Zambezi Horse Trails are offered for either novice or experienced horse riders in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

• The novice rides are short 3 hour trails for inexperienced riders using good quality but more complacent animals.
• Experienced rides are offered on a half or full day basis for guests with considerable experience.
• In addition, multi-day horse safaris are also available for fit and experienced riders. These are available in Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls area and Hwange.  An alternative is to look at our horse safari options in Botswana.

Short trails for novice riders 

These are trails are for novice riders, and last up to 3 hours. They're conducted along the Zambezi River in the Victoria Falls National Park and in game areas adjacent to the Zambezi National Park. The ride takes them into Mopani Woodland and sub-riverine bush, throughout these areas there is a wide distribution of birds and wildlife. As guests ride through this area they'll see game and also learn about their feeding habits and the variety of plants and trees growing in the area. 

Short trails for experienced riders

These are trails designed for guests who've had considerable riding experience. The last around 4 hours in the early morning or late afternoon.  The guests will be riding good quality horses, slightly challenging perhaps, but well schooled and certainly not suitable for novice riders. 

These rides are conducted along the Zambezi River in the Victoria Falls National Park and in game areas adjacent to the Zambezi National Park. On longer rides, guests may explore the dramatic and unique scenery above the Batoka Gorge.

The full day trail for experienced riders

This is an 8 hour ride that takes place in the National Park and adjoining game areas. Both areas are extremely scenic running through teak forest, mopani woodland and riverine habitat and support a variety of game and birds.

A day ride provides extended opportunities to learn about the vegetation, habits and habitats of animals in the area. A picnic lunch will be served on the banks of the Zambezi River, along with refreshments throughout the day.

Porpoise gets a washdown

Here's another cell

Short trails for novice riders 

These are trails are for novice riders, and last up to 3 hours. Guests will have to control their own horses - we do not provide leading reigns. It's important to realise that guests do not just walk on a novice ride. There will be opportunities to trot, and where in the opinion of the guide, guests may be allowed to canter. Guests who only wish to walk should notify the guide immediately. The horses used on a novice ride are more complacent, though still of good quality, and shorter distances are covered. 

At the beginning of the ride guests are given instructions on how to handle the horses, and the ride is conducted according to their ability and inclination, with the pace at the discretion of the guide. A guide and a tracker accompany all rides. 

• Total length of rides - approximately 3 hours including transfers, safety talk & drinks.
• Maximum of 8 (larger groups by special arrangement)
• Weight limit - maximum weight 95kgs. Heavier guests - on request.
• Hard hats are provided.

Guests need not be experienced, however the following applies:

• Please notify us when booking children, so appropriate ponies are saddled.
• Children under the age of 7 years old must have had at least one year of riding lessons, and must be accompanied by an adult.
• No child, no matter how small is permitted to share a horse.
• Please use discretion when booking children as it's very possible that guests will see wild animals including buffalo.
• All guests must sign an Indemnity Form before the safari commences. A parent or guardian needs to sign for their children under the age of 18. 

Short trails for experienced riders

This is a one day trip designed for guests who've had considerable riding experience. The guests will be riding good quality horses, slightly challenging perhaps, but well schooled and certainly not suitable for novice riders. These are not ordinary trail horses and although there are a limited number of quieter horses available, guests will still be expected to control these without assistance. The minimum requirement is that a client should have ridden at least 20 to 30 times, and if this is all the riding they have done, at least half of this should have been in the past two years. They should be able to control a horse at a canter - this means more than just hanging on.

Brief notes on the short trails

• Morning or Afternoon - approximately 4 hours including transfers, the safety talk and drinks.
• Maximum group size - 8 (larger groups by special arrangement)
• Age limit - 13 years - younger children by arrangement.
• Weight limit - maximum weight 95kgs. Larger guests - on request.
• Guests will be asked about their medical condition - please do not book if you suffer from back problems, epilepsy, fits, heart conditions or if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Pick up times for short trails ... any Victoria Falls hotel or lodge

• Early Morning: August to March 05h45 - 06h15; April to July 06h45 - 07h15
• Mid Morning: August to March 09h30 - 10h00; April to July 10h00 - 10h30
• Late Afternoon: August to March 15h00 - 15h30; April to July 14h30 - 15h00

The full day trail for experienced riders

The ride takes place in the National Park and adjoining game areas. 

• Total length of ride - approximately 8 hours
• Maximum group size is 6 (Larger groups by special arrangement)
• Weight limit - maximum weight 95kgs
• Hard hats are provided on request
• Age limit - 16 years old. Please note that NO child, no matter what their experience may do a full day ride
• Guests should be capable of cantering, galloping and must be physically fit and competent riders
• Dress - guests are requested to wear neutral colours, no bright or white colours. They should wear walking shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.
• Guests will be asked about their medical condition - please do not book if you suffer from back problems, epilepsy, heart conditions or if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Pick up times for full day trails ... from any Victoria Falls hotel or lodge

• Summer (August to March) 05h45 - 06h15
• Winter (April to July) 06h45 - 07h15

Additional notes on the trails for experienced riders

You should wear:

• Dull coloured clothing, no white or bright colours. Loose T-shirt or cotton shirt and long trousers/jeans/jodhpurs.
• Takkies/trainers or riding boots - hiking boots will be too hot.
• Chaps or half chaps if you prefer.
• A shady hat or peaked cap if your are going to wear a helmet.
• Sunblock and any personal medication.
• Small automatic cameras only.

We supply:Hard hats for all rides, approved to Central African Standards. They are obligatory for children; A basic first aid kit is carried on all trips; Bottled water and fruit on all rides; Saddle bags for above and your jerseys etc; Please note that day packs can become very uncomfortable and large cameras and video cameras are likely to break. Binoculars are only necessary in camp; Peaked caps to wear underneath your helmet; Money belts to carry cash and travellers cheques, a small automatic camera and any personal medication. We do not have lock up facilities for cash at the yard; Khaki shirts if you have forgotten not to wear white; Rain coats and ponchos during the rains; The above provisions are on loan and laundered after every trip. 

Types of horses on the trails

Anglo Arab, thorough-bred, Cleveland Bay, thorough-bred cross and bush ponies. All horses are very light mouthed, responsive, fit and in very good condition. There're are different horses and ponies for novice, intermediate and experienced riders. Horses range from 12 to 17 hands high in size.

Tack used

Australian Stock Saddles/Polocrosse saddles, McClellan Saddles and some English Saddles. Each horse has its own saddle although we can change the type of saddle used if clients wish. Mainly snaffle bridles.