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Horse Riding / Equestrian in Okavango Delta
The world's largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Okavango River fans out into a maze of channels, islands and floodplains on the edge of the Kalahari. Its private concessions hold some of Africa's most exclusive water-based and horseback safaris.
Why here
Riding is the oldest and most immersive way to move through the Okavango, and the Delta is the finest place in Africa to do it. On horseback you leave the vehicle roads and engine noise behind, and plains game accepts a horse as another animal, so you canter through the floodwaters alongside galloping giraffe and red lechwe, walk quietly up to zebra, elephant and buffalo, and cover ground a walking safari never could. This is not a beginner's pony ride: guests must be fit, confident at all paces and able to gallop clear of trouble, spending up to six hours a day in the saddle across private concessions of hundreds of thousands of acres. Non-riders join the same camps by mokoro, boat and game drive so groups can travel together.
Best months
The riding season runs roughly from the drying of the land in autumn through to December, with the Okavango flood at its highest from about June to September, which is when the water crossings and game concentrations are best. The wettest green-season months are quieter for riding. Days are split into long morning and afternoon rides with a midday break in the heat. A minimum riding standard is enforced for safety, and weight limits apply.
Getting there & around
The riding camps sit deep in private Delta concessions reached by light aircraft from Maun, usually as part of a multi-night set itinerary rather than a day activity. Operators assess riding ability before confirming and enforce weight limits, so be honest about your level. Bring your own riding kit including a hard hat and half-chaps. Non-riding partners are accommodated with mokoro, boat and drive activities at the same camps.
Skill levels: intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (2)
African Horseback Safaris
OutfitterOne of the pioneers of the African horseback safari, based at Macatoo Camp on a 450,000-acre private concession in the western Okavango Delta. A string of around 50 well-schooled horses carries competent riders alongside giraffe, zebra, elephant and lechwe, cantering through the floodwaters and stalking big game at close quarters. Riders must be fit and secure at all paces, with up to six hours a day in the saddle. Visits run from three nights with no fixed arrival or departure dates.
Okavango Horse Safaris
OutfitterThe first riding safari company in Southern Africa, established in 1986 by Barney and PJ Bestelink, working a 90,000-hectare private concession on the Xudum river system in the south-west Okavango. A string of over 60 horses, mainly thoroughbreds and boerperds, carries a maximum of eight experienced riders between the main Kujwana camp, a fly camp and sleep-out platforms. Non-riders join by mokoro, boat and game drive so friends and family can travel together.