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7 Days Premium Tier

7-Day Botswana Active Safari - Delta & Mashatu Adventure

7-Day Botswana Active Safari - Delta & Mashatu Adventure

Discover Botswana from a completely different perspective on this 7-Day Active Adventure Safari, combining the tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta with the rugged beauty of the Mashatu Game Reserve. Designed for adventurous travelers, this unique itinerary blends luxury accommodation with immersive experiences including guided walking safaris, traditional mokoro canoe excursions, horseback safaris, and exceptional wildlife encounters. Every day offers a deeper connection with nature while exploring some of Africa's most pristine and exclusive wilderness areas.

From gliding silently through papyrus-lined channels and tracking wildlife on foot to riding alongside giraffes, zebras, and elephants across the dramatic landscapes of Mashatu, this journey is ideal for those seeking an active yet luxurious safari experience. Carefully selected lodges, expert guides, outstanding hospitality, and unforgettable scenery combine to create a remarkable adventure that showcases Botswana's extraordinary biodiversity, rich conservation heritage, and authentic wilderness.

map Expedition Route

Expedition Route Map
Route: Okavango Delta → Mashatu

Daily Expedition Log

Day 1

Arrival in the Okavango Delta – Into Botswana's Wild Heart

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Maun Airport, where you board a scenic light aircraft flight over the breathtaking waterways of the Okavango Delta. As the vast mosaic of shimmering lagoons, winding channels, and palm-fringed islands unfolds beneath you, anticipation builds for the remarkable days ahead. Upon landing in your private concession, you are warmly welcomed by your safari team and introduced to the untamed beauty of the Delta with a gentle guided walking safari, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the wilderness.
Accompanied by an experienced professional guide, stroll across pristine islands while spotting zebras, red lechwe, and abundant birdlife, learning to appreciate the subtle sights, sounds, and scents of this extraordinary ecosystem. Later, arrive at your luxury safari camp, where elegant canvas tents blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. As evening falls, enjoy a beautifully prepared dinner beneath the stars before drifting off to sleep to the soothing sounds of the African bush.

restaurant

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

hotel

Lodging

Macatoo Camp

directions_car

Transport

Domestic Flight

Day 2

Walking Safaris & Mokoro Adventures

Awaken to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle chorus of birds welcoming a new day. After a light breakfast, set off on an immersive guided walking safari through remote islands and seasonal floodplains. Led by an expert tracker, you'll discover the fascinating art of interpreting animal tracks, understanding the wind, identifying native plants, and appreciating the intricate balance of life that makes the Delta so unique.
Return to camp for a leisurely brunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on your private deck or indulge in a rejuvenating wellness treatment. As the golden afternoon light softens, experience one of Botswana's most iconic activities a peaceful mokoro canoe safari. Gliding silently through crystal-clear papyrus-lined channels offers an intimate perspective of the Delta before returning to camp for an elegant dinner beneath the African night sky.

restaurant

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

hotel

Lodging

Macatoo Camp

directions_car

Transport

By Foot

Day 3

Horseback Safari & Delta Wilderness

Following a hearty breakfast, saddle up for an unforgettable horseback safari across the open floodplains. Riding alongside experienced guides, you'll quietly approach giraffes, red lechwe, zebras, and other wildlife in a way few safari experiences can offer. Without the sound of engines, the connection between horse, rider, and nature creates an incredibly peaceful and exhilarating adventure.
After returning to camp for lunch, spend the afternoon unwinding beside the pool or simply enjoying the spectacular views from your suite. Later, choose between another guided nature walk or a dedicated wildlife photography session before gathering around a traditional campfire for a vibrant boma dinner, where delicious local cuisine and captivating stories round off another memorable day in the Delta.

restaurant

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

hotel

Lodging

Macatoo Camp

directions_car

Transport

Horse Riding

Day 4

Flight to Mashatu – Land of Giants

After a final morning activity and a leisurely breakfast, board a scenic charter flight south-east towards the legendary Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana's Northern Tuli region. As the lush waterways of the Okavango gradually give way to dramatic sandstone ridges, ancient baobab trees, and sweeping savannahs, you'll witness one of Botswana's most remarkable landscape transformations.
Upon arrival, transfer to your luxurious safari lodge and settle into your beautifully appointed suite before enjoying lunch overlooking the wilderness. Later in the afternoon, head out on an introductory guided activity, either on foot or horseback, to discover the reserve's remarkable elephant herds and unique landscapes. Return to camp for a refined dinner and a peaceful evening surrounded by the tranquillity of the African bush.

restaurant

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

hotel

Lodging

Horizon Horseback Mashatu

directions_car

Transport

Domestic Flight

Day 5

Horseback Trails Through Mashatu

Begin your day with coffee and light refreshments before setting out on an exhilarating horseback safari through Mashatu's spectacular river valleys, sandstone ridges, and open plains. The reserve's expansive terrain provides wonderful opportunities to ride alongside zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and other plains game while taking in the breathtaking scenery that defines this remarkable region.
After a rewarding morning, return to camp for a leisurely brunch and time to relax in your private suite or visit one of Mashatu's renowned underground photographic hides for exceptional wildlife viewing. Later, enjoy a guided interpretive walk exploring fascinating archaeological sites and learning about the reserve's rich natural and cultural heritage before concluding the day with an elegant candlelit dinner.

restaurant

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

hotel

Lodging

Horizon Horseback Mashatu

directions_car

Transport

Horse Riding

Day 6

Wilderness Trails & Big Game Encounters

Today promises one of the highlights of your adventure as you venture deeper into the reserve on an extended wilderness trail, combining horseback riding with guided walking experiences. Accompanied by highly experienced guides, explore remote areas where towering baobabs, ancient riverbeds, and open plains create ideal habitats for elephants, lions, leopards, and numerous other wildlife species.
Pause for a beautifully prepared picnic lunch beneath the shade of a magnificent Mashatu tree before continuing your exploration at a relaxed pace. As your unforgettable journey draws to a close, return to camp for a traditional farewell boma dinner around the fire, celebrating the incredible experiences shared across two of Botswana's most spectacular wilderness regions.

restaurant

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

hotel

Lodging

Horizon Horseback Mashatu

directions_car

Transport

By Foot

Day 7

Farewell Botswana

Enjoy one final sunrise activity, choosing between a peaceful horseback ride or a guided walking safari as the first light illuminates the magnificent landscapes of Mashatu. It is the perfect opportunity to savour the serenity of the African wilderness and capture a few final memories before returning to camp.
After a leisurely farewell brunch, collect your belongings and transfer to the airstrip for your charter flight back to Maun or onward to Johannesburg, where you will connect with your international departure. Though your journey comes to an end, the unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and warm Botswana hospitality will remain with you long after you return home.

restaurant

Meals

Breakfast

directions_car

Transport

Domestic Flight

Proposed Accommodation

6 Nights Accommodation

Macatoo Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana

Macatoo Camp

3 Nights Accommodation

Horizon Horseback Mashatu
Mashatu, Botswana

Horizon Horseback Mashatu

3 Nights Accommodation

Inclusions & Essentials

check_circle What's Included

  • done Scheduled light aircraft charter flights as per itinerary
  • done Luxury accommodation in carefully selected safari camps and lodges
  • done Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • done Selected local beverages during your stay
  • done Guided walking safaris
  • done Traditional mokoro canoe safari
  • done Guided horseback safari experiences (where applicable)
  • done Morning and afternoon wildlife activities
  • done Professional English-speaking safari guides
  • done National park entrance fees
  • done Bottled drinking water during activities
  • done Conservation levies and government taxes

cancel Not Included

  • close International and regional flights
  • close Botswana visa fees (where applicable)
  • close Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
  • close Premium imported wines, champagne, and luxury spirits
  • close Optional activities not specified in the itinerary
  • close Personal shopping expenses
  • close Gratuities for guides, trackers, camp staff, and pilots
  • close Any increase in park fees, aviation fuel surcharges, government taxes, or conservation levies after booking Items of a personal nature
  • close Anything not specifically mentioned under the package inclusions.

FAQs / Essential Information

Everything you need to know before you go.

What level of riding experience is required for the horseback safari portions of this tour?
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Because you will be riding in unfenced wilderness areas containing big game (such as elephants, lions, and leopards), safety is paramount. For properties like Macatoo Camp or Horizon Horseback Mashatu, guests must be experienced, secure riders comfortable at all paces. You should be able to trot and canter confidently for long stretches and possess the ability to accelerate out of danger if required. A formal riding assessment is usually conducted on day one before heading deep into the concessions.

Can non-riders or beginners join this active adventure itinerary?
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Yes, this itinerary is highly adaptable. While it is heavily marketed as an active riding safari, premium camps like Macatoo and Mashatu Tent Camp offer exceptional alternative activities. Non-riders can enjoy morning and afternoon guided walking safaris, game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, and peaceful mokoro excursions. If your party is a mix of passionate riders and non-riders, both can have a fully immersive safari experience and reunite for meals and sundowners.

How do walking safaris work in the Okavango Delta? Is it safe?
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Walking safaris provide an intimate, ground-level perspective of the bush that you simply cannot experience from a vehicle. You will always be accompanied by a highly trained, armed professional guide and a dedicated tracker. Rather than actively seeking out large predators, the focus of a walking trail is interpreting animal tracks, identifying birdlife, understanding insect ecosystems, and learning about indigenous flora. Safety protocols are strict: walks happen in daylight hours, group sizes are small, and a safe distance is always maintained from large mammals.

What is a mokoro safari, and what should I expect?
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A mokoro is a traditional dug-out canoe used for centuries by local river bushmen to navigate the shallow channels of the Okavango Delta. Today, eco-friendly fiber-glass replicas are steered by an expert "poler" who stands at the stern, quietly propelling you through the water. It is an exceptionally peaceful activity where you sit low to the water line—ideal for spotting tiny reed frogs, colorful malachite kingfishers, and watching elephants graze on neighboring islands from a safe, quiet vantage point.

Why does this itinerary combine the Okavango Delta with the Mashatu Game Reserve?
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This specific combination offers one of the most stark, dramatic landscape and wildlife contrasts available in Africa. The Okavango Delta in northwestern Botswana is a lush, watery wetland oasis dominated by papyrus swamps, floodplains, and rich riverine forests. In contrast, Mashatu, located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in the southeast, is known as the "Land of Giants." It features a rugged, arid landscape of ancient baobabs, sandstone ridges, and dry riverbeds, providing a completely different ecosystem and visual backdrop for your adventure.

What are the underground photographic hides in Mashatu, and how do they work?
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Mashatu is world-renowned for its specially designed underground photographic hides, which are sunken shipping containers buried safely at ground level right next to active waterholes. You step down inside the hide, where your camera lens rests just centimeters above the water line. This unique low-angle perspective lets you capture spectacular, frame-filling images of massive elephant herds, leopards, baboons, and eland as they come down to drink, completely oblivious to your presence.

What are the weight and luggage limits for the light aircraft flights between Maun and the camps?
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Internal charter flights in Botswana have very strict luggage rules due to the small size of the bush planes. Passengers are typically restricted to a maximum of 15 kg to 20 kg (33 lbs to 44 lbs) per person, which must include your camera gear and hand luggage. Crucially, all luggage must be packed in soft-sided, duffel-style bags with no hard frames or wheels, as rigid suitcases physically cannot fit into the tight aircraft pod spaces.

Are laundry services provided at Macatoo and Mashatu camps?
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Yes, because luggage weights are tightly capped for the light aircraft transfers, daily laundry service is included at almost all luxury camps along this route. Items are typically washed, ironed, and returned to your tent within 24 hours. Because of this, you only need to pack three to four sets of active bush clothing, significantly lightening your load. Note that for cultural reasons in certain remote bush camps, delicate undergarments are sometimes excluded from the public laundry, and washing powder is provided in your tent instead.

What is the best time of year to book this specific active safari package?
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The optimal time to book this itinerary runs from May to September, which directly aligns with Botswana’s dry winter season. During these months, the floodwaters from the Angolan highlands fully fill the Okavango Delta, offering peak mokoro and water-based horseback conditions. Simultaneously, the lack of rain in Mashatu dries out the bush and forces large concentrations of elephants and predators to gather reliably around the remaining water sources and photographic hides.

Do I need a visa to travel between the Okavango Delta and Mashatu?
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No additional visas are required because both destinations are located within the borders of Botswana. Even though Mashatu sits in the far southeastern corner near the borders of South Africa and Zimbabwe, it remains under Botswana jurisdiction. You will clear immigration upon your initial arrival at Maun Airport (MUB) or Kasane Airport (BBK), and you can travel freely across the internal domestic airstrips throughout your 7-day adventure.

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