A Riding Safari Through Wild Zambezi Country
Across vast, predator-free plains, you’ll ride among herds of wildebeest, lechwe, zebra, and impala, meeting local Lozi herdsmen and fishermen as they go about their lives between the river and the grasslands. Long canters, bush picnics, and sundowner rides unfold in an unhurried rhythm that mirrors the wilderness itself. Nights are spent in comfortable luxury tents at a remote eco-camp, with nourishing home-cooked meals and campfire stories beneath a star-filled sky. Returning to Chundukwa River Lodge, you’ll have time to relax, visit the majestic Victoria Falls, or simply drift down the Zambezi on a sunset cruise. This intimate safari is a true immersion in Zambia’s soul — unspoiled, elemental, and deeply moving.
Note: the following variations on this seven-night itinerary are also available:
- 1 night at Chundukwa River Lodge, 4 nights on safari with Zambian Horseback Safaris, concluding with 2 nights at Chundukwa River Lodge
- 2 nights at Chundukwa River Lodge, 3 nights on safari with Zambian Horseback Safaris, concluding with 2 nights at Chundukwa River Lodge
You will love
- Epic sunrise rides across open plains
- Doug Evans’ expert guiding & storytelling
- Wildlife encounters on horseback
- Peaceful nights at Chundukwa River Lodge
- Authentic eco-camp comfort in Simalaha
- Private day exploring Victoria Falls
8 Days of Falls & Horseback Adventures
DAY 1 | ARRIVE AT CHUNDUKWA RIVER LODGE | 1 NIGHT
Arrive at Livingstone Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred to Chundukwa River Lodge, just 25 minutes upstream from Victoria Falls. Overlooking the mighty Zambezi, this tranquil lodge offers five riverside chalets and one private cottage, each opening to uninterrupted river views. Settle in with a light lunch before joining an afternoon sunset cruise — a highlight of your stay. Glide along the Zambezi as flocks of birds skim the water, hippos wallow in golden light, and the African sky ignites with colour.
Return for dinner beneath lanterns and starlight, surrounded by the night sounds of the bush.
DAY 2 | TRANSFER TO Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy | 4 NIGHTS
After breakfast, begin your journey to the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy. Travel by road to Mambova Harbour, passing through lively villages before boarding a small boat for a scenic two-hour river journey upstream. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and fishermen in mokoros along the way.
On arrival, meet your horse and mount up for the final ride to camp, guided by Doug Evans himself. Your luggage follows by vehicle while you cross the plains on horseback, reaching the eco-camp by afternoon.
Enjoy a home-cooked dinner, a campfire under a canopy of stars, and your first night surrounded by wilderness.
DAY 3 | ZAMBIAN HORSEBACK SAFARIS
Rise before dawn for coffee and a light breakfast before mounting up to explore the Conservancy. Ride across vast plains dotted with ancient baobabs and mopane forest, watching herds of wildebeest and zebra moving through the grasslands. Return for lunch and a siesta, perhaps cooling off in the eco-pool or birdwatching from camp.
In the late afternoon, set out once more for a leisurely sundowner ride, ending with a drink in hand as the sun melts into the horizon. Evenings are relaxed and convivial, with shared stories around the fire.
DAY 4 | ZAMBIAN HORSEBACK SAFARIS
Another day unfolds in the saddle. The route changes with wildlife movements and the group’s pace — perhaps following the Zambezi’s shimmering channels or galloping along the floodplain. With no predators here, riders can truly revel in the freedom of open country.
Between rides, there’s time to unwind in camp, swim, or simply rest in the shade. As dusk falls, return to a glowing campfire and the soft night sounds of the wild.
DAY 5 | ZAMBIAN HORSEBACK SAFARIS
Spend your final full day in the Simalaha Wilderness exploring further afield, with long morning rides and relaxed afternoons. If conditions allow, you may choose an optional night beneath the stars — a raw yet comfortable ‘star bed’ sleepout that connects you directly to the African night sky.
Fall asleep to the distant call of owls and the whisper of wind across the plains.
DAY 6 | RETURN TO CHUNDUKWA RIVER LODGE | 2 NIGHTS
Enjoy a final sunrise ride before breakfast, then depart by river and road to Chundukwa River Lodge. Back in comfort, spend the afternoon at leisure — take a swim, book a massage, or stroll through the gardens.
Your riverside chalet offers a peaceful retreat after days of riding, with all meals, drinks, and one in-house activity included.
DAY 7 | CHUNDUKWA RIVER LODGE
Today is yours to explore Victoria Falls and its surroundings. Visit the world’s largest waterfall, enjoy a private vehicle with driver-guide, and choose from a host of activities — from scenic helicopter flights to local craft markets or a Zambezi picnic.
Return to Chundukwa in time for one last riverside dinner and the sounds of Africa’s wilderness at night.
Day 8 | Departure
Wake to the sunrise over the Zambezi and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. If time allows, take a short morning ride along the river before transferring back to Livingstone Airport for your onward journey.
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Your Accommodation
Chundukwa River Lodge – Livingstone
Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River just 30 minutes from Victoria Falls, Chundukwa River Lodge is tucked away in a quiet wilderness of its own though close enough to the action making it the perfect launch page, or final stop, pre or post your African safari! Read More
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR PRICING & AVAILABILITY
PLEASE ENQUIRE FOR PRICING & AVAILABILITY
START: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | Finish: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Please enquire for pricing and availability.
Flights & insurance – on request
TOTAL
POA per person
Departure Dates – 2026*
- June 27th – July 5th
- July 11th – July 19th
- July 25th – August 2nd
- August 8th – August 16th
- August 22nd – August 30th
- September 12th – September 20th
- September 26th – October 4th
- October 10th – October 18th
- October 24th – November 1st
- November 7th – November 15th
- November 28th – December 6th
- December 12th – December 20th
*All itineraries are subject to change due to weather & other operational conditions.
Inclusions
- A Full Board Stay (All meals – inc. bush picnics, pop-up sundowners, snacks, house wine, beers, soft drinks, teas & coffees)
- 5-7 hours of riding per day, depending on your preference. We make a provision of two horses per rider
- Accommodation in our luxury ensuite tents with hot showers, lounge facilities & a shared eco-pool.
- VAT, Tourism Levy & Service Charges
Chundukwa River Lodge (pre and post)
- Arrival & departure transfers to Harry Mwaanga
- Nkumbula International Airport (Livingstone)
- One in-house activity per day from a selected list
- All meals at Chundukwa River Lodge.
- House wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee & water
- Complimentary WiFi
- Laundry services
- VAT & Tourism levy
In-House Activity selection. Guests may choose one experience per day.
- 1 x Victoria Falls Day Trip per stay
- A horse ride (Duration 1h30)
- A sunrise or sunset cruise (Duration 1h30-2hrs)
- Zambezi lunchtime floating picnic (Duration 2hrs)
- Accompanied Bushwalks in the woodlands on our horse ranch (Duration 1hr)
- A mountain bike tour of our horse ranch, nearby villages & farmlands (Duration 1h30)
Exclusions
- Park Fees of USD $50.00 per person per night
- Transfers to and from Zambian Horseback Safaris which are dependent on your own itinerary / travel plans.
- Premium drinks.
- Personal medical and travel insurance with medi-evacuation cover (compulsory).
- Victoria Falls Rainforest Entrance fee of US$ 20.00 per person.
We suggest you bring your own hard hat and chaps should you wish to wear them.
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