Zimbabwe riding vacation

Planet

A key part of your riding vacation is exploring Hwange National Park on horseback. While there are vehicles allowed in the park for game drives they must stay on specified routes and no off-roading is permitted. Experiencing it by horseback is an eco-friendly, low-impact alternative and unobtrusive way to see the park’s wildlife responsibly.

The welfare of the horses you will be riding is of paramount importance and the safari camp only allows accomplished riders to take the horses out. They spend considerable time pairing the right horse and rider together, to give you the best possible safari experience and to make sure that both horse and rider will be comfortable together.

In March 2016, the camp was awarded a Silver medal in the inaugural Green Tourism for Zimbabwe Awards in recognition of the efforts they are making to contribute to their environment. Everything possible is recycled and food and goods are purchased locally where possible to minimise the camps carbon footprint. When you stay at the camp, a portion of the daily rate you have paid is donated to the Painted Dog Organisation - also known as African Wild Dogs, they are unique to Africa and an incredible endangered species. The Painted Dog Organisation works to help with their conservation, rehabilitation and prevent unnecessary poaching.

Hwange was declared a national Park in 1929 and is now a safe home to a huge population of wildlife and thanks to conservation efforts; the population of elephants has increased significantly. By visiting the park with responsible local guides and camps, you are helping to maintain the natural environment for its inhabitants.

People

Your first stop is at Victoria Falls where you will stay in a beautiful colonial style guest house. This guest house plays a key part in supporting the community and offers the chance to visit a local township, home to the Nambya and Tonga people. As part of this tour, guests will be able to see daily life and visit the local school. There is also plenty of opportunity to visit the town markets for handicrafts and part of the tour price goes back into the town to support the local people.

Your second stop is the safari lodge in Hwange National Park. Being so close to the parks borders means that the camp pays special attention to its impact on its environment. All staff are Zimbabwean and qualified to high standards, while local people are supported with employment opportunities, training and fair trade prices for goods and food they supply to the camp.