About horse riding in Zambia
Freedom in the saddle. Wildlife in the wild. Endless horizons.
In the vast Simalaha Community Conservancy, you’ll ride through one of Zambia’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas. Endless plains, mopane forests and ancient baobabs create the backdrop as wildlife roams freely across the landscape.
A safari without limits
The Zambezi River is at the heart of the landscape and local way of life. Your journey to the safari camp takes you by boat through the remote river landscape, with opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles and local fishermen along the way. The river also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the communities who have lived alongside it for generations.
Along the mighty Zambezi
On horseback, you experience wildlife up close in a way that simply isn’t possible from a vehicle. Ride alongside herds of zebra, wildebeest and giraffe, with the chance to encounter lechwe, waterbuck, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles along the way. With no large predators in the area, you can enjoy the freedom of riding among wildlife in a relaxed and expansive setting.
Riding among wildlife
The horseback safaris in Zambia are best suited to intermediate and experienced riders. You’ll spend around 5 to 7 hours in the saddle each day, riding across open plains and varied terrain. Previous experience riding outdoors, along with a good level of fitness, is therefore important.
For experienced riders
Pure freedom on horseback
The vast, open landscapes of Simalaha offer endless space for amazing canters. With few tourists, no fences and nothing but open plains stretching towards the horizon, every ride brings an incredible sense of freedom, adventure and connection with nature.
Horse riding safaris in Zambia
Zambian Horseback Safaris
Location: Simalaha Conservacy &
Victioria Falls
Duration: 3-8 nights or tailor made!
Price: From €2035,- for 3 nights
Level: Intermediate to experienced
Frequent asked questions about riding safaris in Zambia
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The horseback safaris in Zambia are best suited to intermediate and experienced riders. You should feel comfortable riding independently at walk, trot and canter and have enough experience to ride confidently in open terrain. With around 5 to 7 hours in the saddle each day, a good level of fitness and previous experience with longer rides are important.
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The horseback safaris in Simalaha run from July to January, once the floodwaters have receded. The period from July to October is generally drier and offers excellent conditions for riding and wildlife viewing. From November to January, the landscape becomes greener and there may be more rainfall, but this is also when the wilderness is at its most lush and vibrant.
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Simalaha is home to a wide variety of wildlife. While riding, you may encounter zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, lechwe, waterbuck, buffalo, ostrich and a variety of bird species. Hippos and crocodiles can also be seen along the Zambezi. As there are no large predators in Simalaha, you can enjoy the unique experience of riding among wildlife in a relaxed and open environment.
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Absolutely. The safari can easily be combined with a stay at Chundukwa River Lodge, located near Livingstone and Victoria Falls. From here, you can relax beside the Zambezi, enjoy a range of activities and visit the spectacular Victoria Falls. You can also extend your trip with experiences such as a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana.
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Yes! Solo travellers are welcome to join an existing group, depending on availability. The safaris have a minimum group size of four riders, but you do not need to travel with a group of four yourself. This makes Zambia a great option for solo travellers who want to meet like-minded people and share an unforgettable horseback safari experience.
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The most common route is to fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone. From there, you’ll be transferred to Chundukwa River Lodge. Your horseback safari in Simalaha then begins with a road transfer followed by a memorable boat journey along the Zambezi to the safari camp, meaning the adventure starts long before you get in the saddle.
