Africa > Zambia

Zambezi Adventures

This riding eco-safari offers you the unique experience of exploring the Simalaha Community Conservancy, a pristine remote area in southern Zambia along the Zambezi river. As you ride across wild plains and the surrounding mopane forest, witness the harmony between the local tribesman’s cattle grazing alongside wild herds of zebras and lechwe. The first five days of your holiday are all about the horses and the equestrian experience at the beautiful Simalaha horse camp. You will then move to Chundukwa where you will enjoy a variety of non-riding activities, including a visit to the breathtaking Victoria Falls and interactions with local communities that will give you vast insights into their traditions and culture. This is an outstanding horseback holiday for riders looking to combine equestrian and cultural experiences, and for those with a special interest in conservation, sustainability and slow tourism.
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Horseback Safari
10 days - 3,5 days riding
From £3,060
Open to non-riders

Itinerary

Highlights

- Your hosts are Doug and Gail, conservationists who have been exploring, observing, and championing wild places in Zambia for over 40 years;
- Simalaha hosts various large mammal species which can be seen on the plains and in the surrounding mopane forest. No predators or dangerous game, making this a great option for those new to riding safaris;
- This ride is a sustainable option, employing environmentally friendly practices, protecting cultural and natural heritage, and providing tangible social and economic benefits for local communities;
- Enjoy a visit to the breathtaking Victoria Falls;
- Non-riders are welcome to join, with the option for some exploration/game viewing on the conservancy.
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  • Day 1 1: Home – Livingstone

    International overnight flight to Livingstone (flights are not included, but can be arranged upon request).

  • Day 2 2: Chundukwa Lodge - No riding

    Chundukwa River Lodge
    You will be met, at the airport, by a member of the local team. A road transfer takes you to the Chundukwa River Lodge (approx. 35 minutes).

    After check-in and a light lunch on the patio overlooking the river, you will hop on a boat and embark on Zambezi Sunset Cruise. This is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River.

    There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets behind the African skyline. Guests may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile,elephant and many bird species.

  • Day 3 3: Introductory Ride - Less than 1h riding

    Simalaha Camp
    Today you will transfers to Simalaha Camp. You will start off by taking a road transfer to Mombova Harbour (approx. 40min), where you will board a river boat that will take you to the Simalaha Conservancy (around 1h30min). Here you will meet the horses, and then go on a short ride to arrive at camp (30-40 minutes, depending on wildlife sightings).

    All the tents feature an ensuite open air bathroom, and seating on the front deck with views over the endless grassy plains. Overnight at Simalaha camp.

    Note: Transfers are not included (check "Dates & Prices" tab)

  • Day 4 4: Simalaha Camp - Approx. 6-7 hours riding

    Simalaha Camp
    After a delightful breakfast, leave the camp to spend the entire day on a safari ride guided by Doug Evans. Get back for lunch time, and in the afternoon ride along the Baobab route. On safaris rides at Simalaha, you may be able to spot a few of the over 16 large mammals that have made the conservancy their homes. These include buffalo, impala, hippo, eland, and many more!

    Overnight at Simalaha camp.

    Please note this is a sample itinerary. The route may be adjusted each day by Doug according to the group's interests and wildlife movements.

  • Day 5 5: Simalaha Camp - Approx. 6-7 hours riding

    Simalaha Camp
    Today, ride to a different part of the conservancy. On a visit to Monde’s village, you will be given a privileged insight into the local way of life, their traditional mud style homes and even learn about a few local beer brewing techniques. Monde will give you a tour of her home while telling all about the role that her community has in the conservancy.

    Ride back to Simalaha camp where you may relax and build-up your strengths for the next day.

    Please note this is a sample itinerary. The route may be adjusted each day by Doug according to the group's interests and wildlife movements.

  • Day 6 6: Simalaha Camp - Approx. 6-7 hours riding

    Simalaha Camp
    After a good nights rest, you will go on an extensive river ride. There’s the chance of passing herds of wildebeest, sable, zebra and you may see the temporary homes of the local fishermen along the river’s edge, as well as their traditional canoes called “Mokoros”.
    After this lovely ride, you will return to Simalaha camp where you can enjoy a gin & tonic as the sun sets on another exciting day in the saddle.

    A sleep out experience may be possible (at an extra fee), please enquire for further details.

    Please note this is a sample itinerary. The route may be adjusted each day by Doug according to the group's interests and wildlife movements.

  • Day 7 7: Livingstone Bound - Approx. 2-3 hours riding

    Chundukwa River Lodge
    This morning you will have a final opportunity to enjoy a nice canter across the plains to try and track some wildlife before returning to camp for an early lunch.

    Depart to Chundukwa River Lodge in the early afternoon. After settling in, enjoy some relaxing time overlooking the magnificent Zambezi River.

  • Day 8 8: Victoria Falls - No riding

    Chundukwa River Lodge
    After a hearty breakfast, your hosts at Chundukwa will help you to plan your day and timings. A personal vehicle and guide will be at your disposal and you can visit Victoria Falls, various museums, and local markets. If you prefer, you can also enjoy a historical town tour and explore some of the local cuisine. Named after the Scottish explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, Livingstone’s culture and history is intriguing, as evidenced by the arts and crat producers, museums, architecture and general African lifestyle.

    Optional riding trails are available (not included, payable locally).

    Overnight at the River Lodge.

    Note: The entry in the Victoria Falls is included

  • Day 9 9: Morning at Leisure - No riding

    Enjoy your last morning in the Lodge. If you wish it is possible to add a morning activity before departure (not included).

    - Sunrise boat cruise
    - Morning ride
    - Bush walk

    Transfer to the airport (transfers are not included - check "Dates & Prices" tab).

  • Day 10 10: Home

    Arrive home early in the morning.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (Livingstone airport) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 8 international riders, plus guides.

- Livingstone airport transfers (road and boat) are not include. The rate is £185/€220/$240, per person, return rate (min. 2 guests).

- There is no single supplement if you are willing to share a room with another guest of the same sex. To guarantee your own room there is a single supplement of £1060/€1260/$1395.

- The entrance to Victoria Falls is included.

- Accompanied minors are welcome from 12 years old, provided they match the riding requirements.

- Additional nights at Chundukwa River Lodge can be arranged at an extra cost. Please enquire for more details.

- IMPORTANT : Riders weighing more than 95 kg please indicate this at time of booking.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Meals

Full board from lunch on day 2 until breakfast on day 9
Snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks, house wine and beers

Extras

Conservation fees
Victoria Falls entry fees

Price doesn't include

Meals

Premium drinks

Transport

International flights
Airport transfers

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Visas and personal purchase
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Extras

Trip extensions or additional activities
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    23/11/2024 02/12/2024 £3,060 €3,519 $3,795
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    30/11/2024 09/12/2024 £3,060 €3,519 $3,795
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    07/12/2024 16/12/2024 £3,060 €3,519 $3,795
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    14/12/2024 23/12/2024 £3,060 €3,519 $3,795
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    20/12/2024 29/12/2024 £3,060 €3,519 $3,795
    Guaranteed departure
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Equestrian info

Horses

On this safari, the horses run as a herd at the Simalaha Conservancy and are brought in for grooming, feeding and rides. You will find different breeds which include boerperds, quarter horses, Basotho horses and cross breeds. All of them are forward going and steady but have gentle natures and endearing qualities.
Horses are between 14.3 and 16 hands.

Guide & local team

Your hosts at Simalaha Horse Safaris are Doug & Gail , conservationists who have been exploring, observing, and championing wild places in Zambia for over 40 years. They care deeply about protecting the ecosystems that surround them, and try to support the local communities the best they can.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

To join this ride you must be a competent rider. You should be comfortable in all three paces and keeping your balance over varied and uneven ground. Less experienced riders are welcomed, but only on private group bookings (please contact us).

Riders weighing more than 95kg / 210 lbs / 15 st please indicate this at the time of booking so we can ensure suitable horses are available.

Pace

This is a centre-based riding holiday during which you will be spending 5 to 7 hours in the saddle a day often covering 20-30km.

Riders will need to feel confident about keeping up with the group, capable of riding at all paces, rising to the trot and controlling your horse at the canter.

Tacking ability and participation

A team of grooms will feed, care for and saddle your horses. You can help with untacking if you wish, but this is not expected.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

There are no large predators in the conservancy so it is considered a safe riding and wilderness combination experience, however riders must be competent. This horseback holiday is designed for riders with a strong interest in learning about local communities and sustainable practices, whilst enjoying excellent riding over the plains. If the focus of your holiday is wildlife-watching and you wish to ride with big game, please contact us so we can suggest the right Africa horse safari to meet your requirements.

Riders must also be prepared to meet people whose cultural specificities and differences of approach must be treated with acceptance and respect.

Equestrian equipment

There is a choice of Western-style/Trail saddles and Australian stock saddles, each with their own saddle bags. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

You’ll spend 4 nights in the wonderful Simalaha camp. All tents have ensuite open air bathrooms, and seating on the front deck. Water and electricity are generated by solar power making this a perfectly sustainable and eco-friendly camp. USB port chargers are available on your reading lights and additional charging facilities are located in the camp lounge and dinning area. There is WiFi in the main tent.

This camp offers the perfect opportunity for the guests to enjoy an off-the-grid experience. It is also possible to spend a night sleeping under the stars on a camp-out experience (weather-dependent)

The other 3 nights will be spent in the Chundukwa River Lodge, where you’ll have the opportunity of staying in riverside chalets each with their own bathroom. In this luxurious accommodation, you can relax by the swimming pool, or even on the viewing deck from which you can admire the Zambezi river.

Meals

At Simalaha Camp, guests are offered tasty cuisine in the style of home cooking. Proteins are sourced from local farmers and many of the greens are home-grown. When at Chundukwa you are served a continental buffet and cooked breakfast. Chundukwa has its own vegetable garden that produces beautiful crops of organic cherry tomatoes, strawberries, aubergines, marrows, rocket & lettuce and a large variety of herbs.
Meals are served with water, tea, coffee, house beer, house wine and soft drinks. These drinks are included in the rates but additional/premium drinks cost extra.

Note: dietary requirements can be accommodated, please make sure to informs us prior to booking.

Climate

The climate in Livingstone is warm and temperate, and the average annual temperature is 22.7 °C. October is usually the warmest month with an average temperature of 27.4°C, and July is the coldest with an average temperature of 17.4°C.

Tips

Tipping is at discretion of the guest. We would recommend $15-20 per person per day, to be shared with the team.

Packing list

Our Recommendations
- Wherever possible you should wear neutral colours, such as beige, brown or natural bush colours for riding as bright colours, such as red, yellow or white can startle the wildlife and they will see you long before you've seen them
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You must bring a headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night.
- There is limited electricity at Camp (USB ports available), a solar charging bank could be a useful item to charge camera batteries

Head
- It’s mandatory that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and thorns
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold, particularly June - August
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared. Rain is more likely Oct-April, but in the Delta you may appreciate a waterproof jacket for splashy canters May-September
- Casual clothes for the evening

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps to protect against thorns. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the lodge and camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas

Other useful items
- Swimsuit
- Binoculars for viewing game
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Anti malarial tablets and Yellow Fever Certificate if required (check with your doctor)
A first aid kit is available in camp but please make sure to bring any prescription medication with you.

Our Recommendations
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy into your mobile phone.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

On this riding holiday, while exploring the plains, you might spot local fisherman using their traditional canoe called “Mokoro”. This type of canoe was usually made out of local tree species (like the Sausage Tree, or Mangosteens), however nowadays there are some modern models made from moulded fibreglass.
The Mokoro moves with the help of the driver who uses a stern (“ngashi”), to push the boat forward. The skilful locals who use this transport are commonly known as “Polers”.

Over the years, the mokoro excursions have become very popular among tourists. These trips have been described as very peaceful and are a great way to spot the local wildlife with minimum disturbance.