Set in the south-west of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the concession around African Horseback Safaris’ Macatoo Camp provides varied and stunning scenery just waiting to be explored. While horseback safaris might be the most popular method of exploring the delta for guests at Macatoo, the game drives on offer should not be overlooked.
The Okavango Delta is home to a myriad of species, including buffalo, rhino, lion, wild dogs, leopard, cheetah, hippo, wildebeest, giraffe, hyena, and a massive population of African Elephants, to name but a few of the wild residents. Each species has its own habitat preference, either the dryer, wooded Kalahari plains to the west and south, or the seasonally inundated floodplains, channels and palm islands to the east and north. Carnivore sightings occur quite regularly, with wild dog packs regularly denning near Macatoo, and it’s not unusual to spot lion or hyena while out on a horseback safari, game drive or even a boat trip.
Lucky Lion Sighting
Recently, while seven out of eight family members went out riding together, one guest opted for a morning game drive instead. Having heard the lions calling during the night, Macatoo guide, Bernard, decided to take the guest to the airstrip where he thought the sound might have been coming from. Sure enough, once there, he was able to find a beautiful male lion.
Bernard and the guest watched as the lion lounged under a tree for about 30 minutes before getting up and moving off. Decided to follow the lion, they were soon lead to the rest of the pride! However, this was not the end of their good luck.
Witnessing a Kill
This particular pride of lions is often seen in the area and there are usually 11 of them, but Bernard noticed that two of the lionesses were missing.
Shortly after noticing this, he heard buffalo distress calls not too far away. Heading straight towards the source of the noise, Bernard and the guests then witnessed an incredible sighting of the two lionesses taking down a buffalo cow. Sightings like this are extremely rare and should be treated an immense privilege. After all, being present and witness to a kill in the wild is not something that you’ll quickly forget.
That afternoon, the rest of the family decided to switch their steads for a safari vehicle and went to spend sundowners watching the lions relaxing with their stomachs full of that morning’s catch.
Contact African Horseback Safaris
Web. www.africanhorseback.com
Email. reservations@africanhorseback.com
Tel. +2676861523
