Okavango Delta and Desert

Each day starts with a light breakfast around the campfire as the first light breaks over the Delta. Mount up and ride along ancient elephant paths, cantering across open plains and winding through thickets in search of giraffe, buffalo, red lechwe splashing through the water, and the area’s abundant birdlife. Return to camp for lunch and a restful siesta beneath the shady leadwood trees.

Today’s ride takes you even deeper into the wild. Follow trails etched by generations of elephants, keeping an eye out for kudu in the brush or herds of buffalo moving across the landscape. The ever-present waters of the Santantadibe River nourish the land, making every turn in the trail a chance for discovery. Afternoon brings a slower ride to take in the calm of the Delta, surrounded by the quiet sounds of the bush.

Spend the morning riding through the varied landscape of the Okavango — from wide floodplains to forested islands — always with a chance to see the Delta’s spectacular wildlife up close. In the afternoon, choose a gentle horseback ride, a peaceful mokoro (dugout canoe) excursion, or a guided bush walk to track smaller creatures and learn the secrets of the land. The day ends with a sunset that lights up the water.

The routine of Delta life has become second nature. Early morning rides bring more unforgettable encounters, with giraffe strolling by and red lechwe darting through the shallows. Later, venture out in the golden afternoon light — on horseback, by foot, or gliding silently through the water — taking time to fully absorb the magic of this remarkable corner of Botswana.

After your final ride in the Okavango, it’s time to travel to the Kalahari. You can opt for a quicker flight or a scenic road trip, where you’ll begin to understand the vastness of Botswana’s wilderness. Your next base, Camp Kalahari, is nestled on Brown Hyaena Island, surrounded by acacias and mokolwane palms, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. This intimate camp, with just 12 en-suite tents, offers a family-like atmosphere, and the central dining area is filled with an eclectic mix of African and colonial antiques, creating a relaxing space to unwind.

Enjoy a refreshing swim or a restful siesta before setting out after tea for your first ride in this magical landscape. As the sun sets, make sure the horses are safely stabled before the lions begin their nightly prowl.

Rise early to explore the enchanting “Land of a thousand islands” in the Makgadikgadi. These sand dunes, covered in palm trees, are remnants of an ancient lakebed. During the migration season, the islands are teeming with zebra, wildebeest, springbok, ostriches, and their predators. The white, encrusted salt pans between the islands provide excellent footing for the horses. Keep an eye out for rare desert-adapted species like brown hyenas, aardwolves, and caracals.

The stunning beauty of the area is matched only by the incredible wildlife sightings, making for a truly unforgettable day in the Kalahari.

Today, venture into the Kalahari’s wilderness for some extraordinary experiences. First, ride in search of a clan of habituated meerkats. Thanks to an ongoing habituation program, you'll get the chance to walk among these fascinating, social creatures and observe their behavior up close. Then, embark on a two-hour walk with the Zu/’hoasi bushmen. They will introduce you to the Kalahari’s unique ecosystem and show you how they survive in this harsh yet beautiful environment. In the afternoon, take a break from horseback riding and explore the salt pans on a quad bike.

The vast, silent expanse of the pans offers a humbling perspective, with no landmarks in sight—just an endless horizon stretching in every direction. Watch the sun set and the stars emerge in one of the most tranquil and awe-inspiring locations on earth.

On your final day, take one last ride in the early morning light, soaking in the beauty of the Kalahari before your transfer back to Maun. Whether by air or road, this final journey will mark the end of an unforgettable adventure. As you depart, you’ll carry with you a wealth of memories and experiences—and, no doubt, a longing to return one day.