The Miombo Ride, Hwange National Park
Miombo Camp is on the northern boundary of Hwange National Park. This is Zimbabwe’s flagship national park and home to the magnificent “Presidential Herd” of elephants. In fact, the population of elephants in this national park now tops 30,000. This ride begins and ends at Miombo Camp and explores the Hwange National Park area and will take you along trails rich in Big Game. This ride is not suitable for beginners.
Miombo is the name of the tree species commonly found in this area.
The Miombo Ride
Horse riding holiday Zimbabwe
Day 1: Arrive into Victoria Falls airport
We’ll meet you upon arrival and drive you to Ilala Lodge which is in the small town that is also called Victoria Falls, named after the adjacent waterfalls. This charming lodge is home for the next three days, staying is a deluxe room (B&B basis). The remainder of the day is free to explore the delightful grounds and lively town of Victoria Falls.
Day 2: Tour of Victoria Falls
After breakfast, at a leisurely 10:00 we’ll set off for a visit to Victoria Falls (the falls, not the town). We’ll stop for lunch at the world famous “Lookout restaurant” and be back at the lodge in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to join one of the many adrenaline activities on offer, or if you prefer something more sedate, a walk around the Vic Falls National Park followed by high tea at the colonial Victoria Falls Hotel.
Note: this ride can be combined, or timed to coincide, with the lunar moon-bow at the falls.
Herd on a day off, kicking up their heels.
Day 3: River Cruise
The morning is free to explore at your own pace.
One of the great advantages of staying at Ilala Lodge is that they have three classic cruisers on the River Zambezi: this evening we’ll join the Raikane Cruise, an elegant, mono-hull cruising boats that provides you with a unique experience on the mighty Zambezi River. The boat represents the grace of a bygone era and honours the rich history of Victoria Falls and its explorers, adventurers and heroes. Fashioned after David Livingstone’s exploration boat, the Ma-Robert, the Ra-Ikane is named after the chief guide who accompanied Livingstone in his monumental discovery of Victoria Falls.
Day 4: Road transfer to Miombo Camp.
The drive south from the falls to Hwange takes about 3 hrs on a good tar road. We turn off the road near the little village of Dete and head into the bush, and shan’t see any tarmac roads for the next few days!
We’ll reach Miombo Safari Camp for lunch and settle in to your room. In the afternoon we’ll meet the horses and be talked through how a riding safari in Big Game country works. Then it’s time to mount up and ride out to a nearby waterhole, making sure horse and rider combinations are harmonious. Sundowner drinks and snacks at the stables followed by dinner at the main lodge.
Zebra encounter
Day 5: ride deep into the bush
After an early breakfast we head out on the horses making our way through the Hwange estate, viewing game, tracking animals, swimming the horses in water holes and arriving for lunch at our new home for the following 3 nights, Vintage Camp Hwange. In the afternoon we head off on a game drive with the chance of sighting the world famous Presidential Elephants on their home range. Return to camp for drinks on the deck and dinner.
Day 6: walking safari (morning); riding safari (afternoon)
Waking before sunrise with teas and coffees around the fire we’ll head off with a professional guide for a walk within the large painted dog concession. This is one of the most successful conservation initiatives in Africa. The centre has studied Wild Dogs for decades and contributed immense knowledge to international conservation efforts. Walking in Hwange provides unparalleled game viewing and the opportunity to gain a different perspective of the area and its wildlife. After lunch we mount and make our way down to the renowned Dete Vlei for an unforgettable game viewing experience. Back at camp that evening you can expect another wonderful dinner and stories around the campfire before retiring for the night.
Victoria Falls seen from above. This flight is ofter referred to “Flight of the Angels”.
Day 7: Hwange safari
Today is a flexi-day: you can liaise with your guide and decide if you fancy a full day riding, or a morning ride combined with an afternoon game drive. The itinerary is flexible and will be adapted to suit the wishes of riders. After a fun filled day return to camp for your final night at Vintage Camp.
Day 8: morning ride; afternoon return to Vic Falls
An early start to watch the sun rise over Hwange, from horseback. Return to camp and pack up; ride back to Miombo Safari camp, making the most of the wildlife sightings along the way. Lasting memories and new friends made, it’s time for goodbyes before driving back to Victoria Falls airport to connect with your regional or international flight.
Game remains calm around horses, alowing a close approach
Horse riding holiday Zimbabwe
What to bring with you
Sunhat
Sunblock
Suitable riding clothes (neutral colours)
Casual clothes (neutral colours)
Warm clothes for the evening (it can feel the cold!)
Camera equipment
Binoculars
Mosquito repellent
Toiletries
Walking shoes
Riding Equipment
Riding boots
Jodhpurs or chaps
Riding helmet / gloves
We have a range of saddles including English, Aussie and McClellan’s.
Included in the price
Riding, walks, game drives on the concession land.
Options include: full day rides from camp or half day rides depending on guests’ wishes.
Not included in the price
‘River Usage’ fee on the Zambezi $ 15 per person
Meals not stated on the itinerary
Visa for Zimbabwe
Gratuities
Evening Light