Being off the beaten path, the raw beauty of the vast reserves has long made Zambia a favourite for safari connoisseurs. It is most famous for more eco-friendly safaris, be that horse riding, walking or canoeing. With some of the best game viewing in Africa, Zambia’s diverse wildlife plus bespoke lodges promise a unique safari experience.
As the original home of the ‘walking safaris’ and now boasting some incredible horseback adventures, there is no better place to step into the wilderness and awaken your senses to the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush. Whether it’s your first or hundredth safari, Zambia will not disappoint. The unspoilt, peaceful nature and lack of tourists made it the ideal place for any adventure traveller who wants to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.
For More Info About Horse Riding in Zambia
If you’re looking to go on your first horse-riding adventure in Africa, Zambia is the place to do it. On the banks of the Zambezi River you’ll find the seasonal floodplains of the Simalaha reserve, home to large herds of wildebeest, zebra, lechwe, puku, impala, waterbuck, giraffe and buffalo. Simalaha provides a unique way to experience and appreciate the magnificent beauty of the Zambian wilderness. This authentic and rural adventure takes you off the beaten track, leaving only hoofprints behind as you explore the ancient lands. All trail rides in Zambia are led by expert local guides, passionate about the bush, who take great pride in sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
Beyond the horse safari, there are many amazing activities to experience on your holiday in Zambia. How about exploring the wilder side of the Victoria Falls and walking across Knife’s Edge Bride or swimming in the Devil’s Pool. Or for those looking to escape the crowds, there are number of intimate lodges in the remote wildlife reserves, or along the Zambezi river. Whether you’re on a family vacation, a romantic honeymoon or a solo sabbatical, there’s something for everyone.
Simalaha, (said Sim – a – la – ha) meaning ‘come together’, is a very fitting name for a place where tourism is helping the community create and rewild a conservation area. The flat terrain of Simalaha is ideal for endless canters as the annual floods renew the ground. Small tributaries wind through the landscapes on their way back to the Zambezi River and the region is alive with all manner of birds and the plains game. Zebra, wildebeest, impala and puku graze peacefully in harmony, inquisitive but unafraid of the horses that ride by. This conservancy has no large predators, so this is a great wildlife-focused horse-riding adventure in a safe environment.
Chundukwa River Lodge is a wonderful family-run lodge on the Zambezi River’s edge. The ranch is home to around 45 horses, a handful of ducks, sheep, dogs, and even two white braman cows. The riding trails range from an hour to half-day trails along the river and through the farmlands. They can cater for single riders and groups and can take any riding level, from beginners to experienced riders. It’s also a special place for families, children can be led on horseback, and parents are welcome to join on a bush meander on foot.
BEING PART OF CONSERVATION
At the heart of riding in the conservancy is the community. The chiefs of this wilderness area remember what it used to be like in th past and are committed to rewilding the area. In the past few years, they have introduced a number of new species such as giraffe, antelope, wildebeest and sable. Now these animals are thriving thanks to the community involvement and sustainable tourism practices.
RIDING FOR ALL LEVELS
Simalaha provides an intimate and immersive horse riding experience, blending the thrill of exploration with the serenity of nature. At the present time, there are no real predators or elephants, so riders of all abilities can experience the magic of a horseback riding holiday. For our fixed departures, riders need to be confident intermediate riders. But with small numbers, this area is perfect for groups of mixed ability and can be tailor-made for family horse riding holidays.
VICTORIA FALLS
Named ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ in the local language (meaning ‘The Smoke That Thunders’) is situated close to the Simalaha Reserve and only 40 minutes from Chundunkwa River Lodge. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the perfect add-on to any Zambia horse riding holiday or family vacation. As one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the waterfall spans an impressive 1,807 metres wide, and 108 metres high.
DEVIL’S POOL
Swimming at Devil’s Pool in Zambia is an exhilarating adventure, as thrill-seekers can take a daring plunge into the natural rock pool perched on the edge of Victoria Falls, with the mighty Zambezi River cascading just a few feet away.
EXCLUSIVE SAFARIS
Experience some of Southern Africa’s wildest and most remote destinations and embrace the raw beauty of Zambia’s reserves far away from crowds. Much of the country’s appeal lies in its remoteness: a rugged wilderness far less explored than its busier neighbours. With small, intimate lodges and some of the best guides in Africa, this is the perfect destination for an exclusive safari experience.
VICTORIA FALLS
Victoria Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on the planet, is a colossal waterfall located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke that Thunders,” the falls are created by the Zambezi River plunging dramatically into a narrow chasm, producing a thunderous roar and towering columns of mist that can be seen from miles away. Beyond its sheer magnitude and breathtaking beauty, Victoria Falls is surrounded by lush rainforest, offering a unique ecosystem and a range of activities.
ACTIVITIES AROUND THE FALLS
Make sure you take a dip in the Devil’s Pool right at the top if you’re feeling brave enough. If you’re feeling adventurous, the white water rafting down the Zambezi River might float your boat. If a scenic cruise sounds more your style, hop aboard a sunset Zambezi River Cruise. Helicopter rides over Victoria Falls offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with unbeatable views across one of the world’s greatest natural sights and is the perfect add-on to any African Horse Safari adventure.
TRADITIONAL SAFARIS
Combine your Simalaha horse safari with other destinations in Zambia to tick everything off your bucket list. For a more traditional safari experience, head to South Luangwa, known as the highlight of east Zambia. The infamous walking safaris see experienced guides take guests on a stroll through the wilderness, in a truly immersive and unique safari experience. In the Lower Zambezi, canoe safaris are a fantastic way to get close to crocodiles, hippos, elephants and waterbuck with a truly unique vantage point and insight into the meaning of Big game. Down by the dusty river beds, huge herds of elephants, hippos and buffalo can be seen alongside well-fed pride of lion, graceful giraffes and the ever-watchful Nile crocodiles. Kafue, an almost unknown gem, is not on many travellers’ radar but offers an exceptional safari within a few hours’ drive from Livingstone.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
There is an abundance of cultural activities that you will get the chance to take part in. You may want to learn how to fish from the local villagers, or learn traditional brewing techniques. You can also visit the local village and immerse yourself in culture around you. Spend some time shopping in the local markets for authentic food or trinkets, or even visit the Livingstone museums to learn more about the history of Zambia.
We have carefully selected camps and lodges that are small, unique and personal. You’ll experience some of Southern Africa’s wildest and remote destinations, but you’ll be far from roughing it. On your horse riding safari you’ll be staying at Simalaha Camp. With bespoke en-suite safari tents in a beautifully peaceful remote camp, this rustic, eco-friendly accommodation has just the right balance of luxury and locality. The camp is situated off the beaten track with spectacular views over the savanna, and offers a truly immersive safari experience. Combine your Simalaha camp stay with a few nights in the Chundukwa lodges. Ideally located just a stone’s throw away from the mighty Victoria Falls, you can enjoy your own luxury chalet with a private deck overlooking the Zambezi River.
Home to the highest percentage of family-run lodges and safari operators in Africa, Zambia offers unique and intimate safari camps with fantastic game viewing in largely unvisited conservation areas. With accommodation made up of rustic seasonal canvas tents or traditional wood and reeds, you can really feel connected to nature during your Zambian Safari stay. You can expect friendly and attentive service, great local food and some of the best safari guides in Africa.
During their stay, guests have the opportunity to get a privileged insight into the local way of Zambian life. Where possible, everything at the camps and lodges is locally sourced including the furniture, handcrafted from beautiful, bright and colourful fabrics. Most of the staff are local and provide guests with a unique insight into the ways of life, local traditions and unique legends around the campfire.
Visits to villages enable guests to meet the friendly locals, where you can see their beautifully built traditional mud-style homes and even learn a few local beer brewing techniques! Or for avid (or aspirational!) anglers, how about learning the river’s secrets from a local fisherman in a truly unique, bucket list experience.
Zambia has an exceptional range of wildlife to discover on your horseback safari. Here you can ride alongside Africa’s plains game including wildebeest, zebra, lechwe, puku, impalas, waterbuck, giraffe, buffalo and more.
With exceptional local guides that are proud to share all of their knowledge with you and well-trained horses, you are in safe hands on your horseback safari in Zambia. In the Simalaha conservancy, there are no large predators, so it is safe to ride and discover the wildlife that can be seen out on trails, grazing in harmony across open floodplains.
The dry season in Zambia is between June and November and is typically known as the peak safari season. Horse safaris are seasonal in Simalaha, running from July to January. The dry season brings a hot and dry climate but the game viewing is phenomenal. It’s also a great time to tick the Devil’s Pool off your bucket list! The first rains arrive in late November and the landscape is transformed into a green oasis with vibrant summer birds and an abundance of newborn animals dotting the plains.
International flights arrive at either Livingstone Airport or Victoria Falls Airport. From the airport, we arrange a road transfer to the river edge where you’ll hop aboard a motorboat that will take you to the start of your horse riding adventure. It’s easy to combine your horse safari with other destinations if you want to explore more of what Africa has to offer and we can assist with any onward travel and transfers.
Our horse safari in Zambia is suitable for all riding levels. With no big game, it is the perfect location for groups with mixed riding abilities or nervous riders. Horse safaris can be completely tailor-made for multi-generational travellers and families with children. And experienced riders can still enjoy long days in the saddle and fast, fun riding on the open plains.
It is recommended that you consult with your General Practitioner or visit a travel clinic 6-8 weeks before travelling to Zambia. Malaria can occur in Zambia, so it is important you get advice on medication available and potential side effects. We’ll send you a list of other recommendations such as Typhoid, Hepatitis and Tetanus.
Absolutely, Zambia is a great place to see Victoria Falls as around a third of the waterfall lies on the Zambian side. One of the best vantage points from which to view Victoria Falls is from Livingstone Island. Here you will find the Devil’s Pool, located on the top of the falls that offers an amazing bathing experience on the very edge of the falls. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe and you’ll have an experienced guide with you on your trip!
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