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A riding journey in one of Zambia’s remote wilderness destinations, accessible only on horseback

“I have been on many horse riding holidays and I can say without hesitation that this was the absolute best riding holiday that I have ever experienced!”

A stay at Zambian Horseback Safaris allows for pure riding freedom over ancient floodplains without holes - providing the space for long stretches of fast-paced riding on well-schooled horses. We offer a straightforward rate structure, starting with a 3-night horse safari. For those looking to extend their adventure, you can choose to stay at our home base, Chundukwa River Lodge in Livingstone, and explore the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls at your leisure.

Rider Requirements for Our Horse Safari

To fully enjoy this incredible experience, you need to be fit, confident, and competent in the saddle. Our safari is best suited for intermediate plus to advanced riders. It is essential that you ride regularly and have the fitness and skill to comfortably manage a responsive, energetic horse at all paces — including a gallop — in open terrain. This ensures both your safety and the well-being of the horses, so please make sure you feel confident controlling a fit horse outdoors. Our Riding Policy

Flexible Group Options

If our horse safari camp is booked on an exclusive-use basis, we are happy to accommodate groups with mixed riding abilities, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience tailored to their comfort and skill levels.

what makes this horse safari unique

  • Step into remote Africa, explore unknown territories on horseback

  • Here there are no cars, no roads and no other tourism operations anywhere

  • 180,000 hectares of raw African wilderness

  • Western and English riders are welcome

  • We offer open, free riding on well-schooled horses - there are no large predators

  • Riders may look out for 21 species of wildlife on the Zambezi floodplains

  • Enjoy a spectacular 2hr boat ride up the Zambezi River, the fourth largest river in Africa

  • Your ride contributes to the development of the community and their wildlife

  • This is for experienced riders, but non-riding friends and partners are welcome

  • All riding levels are acceptable if you take exclusive-use of the camp

  • We only take 8 riders at a time

  • “The rides were varied. We rode at sun up and sundown, by moonlight and everything in between which gave us the full experience of those famous African skies. Cantering with a herd of zebra, meandering through giraffe, crossing the plains to the wetlands and meeting the locals - it truly was the most special holiday and I can't wait to go back.”

    Susan, August 2023 TripAdvisor

  • "One of the best holidays I have experienced. Magnificent experiences with nature and the wild, on horseback. My horse was so happy and very well trained, she enjoyed it as much as I did"

    Georgy, January 2024 TripAdvisor

  • I have been on many horse riding holidays and I can say without hesitation that this was the absolute best riding holiday that I have ever experienced! Our days started with a five hour ride at dawn following breakfast, home in time for a cold beer, shower and lunch. The rides were just amazing... long canters in the plains - at one point we were cantering beside zebra. Afternoons, I spent birding - spotting eagles, parrots and so many other species. In the evening we went just before sunset out on the horses to find a perfect spot for sundowners and after watching a breathtaking sunset, we pointed the horses home in the moonlight."

    Guest, August 2023 TripAdvisor

  • "I found my happy place! I did many horse safaris in the last 10 years through countries such as Jordan, South Africa, Botswana or Costa Rica - but never was I allowed to ride better trained horses than the ones in Simalaha. The horses run free in the Bush and are only coming back to the tented camp once it is time for food. Running with these happy horses and the Zebras gives you the best feeling of freedom you could possibly imagine. You sleep in incredibly beautiful interior designed tents with an open bathroom luminated by the incredible stars I never saw anywhere else in the world. If you love horseriding, nature and Africa - it is a must go to place!

    Jeanette, November 2022 TripAdvisor

  • "We had a brilliant time riding with Zambian Horseback safaris in the stunning Simalaha conservancy. The huge plains which seem to stretch on and on are full of wildlife, birds and beautiful views. The horses are all so well cared for, each with their own characters and they are well schooled and responsive. Doug has designed his own saddles for the purpose of riding safaris which are extremely comfortable. The camp is in a beautiful location with endless views and magical sunsets. The whole team take such good care of you making it a remarkable experience and escape!"

    Daniel, October 2022 TripAdvisor

  • "We spent a glorious week in Zambia – 4 days at Chundukwa river lodge (25 minutes from Victoria falls) and then 4 days in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy, exploring total freedom to ride. Both locations are owned and run by Gail and Doug, making organisation and transfers seamless.

    Les, August 2022 TripAdvisor

  • WOW! This is a little piece of heaven. I cannot speak highly enough of everything Gail and Doug have put into this project. Truly spoilt to have had this opportunity in my life. Thank you!"

    Kerry, October 2022 TripAdvisor

  • "Our stay at Simalaha surpassed all expectations. We rode amongst waterbuck, red lechwe and hartebeest as they graze across the plain and marvelled at the elegance of the giraffe looking down at us through the acacia trees. Stopping for sundowners amongst the trees the sunset is breathtaking. Whilst the daily pattern is repeated somehow each ride is different providing an ever changing landscape rich in colour and wildlife. An unforgettable experience."

    Nick, August 2020 TripAdvisor

wildlife in the simalaha

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.

getting here is part of the adventure!

Embark on an immersive journey in a beautiful and remote part of Zambia as we navigate upstream along the Zambezi River towards the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy. Photographers will be spoilt for choice with a plethora of river and birdlife, including hippos, crocodiles and, at times, large elephant herds making their way along ancient migration routes. Guests will have a privileged insight into vibrant Lozi villages nestled on the riverbanks - and bear witness to fishermen skillfully employing traditional hand-woven nets from mokoros, with long-horned cattle grazing peacefully alongside wildlife. Later, riders will meet host Doug Evans and our horses further upstream, saddled and ready to ride!

We are the sole tourism operator in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy and we contribute to the Conservancy Trust in order to empower and support community initiatives to move out of poverty and to develop a love and ownership of their wildlife. Park Fees of USD 50.00 per person per night are payable at Zambian Horseback Safaris of which 100% proceeds the community. Simalaha benefits from concession fees as well as the training and employment of local peoples in the construction and running of the lodge.