Price
2026
7 Nights (4 nights on horse safari and 3 at Chundukwa River Lodge)
$4,800 per person, sharing
Single person $5,935
8 Nights (4 nights on horse safari and 4 at Chundukwa River Lodge)
$5,380 per person, sharing
Single person $6,660
NOTE: A fee of $90 per person to be added for emergency medical response. Rescue.co will manage the complete emergency evacuation coordination process for all guests on Zambian Horseback Safaris. This includes access to their 24/7 medically staffed dispatch team, emergency ground and air evacuation coordination, and rapid response support.
Dates & Prices
ZAMBIA
Zambian Horseback Safaris - 2 Itineraries
Overview
This safari offers the ultimate in riding freedom with vast, open floodplains that are free from holes, providing the perfect setting for long, fast-paced rides. Here, where cars and roads are non-existent, riders can traverse 180,000 hectares of pristine Zambezi floodplains, untouched by mass tourism. Whether you’re a Western or English rider, the well-schooled horses promise open, exhilarating rides in a predator-free environment. Riders may spot up to 21 species of wildlife, including giraffe, ostrich, buffalo, zebra, countless bird species - and at times, migrating elephant herds.
Between the rides, indulge in some of the best birdwatching in the world. Riders are fully immersed in the African wilderness and can opt for a sleep-out experience under the starlit skies. Witnessing the sunrise and sunset in this wild part of Zambia is a highlight worth the trip alone.
Riding with Doug Evans
The owner and your host at Zambian Horseback Safaris is Doug Evans who will be your guide through the story of the Simalaha, the land, the people, its cultural history and relevance to sustainable community and wildlife development. Doug is a horseman and a conservationist who has been exploring, observing and championing wild places in Zambia for over 40 years. On a horse since the age of two, and involved with breeding, schooling, trail riding and training Zambia’s National Polocrosse team, Doug’s dream of leading horse-lovers on multi-day rides in a remote wilderness has come true in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy. Doug has worked in conservation, eco-tourism and with horses all his life, which has included training horses to work in wildlife areas for anti-poaching patrol work. Known for his calm and respectful treatment of horses, Doug’s connection with the herd is profound. Doug’s bond with his horses ensures they trust him implicitly, creating an extraordinary experience for riders.
Eco-camp experience in the remote wilderness
Your journey includes a stay at an eco-camp in this ultra-remote location. Despite its seclusion, the camp offers marvelous amenities. Travelers sleep on beautiful linens, cool off in the eco-pool and wildlife viewing hide, and dine on delicious, fresh, and healthy cuisine. The horses, well-adapted to wildlife, allow riders to explore lesser-trodden paths. The annual flooding of the Simalaha Plains leaves vast swathes of the conservancy inaccessible to vehicles, making horseback exploration both natural and thrilling.
Starting and ending at Chundukwa River Lodge
Travelers begin and end their journey at Chundukwa River Lodge, a luxury lodge located just 25 minutes from Livingstone Town and Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World. The area offers countless nature, photographic, and adventure-based opportunities, ensuring your Zambian adventure is unforgettable.
Riding with purpose
A stay at Zambian Horseback Safaris is more than an extraordinary adventure—it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact. Guests directly contribute to the preservation of Zambia’s breathtaking wilderness and the empowerment of local communities. As the sole tourism operator in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy, Zambian Horseback Safaris actively support eco-tourism initiatives that safeguard the region’s natural beauty and wildlife. Through our contributions to the Conservancy Trust, we empower local communities to break the cycle of poverty and foster a sense of pride and ownership in their wildlife heritage.
Location
Simalaha Concervancy, Zambia
Airport
Livingstone, Zambia
Duration
3-7 nights
When to go
July - January
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Weight
95 kg / 15 stone / 209 lbs
Group size
8 max
Accommodation
River Lodge and semi permanent eco safari camp
Included
All the riding, accommodation, park fees, meals, drinks and alcohol.
Extras
Single supplement applies if unable to share.
Excluded
Flights, transfers, premium label alcohol and tips.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
Once you have cleared immigration and collected your luggage, you will be met by a member of the team and transferred to Chundukwa River Lodge for Zambian Horseback Safari departure (depending on your itinerary).
The preferred route starts with a road transfer and then you will continue the journey by river. The boat journey is a highlight for all guests. There is an 8-seater Alli-Boat with a canopy for shade for the journey from Mambova Harbour into the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy where guests will be met by the horses on the river’s edge to ride into camp.
Transfer costs breakdown is as follows and a minimum of 2 passengers is applicable:
Livingstone Airport (Zambia) to Simalaha Horse Safaris, $300.00 pp return
Chundukwa River Lodge (Livingstone, Zambia) to Simalaha Horse Safaris, $240 pp return
Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe) to Simalaha Horse Safaris, $368 pp return
Kasane Airport (Botswana) to Simalaha Horse Safaris, $284 pp return
Helicopter or Light Aircraft charter is an alternative transfer option for those with limited time. Return transfer rates are subject to change at any time.
Departure dates
2026
7 Nights
25 July - 1 August
8 Nights
27 June - 5 July
11 - 20 July
22 - 30 August
12 - 20 September
26 September - 4 October
10 - 18 October
24 October - 2 November
7 - 15 November
28 November - 6 December
12 - 20 December
New Year Ride
29 December - 3 January (Please contact us for rates and information).
Riding & Itinerary
7 Nights Safari
Day 1
Fly into Livingstone Airport (HMIA / LVI)
Once you have cleared Immigration and collected your luggage, you will be met by a member of the 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.
This is a superb way to relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Zambezi River. There are great photo opportunities against often-spectacular African sunsets. Flocks of birds skim the waterline as the sun sets behind the African skyline. Guests may have the opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, elephant and many bird species. The Zambezi sunset cruise is inclusive in your stay and includes a wonderful selection of drinks and snacks. Overnight in a luxury river facing chalet with ensuite bathroom on a fully-inclusive basis.
Day 2
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! By this stage you are firmly off the tourist circuit in a beautiful remote part of Africa.
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. Make sure you have your riding gear onboard as we shall be jumping straight onto a horse when we get there.
After two hours on the river, look out for our horses, saddled and waiting on the riverbank. It’s time to ride! Doug is in charge of horsing riders. This afternoon, as we ride to camp, Doug will ascertain the best horses for your experience with us. Your luggage will follow us to camp. Overnight in a luxury tent with hot water showers on a on a fully-inclusive basis.
Days 3 - 5
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. This is 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.
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.
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.
Day 6
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 in a luxury riverside chalet with ensuite bathroom on a fully-inclusive basis.
Day 7
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 in a luxury riverside chalet with ensuite bathroom on a fully-inclusive basis.
Day 8
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.
8 Nights Safari
Day 1
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.
Day 2
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.
Day 3
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.
Day 4
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.
Day 5
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.
Day 6
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.
Day 7
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.
Day 8
Optional Chobe Day Trip / Chundukwa River Lodge.
Day 9
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.
Horses
Quarter Horses, Quarter Horse cross Boerperds, Basotho Horses and Thoroughbred crosses
Riding level
Intermediate to Advanced
Type of riding
Riding safari with no predators and no holes on the ground, allowing for more riding freedom and exploration with plenty of fast canters
Tack
Tailor made South African trail saddles. Saddle bags are provided.
Weight limit
95 kg / 15 stone / 209 lbs
Group size
8 max
Accommodation & Meals
Chundukwa River Lodge features five riverside chalets, each designed with an open-fronted layout that offers breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. Each room possesses its own unique charm and design, providing a direct connection to nature for guests seeking a soulful and peaceful experience.
Safari Camps – On safari you will venture to the Simalaha Conservancy. Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Zambia, where you will discover one of its most remote and untamed safari camps. Experience vast open spaces, starlit skies, and the melodic sounds of nature at dawn. The camp seamlessly blends design, community and nature, offering breathtaking views over the Simalaha Plains.
With accommodations for up to eight riders in four tents, special care is taken to provide high-quality mattresses, linens, and towels to soothe achy bodies after long hours in the saddle.
Meals are homecooked by a professional chef, and some of the most delicious and healthy food we've ever had on a safari. Think of international cuisine and flavors mixed with African traditions. Vegetables and herbs come from their own garden at Chundukwa River Lodge. We loved beef with couscous salad and Asian insipired sauce, and chia pudding at breakfast - slightly different and healthier than your standard safari food. Your stay also includes bush picnics, pop-up sundowners, snacks, house wine, beers, soft drinks and teas and coffees.
Accommodation
River Lodge and semi permanent eco safari camp
Single Supplement
Possible to have a single room and tent, extra fees apply
Meals
Inform us about food allergies and intolerances
Drinks
All drinks with alcohol included
The Destination
Simalaha is a community conservancy in Zambia, specifically in the Southern Province, on the edge of the Zambezi River. It's part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), the world's largest trans-border conservation system. Simalaha, meaning "come together," is a place where people and wildlife are working together to re-establish wildlife populations and promote sustainable tourism.
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