INTRODUCTION
A great opportunity to combine a wilderness experience in Kafue NP and the unique Horse Back Safari in a non-predator nature conservancy.
This tour combines a wildlife experience stay in the Kafue National Park followed by a three day horse back safari tour in a non predator remote nature conservancy and the finale, a stay on a farm lodge on the banks of the Zambezi and a visit to the Victoria Falls.
All riders must be competent in the saddle for long periods and have experience of trekking, cross country eventing and general horsemanship - this is not for beginners to horse riding.
It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers horse back riding, many do not cover you without a supplement.
Key locations in Zambia
Kafue National Park:
Kafue National Park, one of Africa's largest and most diverse national parks, spans an impressive 22,400 square kilometres. Located in western Zambia, Kafue offers a wild and pristine safari experience, boasting rich wildlife, varied landscapes, and fewer tourists compared to more famous parks.
The Simalaha Conservancy
The Simalaha Conservancy forms part of the KAZA Transfrontier - the largest transfrontier conservation area in the world. Simalaha means “come together” and is the brainchild of the late Chief Inyambo Yeta.
In 2013, supported by Peace Parks, a wildlife sanctuary measuring 180,000 ha was established, forming the Simalaha Wildlife & Community Conservancy. More than 3000 animals have been rewilded here, including the endemic red lechwe. You can expect to see 21 species of wildlife on the plains. This does not include big predators such as lion and leopard. Because there are no predators, riders can enjoy the freedom by spreading out and not having to ride single-file.
Victoria Falls & Mosi oa Tunya National Park:
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, home to the famous Victoria Falls, is located in the southern part of Zambia near the town of Livingstone. The name "Mosi-oa-Tunya" means "The Smoke That Thunders," a fitting description for the awe-inspiring waterfall. This region offers a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination in Zambia.
This tour is tour combines the remote wildlife experience of a camp in Kafue National Park and then the unique experience of a horse back safari and then finally the wonder's of the Victoria Falls and its surrounds before heading home. Please check out below and the itinerary for more information.
When to Visit for this specific tour.
July to November
The tour will only be available for the period of July to November due to accessibility of some of your locations and weather conditions for the horses.
Riding Policy - Strict Adherence
Riding Skills:
The horse back safaris are best suited for Intermediate to Experienced Riders.
For the riding safari, you need to be riding fit, confident & competent. Riders will be asked to fill out a form detailing their riding experience.
Novice to Intermediate Riders - we will accommodate riders of all abilities if a small group ( 8 persons) books out the camp on an exclusive-use basis. We would encourage beginner riders to consider Chundukwa Horse Trails at Chundukwa River Lodge.
Weight Restriction
Kindly advise us if you weigh over 95kg. You will be contacted by the operator to discuss your riding experience, so suitable horses can be selected for each person.
Riding Equipment
It is essential to take your own riding hat, chaps and gloves. A full list of recommended riding gear and clothing for your stay will be sent, which may change dependent on the month of your horse safari.
Where You Will Be Staying
Your comfort is our priority, and we have selected the value-for-money accommodations for your stay for all our tours.
You will be staying in a mid range lodge in Kafue which we be flexible as far as upgrading your stay.
When on the Horse back safari you will be in Safari tents with private facilities and solar lighting and power.
As part of the package you will also be staying at Chundukwa Lodge, which is linked to the horse back safari and so cannot be changed but they do have some excellent rooms, all with private facilities.
Please see the itinerary for the names of your accommodation the tour is based upon.
Itinerary
This safari tour gives you four days in Kafue National Park, three full days riding on a horse back safari and two days back near Livingstone to experience the Victoria Falls and other activities and of course time to relax.
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
Arrival at Lusaka, Zambia’s capital.
Check-in: After your transfer from the airport check in at the Southern Sun hotel for.
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast.
Evening: Leisure time after the long flights from the UK. Evening meal at the hotel is not included.
Day 2: Departure for Kafue
Morning: After breakfast you will be transferred overland to Nanzhila Lake Camp in Southern Kafue. The journey time will be 5 - 6 hours depending on traffic and stops duration.
The focus of Lake Camp is exploring the Southern Kafue wildlife that is found around Lake Itezhi-tezhi. Here, the mega herbivores like elephant, buffalo and hippo are more common than down on the Plains and so the incredible diversity and variety that Nanzhila is known for delivering simply gets broader with the addition of Lake Camp. In addition to the variety of species, the open floodplains and shorelines around the edges of Lake Itezhi-tezhi make for a stunning wildlife experience.
Afternoon: At around 1600 you will be met by your guide and taken into the park for the evening sunset and night game drive. Around sunset there will be a stop for sundowners whilst the sun sets over the landscape.
Evening: Dinner at Lodge excluding drinks.
Meal Plan: All food and activities are included, drinks are extra.
Day 3: Kafue National Park - Musa River and Lake Itezhi-tezhi
Morning: After a early snack, your driver will take you for a four hour game drive into the park. When you return you will be able to have a brunch and a relaxing swim in the eco pool.
Afternoon: At around 1600 you will be met by your guide and taken into the park for the evening sunset and night game drive. Around sunset there will be a stop for sundowners whilst the sun sets over the landscape.
Evening: Dinner at lodge excluding drinks.
Day 4: From the Lake to the Plains
Nanzhila Plains Camp is an intimate owner-managed lodge situated on the edge of the a dambo in the southern section of Kafue National Park. It has 2 en-suite safari tents and 3 en-suite chalets all of which have beautiful views of the dambo and the gauzed windows allowing all the wonderful sounds of the African night to reach you clearly!
Morning: After a early snack, you embark on your morning game drive, on returning you can have some brunch and then check out for your three hour overland transfer to Nanzhila Plains Camp.
Afternoon: On arrival depending on your journey, you will be able to take a night game drive.
Evening: Dinner at lodge excluding drinks.
Day 5: Kafue Plains
Nanzhila Plains provides visitors the opportunity to sight 4 out of the Big 5 including lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo. You also stand a chance of sighting other special wildlife species such as cheetah, wild dog, hyena, zebra and warthog.
Morning: A early start for your morning game drive and then a return to the lodge for a brunch and rest before your afternoon game drive.
Afternoon: At around 1600 you will be met by your guide and taken out for the evening sunset and night game drive. Around sunset there will be a stop for sundowners whilst the sun sets over the landscape.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge excluding drinks
Day 6: Kafue Plains
A final full day in the Kafue region.
Morning: Enjoy a early morning departure on a game drive or if you prefer maybe take a walking safari . On your return you can relax and recharge.
Afternoon: At 1600 you will be met by your private guide and taken into the park for the evening sunset and night game drive. Around sunset there will be a stop for sundowners whilst the sun sets over the landscape.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge excluding drinks.
Day 7: Kafue to the Zambezi River
Morning: Enjoy a later breakfast this morning, check out and transfer overland across the countryside overland for your next destination - Livingstone.
This will be a five hour journey with stops with a direct transfer to Chikundwa River Lodge for your overnight before heading out on your horse back safari.
Afternoon: On arrival relax in your room or take a dip in the small pool on site, followed by a sundowner as the sun sets over the Zambezi River.
Evening: Dinner with drinks selection included - house wine, beers, soft drinks, tea, coffee and water.
Day 8: Livingstone to The Simalaha Conservancy
Three transport modes today - overland by road, river boat and finally horse back.
Morning: Depart after breakfast for departure for Zambian Horseback Safaris. Your journey starts with a 40 minute road transfer to a small African harbour called Mambova. Local villagers and fishermen trade their daily catch here and it is a kaleidoscope of colour, noise, children, goats and chickens! By this stage you are firmly off the tourist circuit in a beautiful remote part of Africa.
We continue our journey by river! This magical boat journey takes you upstream on Africa's fourth largest river - the mighty Zambezi. This trip is an adventure itself and a highlight for all guests! You can expect to see hippos, crocodiles, local fisherman in their traditional dugouts called mokoros, local cattle grazing on the riverbanks and beautiful, remote village scenes. (Make sure you have your riding gear onboard as we shall be jumping straight onto a horse when we get there.) After two hours on the river, look out for our horses, saddled and waiting on the riverbank. It’s time to ride! Doug is in charge of horsing riders.
Afternoon: Doug will ascertain the best horses for your experience with us and you ride to the camp with your luggage following you to camp.
Please ensure you have your riding gear to hand on arrival.
Your safari tent awaits with private facilities on arrival.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge including local local beers and wines.
Day 9: Horse back safari
Every day will be spent exploring the Simalaha Wilderness on horseback, an area of epic significance – 180,000 km² of raw wilderness – a place to immerse oneself in the vast plains; gently approaching and appreciating huge herds of wildlife, mopane forests, giant and ancient baobab trees, the life-giving Zambezi River and the people that call this land home – Lozi people who go about their day to day lives between the riverbanks and their homesteads, moving their cattle along the Riverbeds and fishing for their families on the river.
Morning: You start each day before dawn at Zambian Horseback Safaris, with your choice of tea or coffee and a light breakfast before setting off in search of wildlife and adventure. You watch the sunrise each morning from horseback, a magnificent tradition that the guides love to share with their guests!
Afternoon: After a light lunch you resume your horse back safari.
Each day will slightly differ, the route will be determined by Doug with the best interests of the group of riders and where the wildlife concentrations are.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local local beers and wines.
Day 10: Horse back safari
Morning: You start each day before dawn at Zambian Horseback Safaris, with your choice of tea or coffee and a light breakfast before setting off in search of wildlife and adventure. You watch the sunrise each morning from horseback, a magnificent tradition that the guides love to share with their guests!
Afternoon: After a light lunch you resume your horse back safari.
Each day will slightly differ, the route will be determined by Doug with the best interests of the group of riders and where the wildlife concentrations are.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local local beers and wines.
Day 11: Horse back safari
------------------------------------------------
Morning: You start each day before dawn at Zambian Horseback Safaris, with your choice of tea or coffee and a light breakfast before setting off in search of wildlife and adventure. You watch the sunrise each morning from horseback, a magnificent tradition that the guides love to share with their guests!
Afternoon: After a light lunch you resume your horse back safari.
Each day will slightly differ, the route will be determined by Doug with the best interests of the group of riders and where the wildlife concentrations are.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local local beers and wines.
Day 12: Time to head back down river to Livingstone
--------------------------------------------------
Morning: This morning, enjoy a final opportunity to canter across the plains, and enjoy the sunrise and wildlife before your return journey to Livingstone. You will depart by river to Mambova Harbour and then by road to Chundukwa River Lodge.
Afternoon: On arrival relax and reflect on what you have seen and done so far. Enjoy a sun downer on the river side.
Evening: Dinner at the camp including local local beers and wines.
Day 13: Zambezi River, Victoria Falls and Livingstone
---------------------------------------------------When staying at the Chundukwa Lodge, you have included with your stay one activity per day and so there are suggestions but now is the time to relax more and enjoy their peaceful environment.
Other activities include and if more than one choice per day then a locally payable surcharge with be due.
Horse Riding (1h30)
A beautiful sunrise or sunset cruise (1h30-2hrs)
Zambezi lunchtime floating picnic (2hrs)
Accompanied bushwalk (1hr)
A mountain bike tour (1h30)
Morning: After breakfast.
Choice of activity:
You may choose one of the following experiences with our compliments – per day!
1 x Victoria Falls Day Trip per stay.
Horse Riding (1h30)
A beautiful sunrise or sunset cruise (1h30-2hrs).
Zambezi lunchtime floating picnic (2hrs).
Accompanied bushwalk (1hr).
A mountain bike tour (1h30).
Afternoon: Choice of activity.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge including local beers and wine options.
Day 14: Zambezi River, Victoria Falls and Livingstone
--------------------------------------------------
Your final full day at Chundukwa and so either you can take one of the in house activities or we can arrange to take you out to one of the communities to see how Zambian life is in this region of the country and / or other activities which can be discussed as some are very expensive options, especially for families and some have age restrictions.
Morning: You may choose one of the following experiences with our compliments – per day!
1 x Victoria Falls Day Trip per stay.
Horse Riding (1h30).
A beautiful sunrise or sunset cruise (1h30-2hrs).
Zambezi lunchtime floating picnic (2hrs).
Accompanied bushwalk (1hr).
A mountain bike tour (1h30).
Afternoon: Choice of activity.
Evening: Dinner at the lodge including local beers and wine options.
Day 15: Livingstone to Lusaka and homeward bound
Either travel back to Lusaka and make a direct connection with your international flight or we can arrange for you to spend one more night in Lusaka before leaving Zambia at leisure the next day
Morning: After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your Proflight back to Lusaka.
Pricing
Prices will vary according to availability, season and party size, so please contact us for a specific quotation at this time.
Our price quoted will include accommodation as named or alternative if full for the Kafue element of your tour. If the Zambia Horse Back Safari camp is full then alternative dates will have to be sought.
Prices will be based on twin-share accommodations.