Botswana: Okavango Delta – Ride Botswana

Safaris in the Okavango Delta, with a choice of set date safaris using in low impact, lightweight and movable camp, or a flexible stay at a comfortable semi-permanent ‘fixed’ camp. Suitable for intermediate riders and above. Non-riders welcome at the fixed camp.

Where is it?

Ride Botswana’s base is in the south eastern part of the Okavango Delta where, uniquely amongst riding safari operators in the Delta, it offers safaris that use a non-permanent, lightweight safari camp, the location of which can change.  As an alternative, those who would like more flexibility with dates and activities or a bit of extra comfort, can enjoy riding from the semi-permanent Cha Cha Metsi camp. For riders wanting to see another side to Botswana, a few days at Cha Cha Metsi can be combined with a visit to central Botswana’s Kalahari desert, exploring the white moonscape of the Magadikgadi saltpans (see Botswana: Delta & Desert)

What is it like?

The Okavango Delta is a mix of flat, grassy plain with raised ‘islands’ of palm trees, thick mopane forest and a network of streams and water channels that branch out from the main Okavango River. When rain falling further north causes the river to burst its banks, water overflows these channels, flooding out over the plains to create vast watermeadows and huge, clear lakes. The Delta is one of the world’s foremost game areas boasting huge numbers and species of game which moves around seasonally, depending on flood levels. Ride Botswana’s lightweight camp is simple, designed so everything can be packed up and moved, although you still have all you need – from comfortable camp beds with bed linen to chairs, safari showers and ice in your drinks! Cha Cha Metsi is an intimate and authentic, traditional style safari camp, a wonderful ‘bush home’ with views over a permanent lagoon.

Who does it suit?

Intermediate riders and above who are confident and secure to ride in remote, unfenced areas that are open to ‘big’ (and potentially dangerous) game. Safaris from the lightweight Delta camp are a great choice for any adventurous safari-goer who enjoys the feeling of being immersed in nature. They are purposefully low impact, with minimal use of vehicles and the overall feeling is to leave no trace. For those wanting a broader mix of activities, a little more comfort or who are unsure of their riding fitness, Cha Cha Metsi is a small, privately owned, relaxed but comfortable camp with a welcoming family feel. Its ideal for riders and non-riding companions who can game drive, walk and water level allowing, explore by boat or mokoro. All safaris are for small groups and the atmosphere is easygoing and relaxed. Families with (if wishing to ride) confident, strong child riders aged 12 years and above are always welcome.

Why we love it

For the added adventure of the lightweight Delta camp. Its simple but comfortable with everything you need and nothing you don’t, set up where there was no human imprint before and will be none after. We love the feeling of merely passing through, being able to observe nature in its course and that every safari is different; every safari is a new adventure. At Cha Cha Metsi, the offer of game drives, walks and mokoro canoes as well as riding out to explore,  is hard to resist and we love the camp’s lagoon views and personal, authentic style.

Travel with trust

When you travel with Ride World Wide, you can travel with trust. We’re a member of ABTOT (the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust) which provides financial protection for your booking through our ABTOT bond and under the ABTOT ATOL franchise. If you have any questions please ask.

In a Nutshell

Riding
3-6 hours a day
Horses
Boerperd crosses, TB and Arab crosses
Pace
Moderate and varied, with chances to trot and canter
Riding Ability
Confident intermediate to experienced riders
Weight Limit
About 95kg (15 stone) but please contact us if your weight is close to this
Group Size
Maximum 8
Accommodation
4* lightweight, mobile camp; 5* fixed camps
2026 Dates
March to December; see ‘Key Information’ below
2026 Prices
7 night safaris from USD 5,550 (approx. £4,250) per person; see ‘Key Information’ below
What you'll be doing

Itinerary in Brief

Okavango Delta Ride

Below is an example itinerary. Please ask us for other itineraries.

Day 1

Meet your guide and other guests at Maun Airport, then a drive of around 30 minutes to the buffalo fence which marks the southern boundary of the Okavango Delta. Horses and the back up team will be waiting here and whilst luggage is transferred to a mokoro canoe or vehicle, mount up and set off riding into the Delta, arriving at camp in time for sundowners. Settle in to your tent and a hot shower followed by a delicious bush dinner, cooked over a log fire.

Day 2-7

Six days to explore the Delta. Each day’s activity and timetable varies with weather, water levels, movement of game as well as group wishes - but typically days start with an early wake-up call and light breakfast around the camp fire as day breaks. Then you might mount up for a morning ride, heading out early to track game when it's most active, enjoying the prolific bird life and stopping to watch elephant, wildebeest and zebra on open floodplains. You might return to camp for lunch and a siesta in the shade during the heat of the day and after tea at about 4pm, ride out again, at a gentle pace, enjoying the softening early evening light and sounds of the bush. Or perhaps in the afternoon, swap horses for mokoro canoes to explore the Delta's waterways in the traditional manner or head out on foot with your guide, a different but equally wonderful way to get to know the bush. Return to camp at sun set, for drinks and hot showers before dinner under the stars. On one, or sometimes two days, always subject to water levels and game, ride to a new camp location with the camp moved on ahead by the back-up team. Nights camping out in a lightweight mobile camp.

Day 8

An early breakfast before riding back to the buffalo fence, where your luggage will meet you. Group transfer (about 30 mins) back to Maun airport for your onward travel.
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