Luxury Zambia Horseback Safaris A First-Timer’s Guide
Zambian Horseback Safaris is Zambia’s premier multi-day equestrian outfitter, operating bespoke riding expeditions through the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy in Western Zambia. Founded by industry veterans Doug Evans and Gail Kleinschmidt, this unique venture combines high-paced riding across ancient floodplains with direct support for community conservation.
Luxury Zambia Horseback Safaris
The Expedition Experience
The Route: Trips begin near Victoria Falls at Chundukwa River Lodge. Guests travel to the remote camp via a 40-minute road transfer and a scenic 2-hour boat cruise up the Zambezi River.
The Terrain: Riders explore 180,000 hectares of pristine floodplains completely untouched by mass tourism, vehicles, or roads.
Predator-Free Safaris: Simalaha has no large carnivores. This allows riders to safely track up to 21 reintroduced species—including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo—without feeling like prey.
Riding Freedom: The flat, hole-free floodplains provide unique opportunities for long, fast-paced canters and gallops.
Rider Requirements & Logistics
Skill Level: Safaris are strictly tailored for intermediate-plus to advanced riders who are physically fit, confident, and independent in the saddle.
Weight Limit: The maximum weight capacity for riders is 90 kg (200 lbs).
Operating Season: Itineraries run seasonally during the dry months from July through January. When heavy rains begin, the horses return to their main stables in Livingstone.
Group Sizes: Intimate group departures are strictly limited to a maximum of 8 riders.
Accommodations & Pricing
Luxury Eco-Camp: Guests stay in an off-grid, solar-powered luxury tented camp built on stilted wooden decks. It features plush linens, ensuite bathrooms with hot water, and a shared eco-pool that serves as a wildlife hide.
All-Inclusive Rates: Standard itineraries include 5 to 7 hours of daily riding (with a provision of two horses per rider), custom safari meals, house drinks, local airport transfers, and emergency evacuation cover.
Itinerary Options: Packages typically start with a standard 3-night deep-wilderness horse safari. Many international guests opt for comprehensive 7-night to 8-night packages that blend the remote Simalaha camp with a riverfront luxury stay at Chundukwa River Lodge to tour Victoria Falls. Rates start around USD $6,830 per person sharing for full-week cross-country packages.
If you are planning an equestrian holiday, let me know your preferred travel month, your exact riding experience, or if you need help arranging flights into Livingstone International Airport.