Simalaha Conservancy & Victoria Falls

After arriving at Livingstone Airport you will be greeted with a friendly smile by a member of the Simalaha horse safari team. Your journey to the Chundukwa River Lodge is approximately 35 minutes by car. Take in the sights of the rural Zambian countryside and local communities along the way. After a break at Chundukwa River Lodge with some light refreshments, you’ll head to the Mombova Harbour for your first river safari. From the comfort of a riverboat, you will travel 1.5 hours upstream to the Simalaha Conservancy. Doug’s horses and safari guides will meet you at the river’s edge to take you the final distance into camp on horseback. Then you enjoy your first tasty dinner and watch the beautiful African sunset before settling down for the night. It’s an incredible start to your adventure! Overnight Simalaha Camp.

After enjoying a tasty and fresh breakfast at camp, you will head out on your first full day of riding to see wildlife from the saddle in the Simalaha Conservancy. Hosted by stable owner and guide, Doug Evans, he will show you the ropes as you explore the area, before returning to camp for lunch and a siesta. The afternoon ride will follow the Baobab route, where you will see the magnificent Baobab trees, also known as Africa’s ‘tree of life’. Even on horseback, you’ll feel dwarfed by these giants! Your guides will tell you all about how the fruits and flowers are used to make local delicacies and medicines. In the evening you will be served a delicious dinner at sunset before settling down for the night in your safari tent.

Today you will get to discover another part of the Simalaha conservancy and get a different view of the wildlife. For a privileged insight into the local community, a trip to Monde’s Village is on offer. Monde will invite you into her traditional home and tell you first-hand what the community has done to support the conservancy. You may even learn a few local beer brewing techniques! Enjoy another delightful dinner back at camp, and for those looking to sleep under the stars, you have the option to stay on a luxury bedroll to view the spectacular African sky in all its nighttime glory.

After breakfast at camp, you will have a long ride along the edge of the river. Take in the incredible sights of local herds of Zebra, antelope and wildebeest along the way and meet local fishermen in traditional dugout canoes called “makoros”. After your safari river ride, relax and watch the sun go down with a dip in the pool and treat yourself to a gin and tonic.

Canter across the plains on the last ride of your Simalaha camp stay. After lunch, say goodbye to your trusty steeds before heading to the Chundukwa River Lodge, where you will check into your luxury riverside lodge. Enjoy a relaxing evening and delicious dinner and watch the sun go down over the magnificent Zambezi before putting your head down for the night.

Wake up with the sun from your eco-luxe chalet and peer out over the magnificent Zambezi River, place of the wild. Sit back and watch the River come to life with colours, sights & sounds. Today you will take a rest from riding to go on a day trip to visit the infamous Victoria Falls or other local sights. A local guide will take you in a private vehicle to the destinations of your choice, including museums, markets, historical town tours and more. You could even try the local cuisine or get a handmade dress from the local tailor. Your helpful hosts at Chundukwa will assist you with planning your day. Please note that the entry to Victoria Falls is not included in the stay rates, this is paid directly to the guide.

Named after the Scottish Explorer, Dr David Livingstone. Livingstone’s culture and history is intriguing – as is evidenced by the arts and craft producers, museums, colonial architecture, traditional village life, local food and the general African lifestyle. History lovers will find Livingstone alive. Many buildings from the first decade of the century are still in use. The town has preserved much of its colonial character but is a typical African town with a bustling charm. Rich in scenery and heritage, Livingstone today has become the tourist heart of Zambia. We welcome you to the city of heritage and culture!

• Walk over Knife Edge Bridge and experience an incredible view of Victoria Falls
• Swim on the edge at Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island
• Take your time to catch a “moonbow” when the moon is full, the sky is clear and Victoria Falls are at their peak flow, huge rainbows appear through the mist at night. The light of the moon is refracted through the spray that rises from the base of the falls.Visit the rescued elephants at the Elephant Café
• Experience the World’s Best One Day White-Water Rafting!
• Take the “Flight of the Angels” by helicopter or microlight
• Visit the Livingstone Museum which has an impressive gallery of the adventures of David Livingstone, including original letters, pictures and gear.

Enjoy a free day for any of the activities offered at Chundukwa Lodge. Whether you fancy a river cruise at sunrise or sunset, a morning fishing or want to go mountain biking, the choice is yours. If you want to get back in the saddle, there’s the option to include an hour and a half trail ride here too, or chat to Dough about putting your Polo skills to the test! For those who want to connect with the local community, visit the nearby village and community project. To embrace the Chundukwa riverside surroundings, a guided wilderness walk or bird watching might be of interest. You are welcome to book and pay for as many activities as you like, please note that guests staying at Chundukwa for three days or more will have one complimentary activity per day included in their stay.

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be taken to the airport for your flight back home or onwards. For those that have an afternoon flight, you’re welcome to add on extra activities or enjoy some last time soaking up the sunshine at the lodge before your departure.

For those wishing to extend their stay in Africa, how about exploring more of what Zambia has to offer, or head to one of the neighbouring countries to destinations such as Hwange or the Okavango Delta?

Non-riders are welcome to join their partners and friends on a riding safari – there are few roads on the conservancy but there is the option for some ‘light’ safari experiences and exploration/game viewing on the conservancy. Activities such as meeting up with the riders for sundowners/picnics on the plains or whatever the activities will be for the day. When it is a group booking novice riders will have the opportunity to return to camp with a second guide if they wish if the more experienced riders want to push on. The Simalaha conservancy is a beautiful place to take long walks with or without a horse for company, use our eco bikes and ride or walk the Baobab trail and visit with us to the villages. Bird watching, boat cruises and fishing on the Zambezi River can also be arranged at additional cost. Visitors may simply want to sink into the insatiable peacefulness of the place, put their feet up and read a good book and enjoy an occasional dip in our eco-pool.