Horse riding is enjoyed by all ages and although many start horse riding when young, more people are taking up horse riding for the first time later in life. In Zambia, horse riding is done in national parks and private game reserves. Trails not only offer an incredible diversity of terrain and scenery but also a wide variety of games. This activity gives you the chance to experience Zambia from horseback. Operators have designed a range of horse riding safari packages to suit everyone - from experienced riders to complete beginners. Horses are fit, responsive, reliable and totally adapted to work in the African bush. Riders are accompanied by highly trained guides and safety measures are strictly followed.
Horse riding in Zambia
Riding in Zambia is an unparalleled adventure that gives you an opportunity to explore some of the most stunning and wildlife-filled places in the country. This safari is led by qualified and professionally trained guides, always pushing for a new and exhilarating adventure. Trails are off the beaten track and with vast knowledge about the countries wildlife and vegetation, guides will take you deep into the bush where you will enjoy the wonders that the country has to offer. On this safari, you are guaranteed a pristine wilderness with unique landscapes. The experience of approaching wildlife on horseback brings you at one with nature. This interaction between wildlife and horses is a natural relationship and every encounter is unique and unforgettable. Operators take great care to match a horse with the rider and provide top quality equipment, an excellent standard of guiding and personal attention.
Safaris here are an intimate experience: there is simply no better way of taking in the Zambian bush, than by horseback. Horses keep its own senses tuned for wildlife, and by looking in the direction of its ears, many well-camouflaged animals are revealed. Once comfortable, a horse will drop its head and graze, signalling all the other grazing animals in the area to relax too. In this fashion, one can happily drift along with the animals observing them as they go about their normal daily routines.
Procedures for handling horses and horse-riding:
Before you decide to go horse riding, make sure that you learn as much as possible about how horses react and why. This will allow you to handle the horse in a way that is safe and minimises the risk of any possible accidents. As long as the horse is handled with respect and in a safe way, you will both benefit. You will create a safe and calm environment for both yourself and the horse.
What to wear:
Kafue National Park around the Busanga Plains
This area is home to a wild selection of wildlife including elephant, hippos, zebras, buffalos and wild dogs. It also has abundant bird life with about 500 varieties of birds in the park. The horse rides are based on the lake Itezhi-tezhi, within the forest acres along with swampy areas across the banks of the Kafue River. Horse riding in this region is only suitable for experienced riders because riding gets fast where the terrain enables some steep climbs as well as descents and river crossing.
Horse Trails along the Zambezi River
This adventure takes riders down the mighty Victoria Falls, riding by Teak forests as well as the grasslands. Riders can also cross the Zambezi River and set up a camp in the night at its banks. It's definitely a must to see the great natural beauty of this area. The operator here offers nightly tours, daybreak trips and late afternoon trips for about 2 hrs.