Adventure riding holiday in Victoria Falls

3 nights: From USD $2109 pp sharing

A STAY IN VICTORIA FALLS OFFERS GREAT HORSE RIDING, LUXURY ACCOMMODATION & UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

This tailormade adventure holiday is the perfect accompaniment to a trip to see one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable experience! You have the chance to follow ride through game-rich private game reserves, following trails made by wildlife and ensuring these wilderness areas are protected for years to come.

Plus Victoria Falls is known as the adventure capital of Africa, and we’ve created a package to include game drives, sunset boat cruises, a visit to the Wildlife Trust and of course a tour of the falls. There are also some incredible activities you can add on, such as zip lining, helicopter flights, canopy tours and more.

We have partnered with Alison Baker, who not only runs trail rides in this incredible area, but also heads the Impi Horseback Anti-poaching unit. You will also get to explore the Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Parks, and ride along the gorge overlooking the Zambezi River. For those who are interested, you can join the anti-poaching unit out on patrol and get first-hand experience of what it takes to protect these wild places.

We offer packages to suit every budget and can tailor-make them depending on your expectations and availability. Choose between an intimate retreat on a private game reserve, a luxury lodge along the riverbanks or a combination of both. Many of the lodges we use also include activities such as game drives and sunset cruises. There are daily transfers to Victoria Falls Town, where you can not only explore the falls themselves but embark on a myriad of adrenaline-fueled adventures.

DATES AND RATES

Open all year round. Please enquire for exact dates and availability.

2023 RATES

4-NIGHT SIGNATURE SAFARI: 2 NIGHTS ELEPHANT CAMP + 2 NIGHTS OLD DRIFT

Low season: 11 Jan – 31 Mar / 01 Nov – 20 Dec

From USD $2964 per person sharing

High season: 01 Apr – 31 Oct / 21 Dec – 11 Jan 2024

From USD $3428 per person sharing


3-NIGHT STAY – THE WALLOW

Low season: 11 Jan – 31 Mar / 01 Nov – 20 Dec 2023

From USD $2109 per person sharing

High season: 01 Apr – 31 Oct / 21 Dec – 11 Jan 2024

From USD $2481 per person sharing


4-NIGHT STAY – THE WALLOW

Low season: 11 Jan – 31 Mar / 01 Nov – 20 Dec 2023

From USD $2776 per person sharing

High season: 01 Apr – 31 Oct / 21 Dec – 11 Jan 2024

From USD $3112 per person sharing


4-NIGHT PACKAGE – URSULAS HOMESTEAD

Low season: 01 Nov 2022 – 31 Mar 2023 / 01 Nov 2023 – 03 Jan 2024

From USD $2924 per person sharing

High season: 01 Apr – 31 Oct 2023

From USD $3004 per person sharing


3-NIGHT PACKAGE – STANLEY LIVINGSTONE

Green season: 01 Sep – 03 Jan 2023

From USD $3180 per person sharing

Low season: 04 Jan – 31 Mar 2023

From USD $3600 per person sharing

Mid-season: 01 Nov – 03 Jan 2024

From USD $3690 per person sharing

High season: 01 Apr – 31 Oct 2023

From USD $4020 per person sharing

2024 RATES

4-NIGHT SIGNATURE SAFARI: 2 NIGHTS ELEPHANT CAMP + 2 NIGHTS OLD DRIFT

Low season: 11 Jan – 31 Mar / 01 Nov – 20 Dec

From USD $2637 per person sharing + USD $150 conservation fees

Mid Season: 01 April – 30 June

From USD $3224 per person sharing + USD $150 conservation fees

High season: 01 July – 31 Oct / 21 Dec – 11 Jan 2024

From USD $3377 per person sharing + USD $150 conservation fees


3-NIGHT STAY – THE WALLOW

Low season: 11 Jan – 31 Mar / 01 Nov – 20 Dec

From USD $2268 per person sharing + USD $175 conservation fees

Mid Season: 01 April – 30 June

From USD $2607 per person sharing + USD $175 conservation fees

High season: 01 July – 31 Oct / 21 Dec – 11 Jan 2024

From USD $2670 per person sharing + USD $175 conservation fees

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Includes

  • Accommodation
  • All Breakfasts, 1 Bush Dinner
  • 3 / 4 / 5 days of riding depending on ride and time of year
  • Expert guides to accompany you on your trip
  • Game drive in the private game reserve
  • Concierge at Ursula’s Homestead to arrange additional activities
  • Airport transfers and transfers to Victoria Falls Town

Excludes

  • Single Supplement – between USD200 – USD620 if no other riders booked
  • Meals not mentioned above
  • Drinks when not out on the trail
  • Conservation Fees – US$40 / US$60
  • Victoria Falls Entry Fee – US$30
  • Entry visa into Zimbabwe
  • International flights
  • Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

QUICK FACTS

Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Airport: Victoria Falls International Airport
Month: Open All Year
Duration: 3/4 Nights
Group Size: Max 6
Skill Level: Intermediate Plus & above
Weight Limit: 90kg / 200lbs
Accommodation: Lodge / Tented Camp
VIEW GALLERY
3 nights: From USD $2109 pp sharing

SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS

  • Beginner
  • Novice
  • Intermediate
  • Intermediate Plus
  • Advanced
WHAT RIDING LEVEL AM I?

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Travel in the footsteps of David Livingstone; astride a four-legged friend and explore the African wilderness without the sound of an engine
  • The chance to ride alongside wildlife and learn more about mounted anti-poaching in Africa
  • Tracking giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and elephant on horseback and learning about their conservation
  • The opportunity to visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls
  • Excellent activities to compliment your riding; such as night game drives, bird-watching, bush meals and activities surrounding the Falls

TOUR REVIEWS

Alison was an expert at navigating us through the dense bush and dynamic landscape. She used her expertise in anti-poaching to safely get us close to wild animals, even ones who had never seen a horse before. The riding was ever changing, always something to see or somewhere to go. She had great knowledge of the landscape and would change our rides up if we weren’t seeing animals. We were up before the sun and would ride until after it set. The team would also consistently show me tracks, markings, bones, bugs, snares or something interesting. It was very educational and I learned a lot. The horses were fantastic, in great shape and brave as can be. I was able to ride 3 different horses while I was there which really added to the experience.

Aja DZambezi Horse Safari in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
READ MORE REVIEWS

YOUR ITINERARY

There are no set routes, so you get to explore an area seldom marked by anything but animal tracks. Enjoy long canters on sure-footed safari horses, weaving along the animal tracks or along the edge of the river. Take in the sounds of the bush on quieter walks as you approach the water holes or river edge, your heart beating in anticipation at what you might find. You might get lucky enough to see herds of elephants drinking and playing in the water, buffalo grazing in the long grass, or warthogs wallowing in the grey mud!

Note that with the dense brush, you might not get as close to wildlife as you can in other areas in Africa. This is very much a scenic ride with the chance to see wildlife and learn about the importance of the mounted antipoaching units in this unique ecosystem.

This is a sample itinerary for the 4 night Signature Safari:

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND EVENING RIDE

Upon arrival, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to The Elephant Camp. Over tea, coffee or cocktails, you will have a safety briefing and horses will be allocated according to abilities and preferences. Included in your stay is an elephant conservation walk, where you’ll get to meet the local herd and hear their special history. 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. The Elephant Camp is situated on a private concession which is open to the Victoria Falls National Park. 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.

DAY 2: VICTORIA FALLS & GORGE RIDE

After breakfast, you’ll have a transfer to Victoria Falls town and explore the rainforests and the wonders of the Falls. 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! You can also do various other experiences, 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!

In the afternoon you’ll have an informative visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to learn about their important work in the area. Then mount up for a sunset ride along the gorge where you’ll be served cocktails and canapes. With the mist of the falls in the distance, the narrow trails along the gorge offer incredible views! Cantering back to the lodge in the warm evening glow is a thrilling feeling! Enjoy dinner overlooking the waterhole, watching the wildlife coming to drink before heading to your own private oasis. Fall asleep to the sound of the bush, dreaming of the adventures ahead!

DAY 3: MORNING RIDE & RIVER CRUISE

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before mounting up for a long morning ride. Heading for the river you will ride across diverse habitats including grasslands, forests and rivers which are the idyllic environments for scenic game-viewing experiences. Depending on the season you may see elephant, buffalo, kudu, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, banded mongoose and warthog. As this area is close to humans, and poaching occurs often, you will not ride close to the elephants, but rather find ways to view them from afar. Remember, no wildlife is guaranteed – your ride is more about riding in an amazing wilderness area.

Traverse rugged hills with stunning views and open vleis bordered by magnificent trees. You’ll be fascinated by the rich animal life, from the smallest insects to the largest elephants. You will also learn many of the traditional uses of plants and trees, basic principles of tracking, and aspects of traditional village life. Your ride will end at the banks of the Zambezi River where you’ll say goodbye to the horses and board a boat to Old Drift Lodge. This evening you have the choice to have an evening game drive in the Zambezi National Park or head out on a sunset boat cruise! Then enjoy drinks overlooking the river and a decadent meal. Fall asleep to the sound of the hippos wallowing in the river below.

DAY 4: OLD DRIFT LODGE

This morning, head off early on a morning game drive in the Zambezi National Park. This reserve is home to a variety of incredible wildlife, including herds of elephants, giraffe, buffalo and even big cats. Come back to the lodge for a well deserved breakfast and then you have the choice to relax at the lodge or head out and do additional activities in the area. How about a helicopter flight?

Spending some time in your own room, overlooking the river, you’ll often see incredible wildlife from your private deck. Perhaps even have elephants come to drink from your pool! Depending on what you wish to do, you can have an afternoon game drive through the reserve, or head out on a sunset boat cruise. You have complete freedom to choose what you wish to do.

DAY 5: DEPARTURE

Rising with the sun you will head out to meet the horses for a morning ride through beautiful scenery, keeping an eye out for game. Alternatively, enjoy a last game drive, or even savour the chance to sleep in. After returning to the lodge for brunch and a quick shower, you will bid a sad farewell to your guides, before being transferred to the airport for your flight home on onwards to your next destination.

VISIT THE FALLS (INCLUDED FOR ALL PACKAGES)

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.

THE IMPI ANTI-POACHING UNIT

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

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.

ACTIVITES AROUND VICTORIA FALLS

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.

THE ACCOMMODATION

Your stay is tailor-made to your expectations with 3 and 4 nights stays offered at The Wallow and Ursula’s Homestead, and the 4/ 6night Signature Safari combining Elephant Camp and Old Drift Lodge.

The Wallow

The Wallow Lodge is situated in a private game reserve, peacefully nestled in the heart of the Victoria Falls National Park. The tented camp is set along the banks of the Masuwe River, surrounded by 4,500 acres of wilderness that stretches into the horizon, where a cloud of mist from the ‘Mosi-Au-Tunya’ commands the skyline. Sixteen suites are thoughtfully placed to capture the best views of the bush and you’ll often see wildlife come to the river to drink. 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.

Elephant Camp

Set on a private concession with spectacular views of the mists rising over the majestic Victoria Falls and the steeply carved gorges of the Zambezi River, The Elephant Camp is an intimate luxury lodge under canvas. 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. Shared guest areas include spacious decks as well as a cosy lounge, bar and dining area. Here you can have an elephant walk with the habituated rescue elephants that call this sanctuary home.

Old Drift Lodge

Sprawling on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the Zambezi National Park, 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. Explore the magnificence of your surroundings and relax beside the tranquility of the river. Activities include fascinating morning and afternoon game drives, and river safaris.

THE DESTINATION

Victoria Falls

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 free-falling water with a 108m drop to the gorge floor.

The areas that you will ride include the game-rich Stanely and Livingstone Private Game Reserve, Victoria Falls National Park and Zambezi National Park. The two national parks are not fenced and therefore wildlife roams freely through these areas, making for some excellent sightings. The landscapes vary from thick bush to craggy hills and grassy plains, making excellent riding terrain. Longer rides take you to the reaches of the Zambezi River which so entranced David Livingstone when he first travelled downstream to the Falls.

HOW WE CARE FOR OUR HORSES

Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. Our horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:

  • Saddles are checked regularly and tack cleaned daily
  • Horses have dedicated rest days each week are rotated to ensure they are fit and ready all year round
  • Our horses spend days outside in a herd environment, allowing them to live as naturally as possible and sleep in stables at night

Please let us know if you have any more questions about this.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A HORSE SAFARI

Fill in the form on our website/social media describing your dream African Horse Safari

A Horse Safari Specialists will get in touch to help you plan the perfect escape

Confirm your ride and dates by paying your deposit

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