Description
Zambian Horseback Safaris is a new venture in Zambia on the Zambezi flats, run by Doug and his partner Gail who have been running their well-established Chundukwa River Lodge since 1992. The lodge is the main home of the horse herd and lies just 30km upstream of world-famous Victoria Falls, providing bespoke stilted accommodation overlooking the Zambezi River. From here it is an exciting 2.5 hour adventure to reach the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy – by road (40mins) river safari (1h30) and finally by horseback (20mins) where a comfortable semi-permanent tented camp awaits you.
The Simalaha Community Conservancy is "a place where wildlife and people co-exist under one sky", inspired by local visionaries Chief Nyambo Yeta of the Sesheke Chiefdom and Chief Sekute of the Sekute Chiefdom. Years ago the Simalaha flood plains were home to a range of wildlife and the local people were able to benefit. In partnership with Peace Parks Foundation, this is becoming a reality once again - wildebeest, zebra, lechwe, puku, impala, waterbuck, giraffe and buffalo have all be re-introduced already. The local communities are being well-supported in order to embrace these changes and indeed they have become involved in the care and conservation of the conservancy and its wildlife. Community cattle roam the plains and the landscapes are now teeming with animals once again.
The flat terrain of Simalaha is ideal for endless canters as the floods keep it smooth and prevent holes. Small tributaries wind through the landscapes on their way back to the Zambezi River and the region is alive with all manner of birds as well as the plains game. At the present time there are no real predators and guests can relax and enjoy riding through this area, although all riders need to be competent in the saddle at all paces and able to ride for full days. On their reconnaissance ride into Simalaha the team were quite sure that the children had never seen horses before - this is truly an exciting adventure into new lands. Conservancy fees are included in the rates and go directly to supporting the Simalaha Community Conservancy Trust with their hands-on community initiatives.
Team member Danni has visited this destination recently and would be delighted to tell you all about it!