Gallop into an untamed world with this unique horseback adventure across Botswana. You’re not just observing. You become part of the natural world and experience the wildlife from a thrilling proximity. Explore wilderness that’s only accessible in a saddle, relish intimate encounters with Africa’s great mammals, and lose yourself in the evocative charms of the wild. Covering the Kalahari and the Okavango, this is the adventure of a lifetime.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans – Welcome to Safari
A shimmering blanket of white welcomes you to camp, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans clearly visible as you touch down in the wilderness. After arriving in Maun, you’ll transfer to a light aircraft and land at an isolated air strip that’s surrounded by a pristine wildlife world. The first day is about getting to know your horse by going for a gentle adventure around the camp. Gallop across endless stretches of grassland; pick a careful trail through acacia woodland, before trotting across the edge of the salt pans and admiring the mirage that flickers above the whiteness. It might be a get-to-know-you ride but there’s plenty of wildlife to see. Approach the zebra herds and get to within meters of their majestic beauty. Spot lone elephant bulls plodding a different path through the trees. Return to the simple yet elegant camp for a serene evening in the wild. Kalahari lions roar in the distance and logs crackle as you sit around the fire. There’s a lot to take in. But the adventure has only just started.
What's Included:
Day 2
Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans – The Land of 1,000 Islands
Day 3
Xai Xai – Cantering Across Endless Plains
Day 4
Kalahari – Salt Pans and Kalahari Woodlands
Day 5
Okavango Delta – The Waterways of the Okavango Delta
Day 6
Okavango Delta – Baboons and Leopards in the Forest
Day 7
Okavango Delta – The Heart of the Delta
Day 8
Okavango Delta – Following Ancient Trails
Day 9 - 10
Okavango Delta – Relaxing Among Wildlife
Day 11
Okavango Delta – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Become part of the wildlife and experience Botswana’s wild game from an unfathomable proximity
- Spend eight days riding across vast open expanses of African wilderness
- Gallop alongside zebra and then slow down to approach large herds of elephant, buffalo, and giraffe
- Cross huge swathes of untamed landscapes that can only be explored on horseback
- Immerse yourself in the endless waterways of the Okavango Delta by splashing across ancient channels and cantering through glistening lagoons
- Spend four days exploring the Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans National Park, riding through shimmering salt pans, lavish grassland, and remote Kalahari woodland
- Surround yourself with the sounds of the wild by sleeping in secluded camps and unique tree houses, each hand-picked accommodation providing an excellent level of comfort in the bush
- Complete the trip with two days of game drives and serenity at a luxury lodge that overlooks a waterhole
Starting Price
$14,500 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.93 stars based on 454 reviews.
Our trip was amazing and Zicasso's travel company and our agent could not have been more helpful in planning the trip and making sure it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. She listened to our desires and planned a trip that met all our requirements. She was very patient in making little modifications until we were completely satisfied.
When we encountered some delays during the trip, she was very responsive in helping notify people on the ground and rescheduling our activities so we didn't miss a thing.
She was very knowledgeable about Southern Africa and selected exceptional lodging facilities for us. The accommodations were not only beautiful, but the staff were extremely professional, friendly, and attentive.
I would highly recommend this travel company if planning an African adventure!
Reviewed By David B.
What an incredible experience! Everything was so well organized by Zicasso's tour company, from the moment we stepped off the plane in Johannesburg to the time we got back on to head home in Entebbe. We were treated so well by all the support staff hired to help our trip move along seamlessly. All of our experiences were phenomenal and even more amazing than hoped for. We had excellent in-country assistance, lodge staff and other guides, wonderful accommodations, amazing safaris, and delicious food.
Reviewed By Anne S.
Zicasso's travel agent was a blessing. Her organizational skills were excellent. The trip plan app was used daily during our trip. What a wonderful tool. Our agent had all the pertinent information in the app and at our fingertips. The trip exceeded our expectations. I would definitely recommend using our travel agent and Zicasso to all my friends.
Reviewed By Tom O.
First, the booking experience with Zicasso's trip coordinator was seamless. She was always very attentive, responsive, and prompt with her replies. She listened to our wants and delivered beyond our expectations. Even our guides commented that she chose well for us. I would highly recommend booking with her.
Our itinerary in South Africa was pure perfection. Everything from the accommodations to the timing was perfect. We cannot say enough great things about the safari in Sabi Sands and the lodge. The lodge in Franschhoek was exceptional and the one in Gansbaai was the ideal ending to our trip.
This was truly a trip of a lifetime for our family. I’m not sure how we will ever top this experience. Thank you to Zicasso for connecting us with our agent.
Reviewed By Idalia F.
Zicasso's travel designer was a pleasure to work with. She went out of her way to help us understand our options and worked with us through multiple versions before landing on the itinerary we ultimately chose. Her insight and suggestions were very helpful during planning and proved effective in execution.
Reviewed By Alex M.
Zicasso's travel agent couldn’t have planned our trip better. He really listened to what we were most interested in and planned it accordingly. He used his personal knowledge of the lodges and areas to ensure we got the experience we were looking for. He also made arrangements to make the logistics of travel go incredibly smoothly.
Reviewed By Eric R.