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Ride across the rolling Kalahari sand dunes
and dramatic escarpments of the teak forests, to Mopane Woodland, the cool
shady Riverine forest along the Zambezi. Venture over hills and ravines
above the Zambezi gorges, with a birds eye view of the rapids below
Victoria Falls. There are plenty of opportunities to canter on these rides
– game permitting. This is an area where you and your horse can stand in
the middle of a herd of browsing Kudu watching the Giraffes in the
distance. You will have an elephant and lion encounter along the way and
finish off your week on a full day canoeing on the upper Zambezi River
before spending your last night at the luxurious Imbabala Safari Lode
at the edge of Chobe National Park - with one of the highest elephant
populations anywhere. A sunset river cruise and morning game drive are
some of the highlights before departing from Victoria Falls in the
afternoon.
 IT-ZMRT07
2008 rates include lodging and meals, 5
riding days, one full day of canoeing, Elephant Ride,
Lion encounter, sunset cruise and game drive.
8 days/ 7 nights $1,895
Single +$395
... recommended: extra night with meals and activities at the Imbabala Safari Lodge at the
end of the trip
+ $185 dbl/pp $240 Single
Dates: any time with a minimum of 2 riders
Note: we
are looking for more riders on the following
confirmed dates:
08/11-0818
08/28-09/04
09/25-10/02 (female to share
available)
10/11-10/18
Meeting:
Victoria Falls
Transfer: included
on Day 1
Level:
Intermediate
Horses:
Anglo Arab,
Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay-and-Thoroughbred
Tack:
Australian
Stock Saddles,
McClellan
Pace: Moderate with long trots
and canters
Min/Max: 2-8
riders
Notes:
the canoe safari can be substituted with a
whitewater rafting trip.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Victoria Falls around noon. Transfer to the local
B&B (we may use one of 3 charming B&Bs .. depending on availability) .
You will be picked up by your horse guide at 3.00pm for your pre trip
briefing and introductory ride - this wil be your first introduction to
this area and a chance to see if you are happy with your horse, your
saddle and so on before we leave on our long safari tomorrow. You will
ride for at least three hours today, experiencing sunset over the
Zambezi river.
Day 2 You will be collected from your accommodations at about
6:30 - 7.00 am - depending on the time of year. Tea, coffee, fresh fruit
and biscuits will be served while Alison talks to each client
individually to ensure everyone is allocated a horse most suitable to
their needs. Alison has owned and ridden horses all her life, and with
many years in the safari industry, is expert at allocating horses to
riders. After a brief orientation and safety talk you will move off with
your guides. As the stables we adjoin Victoria Falls National Park, game
viewing often starts from the stable yard with last nights elephant
tracks. The morning will be spent exploring this game area which
includes the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls National Park, and
surrounding game areas. None of these areas are fenced so both horses
and wildlife move freely from one area to another. After an early
mornings ride up the Zambezi, we will break for lunch, served on the
banks of the Zambezi. After this break we will ride across the long
Kalahari sand dunes bordering Zambezi National Park, looking for sable
and buffalo. We will reach Masuie Lodge in the early afternoon in time
for a cooling swim. Night spent at Masuie Safari Camp.
DAY 3: We will set off after an early breakfast for another long
ride. At first we will explore the Masuie river and the lodge estate
with its superb birdlife and variety of game and scenery, before
crossing over the dunes of Fuller Forest area, before our ride along the
ancient tribal footpaths above Batoka Gorge on our way to Gorges Lodge
with its spectacular setting on an 800ft cliff. We will be riding
through Monde Rural area, giving you a unique opportunity to see a less
'touristy' aspect of life here. This is remote and sparsely inhabited
country where the few people you do meet may never have seen a horse
before. Gorges Lodge itself is part of a community based project - but what will
interest you is its spectacular location - where you can watch black
eagles souring below you. Gorges Lodge is also the home of the rare
Taita falcon.
Night spent at Gorges Safari Camp.
Day 4: You may be reluctant to leave Gorges, but we have another
long ride back exploring new areas of this dramatic landscape towards
Fuller forest and Masiue Lodge. We will reach the estate in the
afternoon, in time for your Lion Encounter with a group of lion cubs
ranging from 3 to 16 months of age. These lion cubs
offer guests an unparalleled experience and insight
into the behavior of this threatened African
species. Night spent at Masuie.
Day 5: We will start off after an early breakfast, exploring the
Masuie river and the lodge estate with its superb birdlife and variety
of game and scenery, going up towards the Kalisosa looking for giraffe
sable and zebra. We will ride on up the Masuie, crossing the river and
exploring the hills above Jafuta vlei. We will carry a light picnic
lunch with us. We will explore the wide open vistas of Jafuta vlei in
the afternoon - less game here, but lovely riding country with plenty of
opportunities to canter.
We will reach Jafuta Lodge in the late afternoon, giving you a chance to
relax with a cooling drink on the pool deck overlooking the waterhole,
and experience the absolute silence. Night spent at Jafuta Safari Camp
Day 6: You will set off early today for your canoe trip on the Upper Zambezi River, is a wonderfully relaxing
way to enjoy the astonishingly beautiful scenery that lines the river
before it takes its plunge over the Victoria Falls. This part of the
river is dotted with many islands of varying size; home to many birds
and small animals. This is the route David Livingstone took on his way
in search of the rising clouds of mist. It was in fact along these banks
that he remarked "scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels
in their flight". Breakfast is enjoyed on the banks of the Zambezi,
followed by a safety talk by the professional river guide, before the
day's canoeing begins. Lunch is a picnic usually taken on one of the
remote islands. The day is spent running rapids, exploring channels and
bird and game viewing. You will meet the horses again at the take out
point, from where you will ride on down river, for a last sunset game
viewing ride. We will transfer you to your lodge to change for your
dinner at the Boma . This is not just another ethnic restaurant, but a
cultural experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights,
sounds and smells of Africa and its people. After dinner guests are
invited to wile away the evening with the restaurant's very own sangoma
- a traditional story teller - to learn more about the country's
folk-lore, culture and heritage.
Day 7: You will be picked up at 6.15 am for your Elephant Safari
- a marvelous opportunity not only to ride, but also to learn more about
and interact with these magnificent creatures. After this memorable
experience, you will be transferred directly to Imbabala Lodge at
11.00am today. Imbabala is situated on the banks of the Zambezi, near
the Chobe confluence. The surrounding private National Parks Estate
includes a magnificent floodplain covered with massive acacias. The
private estate also includes 14km of river frontage. Carefully
positioned in the riverine fringe of the Zambezi, Imbabala offers not
only the chance to unwind but also some of the most amazing game viewing
and bird watching in the region, in the seclusion of a private National
parks concession. This area is well known for its massive elephant
population and herds of up to 1500 have been seen on the floodplains
below camp. Here you will spend your time on river cruises, game drives
and night drives - most likely starting with a sunset cruise followed by
a splendid four course meal.
Day 8: Morning game activities at Imbabala, before being
transferred directly to the airport and your flight home the next day We
may choose to vary the order and type of camps used, most especially to
take advantage of game movement. Please note that any variation in route
or camps will be only to increase the value and quality of the safari
and always in the client’s best interest. Cost will remain the same.
On any day and at any camp there are plenty of opportunities for game
viewing, and each day’s riding includes a wide variety of magnificent
scenery
Horses
- Anglo Arab, Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay-and-Thoroughbred. All horses are
very light mouthed, responsive, fit and in very good condition. Height
14hh-17hh.
Lodgings
during your trip
Local B&B
Masuie Safari Camp
Gorges Lodge
Jafuta Safari Camp
Imbabala Safari Lodge
... or alternate similar facilities
Gorges Lodge
Gorges is situated within private land south east of Victoria
Falls and between rapids 19 and 20 on the Zambezi River. Gorges is
built from brick and natural stone, all under thatch. Its decor is
ethnic, focusing mainly on earthy colors. From the lodge there are
magnificent views of the Zambezi River 250 meters below. There are
extensive gardens, kept green and lush by water which is pumped up from
the river below. The emphasis is on indigenous plants, particularly
aloes and acacias. Accommodation at Gorges is in ten stone and
brick thatched chalets, all situated on the edge of the Zambezi River
gorge, eight of which are twin and two which are double. Four of the
chalets are double story, with bedroom upstairs and bath and dressing
rooms below, while the other six are single storied. All have verandahs
overlooking the river and all are en suite. The dining room is
open plan with extensive views over the river. It is connected to the
lounge and bar area. Breakfast is a hot and cold selection. Dinner
is Table d'hote served at 20h00, with the focus on international cuisine
and local venison. The cuisine is homely and wholesome. Individual
requirements, such as vegetarian, can be catered for. The bar is open
from mid-morning to 23h30
Imbabala Safari Lodge
Situated where Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia converge, 80km
west of Victoria Falls, Imbabala Lodge has its own safari park in which
Game drives are conducted and is directly on the banks of the Zambezi
River, offering pontoon cruises to view the game and extensive bird
life. The lodge offers every luxury and comfort for your sojourn in the
wilds. There are just 8 thatched chalets accommodating a maximum of 18
Guests, so individual attention and service is guaranteed. Each chalet
has a view over the Zambezi, and each is individually and imaginatively
decorated with a particular theme. Each has en-suite facilities and
mains electricity. Meals are taken al fresco or in the main dining room,
and are of a very high culinary standard. The swimming pool offers cool
relaxation during the heat of the day. Activities at Imbabala include
4x4 game viewing safaris in the Lodge's own concession and in the nearby
Chobe National Park, walking safaris and river cruises on Imbabala's own
pontoon - enabling close viewing of the wildlife that comes down to the
River to drink as well as the amazing variety of birds that are
attracted by the papyrus reeds that border the Zambezi. Elephant lovers
will be fascinated by the huge herds of elephant in the Chobe
National Park.
The Boma "Place of eating"
Partially open to the African skies and sheltered by the indigenous
Gusu forest lies the award winning Boma restaurant.
This offers a unique African experience that bombards the senses with the
tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa - together with the warmth and
hospitality of Zimbabwe and its people.
Specializing in a superb selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes, fish,
a variety of game meat and potjiekos (hunter’s stew) - as well as
vegetarian meals - you are invited to sample such ethnic delicacies as
deep fried kapenta and groundnuts.
Traditional customs, such as local beer tasting and pre-dinner handwashing,
are observed while the sights and sounds of the evening are accentuated by
Ndebele performers who captivate diners with their vibrant and energetic
songs and dance.
Steeped in mystery, a witchdoctor adds a touch of drama and after dinner
guests are invited to wile away the evening with the restaurant’s sangoma
- a traditional story teller - to learn more about the country’s folklore,
culture and heritage.
Lion Encounter
We offer a unique and stimulating wildlife adventure from Victoria
Falls (Zimbabwe). Situated on the Masuwe Estate, only 10 minutes from
the centre of Victoria Falls town you'll find a group of lion cubs
ranging from 3 to 16 months of age. These lion cubs offer guests an
unparalleled experience and insight into the behavior of this threatened
African species. The “walking with lions” encounter is an opportunity to
interact with 2 or 3 cubs for up to an hour and a half during a single
session. The lions are unrestrained and roam free as you join them on a
walk through riverine vegetation and African bush on the banks of the
Masuwe River. The encounter is fully supervised and professionally
managed by an experienced and qualified team who have been working with
lions for over 20 years originally at Gweru’s Antelope Park.
Elephant Ride
We are offering an amazing experience for you - the interaction
between the African Elephant and Man in a natural environment. Our
activities are designed to combine interaction with the elephant,
education as well as riding an elephant through a private estate with its
abundance of wildlife. The tour is located approximately 25 km from
Victoria Falls on the privately owned Nakavango Estate. The estate is not
fenced allowing the free movement of game, being bordered by the National
park and Forestry Commission lands.
An experienced guide will accompany the rides to ensure the safari is
entertaining, informative and safe. Each elephant is under the charge of a
"Nduna" and a first aid kit and handheld radio will be carried by the
guide. The Nakavango Estate is abundant in both bird and animal life.
Although game sighting can not be guaranteed, there is a good chance of
seeing buffalo, kudu, bushbuck, impala, elephant, waterbuck and other
species of wildlife as well as a variety of birds.
Clients are required to sign an indemnity from prior to making any contact
with the elephants.
Note: Game is generally more
easily seen up to full moon, but becomes harder to find for a few days
afterwards. July to early November are your prime game viewing months, but
there is always plenty of game to keep you busy.
February can be monsoon season - its about the only time when rain really
does set in for a day or so. |
Guest Comments:
"Absolutely wonderful - first class. The staff was just superb - truly a
trip of a lifetime. Beyond our highest expectations !"
Kirsten Johnson, NC
Victoria Falls
Horse Camp
The Booma at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Gorges Lodge
Imbabala Lodge
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