Posted on July 27, 2026
In May 2025 we ran a competition at Badminton Horse Trials with the incredible prize of a riding safari at Macatoo, in Botswana.
Our lucky winner was Jade and accompanied by her sister Pip, she went on their dream Okavango Delta safari in April 2026. Jade has kindly shared her thoughts on their adventure and here is her story.
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The magic of Macatoo is impossible to put fully into words, but this was without question one of the most exhilarating, joyful and special experiences of our lives. From the moment we arrived in the Okavango Delta, everything felt seamless, thoughtful and genuinely magical.
A huge thank you to Macatoo and In The Saddle for creating such an incredible trip from start to finish. Every detail was taken care of perfectly, combining luxury with the most authentic safari experience imaginable. It’s clear how much care and passion goes into every aspect of the holiday.
Abbie, our travel consultant at In The Saddle, made everything so easy from the very beginning. She advised us on flights, answered every question or concern I had, and made the whole process feel effortless. I hadn’t booked a trip like this before, but she made everything straightforward and reassuring. In The Saddle provided every bit of information and guidance we could possibly have needed, and the exceptional hospitality we experienced at Macatoo honestly felt like it started from the very first enquiry.
Making memories, and new friends
Macatoo itself is extraordinary. The setting is breathtaking, the wildlife encounters unforgettable, and the riding is everything you could dream of. From peaceful moments watching elephants, to the most incredible splashy canters across the floodplains. We came home with thousands of photos, countless stories, and are already talking about when we can return.
A close encounter with elephants
What truly makes Macatoo so special, though, is the people. Katie runs the entire operation with such warmth and effortless calm, making every guest feel completely looked after, while somehow also managing a huge team and over 50 horses behind the scenes. Our guides, Thabo and Peaks, were exceptional, endlessly knowledgeable, funny, reassuring and passionate about both the wildlife and Botswana itself. We always felt incredibly safe whilst still having the adventure of a lifetime.
Just one of many incredible wildlife sightings
The entire team at camp were amazing: the grooms, chefs, waiters and housekeeping staff all made the experience feel so personal and welcoming. Every day felt thoughtful and special, right down to morning tea delivered to the tents and returning after rides to everything beautifully prepared again.
Wading through flood water
The horses were phenomenal and so well cared for, each with their own personality. Mod and Katie do an incredible job of matching you up with the horses. I rode the first two I tried and didn’t swap, but they are so accommodating to make sure you get a horse that suits you. I’m already missing Blake and Tocholoshi.
This trip left us with happiness overflowing and memories we’ll treasure forever. Macatoo has something truly special about it.
Without hesitation, one of the best and most magical experiences we’ve ever had. And don’t be embarrassed if you cry when it’s time to leave — my tears started on the final ride and lasted all the way back to Maun. It was one of the hardest “see you soons” I’ve ever had, and a place I know I’ll carry with me forever.
It was hard to say goodbye to my horses Blake and Tocholoshi
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A huge thank you to Jade for her super write-up on Macatoo, and for sharing her wonderful images and videos. We are so glad to have made this dream come true for Jade, made even more special by being able to share it with her sister Pip.
If you’re inspired to experience the magic of Macatoo for yourself, then do get in touch with our team to start planning your own adventure in the Okavango. You can call us on +44 (0) 1299 272 997 or email rides@inthesaddle.com
