8 Night horse safari + vic falls adventure

9 Days, 8 Nights

The Ultimate Zambian Adventure: 8 Night Safari

A horseback safari with us is more than just an adventure - it’s a journey into the heart of nature. The memories created, close encounters with wildlife, epic landscapes and the bond with your horse leave a lasting imprint. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left the saddle!

Join us for an extraordinary journey — a chance to ride, explore and contribute in the heart of Africa.

View our 2025 departure dates here!

Highlights

We cater exclusively to small groups, with a maximum of 8 riders, ensuring a personalized and intimate safari for those who are intermediate plus / advanced riders.
Picture yourself in untouched wilderness — no roads, no cars, and no other tourists. This is pure, open Africa, where the only sound is the rhythm of hooves.
With no large predators in the area, you're free to ride across the Zambezi floodplains, home to 21 different species of wildlife on well-trained, responsive horses.
Your adventure begins with a stunning 2-hour boat ride up the mighty Zambezi River, setting the stage for a journey few get to experience
You have the unique option of a sleep-out, spending a night under the stars amidst the sounds of the African wilderness.
Your host, Doug Evans, a leading figure in Zambia’s equestrian and wildlife community, will guide you through this unforgettable journey
Your participation directly supports local communities and their conservation efforts, making your safari not just a thrilling experience, but a meaningful one too.

What you'll love

Being in a place few have ever experienced - pure wilderness!

Insiders tip

For one night, we offer riders the option of a sleep-out experience! Experience the romance of Africa under a blanket of stars in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy - a remote, yet safe star bed far from Wi-Fi and artificial light. The bed will be surrounded by a mosquito net, but is otherwise open to the beautiful Southern skies, home to transfixing celestial sights such as the nearest stars to our solar system, two dwarf galaxies, the Milky Way and the Southern Cross.

Something to think about

When planning a safari in Zambia during September and October, it's important to prepare for the heat. These months fall within the dry season, and temperatures can climb significantly, often ranging from 35°C (95°F) and higher during the day.

“I have been ruminating over our recent wonderful time spent with you, your horses and brilliant staff! What a wholesome time was had by all! Thank you so much for spoiling Dani and I with such quality horses, long individual canters, a private patch of paradise, delicious food, perfect accommodations and a lot of fun. We wanted for nothing. We didn’t see a single vehicle other than yours the entire time we were at Simalaha.

Despite reading every available word on your riding operation and the Simalaha Conservancy nothing prepared me for the volumes of wildlife, waterfowl and general birdlife that we encountered! The open plains without holes were made for riding horses, there are very few places like that which also teem with so many animals. Having Mopane along added to the owner run, family experience! What an entertaining breed and how special it was to observe a dog with such adoring eyes to his owner, always ready for instruction! Your horses, the main reason of the safari were all in prime condition, well schooled and an absolute pleasure to ride.

Dani’s statement to me on our way home, that Red was the best horse she has ridden this year out of 4 extensive horse safaris in Africa is testament to your horses!

Along with the horses, your staff were another major highlight, from Mukela, Fred, Henry, Faith, Patrick, Arthur - to all the grooms and behind the scenes staff - they are a true reflection of your management and operation! I very seldom brandish the much over traded tourism word ‘unique,’ however, Zambian Horseback Safaris came up with at least 5 unique little touches. In summary I would brand our experience as a Humble 5 Star Experience. Once again, our most sincere thanks and I wish you all the success you deserve in creating such an excellent product for horse riding tourism in Africa.”

- Garth Thompson

8 Night Itinerary

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Fly into Livingstone Airport (HMIA / LVI)
Once you have cleared Immigration and collected your luggage, you will be met by a member of our team and transferred to Chundukwa River Lodge, 25mins by road. After checking in and a light lunch on the patio overlooking the river you will hop onboard our lodge boat and embark on a Zambezi Sunset Cruise.
Overnight at Chundukwa River Lodge in a Luxury Riverside Chalet or Chundu Cottage on a Fully-Inclusive Basis
Wake up with the sun from your Zambezi chalet. At a pre-arranged time, we will depart for Zambian Horseback Safaris! Our 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!
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. After two hours on the river, look out for our horses, saddled and waiting on the riverbank. It’s time to ride!
Overnight at Zambian Horseback Safaris in a Luxury Safari Tent on a Fully-Inclusive Basis
We 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. We watch the sunrise each morning from horseback, a magnificent tradition that we love to share with our guests! 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.
Overnight at Zambian Horseback Safaris in a Luxury Safari Tent on a Fully-Inclusive Basis
For riders, being able to canter into the horizon on land without predators and without holes is an absolute joy. We encourage riders to enjoy the space and to experience the pure riding freedom of the Simalaha. Here, time seems to stretch and slow right down. It's an opportunity to disconnect from responsibilities and routines and to connect with nature.
Overnight at Zambian Horseback Safaris in a Luxury Safari Tent on a Fully-Inclusive Basis
Each day will slightly differ, the route will be determined by Doug with the best interests of the group and where the wildlife concentrations are.
Overnight at Zambian Horseback Safaris in a Luxury Safari Tent on a Fully-Inclusive Basis
This morning, enjoy a final opportunity to canter across the plains, and enjoy the sunrise and wildlife before our return journey to Livingstone. We will depart by river to Mambova Harbour and then by road to Chundukwa River Lodge. It’s now time to relax. Opt for a massage, or laze by the pool. Take a walk through our indigenous gardens and see where the path leads.
Overnight at Chundukwa River Lodge in a Luxury Riverside Chalet or Chundu Cottage on a Fully-Inclusive Basis
After a good night’s rest and a hearty fresh breakfast, guests may feel free to explore Livingstone and Victoria Falls today. No set time departures, no waiting for the late risers – you are free to spend as much time as you want to experience the world’s largest waterfall and surrounding attractions. This is your day to do it all, see it all, experience it all! Use of our vehicle with a driver/guide is included in your stay with us.
There are many additional experiences that you may want to do - our driver/guide will take you there, wait for you and bring you home safely at the end of the day. These outsourced activities are extra and for your own account - or may be billed into your itinerary.
Overnight at Chundukwa River Lodge in a Luxury Riverside Chalet or Chundu Cottage on a Fully-Inclusive Basis
Complete your safari experience with a Chobe Day Trip, where land and water-based safaris bring you close to Africa’s majestic wildlife in Botswana. As you cruise the Chobe River, witness flocks of vibrant bird species, pods of hippos, and primeval crocodiles lounging along the banks. Keep an eye out for the world’s largest elephant population as they gather in impressive numbers. On land, venture deeper into the park, where lions, leopards, and other elusive big cats roam.
Overnight at Chundukwa River Lodge in a Luxury Riverside Chalet or Chundu Cottage on a Fully-Inclusive Basis
Enjoy the sunrise from your Riverside Chalet, and perhaps take a morning ride along the river! Later, take our transfer back to Livingstone Airport for your ongoing journey.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

+ 4 Nights at Zambian Horseback Safaris on a Fully Inclusive Basis

All your meals, bush picnics, pop-up sundowners, snacks, house wine, beers, soft drinks and teas & coffees
5-7 hours of riding per day, depending on your preference. We make a provision of two horses per rider
Single or Shared accommodation in a safari tent in our luxury eco camp
Park Fees of USD $50.00 per person per night - a direct contribution to the Simalaha Community Conservancy toward their wildlife and community projects. Thank you for supporting Responsible Tourism!
Return Transfers from Chundukwa River Lodge to Zambian Horseback Safaris
VAT, Tourism Levy & Service Charges

+ 4 Nights at Chundukwa River Lodge on a Fully Inclusive Basis

All your meals, house wine, beers, soft drinks and teas & coffees
Livingstone Airport transfers
You may choose one of the following experiences with our compliments – per day; Victoria Falls Day Trip per stay, Horse Riding, Zambezi Cruise, Floating Picnic, accompanied bushwalk, mountain bike tour
Victoria Falls Rainforest Entrance fees of US$ 20.00 per person
VAT, Tourism Levy & Service Charges

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

+ Optional Chobe Day Trip (note a single supplement may apply)

+ Flights and Visas

+ Victoria Falls / Kasane arrivals and departures - available at additional fee

+ Personal medical and travel insurance with medi-evacuation cover (compulsory)

Zambian Horseback Safaris - our Fully Inclusive Rates exclude premium drinks, the optional starbed experience (an additional fee applies - kindly note that this is not possible in Rainy Season!)

Chundukwa River Lodge - our Fully Inclusive Rates exclude premium drinks, and any additional activities, transfers or dining experiences outside of Chundukwa that you may opt to do. Should you wish to eat out at a local restaurant or hotel in Livingstone during your stay at Chundukwa River Lodge this will be for your own account.

HOW TO BOOK

To ensure the best experience for everyone, we kindly ask all interested riders to complete and return our Riding Form. This form helps us understand your riding experience, allowing us to match you with the right horse and ensure a safe, enjoyable safari for all participants.