This once-in-a-lifetime 3-night equestrian safari in the Simalaha Wilderness is based at a luxury eco-camp with full amenities. Enjoy comfortable accommodation with delicious meals and excellent wildlife viewing. Witnessing the sunrise and sunsets alone in this wild part of Zambia are worth the trip. Expect smooth horseback riding at all paces in an area free of holes, while viewing herds of game from horseback and taking in the sweeping vistas.

This package can be tailor made to riders requirements, and is deal for intermediate riders upward wanting a taste of the African bush.

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Day 1
Arrive at the airport to be met by the hosts for the transfer to the small harbour of Mambova, and to board the boats upstream. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, fisherman in their traditional dugouts (mokoros), cattle grazing on the riverbanks and beautiful, remote village scenes. Riders will be meeting the horses along the way, so ensure that all riding gear is accessible on board. After two hours on the river, meet the horses, all saddled and waiting on the riverbank. It’s time to ride! The luggage is transported to the camp while the group enjoy the first ride of the holiday. Accommodation for the trip is a luxury camp with ensuite tents with hot showers, lounge facilities and eco-pool.

Day 2 & 3
The next 2 days are spent exploring the Simalaha wilderness on horseback. Start each day at dawn with a light breakfast before setting off in search of wildlife and adventure. Watch the sunrise each morning from horseback. Every day is spent exploring this 180,000 km² of raw wilderness. This is the ideal place to immerse oneself in the vast plains, gently approach and appreciate huge herds of wildlife, mopane forests, giant and ancient baobab trees, the life-giving Zambezi River, and the Lozi people who call this land home. The Lozi go about their daily lives between the riverbanks and their homesteads, moving cattle along the riverbeds and fishing for their families on the river.
For riders, being able to canter into the horizon on land without predators (and without holes) is an absolute joy. Riders are encouraged to enjoy the space and to experience the pure riding freedom of the Simalaha. Time seems to slow down. It's an opportunity to disconnect from responsibilities and routines and to reconnect with nature. Each day will differ slightly, with the route determined by the best interests of the group and the locations of wildlife concentrations.

Day 4
Start the day with a morning ride before breakfast and the transfer to the airport

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Horses & Riding

The horses are well-loved, many homebred, and live out as a herd. They are accustomed to the game they share grazing with and come in for grooming and feeding twice daily. There are Quarter Horses, Quarter Horse X Boerperds, Basotho Horses, and Thoroughbred-Crosses in the herd. All the horses are forward going, steady and have gentle natures.

The annual flooding of the Simalaha Plains leaves vast swathes of the conservancy inaccessible to vehicles, making horses the most natural means to explore. There are no holes on the ground and riding can be at all paces if wanted. The viewing is respectful of the habits of game and can take advantage of a race with zebra, giraffe and antelope both in water and on land on occasion. One can also indulge in some of the best bird watching in the world.


Rider requirements

Riders need to intermediate riders and be riding fit.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The camp consists of 4 four luxury tents that can accommodate a maximum of 8 riders with twin beds, good quality mattresses, linen and towels. The splash pool has no chemicals, with water pumped and filtered directly from the river. Sunscreen and tanning products need to be washed off before using the pool as it flows into the waterhole for wildlife to drink from. The camp runs on solar power and hot water is provided from an eco-friendly ‘rocket boiler’ that uses a minimal amount of wood to heat water. The provided soap, shampoo and conditioners are organic and environmentally friendly. Guests are asked to use the provided products to protect the environment. Meals are prepared from locally sourced and camp-grown ingredients.


Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling.

You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document.

Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive and you should have at least two blank pages in your passport on arrival.

Visitors to Zambia must obtain a visa from one of the Zambian diplomatic missions, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries or countries whose citizens are eligible for visa on arrival. Visitors may alternatively obtain an electronic visa. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.

For further information, email the Zambian High Commission at info@zambiahc.org.uk

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Zambia.html

Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions


Climate Summary

Livingstone, located in the southern part of Zambia and falls under the subtropical steppe climate is characterized by high temperatures, moderate to sporadic rainfall, and significant seasonal variation in terms of weather conditions and big variations between night and day temperatures.

As can be seen from the Climate chart the season is divided into a dry season (April to October inclusive) and rainy season. The rain tends to come in the form of heavy showers and not all day rain and this time of year is hot too.

Climate Chart

Electricity

Zambia is voltage 230 V and the voltage frequency is 50 Hz. If the voltage in your country is between 220V - 250V (as is in the Europe, Australia and most of Asia) you can use your equipment. If your devices are only made for 100V - 127V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries) you cannot use them and you will need a voltage converter or a voltage converter.


Mobile, WiFi and charging

If using a GoPro, please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.

Packing List

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:

ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Riding gloves
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Provided by hosts
Riding helmet

SAFARI HOLIDAYS:
Muted colour clothing – khaki, green or brown (white can startle wildlife and black attracts bugs)
Anti-malarial medication (in high risk areas)
Insect repellent
Fleece for cold mornings
Suncream/Insect repellent
Buff/Scarf/Bandana

Nice to have extras:
Cycling shorts/padded underwear/seat saver if not used to long days in the saddle

Can be provided by hosts:
Riding helmet

Programmes

4 day / 3 night / 4 riding days

Departure Dates

2025: Sunday departures 01 Jul - 31 Jan 2026

Pricing
No single supplement payable if willing to share with someone of same sex. Should you wish to book a single room, please see supplement price below.
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
20254d/3n4double pp1,439
20254d/3n4single supplement375
20254d/3n4Conservancy Fees (3 x $50) pp119
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
20254d/3n4double pp1,729
20254d/3n4single supplement449
20254d/3n4Conservancy Fees (3 x $50) pp145
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
20254d/3n4double pp1,855
20254d/3n4single supplement485
20254d/3n4Conservancy Fees (3 x $50) pp149
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
20254d/3n4double pp20,235
20254d/3n4single supplement5,275
20254d/3n4Conservancy Fees (3 x $50) pp1,659
Recommended Reading

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com 

Also, a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com


Wildlife

Ostrich, Wildebeest, Zebra, Red Lechwe, Puku, Hartebeest, Impala, Waterbuck, Giraffe, Buffalo, Eland, Sable, Reedbuck, Duiker, Vervet Monkeys, Side-striped Jackal, Hippos, Nile Crocodiles

Other Information

This is a low-risk malaria area - however, we encourage all guests to take the usual precautions against mosquito bites

Other Country Information

Zambia is a completely landlocked country in Southern Africa bordered by Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Its border with Botswana is only a kilometre (about half a mile) long while the Victoria Falls forms a natural barrier with Zimbabwe.

The Falls – traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or The Smoke That Thunders for the intense noise and colossal spray – are a major tourist attraction and a must-see on an African safari. Zambia is also known for its unbelievable birding (around 860 recorded species!) and productive national parks like Kafue, South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. The country was also a pioneer in walking safaris in which you leave behind the game-drive vehicle and set out on foot, the way ancient Zambians always traversed the bush. This is an exciting, inspiring and humbling way of encountering wildlife. One of the most water-rich countries in Africa, Zambia has five vast lakes, three major rivers, at least 17 waterfalls and various wetland areas.

In addition to major conservation areas, the country also has considerable mineral wealth. Copper is mined in the north and forms a significant part of Zambia’s income. Lusaka, the capital, is growing quickly with over three million people calling it home. In the rural areas, subsistence farming provides a livelihood for many people. Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies on the African continent and respectful, ethical tourism is crucial to the country’s on-going development.


Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
Livingstone Airport (LVI)
Transfer:
2025: Livingstone Airport to camp - return US$240.00 pp (minimum 2 passengers)
Flight Guide:
2025: London to Livingstone Airport (LVI) return from £760pp (Season Dependent)
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