RIDE ZIMBABWE
with James Varden
RIDE ZIMBABWE
SAFARIS ON HORSEBACK
Ride Zimbabwe combines the thrill of an African safari with the pleasure of horse-riding, and is a great way to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and get close to the wonderful wildlife in a quiet, natural and unobtrusive way. Animals such as antelope, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest, even elephant and buffalo, and other non-predatory plains game, simply see horses as other similar four-legged creatures sharing their environment, and take little notice of their human riders on top.
On a Ride Zimbabwe horseback safari, you can stroll right up to a giraffe as it feeds in the acacia woodlands and trot across a grassy plain alongside a family of warthog, or let your horse munch grass near a herd of zebra or watch a herd of sable go to drink at a waterhole. These are magical moments that you just cannot experience in a regular game-viewing vehicle, which additionally have noisy engines and are often full of other people, and must stick to only the marked roads and tracks in wildlife areas.
Our special horses at Ride Zimbabwe are permitted to go absolutely anywhere, and you and your affectionate steed can explore beautiful wildernesses shared only with the grazing herds. Other advantages of safaris on horseback over vehicle safaris is that horses have finely-tuned senses to send signals to other game animals in the area to relax, and of course as a rider you are higher up so have the benefit of being able to see quite a distance across the African landscape.
Ride Zimbabwe operates multi-day horseback safaris for experienced riders in some incredible destinations, carefully chosen for both their scenic beauty and prolific game. We are based at Umguza outside of Bulawayo in Matabeleland in central Zimbabwe and run our safaris in the riding areas of Hwange National Park, Cawston Wildlife Estate, and Matobo National Park (CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID) These are easily accessible from both Victoria Falls and Bulawayo airports and transfers are available, and there are many great add-on possibilities in this region too, including a visit to the world-famous Victoria Falls. THOUGH THE ULIMATE ADD ON FOR ACTIVE AND ADVENTUROUS RIDERS IS A CANOE AND WALKING SAFARI IN MANA POOLS.
We provide an exclusive and personal experience in the saddle with superbly-schooled horses and dedicated and highly-trained Zimbabwean guides, blended with mobile, ecologically-sound wilderness camps and selected fully-serviced lodges. Then there are the delicious home-cooked meals enjoyed in the bush and tranquil evenings sitting around the campfire sharing the day’s riding stories. If you love horses, adventure and the great outdoors, there is truly no better way to discover Africa than on a Ride Zimbabwe horseback safari.
Our Riding Safaris
In August this year, Ride Zimbabwe was chuffed to host ex-African Horse Safaris Operator, Louise Carelsen from Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana, Louise is now living in America with her husband Cor and their two boys. To read about her ride with us, please click here.
Horse and Hippo Safari
This is the best combination of active and adventurous safari styles…incorporating riding, walking and canoeing. This is the safari for adventurers! Experience the best of horse riding safari and then the Mighty Zambezi!
Plains Game Extravaganza
This eight-day safari will allow you to experience the best of the Matobo
