Zambia - Victoria Falls

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from BM of Hexham on 04/12/2024

This is the perfect extension to Unicorn Trails holiday packages in South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya, or why not book it as a springboard to your great African equestrian adventure? There are no fixed itineraries, and guests are free to plan their own days around the many activities on offer, including excellent horse riding.
Stay in one of five open-fronted riverside chalets, with great views over the Zambezi River, or for groups and families (max 6), a private house on the Zambezi River both on a fully-inclusive basis. Meals are carefully prepared from locally sourced and homegrown ingredients including house drinks, teas and coffees.
Included is one of the following experiences per day. More are of course available and can be arranged for you.

1 x Victoria Falls day trip per stay:
On this day, guests are offered use of a private vehicle and driver to visit the Victoria Falls and the historical Livingstone Town for the day. There are no set time departures, and guests are free to spend as much time as you want to experience the world’s largest waterfall and surrounding attractions: Explore the Eastern Crescent of the falls and cross the 'Knife Edge' bridge, swim in the Devil's Pool while visiting Livingstone Island, hike to the Boiling Pot, take a microlight trip across the falls, visit the Livingstone museum, shop the local markets... there are a host of things to see and do. Please note some of those activities cost extra e.g microlight flights, while some do not e.g visiting craft markets.
Horse Riding (1h30m)
The 1.5hr River Ride is one of the most popular rides, exploring the banks of the Zambezi . Departs early morning and afternoons. Numerous longer rides are also offered (not included in rate) such as the 3hr Champagne Breakfast Ride that leads along the river and through wilderness areas, finishing with a champagne breakfast on the river bank. A perfect start to a horse lover's day.
Sunrise or Sunset Cruise (1h30-2hrs)
A highlight for guests of all ages. Witness the African sunrise, or sunset on a river cruise along the mighty Zambezi, includes a delicious selection of drinks and snacks. Guests have the chance to see a wide variety of game including hippo, crocodile, and elephant. With over 400 species of bird recorded, it is a bird lovers paradise.
Zambezi lunchtime floating picnic (2hrs)
Accompanied bushwalk (1hr)
A mountain bike tour (1h30)

Non-riders and other activities:
At the Victoria Falls there are multiple activities other than horse riding, seeing the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi Cruise. Below are a few recommended options.
Rhino Walk: Just upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls facing the Zambezi National Park on the other side of the Zambezi River, lies the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia), home to buffalo, impala, zebra, giraffe, warthog and the endangered white rhino. On a walk here you get to come very close to the amazing and sadly highly endangered white rhino. For those aged 12 and over.
Devils Pool: Swim to the edge of the largest sheet of falling water in the world in Devil’s Pool at the rim of Victoria Falls. A guided tour is the only way to reach this unique and thrilling natural infinity pool. Seasonally open usually mid August to late December.
Chobe National Park in Botswana: Chobe is just across the border and the ideal place to see all that dangerous game you might not want to encounter up close on a horse. From lion and elephant, through leopard, a day drive is great if you want to tick those boxes.
Helicopter or microlight scenic flight: Get incredible views of Victoria Falls, from multiple angles, that would not be possible at ground level. Fly over the mighty Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River, and the wildlife-filled Zambezi National Park. Takes about 45min.
Bungee jump: off the iconic Victoria Fall bridge, not for the faint-hearted. Experience 111 meters of free-fall and 4 seconds of pure adrenalin! If the sheer excitement of a bungee isn’t enough, this must be the most beautiful bungee on the planet.
Victoria Falls Craft Market: offers visitors the opportunity to purchase traditional souvenirs and handcrafted wares for fair prices.

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.

There is a large active stable yard with an abundance of space for horse trails on the river and the bush in pristine wilderness. Riding is offered for all levels of riders, and there are options for children. The riding trails range from an hour to half-day trails upward, and can cater for single riders as well as group excursions. The experienced guides will ensure your comfort and share their vast knowledge of the plant and animal kingdom you pass through.

There are Quarter Horses, Quarter Horse X Boerperds, Basotho Horses, and Thoroughbred-Crosses in the herd. All horses are forward going, steady and have gentle natures.

All levels of rider are catered for and there are good options for children too. It is essential to bring your own riding hat, chaps and gloves.

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

The chalets are built from locally burnt clay bricks, to sustainable local reeds, Kalahari sand, recycled wood and steel, our local artisans worked their magic to create a very special venue. The chalets are made from wood, with thatched roofing and walled with a Kalahari sand and cement mixture, in keeping with the traditional local method of walling. The décor is an inspired measure of traditional printed fabrics and local wares.

The chalets are built on stilts over the Zambezi River, all have en-suite bathrooms and can accommodate twin or king beds. Two chalets favour as honeymoon suites, and one is large enough to fit two extra beds should a group wish to stay together.

Amenities include: 250v plug sockets with multi-country adapters and USB ports for charging phones, cameras and computers (please bring your own converters if required), large walk-in mosquito nets, fans (due to the open-fronted design there is no air-conditioning), lock-up safe, gowns, electric blankets in the winter, mosquito spray, tissues, cupboard with hanging space for clothes, luggage racks, water flasks.

(Sleeps 6): The luxury cottage features two bedrooms downstairs and a loft bedroom upstairs, a large living area, pool, a choice of outdoor dining areas, wi-fi, a coffee bar and a fully-equipped kitchen. Soak up the sun around your private pool, share an al fresco feast with your whole group, or simply unwind amid the secluded, wild garden with a hippo chorus for company. Ideal for children and groups.

Please Note: Good quality organic shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser is provided. As the lodge is situated between two waterways (the river in front and series of lagoons behind) it is preferred that you utilise those shampoos, creams and soaps as they are organic and environmentally-friendly

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

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

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.

The Victoria Falls, although spectacular at all times, looks different depending on the water levels of the Zambezi River, which in turn depends on the rains at it's source - not rain at the time!

The Falls are at their most spectacular in July and August, the beginning of the dry season, as the rains have maximised the flow of the Zambezi River. This makes for a sensational spectacle as the rushing waters surge over the Falls and into the gorge below. At this time, the sheer power of Victoria Falls is in full ‘view’, making it a superb time of year to enjoy the lunar rainbows that can be found here. However at this time, due to the volume of water passing over them, the Falls themselves are mostly hidden behind plumes of spray. Whitewater rafting resumes around July and Devil’s Pool usually opens for swimming from August.

September and October are perfect for activities! For adrenalin enthusiasts, white water rafting or a dip in Devil’s Pool is a must. For the truly bold, a 111-metre bungee jump off of the Victoria Falls Bridge will get the pulse racing. This time of year also offers fantastic game viewing, and the influx of migrant birds to the region douses them with an array of colours. October is the ideal month for Victoria Falls sunsets. Comfortable temperatures, fewer mosquitoes and just enough dust to create spectacular orange skies, combine for the perfect end to the day. This is also a wonderful time of year to take a flight in a helicopter or microlight and enjoy Victoria Falls in all their glory from above.

In November and December, after months of the dry season the water levels in the river are at their lowest. The weather is also hot and humid with the wet season slowly starting to become visible. This time of year is a great period in which to get clear views of the Victoria Falls’ cataracts from both Zimbabwe and Zambia‘s sides due to the reduced amounts of spray. Depending on the timing and quantity of rainfall, the Zambian side of Victoria Falls may be much drier. In terms of game the "baby" season is getting into swing with many of the young born in time to enjoy the fresh green grass.

This is not a malaria risk area, but we recommend that you use a mosquito repellent (supplied at the lodge)

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.

There is free wifi at the lodge. Please note that if you are using a GoPro, please get the permission of other guests to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries 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, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking
- Chaps
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best
- Long sleeved shirts
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone
- 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

Can be provided by hosts:
Riding helmet

4 days / 3 nights / 3 riding days. Can be tailor-made to group requirements with additional or fewer days.

2025: Low Season 1 Jan - 31 Mar; 1 Nov - 19 Dec
High Season: 1 Apr - 31 Oct; 20 - 31 Dec

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Riding by Torchlight: A Grass Roots Advocacy for Classical Horsemanship from Arena to Savannah - Susannah West Cord

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horsebac

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

The Zambezi draws a large amount of game to its banks. Guests can expect to see a range of antelope, hippos, crocodile, elephant and an abundance of birds.

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.