets, duvet and towels. Long drop toilets are located for each tent and bucket and pulley showers with hot water.