Vilankulo and Benguerra Beach Trails, Mozambique
Horses
Type of horses:
Thoroughbreds, Arabs and South African Boerperds
Nature of horses:
Responsive, alert, tough and fit
Height of horses:
14.2 - 16hh
Weight limit:
90kg
Tack type:
English, South African McClellan's and a selection of Australian Stock saddles. Horses are trained for both English and Western riding.
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 20 C
Forecast:
Thu - Clear. High: 26 Low: 20
Fri - Partly Cloudy. High: 26 Low: 19
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
The price for this holiday is £1616 per person.
Flights and travel insurance are not included in the price.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This beautiful destination in Mozambique offers what is arguably the best beach riding in the world. It offers day trails and safaris along the stunning Vilankulo coast and on Benguerra Island, part of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The hosts here specialise in custom-made riding holidays which introduce visitors to the beaches, magnificent cliff top views and the turquoise seas of this Mozambican paradise.
The stunning town of Vilankulo is world renowned for its variety of white sand beaches, alluring golden sunsets and tall palm trees. The beaches stretch for tens of kilometres allowing riders plenty of opportunities for exhilarating canters and long trots. There are extraordinary views over the Bazaruto Archipelago, red sand dunes to explore and a fascinating fishing village where the local chief will welcome you in the traditional style. Vilankulo also has many interesting markets and there remains a visible Portuguese influence in the restaurants and culture, a result of its past inclusion in the Portuguese Empire.
As well as all this, visitors have the opportunity to travel to Benguerra Island which was declared a National Park in 1971. Guests can ride on different horses also owned by the hosts, travelling through forests and savannahs, around freshwater lakes and past wetland eco-systems. The island is home to around 140 species of bird and fresh water crocodiles and flamingos can be found in the three lakes. The island is also known for its remarkable dive sites.
The hosts, Pat and Mandy, also run an Equestrian School offering riding lessons, training and clinics and visitors can purchase tuition at an extra cost or can arrange an itinerary which includes this. This destination runs a volunteer programme for those who wish to gain experience of working with horses in this exceptional setting and this is a dreamy opportunity for horse lovers, even those who are not hugely experienced. If you are interested in developing your riding skills, learning about the culture of Mozambique and would like to make a difference by helping African horses then this option could well be for you. Volunteers are also encouraged to help out in local orphanages.
The horses, a combination of Thoroughbreds, Arabs and South African Boerperds, are the hosts' greatest and most treasured assets and are well taken care of. They are schooled to a very high level, react easily and lightly to the aids, and are trained for both English and Western riding styles. Each horse is handpicked to suit the guest's individual need and all are responsive and fit. Pat and Mandy have over 80 horses in Mozambique to choose from so there is the perfect mount for everyone.
After a wonderful day's riding there is nothing better than returning somewhere lovely to relax, to enjoy an exotic cocktail and to eat a delicious meal before watching the sunset from the beach. Accommodation for these holidays is in a lodge located on the beach and it features eighteen chalets and an excellent restaurant and bar. This is the finishing touch to these breathtaking holidays, a little slice of paradise for the horse loving traveller.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is at a lodge consisting of eight chalets with stunning ocean views. Situated on the beach, each chalet has a large double bedroom with en suite shower. There is also a fully equipped kitchen with additional bedrooms and a separate shower.
This accommodation is within easy walking distance of the stables and just a short ride from the town centre. It has a restaurant serving delicious food and you can enjoy cocktails at the bar before a sunset walk on the beach. There is a beautiful swimming pool here.
The lodge restaurant serves delicious food and there is also the chance for some real culinary treats during the rides - Peri-Peri chicken, Matapa (a traditional Mozambican dish made from cassava leaves, nuts and coconut milk), seafood lunches and a refreshing coconut drink. You will also be shown how to eat fresh crab and can of course enjoy the exotic cocktails from the bar in the evenings.
Activities
Horse Riding on Bazaruto Island:
As an optional activity (at an extra cost), guests have the chance to ride on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Bazaruto Island is the largest island in the archipelago and has white sand beaches, large sand dunes and freshwater lakes surrounded by the translucent blue of the Indian Ocean.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling:
The waters around the Bazaruto Archipelago are one of the largest marine conservation areas in the Indian Ocean. The coral reefs and clear waters offer some of the best diving in the world. With sites at a depth of 12m to 30m and visibility up to 40m, you will discover protected reefs teeming with dolphin, humpback whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta and spotted eagle rays and turtles. The endangered dugong, of which only a very small number still exist, swim in the shallow crystal waters that are also home to abundant starfish, soft and hard corals, anemones, seahorses and a dazzling array of beautiful tropical fish.
Dhow Trips:
Experience the wonder of a traditional sailing dhow gliding through the Bazaruto Archipelago. The islands of Benguerra, Bazaruto, Magaruque and Santa Carolina are complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees and pristine coral reefs.
Portuguese Lessons:
For those who choose to volunteer at this destination on one of the schemes, the hosts can arrange intensive one-to-one Portuguese languages.
Fishing:
Vilankulo is renowned for its excellent game fishing.
Kiteboarding:
During the windy season you can kiteboard and windsurf in Vilankulo, the conditions are perfect due to the shallow water and flat waves.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: Fit & Healthy
Age limit: None within reason
Tuition: Tuition is available at their riding school for extra cost or through an arranged tuition programme.
Included: Riding, accommodation, meals, boats, drinks, transfers, concession fees and Mozambique Government VAT
Not included: Flights, personal travel insurance, visas, alcoholic drinks, personal spending money and any extra excursions or activities.
Travel Information
Visitors from Europe will usually find that the most affordable flights are from Paris or Lisbon into Maputo. From here you can take a direct flight from Maputo to Vilankulo where your hosts can meet you. Alternatively, guests can take a luxury bus which runs between Johannesburg, Maputo and Vilankulo twice a week and you can be picked up from the bus drop off point in Vilankulo.
There are also regular flights into Maputo and Vilankulo from Johannesburg.
Airport: Maputo International (Lourenço Marques)
Alternative Airport: Vilankulo Airport
Programme
Idyllic Eight Day Adventure
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This is a heavenly eight day itinerary which combines some of the world's best beach riding with trips through sand dunes, a fishing village and the beautiful scenery. Accommodation is in a beach resort which serves delicious food and exotic cocktails, the horses are beautifully schooled and loved and the riding is simply spectacular. This is a little trip into paradise where you can learn how to eat fresh crab, can ride on a tropical island and can swim with your horse in the turquoise waters. There are also activities besides horse riding to enjoy. Day 1 - Introduction Day: Guests are transferred from Vilankulo Airport to the beach resort; Pat and Mandy will help them to settle in and will give a brief introduction to Vilankulo. There is an enjoyable introductory ride in the afternoon along the beach, giving guests the chance to become familiar with the horses and the tack. You will ride past the Chibuene archaeological site which was used as a trading post since the 7th century. A fresh seafood dinner will be served at the resort in the evening. Day 2 - Red Dunes: Today you will be taken over to the stables to mount up and set off on an exhilarating ride along deserted beaches. These will lead you to the Red Dunes on North Beach with incredible scenes of the archipelago. Lunch will be served at a beachside restaurant with views of the bay, you will be fascinated by the changing colours of the water. After a long day in the saddle a well-deserved dinner will await you at the resort. Day 3 - Activity Day: You can visit the Vilankulo market, relax at the resort or enjoy activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, dhow sailing, parasailing, a booze cruise, kayaking and fishing. Lunch and dinner will be provided in the resort. Day 4 - Enrique's Fishing Village Ride: This wonderful ride takes you through coconut plantations and along the beach to Enrique's Fishing Village. Enrique, the local chief, entertains us in true Mozambican style; setting up a table for you with traditional food. You start off with a refreshing coconut drink and are shown how to eat fresh crab and taste Matapa, a traditional Mozambique dish made from cassava leaves, nuts and coconut milk. After lunch you continue your ride through the rural village and head onto the "Fingerprint of God"; a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the archipelago. A wonderful day's ride experiencing traditional African culture. Day 5 - Benguerra Island: Pat and Mandy have a herd of horses based on Benguerra Island where you will go for a ride. The island consists of huge sand dunes, freshwater lakes and sandy beaches which make for an incredible ride. A delicious seafood lunch will be served on the beach. In the afternoon you will return to Vilankulo by motorised dhow and enjoy dinner at a lovely restaurant where they serve the famous Mozambican 'Peri-Peri chicken'. Optional activities on Benguerra Island include scuba diving, island drives and game fishing. Please note that these are optional activities at the client's expense. Day 6 - Activity Day: You can visit the Vilankulo market, relax at the resort or enjoy activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, dhow sailing, parasailing, a booze cruise, kayaking and fishing. Lunch and dinner will be provided at the resort. Day 7 - South Beach, Bush and River: The Vilankulo coastline possesses some of the most delightful landscapes in Mozambique. In the morning you will ride towards the river on South Beach, through the rural area and back along the beach passing coconut plantations. The long, wide, open beaches allow for wonderful canters which can be finished off by a swim with the horses in the ocean. Dinner in the evening will be served around the pool at the resort. Day 8 - Farewell Swim Ride: Today you will have a short, early morning, farewell ride up the coast; towards the cliffs and mangroves on South Beach. The views from the cliffs overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago are extraordinary and a memory that you will never forget. Descend to the beach for a final brisk gallop and one of the world famous swims before heading home to check out of the resort at noon after a light lunch. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Beginner+ |
| Type of ride: | Based trails |
| Total riding time: | 2-6 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | All year round |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |