General Information

Sarah-Jane Gullick started African Horseback Safari some years ago. Riding from an early age, Sarah-Jane kept horses in Spain and the UK and had always planned to set up horse trails.

With this experience of running Horse safaris in South Africa for some years behind her, Sarah-Jane wanted to move into a "Real Africa" area. She looked at various areas throughout Africa before deciding to move up into the Okavango Delta.  This is a truly spectacular area in which to ride and the camp, Macatoo, combines luxury with a happy camp atmosphere and the spirit of the Okavango wilderness. The sheer beauty and diversity of the area makes it an ideal venue for Horseback Safaris.

John Sobey’s career in the horse safari industry started in 1995 with Sarah-Jane and African Horseback Safaris in the Delta.  His role at Macateer and then Macatoo Camp was as Head Guide and in 2004 left the company to broaden his guiding horizons by leading riding safaris in Kenya and Tanzania.  As overall director of the company, John divides his time between camp, Maun office and UK.

Accommodation

Macatoo Camp

Macatoo, the Horseback Safari Camp, is situated on the western side of the Okavango Delta. The riding terrain from camp is scenically varied in all directions. The camp features large, walk-in, twin bedded tents, each with its own en-suite shower and toilet. Centrally there is a large furnished mess tent and, tucked away, a private pool. On the longer safaris guests have the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding out to a mobile fly-camp. Although the Camp is primarily home to Horseback Safaris, guests can also enjoy game drives, bird walks, night drives, seasonal boating, canoeing and fishing. Helicopter rides are also an option.

Riding Ability

The safaris are for competent riders. 4 to 6 hours a day are spent in the saddle. You will need to feel competent about keeping up with the group, capable of riding at all paces; rising to the trot and controlling your horse at the canter. You may be required to gallop out of trouble.

The riding groups have no more than 7 participants.  Children of 12 years and older are welcome, and riders over 60 years need to riding fit, and strong.

There is also a strict weight limit of 15 stone/ 210 lbs/ 95 kgs.

Horses

There is a variety of Thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians, Arabs and Kalahari-Arab crosses, ranging from 14 - 16.2 hands.

Tack

There are good quality English and Western style trail saddles, each with their own water bottle.

Luggage Limit

As transfers to Camp are in light aircraft, there is a strict luggage limit of 26lbs (12kg) per person (in soft bag). Excess baggage can be stored in Maun.

What to Bring

Strongly recommend: light-weight hard hat
Shade hat with strap
Two pairs of light-weight riding shoes or 1 pair and 1 pair of long rubber boots for the flood season (May to end of August)
Sunglasses on string, riding gloves and bandana
Bush colour riding clothes
2 pairs of cotton riding trousers
2 long sleeved shirts

1 jersey, fleece or multi- pocketed waistcoat
1 light weight waterproof windbreaker jacket
Four pairs sock and underwear (we recommend unpadded cycling shorts for men)
Shorts

T shirts

Kikoi/ Sarong

Swimming costume

Sandals
Sun block and lip salve

Insect repellent
Torch and binoculars
Camera on a strong shoulder strap, preferably in a waterproof pouch to be secured to your belt

There is a daily laundry service except at fly-camp