Zambian Horseback Safaris

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Once you have cleared Immigration at Livingstone airport and collected your luggage, you will be met by a driver and transferred to Chundukwa River Lodge (approx. 35 mins by road). On arrival at Chundukwa, you will check in to your luxurious riverside chalets (with en-suite bathrooms) before taking part in some of Chundukwa's activities or simply relaxing in these magnificent surroundings. Tonight you can enjoy sundowners overlooking the magnificent Zambezi river.

NB: If you are able to arrive to Livingstone on an early morning flight, or you are already in the area, you can head straight to Simalaha this day and we can shorten the programme - please ask for details.

Day 2

Riding: No riding.

Early this morning you will depart from Chundukwa River Lodge to the camp in Simalaha Community Conservancy. This transfer consists of a road transfer to Mombova Harbour (approx 1 hr) where you will board a riverboat for a river safari experience into the Simalaha Conservancy (approx. 1h30min). You will be met by the horses at the river edge and ride the final distance into camp (approx. 20 mins away). Enjoy an African sundowner and tasty dinner before your first night at this billion-star retreat!

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Following a delicious breakfast in camp, you will mount your horses for your first full day experience in the Simalaha Conservancy hosted by guide and owner, Doug Evans. The day will include a morning ride to discover the conservancy a little better before returning to camp for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon you will enjoy a ride to follow the Baobab route. Dinner and overnight in camp once more.

There are no large predators in the conservancy and so it is a safe riding & wilderness combination! However, you will be able to spot 16 large mammals on your daily rides across the plains and surrounding mopane forests of Simalaha. This can include hundreds of wildebeest, zebra and lechwe grazing in harmony with the local tribesman’s cattle - a truly unique horse safari experience.

A gin & tonic sundowner will round off the day nicely, either out on the plains on horseback, or once you return to camp.

Day 4

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today's ride will be to another part of the conservancy to view the wildlife and perhaps also to visit Monde's Village. Monde will give you an introduction to her home and you will be able to hear firsthand about community involvement within the conservancy. Enjoy this privileged insight into the local way of life, their beautifully built traditional mud style homes and even learn a few local beer brewing techniques!

Another option for today is an extensive river ride (the programme is somewhat flexible). On the way, you will pass herds of wildebeest, sable antelope and zebra. On the river banks, you will have the chance to meet local fishermen who have set up their temporary homes along the river's edge. You may even get to witness them fishing in the traditional dugout canoes called "makoros".

Dinner and overnight back in camp today. For those who wish to, you may choose to spend this night sleeping out on a luxury bedroll to truly experience the pristine African sky!

Day 5

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Today you will enjoy a final opportunity to canter across the plains for wildlife sightings before returning to camp for an early lunch. You will depart for Chundukwa River Lodge in the early afternoon!

On arrival at Chundukwa, you will check back in to your riverside chalet before enjoying a relaxed afternoon and another wonderful dinner.

Day 6

Riding: 2 hours

After a morning ride, day trip to visit Victoria Falls and other optional sights and activities. You have use of a personal vehicle and guide for the day and can visit the Falls, museums, local/curio markets. For those who prefer you can enjoy a historical town tour or visit the local tailor to have a dress made. You could also head out to try some local cuisine! Your hosts at Chundukwa will help you to plan your day and the timings. Entry to Vic Falls is not included in the rates, you pay this directly.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

Today you have a free day to enjoy any of the activities offered at Chundukwa Lodge. You can choose from a hack (approx an hour and a half), a guided wilderness walk, guided mountain biking, sunrise/sunset cruise, a visit to the local village and community project, birding or fishing. You are welcome to book and pay for as many activities as you wish. Those guests staying at Chundukwa for 3 days or more will have 1 activity per day included.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

Another day to enjoy any of the activities offered at Chundukwa Lodge, or take advantage of the lodge's unique position, located so close to the Botswana border, and head off for an exhilarating day in Chobe National Park! Chobe is well known for its large herds of elephant that frequent the Chobe River daily. In the dry season, an estimate of up to 85,000 elephants are dispersed within the Chobe National Park, where the majority of them can be found along the river. Apart from the herds of elephants, Chobe has a lot more to offer, the park has lion, leopard and many other renowned wildlife. This is a full day activity and comes at an additional cost, please enquire.

Day 9

Riding: No riding.

Check-out today is by 10:30am. There is time to add in a morning activity before departure for those who wish (not included).