13 Days
South Africa • Namibia • Botswana
Relaxed
May - Oct
$ $14,100 pp
Thirteen days across three countries, built around a rare proposition: exploring the Okavango Delta on horseback. After an overnight in Johannesburg to absorb the long-haul arrival, the journey flies to Maun and out to Macatoo, a private concession in the western delta where the safari is done from the saddle. Riding the floodplains puts you at eye level with zebra, giraffe and lechwe and gets you far closer than any vehicle manages, and mokoro trips through the channels fill the quieter hours. The riding is real riding — guests need to be confident at a canter, since the ability to move matters around big game.
From the water the route crosses to the driest place on the continent. Three days at Sesriem put you inside the gate for Sossusvlei, close enough for a pre-dawn start to climb Dune 45 and reach Deadvlei while the light is still low. The final leg returns to South Africa and Inyati, a private concession on the Sand River in the Sabi Sand, where off-road driving and night drives deliver the leopard sightings the reserve is known for. Delta, desert and Big Five bushveld in one relaxed circuit — three distinct landscapes that share almost nothing beyond the quality of the guiding.
Each leg below covers your route, where you stay, what you’ll do, and how you’ll dine — all fully adjustable with your travel designer.
Peermont Mondior Hotel at Emperors Palace
Lunch & Dinner
The Peermont Mondior sits within the Emperors Palace complex at Kempton Park, a few minutes from OR Tambo International Airport, and exists primarily to solve the problem of Johannesburg’s long-haul connections.
A 24-hour shuttle runs to the terminals, and the surrounding resort holds restaurants, a casino, a theatre and a spa, which makes an enforced overnight considerably less tedious than it would otherwise be. Rooms are quiet despite the proximity to the runways.
We love this moment: your South African safari starts here. We’ll answer any questions you have and get you out there to discover the amazing wildlife, people and landscapes that this remarkable country has to offer.
South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg owes its existence to the discovery of the world’s largest gold seams below its soil in the 1880s. It’s a vibrant modern city whose sprawling suburbs support what is reputedly the world’s largest artificial forest, as well as several massive shopping malls and a cosmopolitan selection of restaurants and other amenities.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Rest & relaxation
Drinking Water
MEALS
Macatoo Camp
Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch
Macatoo Camp sits on a private concession in the western Okavango Delta and is built entirely around riding. Guests explore the floodplains on horseback, moving at a pace and silence no vehicle can manage, and often getting far closer to plains game as a result.
The riding is genuinely demanding — guests need to be competent and comfortable at a canter, since the ability to move quickly matters around big game. For non-riders and rest days the camp also runs mokoro trips, walking safaris and conventional game drives.
You can look forward to one of southern Africa’s best
wildlife experiences when you visit the Okavango Delta.
It’s a world like nowhere else, as the waters here rise
and fall with islands everywhere. As you travel around,
you can expect to see crocs, hippos, giraffes, zebras,
elephants, buffaloes, and so many other species, and
there’s always a good chance of seeing lions, cheetahs
and leopards.
Today, you start your safari adventure with a 30- minute flight from Maun Airport to Macatoo Camp. A member of the Macatoo Team will assist you with getting situated on your flight. Your air transfer offers a bird’s-eye view of the Okavango Delta, where you are likely to see herds of elephants as you look down from the sky.
A safari vehicle will be awaiting you on arrival at the camp’s airstrip for a 45-minute game drive (or exciting boat ride, depending on the season) into Macatoo Camp.
Once you have settled in, afternoon tea and cake are served as you are briefed by an experienced guide.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Game Drive, Wildlife Viewing
Drinking Water
MEALS
The Macatoo horseback safari takes place in wildlife rich areas where you are likely to encounter elephant and big cats, so safety is the first priority. You must be able to gallop over uneven ground if instructed to do so by the guides. As a minimum, all riding guests need to ride regularly, be able to control a sensible horse at all paces, be balanced in the saddle, able to rise to the trot and canter confidently in open spaces. Riding fitness is also key, since there are often long canters and you will be in the saddle for up to six hours a day.
The horses are a variety of breeds. There’s something to suit everyone and you’ll normally ride three to four different horses over a seven night stay. They are in excellent condition and are well-looked after. The horses are used to their environment and are experienced riding in the proximity of wild animals.
Because you often ride through water, synthetic or webbing bridles and good quality Wintec English GP saddles are typically used. You can request a South African trail saddle if you prefer, although they do not fit all the horses.
The Macatoo bush camp can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests. Riders are usually split into smaller groups of around six to eight people.
You normally spend four to six hours in the saddle every day. The daily itinerary changes depending on the season, game sightings and guest preferences. An average day would be – 5.30am (6am in winter) – wake up call 7am to 11am (8am to midday in winter) – ride 11am (midday in winter) – return to camp for lunch and a leisurely afternoon 4.30pm (3.30pm in winter) – afternoon tea 5pm to 7pm (4pm to 6pm in winter) – afternoon ride Each day you ride out in different directions. That’s what makes this holiday so exciting – you never know what Mother Nature has in store.
One day you might follow buffalo tracks through the mosaic of palm islands, canter across the open plains with zebra and wildebeest, and trail shy antelope through the mopane woodlands. Another you might splash through the reeds with the birds, watch elephants quench their thirst at a watering hole, or dismount and enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the great African plains.
Experience the call of the wild from horseback – it’s something you’ll never forget.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Camel / Horse Riding
Drinking Water
MEALS
It doesn’t matter how many times you visit the Okavango Delta, you’ll never grow tired of it. Spend more time exploring this unique place.
This morning in Okavango Delta, go on a guided game drive looking for wildlife and learning all about them from your professional guide.
Join us for a boat excursion this afternoon in Okavango Delta. You’ll see things from the water that you just can’t see on land.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Game Drive, Photographing
Drinking Water
MEALS
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch
Set within the private NamibRand Nature Reserve, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge places glass-fronted suites against a backdrop of desert plains and distant mountains, each with a private plunge pool and a skylight positioned above the bed.
The reserve sits inside an internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve, and the lodge maintains its own observatory with a resident astronomer. Guided excursions run to the Sossusvlei dune fields and Deadvlei, roughly an hour’s drive away.
Soak up the silence of Sesriem, the town which lies at the entrance to the sand dunes of Sossusvlei. It’s lovely and quiet, with big views of the sand seas just beyond the town, and of the Naukluft Mountains nearby. Hotels, lodges and tented camps line the roadside and the desert begins very close by.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Game Drive
Drinking Water
MEALS
Return to Sesriem, between Sossusvlei and the Naukluft Mountains.
Ride with us in a hot-air balloon over the sand dunes of Sossusvlei as the sun appears over the far horizon. The views are simply magnificent, as the ridges and valleys of the sand sea of the Namib Desert change color with the rising sun.
You will never forget the experience of traveling over the sands of Sossusvlei in a hot-air balloon. The views are simply incredible and the sand dunes seem to go on forever.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Balloon Safari
Drinking Water
MEALS
Come back and spend time in Sesriem, out in the Namib Desert.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Bush dinners
Drinking Water
MEALS
Inyati Game Lodge
Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch
Inyati Game Lodge occupies a private concession on the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, one of the older and more personal operations in a reserve now dominated by large groups.
The riverine forest here is prime leopard habitat, and the concession’s traversing rights permit off-road driving and night drives that are not allowed inside Kruger itself. Game drives are run by a ranger and tracker working as a pair, with the tracker reading spoor from a seat mounted ahead of the bonnet.
Upon arrival at Kruger meet and greet by our representative and Transfer to Inyati Game Reserve. As you reach, check-in and relax. Embark on a wildlife tour where you will get to encounter an abundance of animals and make your Safari tour a journey of a lifetime. Experience the natural beauty of the area and make the most of your trip worth remembering.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Rest & relaxation
Drinking Water
MEALS
You’ll be heading down more safari trails in search of animals in Inyati Game Reserve when we take you on a guided game drive. This is the best thing about many safaris, and you’ll hopefully see many animals.
We embark on a night drive for a thrillingly different perspective on Inyati Game Reserve and the opportunity to see some of its nocturnal inhabitants.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Game Drive, Wildlife Viewing
Drinking Water
MEALS
Trade an afternoon drive for a guided bush walk to learn about animal tracks and plants.Enjoy a spot-lit night safari to spot nocturnal wildlife
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Wildlife Viewing, Game Drive, Photographing
Drinking Water
MEALS
Unfortunately, this is where your safari in South Africa finishes. We hope that you’ve had a great trip and that we will see you again in the future. Take one final morning game drive to track any animals you missed.Have breakfast and transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
4x4 Safari Vehicle
Coffee & Tea&Drinking Water
MEALS
01
Share where you long to go and what would make it unforgettable .
02
A tailor-made itinerary matched to the right camps and seasons.
03
We shape every detail until the journey feels entirely your own.
04
A dedicated team is with you from landing to homecoming.
Most nationalities receive South African entry on arrival; Zimbabwe issues an e-visa or visa on arrival. We confirm requirements for your passport.
Low-risk malaria areas — anti-malarials advised. No mandatory vaccinations from most countries; consult your travel clinic before departure.
South African Rand; US Dollars are widely used around Victoria Falls. Cards are accepted in cities; carry small USD for tips.
Warm days and cool mornings on safari in the dry season. Pack layers — early game drives can be cold even when afternoons are hot.
Neutral, breathable clothing, a warm layer, sun protection and binoculars. Soft bags are required on light aircraft, with strict weight limits.
Wi-Fi at all hotels and lodges, though deliberately gentle in the bush. Power is 230V; bring a universal adaptor.
Everything you might want to know before you travel. Can’t find your answer? Your travel designer is one message away.
Yes. All Matta Luxury journeys are offered as private experiences unless otherwise requested. You’ll travel exclusively with your chosen companions, accompanied by a professional driver-guide, allowing you to explore Tanzania at your own pace with a personalized itinerary and premium service.
Most of our safaris are suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. Game drives are comfortable and involve minimal physical activity. If your itinerary includes walking safaris, cultural visits, hiking, or mountain trekking, we’ll let you know the activity level in advance and can recommend the best options based on your preferences.
Tanzania is a fantastic destination throughout the year, with each season offering unique experiences.
Our travel specialists will help you choose the best time based on the experiences you’re looking for.
International flights are generally not included unless specifically requested. Domestic flights within Tanzania can be included as part of your itinerary, particularly for fly-in safaris or travel between safari destinations and Zanzibar. We’ll clearly outline all included and optional flights in your quotation.
Yes. Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular and welcoming safari destinations, and your safety is our top priority. We work with experienced guides, trusted accommodations, and carefully planned itineraries to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Malaria is present in some areas, so we recommend consulting your doctor before traveling regarding preventative medication. Wearing long sleeves in the evenings, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets where provided are simple and effective precautions.
Absolutely. Every Matta Luxury itinerary can be tailored to match your interests, travel style, budget, and schedule. Whether you dream of a luxury safari, a family adventure, a romantic honeymoon, a Kilimanjaro trek, or a Zanzibar beach escape, we’ll create a journey designed specifically for you.
