Zambezi Escape

Introduction
Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world and needs little introduction. Victoria Falls town is surrounded by the Zambezi National Park, where wild animals roam freely, including elephant, buffalo, various antelope species, warthog, vervet monkeys and baboons. Associated predators such as leopard and hyaena are also found.

This riding safari itinerary is loosely formed so we can cater best to your requests and track game based on movement. The first and last day will include the Zambezi River area. These are your main game viewing days. Further away the rides are more about scenery and distances, however there is a chance of seeing additional wildlife.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in different locations.

Description
You'll be staying in lodges personally selected to complement your riding safari vacation. All rooms have a private bathroom.
Laundry can be done at most accommodations. There is a small charge per load, but is useful if you are going on to ride elsewhere and would like clean riding clothes when you arrive!

Accommodation Itinerary for 5-day tour - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Elephant Camp
Night 3 & 4: Old Drift

Accommodation Itinerary for 7-day tour - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1-3: Elephant Camp
Nights 4-6: Old Drift


Elephant Camp
This Camp has been rated one of the best luxury lodges in Zimbabwe. Set within the Victoria Falls National Park, The Elephant Camp overlooks the Zambezi Gorges with a magnificent view of the Victoria Falls spray in the distance.
Depending on availability, you will stay either at the main camp or at the west camp. Both offer beautiful, tented suites with AC and ceiling fans, a coffee/tea station, private facilities and free Wi-Fi.
The west camp just has 4 tented suites, which makes it more intimate than the main camp.

Old Drift
This Lodge lies a few kilometers upstream of the Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River. The lodge boasts luxury accommodation in Zambezi National Park. It is a wild paradise frequented by elephant, buffalo, herds of sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala.
The elegant and spacious canvas en-suite rooms blend in seamlessly with the natural environment. The suites are resplendent and stylish with an indoor and outdoor shower, private plunge pool and bath with a view.
The main lodge area has 360-degree views, North facing onto the Zambezi & South facing onto a water hole.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.


Meals
All meals are included in your program.

Meals are simple, but tasty, with plenty of fruits, fresh vegetables, and salads.

Wine/ beer is available for purchase at both accommodations.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


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!

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: 5-day program - subject to changes

A longer program is available on request.

Note: Weather and game movement patterns may cause us to amend the itinerary – possibly riding in different areas. We may choose to vary the order and type of camps used, most especially to take advantage of game movement.
This will always be in the guests best interests and calculated to increase the value of the safari.
Riding safaris are not timed by the clock; instead it depends on what we see, and how long we want to ride for.

Day 1: Arrival
A representative from your lodge will meet you at Victoria Falls Airport and transfer you to Elephant Camp, where you will spend your first night.
You will be picked up by your horse guide mid-afternoon for your pre trip briefing and introductory ride - this will be your first introduction to this area and a chance to see if you are happy with your horse, your saddle and so on. Your ride will end with cocktails and canapés on the edge of the Gorge.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Elephant camp

Day 2: Morning Ride & Victoria Falls
We start the day early with a pick up from camp for your first morning safari ride. Picnic breakfast is carried with us.
This afternoon, you can choose to sign up for oprtional activities (to be paid extra): Helicopter flight or Canopy tour or both..
At 3pm, we will go visit the Fall, followed by sunset ride ending at the Elephant Camp!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Elephant camp

Day 3: Morning Ride & Game Watching
Early morning ride – starting and ending where we choose depending on game movement patterns. Then, transfer to Old Drift lodge . 
You might go for an evening game drive or a river safari.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Old Drift

Day 4: Morning Ride & Activities
You start the day with another long morning ride.
During the rest of the day, choose your activity among the following options (activities to be paid extra - please inquire): game drive, river safari, riverside spa treatment or just chill on your private deck.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Old Drift

Day 5: Departure
This will be your last ride – a fabulous morning – returning in time to refresh and change before your airport transfer.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Non-Riders
Talk to us about a custom itinerary for you while your partner is out on horseback. Activities could include a walking safari, canopy tour, village tour, beauty spa, etc.
 

Rates and Dates for Zambezi Escape

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Victoria Falls
Airport: Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)
Transfer: Victoria Falls

Climate:
                                            Victoria Falls area

•  Jeans /trousers – whatever you’re comfortable riding in
•  Jeans /trousers for evenings - 1 pair.
•  Short sleeved cotton shirt or t shirt x 2.
•  Long sleeved cotton shirt x 2: light weight for sun protection.
• 1 warm jerseys/ fleece- more in winter: June – July can be very cold at night and in the early morning
•  Money belt to carry cash, small camera & sun block when riding.
•  Sunglasses & sunblock (higher factor the better - we recommend 50+ upwards)
•  Sun hat
• Camera – one that incorporates a zoom like a Panasonic Lumix DMC H17, a Nikon PS100, Canon S5 IS those small Sony’s or whatever you prefer.
• Trainers / short boots  (long boots are too hot)
• Trainers / sandals for in camp.
• Swimming costume – all camps have a swimming pool
• Chaps or half chaps   - optional.
• Riding gloves   - optional.
•  Plenty of Sun block   - the stronger the better.
•  Insect repellent.
• Malaria pills - this is a malaria area. Note: be wary of taking larium – at this altitude it has bad side effects on almost everybody and can ruin your holiday.
•  Any personal medication. If you suffer from allergies please bring necessary medication and, in the case of food allergies, an epipen with you.Victoria Falls and surrounding areas have remained free of the health problems that have affected some parts of Zimbabwe. A big community effort has ensured that our water supplies are pure, our hospitals and clinics are well supplied with medication and equipment. Please bring any personal medication with you.
•  Remember the pollen count is high - so if you are prone to allergies or hay fever and have a preferred treatment that does not make you sleepy you may want to bring that as well. We do carry some and you can buy medicines of course - but if you have to buy anything here it will of course cost more than you'd pay at home. 
• All camps are fully equipped with sheets, towels, blankets, en suite bathrooms - and real beds
• Finance: bring cash – US$ in small denominations if possible, as well as travelers cheques. Park fees are payable in cash only. Entry fee to the Falls is additional, and will cost US$20pp. Whilst extra activities must be paid for in foreign currency, you may use local currency for meals, drinks and shopping. But you may not exchange traveler’s cheques for local or foreign cash, nor can you use your credit card to buy foreign cash. Do not count on crossing into Zambia to draw cash with your credit card – the visa fees are now much higher than those for Zimbabwe -US$125 for a US citizen, 75 pounds or US$140 for British passport holders.
• Credit cards are not accepted in Zimbabwe, but you can use them elsewhere. Do not change money on the streets or at the airport.