The hottest new destination in Africa with unmatched beach riding on fit and well loved horses. This is an unmissable extension to any African holiday or a riding holiday in it's own right. The tropical colours of the sea must be seen to be believed. Relax and enjoy activities from fishing, through snorkling on world class coral reefs or scuba diving. This is when you're not exploring the coastline on horseback, visiting the local markets, swimming with your horses or sailing to Benguerra Island to ride there.
Your hosts Mandy and Pat Retzlaff are people with a passion for life and great stories to tell. The spirit of fun and adventure runs deep here and the care and love for their horses is second to none.
Suitable for all levels of riding and with enough activities to keep non riders happily occupied for weeks, this is an all ride destination with great riding and accommodation right on the beach.
SAMPLE ITINERARY: Please note that this itinerary is flexible due to the changing tide levels in Vilanculos.
Day 1 - Introduction Day Guests will be transferred from Vilanculos airport to your accommodation in time for lunch. Pat & Mandy Retzlaff, your hosts, will settle you in and give you a brief introduction to Vilanculos. You will enjoy an introductory ride that afternoon along the beach giving you a chance to become familiar with the horses and tack, riding past the Chibuene archaeological site which was used as trading post since the 7th century. Early evening drinks will be served at the lodge followed by a fresh seafood dinner.
Day 2 - Red Dunes After breakfast you will be taken over to the stables, mount up and set off on an exhilarating ride along deserted beaches and over high cliffs with panoramic scenes of the Bazaruto Archipelago, to the Red Dunes on North Beach. 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 A day spent at leisure, visiting the market, relaxing at the resort or enjoying one of the world renowned activities in Vilanculos such as scuba diving, snorkeling, dhow safari, whale watching, kayaking and deep sea fishing.
Day 4 - Enrique's Fishing Village Ride
This wonderful ride takes you through the coconut plantations along the beach to Enrique's Fishing Village. Enrique the local chief entertains us in true Mozambican style; setting up a table for us 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 Ride Your hosts have a herd of horses based on Benguerra Island where you will go for a ride today. 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 Vilanculos by motorized dhow and enjoy dinner at a lovely restaurant where they serve the famous Mozambican "Peri- Peri chicken".
Day 6 - Chibubobo & Lake Rides The ride takes you from the stables onto the beach and through the outskirts of Vilanculos into the local village. From the village we head west along single track paths towards the natural fresh water lakes through beautiful bush. The ride ends with beautiful views and lovely canters along Chibubobo beach back to the stables. In the evening you will have a delicious BBQ at Casa Guci.
Day 7- South Beach Bush and River
The Vilanculos 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 finished off by a swim with the horses in the ocean. Dinner in the evening will be served around the pool at Archipelago Beach Resort.
Day 8 - Farewell Swim Ride Gear up for 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 our world famous swims before heading home to check out of Archipelago at noon and a light lunch.
Transfer to the airport.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, full board, transfers, riding and other activities as described, concession fees and Mozambique government VAT
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights, travel insurance, Visa's, alcoholic drinks, tips, items of a personal nature, additional activities available on site and not described in itinerary.
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What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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