Adventure riding holiday in Victoria Falls

SIGNATURE SAFARI – ELEPHANT CAMP & OLD DRIFT (LUXURY SAFARI)

The Wild Horizons Signature Safari combining Elephant Camp & Old Drift Lodge. Experience two very different luxury lodges during your 4 night stay. Elephant Camp overlooks the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary and you can see the Batonka Gorge and mist of the falls as you sip drinks on the veranda. Twelve luxury tented suites boast magnificent views of the rocky gorges, and spacious four-poster beds beckon you to a peaceful night’s rest. Private viewing decks feature plunge pools just big enough for two, and bathrooms feature luxury Victoria + Albert bathtubs looking onto breathtaking bush panoramas. Outdoor showers feature stone flooring blending indoors and out. Ride in the Sanctuary and be introduced to the herd of rescued elephants that call this home. Then head to Old Drift Lodge where you will find a riverside suite you might never want to leave. Sprawling on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Old Drift Lodge is a magnificent sanctuary offering 10 double suits and four family suites. Fusing elegance and the beauty of the environment, each stunning suite features contemporary décor and boasts an indoor and outdoor shower, private plunge pool and a viewing deck, ideal to observe the passing wildlife in their natural habitat. Both camps include some incredible activities such as game drives, river cruises and guided walks which you can do between riding. Plus we’ve also included either a Helicopter Flip or a White Water Rafting experience for each guest. Luxury and adventure await!

Day 1: ARRIVAL, ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE, INTRODUCTORY RIDE
You’ll be collected at the Airport and driven to The Elephant Camp, where you’ll check-in. The Elephant Encounter usually takes place at midday, so if possible, guests will experience it on their arrival day, but it might be done on day 2, especially if their flight is a later one or is delayed.
The introduction and safety talk at Elephant Camp is followed by a short evening ride to the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary. The horses are trucked into the reserves, and it’s really special being able to walk out to meet them! Once you’re mounted up and orientation is finished, you set off with your guides for the start of your adventure. Your ride will normally begin with following last night’s elephant or giraffe tracks. Wind your way across the African wilderness, following the animal trails and possibly spotting buffalo, elephant, impala and bushbuck, amongst others. In the evening, savour a drink around the firepit before enjoying a scrumptious dinner under the stars. Overnight Elephant Camp

Day 2: MORNING ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE FALLS, VICTORIA FALLS WILDLIFE TRUST, AFTERNOON RIDE
You have the morning free to do any pre-booked activities, as well as either the Helicopter Flight or White Water Rafting activity that is included in your package.  Most morning activities start at 5.30-7.00 am depending on the time of year, returning to the lodge for lunch. If you haven’t already met the herd of elephants, you’re activities will be planned around this experience.  A Visit to the Falls is included in your stay, and you can either do a guided tour at a set time with the lodge, or visit the falls on your own (transfers are arranged) In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to gain an insight into the important role they play in conservation, anti-poaching and human-wildlife interactions.  Then saddle up for an evening ride in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary and along the Batonka Gorge with Alison Baker, a highlight of this trail. Overnight Elephant Camp

Day 3: LONG MORNING RIDE, AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES AT OLD DRIFT
Wake up early for a long morning ride in the Zambezi National Park. The main focus will be on wildlife viewing and exploring the reserve. There are some lovely sandy tracks and river beds to canter along, but the pace does depend on the wildlife in the area. You will reach Old Drift in time for lunch. Your stay at Old Drift includes river safaris, fabulous game drives, and even walking safaris. These activities are arranged by the lodge manager. If you have any special requests, please advise your safari specialist or discuss them with Alison. Overnight Old Drift

Day 4: ACTIVITIES AT OLD DRIFT
Enjoy morning activities at Old Drift including Game Drive / Walking Safari / River Cruise – whichever you wish to experience and depending on the availability at the lodge. You’ll have the rest of the day to do any activities you wish to tick off your bucket list, relax at the lodge, have a spa treatment or book an extra ride.  In the afternoon, you’ll have the option of the activities offered by Old Drift: Game Drive / Walking Safari / River Cruise. Overnight Old Drift

Day 5: MORNING RIDE/GAME DRIVE OR SLEEP IN
Before you depart, enjoy a short morning ride / game drive / river cruise or just sleep-in – depending on what you prefer. After returning to the lodge for brunch and a quick shower, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home on onwards to your next destination.

THE WALLOW 

The Wallow is set next to a river running through the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary and you can often see wildlife coming to drink as you sip drinks on the veranda. Sixteen suites are thoughtfully placed to capture the best views of the bush. Victoria Falls is a short twenty-minute transfer from the lodge, giving guests the freedom to tailor-make their experience and find a balance between the exclusivity of the bush and the excitement of Africa’s Adventure Capital. In addition to riding, we’ve also included a standard river cruise, a game drive in the Stanley Livingstone reserve with a bush dinner and a visit to the falls.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & SHORT RIDE
You’ll be collected at the Airport and driven to The Wallows, where you’ll check-in. The introduction and safety talk at The Wallows is followed by a short evening ride to the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary. The horses are trucked into the reserves, and it’s really special being able to walk out to meet them! Once you’re mounted up and orientation is finished, you set off with your guides for the start of your adventure. Your ride will normally begin with following last night’s elephant or giraffe tracks. Wind your way across the African wilderness, following the animal trails and possibly spotting buffalo, elephant, impala and bushbuck, amongst others. In the evening, savour a drink around the firepit before enjoying a scrumptious dinner under the stars. Overnight at The Wallows

Day 2: MORNING ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE FALLS, VICTORIA FALLS WILDLIFE TRUST, AFTERNOON RIDE
You have the morning free to do any pre-booked activities. From Bungee jumping to bridge swings, white water rafting or helicopter flips or a visit to the famous Devil’s Pool, there is a lot to keep your adrenaline levels spiked! A Morning River Cruise is a great way to start the day. A standard one is included, but we do recommend upgrading to the Pure Africa Cruise, which is an additional USD $80 per person + River Usage Fees.
Most morning activities start at 5.30-7.00 am depending on the time of year, returning to the lodge for lunch.
A visit to the Falls is included in your stay, and you can either do a guided tour at a set time with the lodge, or visit the falls on your own (transfers are arranged)Walking through the rainforest, getting drenched in the spray from the falls is an experience you’ll never forget! It is not one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World for nothing!
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to gain an insight into the important role they play in conservation, anti-poaching and human-wildlife interactions. Then saddle up for an evening ride in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary and along the Batonka Gorge with Alison Baker, a highlight of this trail. Overnight at The Wallows

Day 3: LONG MORNING RIDE, EVENING GAME DRIVE & BUSH DINNER
Wake up early for a long morning ride in the Zambezi National Park. The main focus will be on wildlife viewing and exploring the reserve. There are some lovely sandy tracks and river beds to canter along, but the pace does depend on the wildlife in the area. Return to the lodge for lunch and a leisurely afternoon. In the evening you’ll be collected for a drive to the Stanley & Livingstone reserve, which is a private concession with an abundance of wildlife. This includes the big 5 and you have a good chance of seeing the rare and endangered black rhino. Lions are also regularly spotted here. Overnight at the The Wallows.

Day 4: MORNING RIDE/GAME DRIVE OR SLEEP IN THEN DEPART
Before you depart, enjoy a short morning ride / game drive / river cruise or just sleep-in – depending on what you prefer. After returning to the lodge for brunch and a quick shower, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home on onwards to your next destination.

URSULA’S HOMESTEAD

This charming homestead, with just four individual garden rooms, is the sister property of Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel. It promises an authentic Victoria Falls experience with the added intimacy and privacy that only a smaller establishment can offer. Designed in a semi-circular layout, the main guest area and terrace, fire-deck, pool area, and the rooms all offer wide-open views of the game reserve, allowing you to spot wildlife, even from your room. It’s an environment of cosy simplicity and tranquillity, yet it’s just moments away from the iconic Falls, the lively town and all the nearby attractions. In addition to riding, we’ve also included a morning or afternoon river cruise, a game drive in the Stanley Livingstone reserve with a bush dinner and a visit to the falls.

Day 1: ARRIVAL & INTRODUCTORY RIDE
You’ll be collected from the airport and driven to the lodge
Transfer to meet Alison & horses: introduction and safety talk and short evening ride
Short evening ride (Could be swapped for an evening river cruise)
Overnight: Ursula

Day 2: MORNING ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE FALLS, WILDLIFE TRUST & EVENING RIDE
Morning: Do any pre-booked activities most morning activities start at 5.30-7.00am depending on time of year
A Morning River Cruise is a great way to start the day
Visit the Falls
Afternoon: Wildlife Trust
Evening ride in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary and along the Batonka Gorge with Alison Baker
Overnight: Ursula

Day 3: LONG MORNING RIDE & GAME DRIVE WITH BUSH DINNER
Long morning ride either in the Zambezi National Park or Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary (4.5 hours max)
Lunch at the lodge
Late afternoon game drive into the private concession with an abundance of wildlife. This Includes all of the Big Five, with a healthy population of the extremely rare and endangered black rhino. Followed by bush dinner and drive back through the reserve and on to your lodge.
Overnight: Ursula

Day4: MORNING RIDE/GAME DRIVE & DEPARTURE
Short morning ride/game drive/river cruise/sleep-in
Departure

STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE HOTEL

Stanley & Livingstone Hotel brings a touch of luxury to the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, home of the Big Five. Set amidst this incredible natural beauty, and just a 15-minute drive from the Falls and the vibrant town, the 16 Suite Boutique Hotel offers a seamless blend of comfort and adventure. Enjoy culinary excellence with wildlife as your backdrop in the classy restaurant or watch wildlife from your luxuriously large suite. At Stanley & Livingstone, it’s all about creating a personalized African adventure. In addition to riding, we’ve also included a morning or afternoon river cruise, a game drive in the Stanley Livingstone reserve with a bush dinner and a visit to the falls. You can book this on an all inclusive package which includes all meals and drinks, or a Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 1: ARRIVAL & INTRODUCTORY RIDE
Collected from the airport, check-in.
Transfer to meet Alison & horses: introduction and safety talk and short evening ride
Short evening ride
Overnight: Stanely & Livingstone

Day 2: MORNING ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE FALLS, WILDLIFE TRUST & EVENING RIDE
Morning: Do any pre-booked activities or start your day with a sunrise cruise which is included in your stay
Visit the Falls (most morning activities start at 5.30-7.00am depending on time of year
Afternoon: Wildlife Trust
Evening ride including the Gorge: (max 2 hours riding) Overnight The Wallow
Overnight: Stanely & Livingstone

Day 3: LONG MORNING RIDE & GAME DRIVE WITH BUSH DINNER
Long morning ride either in the Zambezi National Park or Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary (4.5 hours max)
Lunch at the lodge
Late afternoon game drive into the private concession with an abundance of wildlife. This Includes all of the Big Five, with a healthy population of the extremely rare and endangered black rhino. Followed by bush dinner and drive back through the reserve and on to your lodge.
Overnight: Stanely & Livingstone

Day4: MORNING RIDE/GAME DRIVE & DEPARTURE
Short morning ride/game drive/sunrise cruise/sleep-in
Departure

PIONEERS LODGE

Established in 2021, Pioneers lodge is an upmarket guesthouse ,nestled in the heart of the low density suburbs of Victoria Falls, far from the city’s buzz, but close enough to Victoria Falls’ attractions – just 3kms from the entrance of the Falls themselves. Set in lush gardens with beautifully manicured lawns, this fifty room lodge is a great option for those who value comfort. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated in a classic style, and each has a clear and open view of the garden and swimming pools. Enjoy breakfast on the large open veranda area, and dinner or lunch in their colourful indoor dining area. You can also walk to many nearby café’s or restaurants should you wish to. In addition to riding, we’ve also included a morning or afternoon river cruise, a game drive in the Stanley Livingstone reserve with a bush dinner and a visit to the falls.

Day 1: ARRIVAL & INTRODUCTORY RIDE
Collected from the airport, check-in.
Transfer to meet Alison & the horses. You’ll have an introduction and safety talk, followed by a short evening ride
Dinner at Pioneers
Overnight: Pioneers

Day 2: MORNING ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE FALLS, WILDLIFE TRUST & EVENING RIDE
Breakfast at Pioneers
Do any pre-booked activities most morning activities start at 5.30-7.00am depending on time of year
A Private lunchtime cruise with Pure Africa is included in price. For Single Travellers, if there are no other guests, we’ll book the Signature Deck. A sunset cruise could be arranged on Day 1 if you want, but you will then miss the first ride.
Visit the Falls
Afternoon: Wildlife Trust
Evening ride in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary and along the Batonka Gorge with Alison Baker
Dinner at Pioneers
Overnight: Pioneers

Day 3: LONG MORNING RIDE & GAME DRIVE WITH BUSH DINNER
Breakfast at Pioneers
Long morning ride either in the Zambezi National Park or Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary (4.5 hours max)
Lunch at Pioneers
Late afternoon game drive into the private concession with an abundance of wildlife. This Includes all of the Big Five, with a healthy population of the extremely rare and endangered black rhino. Followed by bush dinner and drive back through the reserve and on to your lodge.
Overnight: Pioneers

Day4: MORNING RIDE/GAME DRIVE & DEPARTURE
Breakfast at Pioneers
Short morning ride/river cruise/sleep-in
Departure

Victoria Falls, discovered by David Livingstone, is the world’s largest waterfall and is located on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Commonly known as Mosi-oa-Tunya – ‘the smoke that thunders’, the spectacular waterfall boasts the largest sheet of freefalling water with a 108m drop to the gorge floor. Entering the rainforest, you can spend a few hours exploring the twisting paths and different viewpoints. Explore on your own or embark on a guided tour. Either way, you get the chance to wander through the dense rainforest, learn about the history of the falls and see the unique bird and wildlife that live here. Top Tip: Grab a raincoat before you head in and wear hiking /running shoes with grip.

Alison Baker, who runs the horse trails in this unique area, works closely with the Wildlife Trust and has set up the IMPI – Anti-poaching unit. She is a passionate conservationist and supporter of animal welfare, who goes out of her way to rescue any animal that needs help. Alison and her team of Scouts and horses play a massive role in wildlife conservation and have been doing so, very quietly, for years. They are an integral part of anti-poaching work around Victoria Falls, doing daily patrols in areas that other units cannot reach by road or on foot. They are constantly on the lookout for poaching activities, snares and injured animals.

The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust began in 2008 by Gavin and Shay Best, two passionate conservationists who at the time were shareholders in Wild Horizons; a top adventure & activity tour operator in Victoria Falls. They believed more needed to be done in the region for wildlife conservation. Wild Horizons helped establish the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, which initially involved a lot of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation due to the economic situation in Zimbabwe. In the last 15 years they have developed conservation efforts to include working with local communities to focus on conserving habitats, finding scientific wildlife management solutions, and improving health through screening and prevention of transboundary animal diseases.

GAME DRIVES AT THE WALLOW OR CAMP ELEPHANT
Head out on guided game drives in the private reserve in open vehicles. This is a great opportunity for photographing wildlife such as elephants, zebra, antelope and giraffe. Heading home in the dark, gives you the chance to see nocturnal wildlife.

GAME DRIVES AT OLD DRIFT
Situated in the Zambezi National Park, this diverse reserve is where the woodlands meet the river, and often attracts huge herds of buffalo and elephants. You’re also more likely to see lions or leopards in this reserve, although they are not easily spotted.

SUNSET CRUISE (SIGNATURE SAFARI/PAYABLE LOCALLY)
From the water you get the perfect vantage to watch the herds of elephant and buffalo come to drink as the sky catches fire at sunset.

HELICOPTER TOUR OVER THE FALLS (SIGNTURE SAFARI/ PAYABLE LOCALLY)
David Livingstone famously wrote on seeing the Victoria Falls for the first time in 1855 that “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. Little did he know that 150 years later he could have exactly that opportunity. Embark on either a 13 minute flight or the longer 25 minute flight that includes both the falls and the spectacular Batonka Gorge.

WHITE WATER RAFTING (EXTRA COST)
The walls of basalt rock that capture the mighty Zambezi forms one of the great river corridors of the world. This is the domain of the Nyaminyami, the River God of the Tonga people and is the ‘highway’ for the rafts and offer some of the most adrenaline fueled white water rafting in the world.

ZIPLINING, CANOPY TOURS & BUNGY JUMPING
Imagine the Adrenalin rush traveling a speed of 106 km’s hurtling 425 m across the gorge, while suspended 120 m above the Zambezi water below! If this Zipline is too intense for you, embark on the Canopy Tour where you will be able to see the riverine forest from a whole new perspective or be a risk taker and leap off a 111m high bridge.