Horseback Riding in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls Safari

Overview

Experience the wonders of Victoria Falls and mighty Zambezi River, witnessing exciting wildlife scenes and stunning landscapes close up on horseback. In the starkly beautiful African bush, your host and her horses provide you with the ultimate and unique safari experience. Visit one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world, while enjoying the privilege of close encounters on nearby beautiful horse trails.

The Zambezi is one of the legendary rivers of Africa, much written about, explored, and challenged, yet in the end still wild and unconquered – the heart of Africa’s mystery and magic. David Livingstone was one of the first Europeans to explore this then uncharted heartland, discovering the Upper Zambezi and, in 1855 a natural wonder to surpass all – the Victoria Falls – which he brought to the attention of the world through his writings.

Imagine riding your horse along the banks of this river, just above the magnificent Victoria Falls, with the rising spray from the Falls in the backdrop. Here you can canter through open bush veld, explore hidden game paths, ride on to secret islands and then follow the natural pathways to the wilderness areas beyond. Surrounded by National Park and Game areas there is access to rugged and varied riding country, providing a superb wilderness experience.

Situated in Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, a black Rhino sanctuary, Ursula’s Homestead accommodates a maximum of 8 people in four chalets. Originally reserved by the owner of the Estate for himself and his family only, Ursula still retains its feel of a private Safari home.

  • Overview:
    The horses range from 14-16.2 hh and vary from gentle hacks to top polocrosse ponies.
  • Equipment Required:
    Helmets are required.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Thoroughbred, draft crosses
  • Trip Pace:
    Moderate to fast
  • Tack:
    Australian stock, with some English available
  • Weight limit:
    185 lb (85 kg)

You must be able to ride unassisted and with confidence. At minimum you should have mastered basic aids, be able to do a rising trot for stretches of at least 10 minutes at a time, be comfortable at all paces on a variety of horses and able to gallop out of trouble, even at the end of a long days ride. The more proficient and fitter you are the more you will enjoy your trip.
Weight limit: To avoid embarrassment be warned that you may be required to step on the scales! An extra charge of 50% is required for riders above the weight limit if allowed to ride. Please note this is at the discretion of the company and subject to individual experience and circumstances. Allowances may be made only for very experienced riders, or for those who are tall and fit. This will be at the outfitter's discretion.
NOTE that the outfitter reserves the right to exclude from the safari any guest whose weight or riding ability is not accordance with the conditions above and/or whose general health renders them a danger to themselves and others. There will be no refund.

Itineraries can be arranged for non-riders, with game drives and walks and visits with riders to the falls and nearby points of interest.

Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in the morning of Day 1

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

You will be met at Victoria Falls and brought to the lodge. After settling in and lunch your guide will meet you at 3:15pm for your afternoon ride. A safety talk and pre trip briefing will see you on your way for the start of your adventure here. This afternoon will be your first introduction to this area and a chance to see if you are happy with your horse, your saddle and so on.
The ride will end at the stables at sunset. A short drive through the reserve will take you back to the lodge.

Day 2

You will be up and on your horses as the sun rises, to spend the morning on horseback. Exactly where you go will depend on your inclination and game movement. Tracks and territorial markings will put you on the trail of rhino, giraffe and other species. You will learn how to identify and determine the age of feeding signs and other marks as you and your horse become part of the environment. And of course there are long canters, rivers to play in – a world to enjoy. The late morning will see you back at the lodge for a break with lunch and a chance to relax by the pool watching wildlife at the waterhole in front of the camp. The afternoon and evening will be spent on an afternoon game drive or a night drive in this private game reserve, exploring areas you may not have reached on horseback. Sundowners will be served at the dam before dinner at your accommodations.

Day 3

Sunrise start again today for another fabulous ride as you range farther afield: exhilarating gallops will take you to new areas to look for more rhino and explore remoter parts of the estate. Lunch at the lodge and after your concierge will arrange for you to transfer to view the Victoria Falls itself. Allow at least two hours before being transferred back to the lodge for an evening game drive or, depending how long you ride for this morning, a late afternoon horse safari.

Day 4

Today is your last ride. The starting time and length of ride is entirely up to you deciding where you go will depend on what you have already seen and what you want to do: you may decide to explore off the estate in Zambezi National Park or a last exhilarating ride along sand tracks with wide views. Return to the lodge in time for a shower and a meal before being transferred to the airport at 11am for your homeward flight or on to the next leg of your adventure.

Tour Map

Tour Dates & Pricing

Flexible dates available. Check about longer and shorter stays too!

Request Booking

Tell us more about your riding experience and trip preferences below so we may find the perfect options to meet your needs. We will research availability and get back to you with a booking confirmation detailing suggested departure, cost and extended ride itinerary.

Meet your tour consultant Megan Barrett

About: I'm Megan (with my horse, Willow!). Based in Dubois, Wyoming, I started as a wrangler at our home ranch, the Bitterroot. I've been with Equitours since 2013 and look forward to helping you plan your perfect riding adventure!

Do you have questions about this tour itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right tour for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the tour consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have

Call us

Speak with our reservation team directly.

1.800.545.0019

Customize this tour

Our reservation team would be happy to customize this tour to meet your groups needs. Customize your tour.

Email this tour consultant

Contact Megan Barrett

The guides made this experience exceptional. The entire team's kindness and hospitality immediately made you feel welcome. The horses are well taken care of. They truly love their horses. They are both very knowledgeable about Italian history. We were fed a variety of traditional Italian meals, all delicious. They are an environmentally friendly business! Each day ran smoothly, without feeling rushed. This is for an intermediate rider that is in shape. We covered a lot of mountainous terrain and you had to know how to control your horse in various terrains/paces. This trip is the perfect amount of activity and relaxation.

Aliseo, 2024