Our Destinations
Letter Randocheval
Why travelling with Randocheval ?
BOTSWANA : EQUESTRIAN SAFARI IN THE HEART OF OKAVANGO DELTA...
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
"..... our first ride instilled a sense of wonder. Heads swivelled
left and right, fingers were pointed, exclamations stifled. Herds of giraffes
wandered past, elephants strolled left and right, wildebeest cavorted
with zebra, baboons partied in the middle of it all. Vultures, cranes,
storks and fish eagles flapped and stood and flew. To be surrounded by images previously only seen on the small screen, so many, so close, was an exhilarating and humbling experience. Cameras clicked, mouths stayed open. Only the horses were comfortably under whelmed." THE OKAVANGO transcends all the rules of " Mother Nature" by creating an Eden of greenery in the heart of lands burned with Kalahari. Lover of the horse, you can experiment, safely, the real African adventure. Qualified guides will accompany you and will share with you their inmost knowledge of the desert and the Delta. |
|
SPECIAL OFFER : -450 € on all departures until January 02 !!
You will learn how waters come from some sands of Kalahari, bring the life in this delta and how the vast areas(extents) of spices become confused with the sparkling of the water, attracting(enticing) numerous wild crowds.
This safari will allow you to discover a very isolated protected zone and little opened to the public making of this stay a rare and privileged moment.
ITINERARY
The itinerary below is indicative and may change depending the weather
and the season. It's sometimes impossible to join our Satellite camp,
and during hot season, a long ride can be parted in two.
You can stay as long as you want there, but for indication, we give you
a 8 days itinerary.
Day 1 : Friday - Maun - Okavango
On arrival in Maun, you are met and transferred by plane and a game
drive to our camp which overlooks a seasonal flood plain lagoon.
After lunch under the trees, there is usually time for a rest before
the evening ride where you can get to know your horse. We return
to a candle-lit dinner.
Day 2 : Saturday
Awoken by a cup of tea or coffee in bed, followed by a light breakfast
we then ride westwards following elephant trails from one palm island
to another, through seas of grass, into the backcountry. After lunch
and a siesta, we ride out into the plains, later enjoying a refreshing
drink while the sun goes down.
Day 3 : Sunday
We leave camp early to investigate fresh game tracks, joining the
rare semi-aquatic antelope, the red lechwe, as they thunder through
the water meadows. A champagne breakfast is waiting for us under
a large baobab tree. The evening ride is spent exploring the lower
flood plains where elephant often gather at a pool. As dusk closes
in, we have drinks around the fire.
Day 4 : Monday
We ride through different country, making our way through clouds
of bushman hair grass to plains dotted with fig trees. We might
encounter giraffe or shyer antelope while passing through mopane
woodlands. Our pace increases as we break out onto the flood plains,
often disturbing troops of baboons. Returning to the camp for an
afternoon spent at leisure and later a night drive by spotlight.
Day 5 : Tuesday
While staff pack up, we leave for our fly-camp riding deeper into
the heart of the delta. On reaching another river system we find
our fly camp already set up, looking out over a favourite elephant
watering hole. We stay here for a one night bush experience. The
afternoon may be spent swimming or walking. Fires are lit at night,
creating a strong human presence to keep marauding animals away
from the horses. Night watches are fun and guests usually join in.
Day 6 : Wednesday
Having kept watch under the stars, the next morning we splash through
water on the vast open plains, home to wildebeeste and zebra. The
riding may be fast as we approach deep reedy areas full of bird
life. After our break, we ride back to Macatoo along the myriad
of waterways lined with large trees.
Day 7 : Thursday
Your last full day's riding in this magical place takes you cantering
through the shallow flood plains, admiring the deeper pools of lilies.
Here, the buffalo gather in numbers and we have to creep up to them
using islands for cover. The evening offers a last quiet ride with
memorable smells of sage as the sun goes down with final sundowners
in a surprising location.
Day 8 : Friday
For your final ride, we will go along some of the high palm islands
which offer great vistas. We'll maybe take a final exhilarating gallop
and run with the game before returning to camp to prepare for your
onward journey.
Our safari can be completed with game drives, canoe, fishing and spend
some nights more in a thrid camp, or continue your travel in Botswana,
South Africa, Namibia...
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Extend your trip and visit the Kruger National Game Reserve, Cape Town
or Victoria Falls.
You can also combine this safari with one of our other ride : Big
Five Safari, Wild Coast
Trail, Cape Town area ride,
Okapuka safari, Okavango
delta, etc...
Contact us for further details...
Victoria Falls 3 days / 2 nights
90m high and 1800m long, Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful and impressive falls of the world. It's the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. A famous you absolutly have to visit before or after your stay in Botswana.
The package includes :
- Flights Kasane - Livingstone and Livingstone - Johannesburg,
- Airport taxes (60 €),
- Transfers from and to Livingstone Airport,
- 2 nights in full board basis including local drinks and house wines,
- Activities : 1 trip to the Zambian side of the falls, laundry, dundown
cruise, mokoro trip, nature trails and village/school tour.
To add :
- Optional activities,
- Curio shop and office facilities,
- visa fees (average 135 USD depending to your nationality),
- Insurances.
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
Horses
Our 30 horses are pure-breds, Namibian Hanovarian thoroughbreds, Arabs,
Anglo Arabs and various other crossbred Kalahari bush horses.
They have very different natures, and are very experienced concerning
the silent approach of wild animals.
Some of them are retired competition horses from various places and backgrounds
and need a good control.
The horses work in turn from 4 to 5h in the morning and from 1 to 2h in
the afternoon. They are used to different sorts of horsemanship: western,
English…
Tack
We use different kinds of tack (western or english). Let us know your
choice if it's important for you.
Required riding level
This safari is for riders. We spend 4 to 6 hours a day 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, so we can
not take beginners. It will be at the guide discretion whether you will
be permitted to ride, taking into consideration your safety and enjoyment
and that of the group as a whole. You will be asked to complete our questionnaire
prior to the stay.
Age Limit: 16 years and over. Anyone over 60 needs to be riding fit and
strong.
It is important that you can have control of your horse in a wild environment,
and that you can follow the guide's instructions for your safety and the
safety of the group.
Your clothes will preferably be bush-colored (khaki, green, browns), avoid
white.
Don't forget: riding cap, sunglasses with a small chain to hold them,
2 riding pants, gloves, warm coat in May/August, shorts, long-sleeved
shirts, raincoat in season, insect repellen, camera with straps, binoculars,
2 pairs of light boots (avoid leather).
Be careful, your luggage must not weigh more than 13 kg because of the
low capacity of the light aircraft. Excess luggage can be stored in our
Maun office.
The riding hat is now compulsory
on that ride !
YOUR GUIDES
You will be supervised by local qualified instructors. At your arrival
in the camp, a general introduction of the safari is organized. Two of
the guides accompanying the group are equipped with first aid kit, rifle
and radio.
You will give us any particular information (medical, dietary…) before
your departure, as well as your own insurance. Any person victim of severe
allergies, heart or breathing problems, limited physical condition, must
consult his medical specialist to have an authorization to participate
in the safari.
In case of necessity, only the people in charge of the supervision will
be accredited to authorize the outings, for the safety of the group.
ACCOMMODATION
The camp is set up in the occidental part of the Okavango delta, a very
remote area, with a limited number of visitors. You are accommodated in
secluded and very luxurious large double tents, each one with en-suite
shower and toilets. Your private verandah overlooks a seasonal floodplain,
home to baboon, hyena and elephant. Drinks are on tap, cake and biscuits
are there for the taking and we trust you will already feel relaxed and
at home.
Centrally there is a large furnished mess tent and tucked away a private
pool to be enjoyed.
For the longer trail rides, you will enjoy the "satellite camp"
equipped with all the facilities (accessible according to the water level).
A boat is also available for the outings on the delta.
DATES AND RATES
SPECIAL OFFER : -450 € on all departures until January 02 !
Please note that we will be closed from the 20th Jan to the end of Feb 09.
| 2008 | ||
| October 31 to November 07 |
|
available |
| November 07 to 14 |
|
available |
| November 14 to 21 |
|
available |
| November 21 to 28 |
|
available |
| November 28 to December 05 |
|
available |
| December 05 to 12 |
|
available |
| December 12 to 19 |
|
available |
| December 19 to 26 |
|
available |
| December 26 to January 02, 2009 |
|
available |
Accomodation is provided in double rooms to be shared, if you request a
single room, then add:
- January to April, November, December : 1400 €
- May to July and October : 1680 €
- August and September : 1950€
Ask us the rates of extra nights.
A-la-carte departure all year with 2 riders minimum. If you're travelling alone, we will suggest you a departure on friday when possible.
Please note our camp is closed from January 20 to February 28.
| 2009 | ||
| From January 03 to April 22 | 3490 € |
available |
| From April 23 to July 23 | 3850 € |
available |
| From July 24 to October 07 | 4200 € |
available |
| From October 08 to November 07 | 3850 € |
available |
| From November 08 to December 31 | 3490 € |
available |
Accomodation is provided in double rooms to be shared, if you request a
single room, then add:
- From January 01 to April 22 and from November 08 to December 31 : 1500 €
- From April 23 to July 23 and from October 08 to November 07 : 1680 €
- From July 24 to October 07 : 1860€
Ask us the rates of extra nights.
Options
Please contact us for further information...
| Victoria Falls 3 days / 2 nights | |
| From June 01 to October 31 2008 | 840 € |
| From November 01 2008 to May 31 2009 | 890 € |
| From June 01 to October 31 2009 | 1070 € |
Single supplement during the Victoria Falls trip :
+ 140 € from October 01 2008 to May 31 2009
+ 170 € from June 01 to October 31, 2009
The rate for this travel extension is valid if international plane ticket
booked via Randocheval. Otherwise, contact us for a detailled quotation.
RATE INCLUDING
- return transfer by aircraft Maun-Abu in the heart of the delta, then transfer by vehicle or boat to the base camp
- 7 nights at the camp with full board, drinks included (within reason)
- horse safaris
- the financial guarantee of the fund deposited at Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- flights from and to Maun airport,
- the organisation of an extended stay in the area before or after the trail ride (consult us),
- any other services,
- tips and personal expenses,
- optional Insurance :You can subscribe our insurrance only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurrance company. More information.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Please contact Dorothée for any enquiry !
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Botswana
LENGTH
8 days / 7 nights
LANGUAGE
English.
GROUP SIZE
Maximum 12 riders, divided in 2 groups of 6 for the safaris and other activities.
The outings are made in small secure and user-friendly groups in the general interest.
ACCESS
Scheduled flights to Maun(Botswana), then connection by a 30 minutes game flight to the Okavango Delta where the local team will welcome you and transfer you to the camp by a 1h30 game drive or boat trip depending on water levels.
Your luggage must not weigh more than 13 kg because of the low capacity of the aircraft in the delta.
CLIMATE
The floodwaters normally begin in May (this varies each year) and end
in October. From May to September it rarely rains.
Be aware that in the Southern Hemisphere, August is in the heart of winter,
and early mornings and evenings can be cold. (daily temperatures range
from 8-24°C).
In summer months (from October to March-April) temperatures range from
12-38°C.
Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..
A treatment against Malaria is also recommended. Please contact a doctor before departure.
REFERENCE :
CH34-botswana-okavango
