What’s the deal?

Spend 2 hours or more riding in the African bush in search of game and wildlife as you take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the easy ride of a good horse. Choose from 2 hour, 4 hour or full day horseback safari adventures that cater to varying levels of riding ability. Rides include refreshments and other extras to make your experience all the more memorable.

Where is it?

The Adventure Zone horseback safaris take place in the Zambezi National Park.

When is the best time to do it?

The horseback safari adventures rides are available throughout the year, weather permitting.

Please Note:

Novice and experienced riders are charged the same rate because the ride is charged for according to the length of the ride. Additionally a beginner rider places more stress on a horse than a balanced, experienced rider. Novice riders may not partake in longer rides for safety reasons. Additionally, not all horses are suitable for novice riders.

Available Rides:

The rode for novices or experienced riders:

• Please Note: For this ride, although novice and experienced riders pay the same rates they will not be riding together.
• Riding time: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Turnaround time: 3 hours or more

 Long ride for experienced riders only:

• Please Note: this ride is only available in the morning
• Riding time: 4 hours
• Turnaround time: 4.5 hours or more
• Minimum number of riders: 2 pax

Full day ride:

• Please Note: Full day horse back safaris start in the mornings only
• Riding time: 6 hours
• Turnaround time: around 8 hours
• Minimum number of riders: 2 pax, 1 rider subject to a supplement
• Included on this ride: refreshments before and after the ride and a mid-ride picnic lunch break

All horse back safaris include:

Refreshments: tea, coffee, cordials, biscuits and fruit are served before the ride and again afterwards.

Horse Back Safari rates exclude:

Park Entry Fees of US$10 per rider on all rides which are payable directly

Weight Limit:

• A weight limit is applicable to all horse back safari rides with Adventure Zone
• Maximum rider weight: 90kg / 14.5 Stones / 200lbs
• Riders may be asked to be weighed on site

Tack:

• Predominantly Australian Stock saddles
• English saddles are available
• All horses ride in snaffle bridles

Horses:

• Predominantly thoroughbred
• Some mixed
• Some Anglo Arabs
• Horses stand between 14 – 16.2hh
• Horses vary from gentle rides to top polocrosse ponies.

What to wear/bring:

• Neutral coloured clothing , no white or bright colours
• Long trousers or jeans
• A bush shirt or a t-shirt with short sleeves to protect your shoulders 
• Walking shoes or trainers
• A peaked cap that you can under your riding helmet, or a sunhat
• High SPF sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Insect repellant

What we offer:

Limited variety of half chaps, jodhpurs and shirts for loan

Helmets:

• It is strongly advised that every rider wears a helmet
• Helmets are compulsory for novice riders and children
• Limited variety on offer for loan
• Please bring your own if you have one

Game Viewing:

• Game viewing, while not guaranteed, is likely on any of the rides.
• Sightings may include buffalo, elephant, warthog, impala, crocodile, hippo, waterbuck and cape clawless otter and perhaps even a leopard.

Start times for the horse back safaris:

Morning rides:

• 5:30 to 6.30 am during the summer
• Please Note: Summer horse back safaris may start earlier in very hot weather. Please check when booking.
• 7:00 am during the winter

Afternoon rides:

• 3:30pm during the summer
• 3:00pm during the winter

Full Day Ride:

5:30 to 7:00am, dependant on the time of the year and earlier if the weather is very hot