Zambezi Horse Trails prides itself on the quality of its horses. Experienced riders only ride the horses used on these rides. They are either thoroughbred, part bred or Arab, varying between 14.2 - 17.2 hands. Every attempt is made to suit horse and rider.

Each horse is individually saddled, with McClellan, general purpose or Australian stock saddles being used. Clients wishing to bring their own equipment or with special requests should please advise in advance, and we will try to accommodate them within reason.

All clients undertaking a full day or multi day ride must have extensive riding experience and should be fit. If clients have not ridden for a year or two, we recommend they do some riding before they arrive in Victoria Falls. Under no circumstances will an inexperienced rider be allowed to do one of these rides, as all of the riding is in a dangerous game area. For the same reason NO CHILDREN under the age of 16 may do a full or multi-day ride.

Clients will not be expected to feed, groom or saddle their horses. Zambezi Horse Trails employs experienced grooms, who always look after the horses themselves.

Clients will be riding for about 6 - 7 hours a day, stopping to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush. The pace of the ride varies according to terrain, and wildlife in the area. The rides run through terrain which varies considerably from magnificent teak forest to sweeping views across the Zambezi Valley. There is a wide variety of game in this area, including elephant, sable and giraffe. Buffalo are frequently seen and there are usually magnificent kudu sightings. The varied plant communities attract a wide variety of birds as well.

Two day Horse Safari

Day 1: You will be collected from your hotel or lodge at about 5.30 - 6.30 am, depending on the weather and the time of the year. Tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits will be served in the stable gardens while you watch the early morning sun colouring the spray of the Victoria Falls. Alison will talk to each rider, to ensure that everyone is matched to the most suitable horse.

After a brief orientation and safety talk we will move off with our guides. As the stables adjoin Victoria Falls National Park, game viewing often starts in the stableyard with last night's elephant tracks. The morning will be spent exploring this game area which includes the Zambezi River, the National Park and the game corridor.

We will meet the back-up vehicle for a picnic, served on the banks of the Zambezi while the grooms cool down and feed our horses. In the afternoon we will explore the magnificent Batoka Gorge and ride across ancient teak-forested dunes, up the Masuie River. By late afternoon we will reach the waterholes below Mungongo Lodge in time to watch zebra and other species move down for their evening drink. After an exhilarating gallop through the Panda Masuie Forest we will arrive in camp.

The evening may be spent relaxing by the fire reminiscing over the days events or on a night drive, for the opportunity to see those nocturnal animals rarely seen by day. This will be a long day's ride. The night will be spent at Mungongo Lodge.

Day 2: After a farm breakfast we will ride through the magnificent teak forests and open vleis tracking zebra, giraffe and elephant. We will either spend the day exploring Woodlands Estate, or ride across the Kalahari Sand Escarpment, returning to the stables in the late afternoon. A picnic lunch will be served on safari.

Four day Horse Safari

Day 1: as above

Day 2: We will have a more leisurely ride on the second day - leaving Mungongo Lodge after breakfast. Although we will not be riding for so long - there will be plenty of opportunities for long canters through teak forests. We will spend time exploring Mungongo private estate before descending on to the magnificent vleis and valleys of Woodlands Safari Area. We will either ride directly to the Woodlands Safari Camp for a late lunch or have a picnic lunch on the estate.

The length and pace of the ride will be set according to clients' inclination. Overnight at Woodlands Camp.

Days 3 and 4: With plenty of the Estate to explore - we will ride through different areas. We will probably have a more leisurely lunch at Woodlands Camp, with a sunset ride into Mungongo camp or Jafuta Lodge for our last night on Safari. The last day of all safaris will be spent riding back through Victoria Falls National Park, exploring the superb game areas along the Zambezi River.

Mungongo Lodge

Situated on its own 1000 hectare unfenced estate bordering onto National Park and Forest Land, the camp is situated high on a forested ridge, overlooking its own waterhole, with magnificent views across the Masuie Valley.

Accommodation is in comfortable twin bedded safari tents in each fitted with ensuite flush toilet and open air shower (with hot and cold water). There is a thatched gazebo and dining areas. The camp is relaxed and friendly with the emphasis on personal service.

Woodlands Safari Camp

Situated on the edge of Kalahari Sand ridge Woodlands is a luxurious tented camp overlooking a waterhole. Accommodation is in large Kenya style tents under thatch. All tents have ensuite showers with hot and cold water and flushing toilets. Owned by Larry & Shirley Cumming, the 30 000 acre private estate is totally unfenced and borders on to the Zambezi National Park, Panda Masuie Forest Area and Matetsi Safari Area.

Six day Horse Safari

Day 1: as per above with the first night spent at Munongo Camp. Game to be seen includes Elephants, Buffalo and a wide variety of antelope.

Day 2: After a full English breakfast we go for a long morning ride, exploring the 950 hectares of Munongo Estate with a chance of finding giraffe, zebra, elephant and buffalo. The teak forest escarpment and open bushveld provide opportunities to canter or just explore.

Return to camp for a late lunch. The afternoon may be spent resting with an option of an evening walk down to the waterhole. A night drive will provide opportunities to view cats and the more elusive species seldom seen by day.

Day 3: In the early afternoon we will ride to the Elephant fly camp where you will be introduced to the elephant before nightfall. Dinner will be around a campfire with the elephant close by. After early morning tea you will watch a training programme, followed by an Elephant Back Safari and a bush brunch. We will return to Munungo Camp on horseback for an evening ride and a night drove. Night spent at Munungo.

Day 4: An early morning start will take up for a long days riding up to Dizangombo tented camp, exploring the magnificent Kalahari woodland and vleis of Fuller forest areas night spent at Dizamgumbe Camp.

Day 5: From here you will either ride on to Waterford Lodge, or strike out across vlei and forest to Jafuta Lodge. Overlooking its own waterhole, Jafuta Lodge is set in the heart of the forestry estate, with dramatic views across open grassland. A swimming pool on the viewing deck provides opportunities to relax and cool off.

Day 6: We will ride back towards the Zambezi crossing over Kalahari sand dunes and escarpments along the borders of Chamabondo National Park down to the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls National Park. A picnic lunch will be served enroute and you will explore the shaded banks of the Zambezi, returning to camp in the late afternoon.

As this is a circular ride Zambezi Horse Trails may choose to ride out by this route and return via Batoka Gorge. Lodges will be the same. Please note that any variation in route or camps will be only to increase the value and quality of the safari and always in the clients best interest. Cost will remain the same.

On any day and at any camp there are plenty of opportunities for game viewing, and each day's riding includes a wide variety of magnificent scenery

- Please note that clients wishing to omit the Elephant Fly Camp could do so, and spend an extra night at Dizangombo, or elsewhere.
- At certain times of the year Woodlands Safari Camp may be available - and staying here is a superb game viewing experience. We will use this camp as an alternative option when possible.
- A 5 day 4 night safari would either end at Dizangombo, or omit this camp and spend the last night at Jafuta, with a day's ride back to Victoria Falls - the best game viewing option really. Wherever we do decide to alter the route of the safari or the camps used it will always be an `upgrade` and in the clients best interests.

Additional notes for the multi-day safaris

Meals on safari

Coffee, tea, fruit juice and biscuits are served at the start of the ride. Lunch on both days is served in the bush and consists of salads, cold meats, cheese, fruit and cold drinks. Dinners will be at the Lodge or Tented Camp your are booked at. Please advise in advance if your clients have any special dietary requirements or allergies.

Accommodation on safari

Accommodation will be at a Lodge or Tented Camp, depending on availability at the time of booking. These will be situated around the area the horse trail takes place.

Client requirements

Please note that rates are inclusive of all rides, meals, transfers and drinks, we would, however, like to know of any food or drink preferences in advance so we can make sure it's in camp.

All safari clothing should be dull coloured - no white or bright colours. Cotton is preferable.

· Jeans /trousers - whatever you're comfortable riding in, - 2 pairs.
· Jeans for evenings - 1 pair.
· Short sleeved cotton shirts x 2.
· Long sleeved cotton shirts x 2 light weight for sun protection.
· Drizabone or similar lightweight waterproof riding coat.
· Shorts & T - shirts.
· Swimming costume.
· 1 or 2 warm jerseys / fleeces.
· Money belt to carry cash , small camera & sun block when riding .
· Sunglasses.
· Sun hat & peak cap.
· Camera - small SLR camera is best when you 're riding.
· Trainers / short boots (long boots are too hot)
· Trainers / sandals for in camp.
· Chaps or half chaps - optional.
· Riding gloves - optional.
· Plenty of Sun block - the stronger the better.
· Insect repellent.
· Malaria pills - this is a malaria area.
· Any personal medication.

Please note that it can be very cold at night and in the early mornings, in winter -June - July - especially but will always be hot during the day - so layers of clothing are always the best.

All camps are fully equipped with sheets , towels , blankets - and real beds! Laundry may be done in camp.

Cancellation fees

All safaris must be prebooked - any cancellations within 30 days of the trip are subject to a 100% cancellation fee