Simalaha Ride

Quick facts
About
Amenities
Accommodation

Simalaha, Zambia

8 nights

fr $7,170

Set departure dates

At least 4 and a maximum of 8 people

Lodge & tented campsite

Riding level: 4-5

Max weight: 90 kg

Livingstone Airport

Quick facts
About
Amenities
Accommodation

Simalaha, Zambia

8 nights

fr $7,170

Set departure dates

At least 4 and a maximum of 8 people

Lodge & tented campsite

Riding level: 4-5

Max weight: 90 kg

Livingstone Airport

Quick facts

About

Amenities

Accommodation

Simalaha, Zambia

8 nights

fr $7,170

Set departure dates

At least 4 and a maximum of 8 people

Lodge & tented campsite

Riding level: 4-5

Max weight: 90 kg

Livingstone Airport

Itinerary
Get a closer look at what awaits you on your horseback safari. Explore the itinerary day by day and discover more about the riding, wildlife encounters, accommodation and adventures along the way.
Day 1Chundukwa
Welcome to Zambia! After you have passed through immigration control and collected your luggage, you will be met by a representative from the team for the transfer to Chundukwa River Lodge, which takes about 25 minutes by car. After checking in and having a light lunch on the terrace overlooking the river, you will board the lodge boat for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
Day 2Simalaha Campsite
After breakfast by the Zambezi River, a drive of approximately 40 minutes awaits to the bustling port of Mambova, where local fishermen and villagers gather. From here, the adventure continues with a two-hour boat trip along the mighty Zambezi, offering the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles and traditional fishing canoes. On the riverbank, the horses will be waiting, ready for the safari's first ride through the African landscape. The day concludes at Zambian Horseback Safaris, where you will spend the night in comfortable safari tents right in the heart of the wilderness.
Day 3Simalaha Campsite
The day begins before dawn with a light breakfast before you saddle up and experience the sunrise from horseback. The ride takes you through the Simalaha Wilderness, a vast natural area of approximately 180,000 hectares featuring open plains, mopane woodlands, and ancient baobab trees. Here, you have the opportunity to encounter large herds of wildlife and gain an insight into the traditional life of the Lozi people along the Zambezi River. After a day filled with riding and nature experiences, you return to the camp for dinner and another night in comfortable safari tents.
Day 4Simalaha Campsite
For riders, it is a truly special feeling to be able to canter across open landscapes free from predators and hidden ground holes alike. Here, you are encouraged to truly embrace the space and experience the pure freedom of riding that Simalaha offers. Time seems to slow down – a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and be completely present in nature.
Day 5Simalaha Campsite
Each day has its own character. The route is adjusted by Doug based on what is best for the group and where the wildlife is at the moment.
Day 6Chundukwa
We enjoy one final morning on horseback across the plains, taking in the sunrise and wildlife, before beginning the journey back to Livingstone. The trip starts with a boat ride back to Mambova, followed by a drive to Chundukwa River Lodge. Here, you'll have time to unwind – book a massage, relax by the pool, or stroll through the lodge's indigenous gardens. Overnight stay at Chundukwa River Lodge in a luxury Riverside Chalet or Chundu Cottage.
Day 7Chundukwa
After breakfast, a day full of opportunities awaits to explore Livingstone and the mighty Victoria Falls at your own pace. With a vehicle and driver/guide at your disposal, you can decide for yourself which sights and experiences you would like to discover. The area offers a wide range of activities that can be booked separately and added to your itinerary. After a day spent at one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls, you return to Chundukwa River Lodge for another night's stay by the Zambezi River.
Day 8Chundukwa
Conclude your safari experience with a day trip to Chobe, where safaris by both land and water bring you up close to Botswana's rich wildlife. During the boat cruise on the Chobe River, you will see colourful birds, hippos and crocodiles along the banks. Keep an eye out for the world's largest elephant population, which often gathers here in large numbers. On land, the safari continues into the national park, where lions, leopards and other predators roam freely. The final evening and night are spent at Chundukwa River Lodge.
Day 9Departure
Enjoy the sunrise from your Riverside Chalet and perhaps a final morning ride along the river. After that, a transfer to Livingstone Airport will take place for your journey home.

More information
The horses at Zambian Horseback Safaris live in a herd with the opportunity to roam freely across the open expanses of the Simalaha Conservancy. They are regularly brought in for grooming, feeding, and riding, while retaining the freedom and natural herd bonds that are vital to their well-being. Around 50 horses are based at Chundukwa River Lodge, and an additional 25+ safari horses are moved to Simalaha during the riding season. The herd includes Quarter Horses, Quarter/Boerperd crosses, Basotho ponies, and Thoroughbred crosses. The horses are forward-going, reliable, and meticulously trained for life in the bush. Many of the horses arrive relatively green and are personally trained by Doug before being gradually introduced to the plains, the wildlife, and safari life alongside experienced horse wranglers. After the season, the herd returns to Chundukwa, where schooling and fitness work continue alongside regular hoof, dental, and veterinary care. This is a safari with long days in the saddle. During the full days, days 3–5, you will ride for around 7–10 hours, whilst days 2 and 6 feature shorter rides. Simalaha consists largely of open plains with excellent visibility and firm ground free of hidden holes, allowing for considerably freer riding than on many other safaris. Here, you do not always have to ride nose-to-tail behind the guide, and the pace varies across all gaits, including longer, faster canters and gallops. The safari therefore requires a minimum riding level of 4 out of 5, and that you are a confident, experienced rider who is comfortable with both the pace and the greater degree of freedom.

About Simalaha Conservancy

The Simalaha Community Conservancy is located in western Zambia, across the vast landscape between the Zambezi River and the border with Botswana. The conservancy covers approximately 182,000 hectares and forms part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), one of the world's largest transboundary conservation areas. Here, open grasslands, savannah and riverine landscapes spread across extensive, relatively untouched expanses. Simalaha plays a vital role as an ecological corridor between Zambia and Botswana, with the aim of restoring natural wildlife migration routes to areas such as Chobe National Park. Through long-term conservation efforts and wildlife reintroductions, the area's ecosystem is gradually recovering. Simalaha is Zambia's first officially recognised community-managed nature conservancy, where local communities play a central role in protecting and managing the natural environment. The conservancy was established through a partnership between the traditional chiefdoms of Sesheke and Sekute, Peace Parks Foundation and Zambia's conservation authorities. To date, more than 2,100 wild animals have been reintroduced as part of efforts to restore the area's biodiversity. In parallel, sustainable agricultural practices, grazing management and local livelihood opportunities are being developed to create a long-term balance between people and wildlife. The result is a vibrant conservation landscape where nature protection and community development go hand in hand.

Gallery

2026
2027

Rates 2026

2026

Season

Length

Rate

The whole season

8 nights

$5,470

Including

4 nights at Zambian Horseback Safaris • Accommodation in a luxury safari tent (sharing a twin/double room or single room) • All meals, bush picnics, sundowners and snacks • House drinks: house wines, beer (Mosi Lager & Castle), soft drinks, lemonade, Sprite, ginger ale, tonic, soda and Fanta Orange, breakfast juices, tea, coffee, iced tea and mineral water. • 5–7 hours of riding per day (tailored to your wishes) • 2 horses per rider • Park fees (USD 50 per person per night), which go directly to the Simalaha Community Conservancy and local conservation projects • Return transfers between Chundukwa River Lodge and Zambian Horseback Safaris • VAT, tourism levies and service charges • Emergency Evacuation Cover via rescue.co 4 nights at Chundukwa River Lodge • Full board accommodation • House drinks: house wines, beer (Mosi Lager & Castle), soft drinks, lemonade, Sprite, ginger ale, tonic, soda and Fanta Orange, breakfast juices, tea, coffee, iced tea and mineral water. • Transfers to and from Livingstone Airport • One activity of your choice per day from the following: Victoria Falls, horse riding, Zambezi cruise, floating picnic, bush walk, mountain bike tour • Entrance fee to Victoria Falls Rainforest (USD 20 per person) • VAT, tourism levies and service charges

Excluding

• International flights, visa and travel insurance • Transfer from Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) or Kasane Airport (Botswana) (can be booked at an additional cost) • Optional activities and experiences in addition to those included at Chundukwa River Lodge • Excursions in Livingstone, Victoria Falls and Chobe in addition to those included • Spirits and premium drinks • The optional "Star Bed Experience" at Zambian Horseback Safaris (at an additional cost and only during the dry season) • Meals at restaurants outside Chundukwa River Lodge during the stay • Single room supplement, if applicable • Tips and personal expenses

Departure dates

2026

October – December

28 Nov (4 tents available) 12 Dec (4 tents available)

2026
2027

Rates 2026

2026

Season

Length

Rate

The whole season

8 nights

$5,470

Including

4 nights at Zambian Horseback Safaris • Accommodation in a luxury safari tent (sharing a twin/double room or single room) • All meals, bush picnics, sundowners and snacks • House drinks: house wines, beer (Mosi Lager & Castle), soft drinks, lemonade, Sprite, ginger ale, tonic, soda and Fanta Orange, breakfast juices, tea, coffee, iced tea and mineral water. • 5–7 hours of riding per day (tailored to your wishes) • 2 horses per rider • Park fees (USD 50 per person per night), which go directly to the Simalaha Community Conservancy and local conservation projects • Return transfers between Chundukwa River Lodge and Zambian Horseback Safaris • VAT, tourism levies and service charges • Emergency Evacuation Cover via rescue.co 4 nights at Chundukwa River Lodge • Full board accommodation • House drinks: house wines, beer (Mosi Lager & Castle), soft drinks, lemonade, Sprite, ginger ale, tonic, soda and Fanta Orange, breakfast juices, tea, coffee, iced tea and mineral water. • Transfers to and from Livingstone Airport • One activity of your choice per day from the following: Victoria Falls, horse riding, Zambezi cruise, floating picnic, bush walk, mountain bike tour • Entrance fee to Victoria Falls Rainforest (USD 20 per person) • VAT, tourism levies and service charges

Excluding

• International flights, visa and travel insurance • Transfer from Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) or Kasane Airport (Botswana) (can be booked at an additional cost) • Optional activities and experiences in addition to those included at Chundukwa River Lodge • Excursions in Livingstone, Victoria Falls and Chobe in addition to those included • Spirits and premium drinks • The optional "Star Bed Experience" at Zambian Horseback Safaris (at an additional cost and only during the dry season) • Meals at restaurants outside Chundukwa River Lodge during the stay • Single room supplement, if applicable • Tips and personal expenses

Departure dates

2026

October – December

28 Nov (4 tents available) 12 Dec (4 tents available)

2026
2027

Rates 2026

2026

Season

Length

Rate

The whole season

8 nights

$5,470

Including

4 nights at Zambian Horseback Safaris • Accommodation in a luxury safari tent (sharing a twin/double room or single room) • All meals, bush picnics, sundowners and snacks • House drinks: house wines, beer (Mosi Lager & Castle), soft drinks, lemonade, Sprite, ginger ale, tonic, soda and Fanta Orange, breakfast juices, tea, coffee, iced tea and mineral water. • 5–7 hours of riding per day (tailored to your wishes) • 2 horses per rider • Park fees (USD 50 per person per night), which go directly to the Simalaha Community Conservancy and local conservation projects • Return transfers between Chundukwa River Lodge and Zambian Horseback Safaris • VAT, tourism levies and service charges • Emergency Evacuation Cover via rescue.co 4 nights at Chundukwa River Lodge • Full board accommodation • House drinks: house wines, beer (Mosi Lager & Castle), soft drinks, lemonade, Sprite, ginger ale, tonic, soda and Fanta Orange, breakfast juices, tea, coffee, iced tea and mineral water. • Transfers to and from Livingstone Airport • One activity of your choice per day from the following: Victoria Falls, horse riding, Zambezi cruise, floating picnic, bush walk, mountain bike tour • Entrance fee to Victoria Falls Rainforest (USD 20 per person) • VAT, tourism levies and service charges

Excluding

• International flights, visa and travel insurance • Transfer from Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) or Kasane Airport (Botswana) (can be booked at an additional cost) • Optional activities and experiences in addition to those included at Chundukwa River Lodge • Excursions in Livingstone, Victoria Falls and Chobe in addition to those included • Spirits and premium drinks • The optional "Star Bed Experience" at Zambian Horseback Safaris (at an additional cost and only during the dry season) • Meals at restaurants outside Chundukwa River Lodge during the stay • Single room supplement, if applicable • Tips and personal expenses

Departure dates

2026

October – December

28 Nov (4 tents available) 12 Dec (4 tents available)

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