Meeting: Victoria Falls
Airport:   Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)       Train station:   --
Transfer: Victoria Falls    Distance: 22km

Pick-up/ drop-off from Victoria Falls International airport (VFA).

Tack:		Australian Stock saddles. English on request. All horses go in snaffle bridles.
Horses:		Anglo Arab, Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay , Thoroughbred cross and Warm bloods Between 14-16.2hh.
Pace:		Moderate with trots, canters and some gallops, 4-5 hours daily. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(4 to 5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 185 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 6 riders

Riding Experience
This trip is suitable for strong intermediate riders. Keep in mind we ride through highly dense game areas. Clients must be fit and confident at all paces, including rising trot, and capable of trotting at a rising trot for a minimum of 15 minutes at a stretch. The more proficient and fitter you are the more you will enjoy your trip.

Riding
We spend between 4-6 hours in the saddle per day. This includes refreshment breaks and a short 10-minute walk for every 2 hours spent in the saddle (for the horses back, and your own muscles). The times given for rides are an estimate – we do not clock watch and may decide to alter and adapt the route.
Within reason, we like to tailor our trips to suit you. If you do not like what is happening let us know.
At the end of each riding day, we meet to discuss with you and amongst ourselves what we have seen, and plan our next day accordingly. We get continuous updates on game movement patterns throughout the area to ensure the best experience, so we may change a route – but only for your benefit.

Terrain
Magnificent and varied terrain, from the shady banks of the Zambezi, to rugged mopane woodland and wide ranging Kalahari sand dunes and teak forests. Riding on the banks of the Zambezi at any water level is an experience itself. All rides start here, moving away after the first morning through other varied terrain. Kalahari sand fire breaks are the best places to gallop.
The rural areas up to Gorges offer the most dramatic and beautiful scenery – rugged and starkly beautiful in the dry season, the experience of seeing black eagles soaring in the gorge below you is unforgettable.



Horses
The owner personally chooses and schools the horses herself, before they are used on safaris. She is assisted by a dedicated team of staff, who also ensures that the horses are happy and healthy.
The horses are mostly thoroughbred, some mixed, some Anglo Arabs. Between 14 – 16.2hh. They vary from gentle hacks to top polocrosse ponies.
As the stables are in a world heritage site and surrounded by National Park, everything the horses eat is brought in, ensuring that each horse has an excellent and closely monitored diet.

Guiding
Qualified, licensed guides lead all rides, and are accompanied by a back up rider. Both are dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A keen interest is taken in the environment as well as the flora and fauna of the area. You will also learn many of the traditional uses of plants and trees, basic principles of tracking, and aspects of traditional village life.
All guides and back up riders are trained in first aid procedures and emergency situations. Each ride starts with a safety talk, and you will be reminded of details should circumstances require.

Weight Limit
We have a weight limit of 85 kg. This is your weight in your riding clothes and should include anything else you wish to carry. Our guides will carry your water for you. To avoid embarrassment be warned that you may be required to step on the scales!
An extra charge of 50% is required for riders above our weight limit if allowed to ride. Please note this is at the discretion of the company and subject to individual experience and circumstances. Allowances may be made only for very experienced riders, or for those who are tall and fit.

Children
We do accept children but they must be strong competent riders. Please inquire. There is no adjustment in price for children.

Insurance
You will need to be covered by your own full Medical/Travel Insurance, of which we ask you provide us with details prior to the start of your ride. Please check whether your insurance covers you for riding without a helmet, should you wish to do so.

Wildlife
Birds and other wildlife abound, of all colours, shapes and sizes. Lilac-breasted rollers, white-fronted bee-eaters and trumpeter hornbills are common, and if you are lucky you may glimpse the brilliant green and bright scarlet colours of the elusive Schalow's Turaco, which is found along the riverine forest.
Depending on the season you may see elephant, buffalo, kudu, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, banded mongoose and warthog. Along the river can be found hippo and crocodile, and occasionally cape clawless otters may also be spotted. There are several resident leopard and hyena are also present in the area, but rarely spotted, and even wild dog are sometimes seen during the rains. But remember, no game is guaranteed!


Passport and Visa Requirements: Passport valid for at least six months beyond date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. Three blank pages are needed.Passport NoteAll visitors to Zimbabwe must be in . more