Posted on November 20, 2013
Two of our In The Saddle team members, Chris Day and Cathy Holloway, have ‘big’ birthdays coming up in 2014 and have decided to invite passionate travellers and horse riders to join them in the celebrations! The pair of them are marking these milestones by taking a little trip to revisit old haunts in Botswana and hope to create some fabulous new memories that will travel with them into the next decade!
Where better to celebrate an important birthday than in beautiful Botswana? Often described as the ultimate riding safari trip, a horseback adventure in Botswana promises abundant and varied game, extremely experienced and knowledgeable guides and well-schooled horses! It is no wonder that Chris and Cathy have chosen this destination as their ‘party’ venue!
Chris (left) and Cathy (right) together in the UK with their canine friends Paddy (left) and Inca (right)!
Having travelled to Botswana previously, the country has well and truly got under both Chris and Cathy’s skin. They have been taken under the spell of the vast open spaces, beautiful climate and privileged feeling of being in close proximity to some of nature’s most spectacular animals! Now, with the excuse of birthday celebrations, they want others to join them in experiencing the thrill and wonders that Botswana has to offer!
25th – 30th March
Starting separately, from 25th – 30th March, Cathy will be going to Makgadikgadi Pans to explore the remnants of a vast lake that dried up around 1,500 years ago from horseback. What is left is a flat landscape with an immense skyline that appears to go on forever and you will have the opportunity to see shy brown hyaena, some of the largest baobab trees in the world, local meerkat and enjoy walks with bushmen to learn about this fascinating part of Africa. As an additional bonus, in February/March the Makgadikgadi experiences its own migration meaning the landscape should be teeming herds of zebra and wildebeest – a spectacle not to be missed!
Cathy at Makgadikgadi Pans with zebra on the horizon
Meanwhile Chris will be at Kujwana. Situated on the banks of the Xudum River in the Okavango Delta, this personal safari has luxury accommodation and is run by PJ and Barney Bestelink who have an intimate knowledge of the wildlife and ecosystems of the Delta, acquired over 25 years. Explore a maze of papyrus lined waterways, meadows and woodland rich in birdlife and game, canter alongside herds of wildebeest and zebra and get up close and personal to Africa at its most beautiful.
Chris at Kujwana on a previous trip
30th March – 3rd April
Next up will see the pair unite at Motswiri from 30th March – 3rd April. Motswiri is a luxury camp set on the edge of the Selinda Spillway and its positioning enables guests to experience both the open flood plains of the Delta, as well as the contrasting riverine forests. Even if camping has never been on your agenda, the luxurious accommodation at Motswiri will take your breath away – as you watch the wildlife and scenery from your own veranda overlooking the Spillway, you will easily forget the damp chilly British winter and enjoy the feeling of freedom and escape in beautiful Botswana.
The riding at Motswiri is exciting and exhilarating but there is also the opportunity to enjoy non-equestrian activities such as game walks, game drives and canoe trips – perfect if you are looking to take a non-riding partner along for the adventure!
Cathy enjoying the spectacular scenery at Motswiri
3rd – 7th April
Last, but definitely not least, the commemorative trip will draw to a close at Macatoo. Situated on the western side of the Okavango Delta, Macatoo is a luxury bush camp, recently renovated, which offers riders the experience of a lifetime. Riding beautiful, fit and well cared for horses you will enjoy a variety of riding; from an early morning gallop on the plains alongside giraffe or zebra to splashing your way through waterways and tracking elephant as you explore the palm studded islands. This area is known for the ‘big five’ and you can expect to see plenty of giraffe, elephant, buffalo, many species of antelope and even lion.
Chris enjoying an adventure at Macatoo
Any competent rider is invited to join this exciting adventure across Botswana, and help the girls celebrate their birthdays in style! Whether you want to come along for just one element, or the whole journey – we can promise a fun, exciting, and exhilarating trip packed full of one-off experiences, with a wonderful crowd of likeminded people – everything you would expect from any In The Saddle holiday!
To find out more give us a call on 01299 272 997 or drop us an email at rides@inthesaddle.com
