With so many horse-riding safaris in Southern Africa, choosing one can feel overwhelming. But picture this instead: the low hum of cicadas rising from the grasses, the gentle sway of your horse as you move together across endless plains, the air thick with the scent of warm earth and wild sage. Around you, a horizon that stretches into forever; ahead, the rhythmic drumming of hooves on open ground. And waiting back at camp? A cool glass of homemade iced tea and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers.
This was my reality during seven unforgettable days with Zambian Horseback Safaris. What made it even more seamless, personalised, and memorable was booking it through Bonamy Private Travel (a Wild Edit trusted travel operator), who I absolutely love for their expertise, authenticity, and talent for crafting exclusive African adventures perfectly tailored to me.
Zambian Horseback Safari is the perfect gateway into the heart of Africa. It blends thrilling rides with wildlife encounters, conservation, and sustainability, all while operating as the sole provider across 180,000 km² of the untouched Simalaha Community Conservancy. There really is nothing else like it.
Still need convincing? From my own journey, here are the top five reasons to put Zambian Horseback Safaris at the very top of your adventure list.
1. The Untamed Beauty of the Simalaha
The Simalaha Conservancy is Africa as it once was – vast, raw, and alive with shifting light. Here, endless grasslands give way to river-fed wetlands, forests cradle ancient baobabs, and the mighty Zambezi river winds its way through the land. To experience it on horseback is to move with the land, not just over it, slipping into places unreachable by vehicles. Each ride is a new discovery.
Evenings in the dry season (generally May to October) bring their own kind of theatre: fiery sunsets that melt into indigo skies, rides home lit by a silver moon, and the soft hush of hooves through sand. Annual floods reshape the terrain, so no two months are ever the same, each ride a new canvas of colour, scent, and sound.
2. Wildlife Encounters Unlike Any Other
Thanks to more than a decade of rewilding, the Conservancy is now alive with wildlife. On morning and evening rides, you might weave between herds of zebra, or pause to watch sable antelope grazing. Birds sweep overhead in a flurry of movement, while wildebeest run alongside, unbothered by your presence.
With no large predators here, there’s a rare sense of freedom, riding as part of the landscape, not merely an observer. To gallop with zebra at your side or stand quietly among giraffe is to feel, just for a moment, like you belong to their wild world.
3. Unparalleled Horsemanship
At the heart of this Zambezian Horseback Safari experience are Doug and Gail, who have lived, loved, and worked with horses in Zambia for over 40 years. Their herd isn’t just well-trained, it’s family. Each animal is cared for with deep respect, their personalities shining through: spirited yet steady, bold yet gentle.
Riders are carefully matched to their horses, not just by ability but by temperament, ensuring a partnership that feels natural and safe. From the smooth stride of Quarter horses to the stamina of Thoroughbred-crosses, every ride feels like a conversation between horse and rider, rooted in trust.
4. Sustainability and Community at the Core
Simalaha translates to “come together” – a name that perfectly reflects the heart of this safari. Here, travel is grounded in purpose: protecting wildlife, safeguarding cultural heritage, and placing community-led initiatives at the center of sustainable tourism.
On your first evening, gathered around the table, Doug and Gail (and team) share the story of the Conservancy, built through the vision of the Sesheke and Sekhute chiefdoms. What sets this place apart is the depth of commitment to empowering people through education and opportunity. With the support of the Peace Parks Foundation and the active involvement of local communities, this safari is not only an epic adventure but a living example of how conservation and people thrive together. Training, jobs, income from nature-based economies, and genuine inclusion in decision-making are all woven into its foundation.
The impact is undeniable. Livelihoods are improving, wildlife and forests are being restored, and knowledge of sustainable living is being passed on. By experiencing traditions, meeting community members, and directly contributing to these projects, your time here goes far beyond the typical riding safari – it becomes part of a bigger story of resilience and renewal (and you can rest assured you’ll also gain some unforgettable riding memories)
5. Bespoke Wilderness Accommodation
The Simalaha Camp is intimate by design: just four tents (accommodating up to eight people), raised to take in sweeping views of the plains. Each tent is a blend of rustic charm and thoughtful luxury, comfortable beds, open-air bathrooms, and viewing decks where you can watch horses graze under the moonlight. Solar power ensures your stay treads lightly on the environment.
And then there’s the chance to sleep out under the stars. Just you, your bed beneath a mosquito net, the gentle sigh of horses nearby, and the vast galaxy overhead. In the quiet of the plains, the silence is almost a presence – deep, grounding, unforgettable.
Bonus: Adventures Beyond the Saddle
If seven hours a day in the saddle still leaves you wanting more, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting off the horse. The seven-night Zambian Horseback Safari experience blends five days of riding through the Simalaha Camp with two days at the main Chundukwa Lodge in Livingstone (transfers all included). From here, the experiences open up: stand in awe before the mighty Victoria Falls, ride out across new terrain from the lodge itself, track white rhino alongside some of the most dedicated rangers, connect with local communities to learn about their inspiring initiatives, and end your day drifting along the Zambezi on a private sunset cruise.
It’s a balance of exhilaration and reflection – moments that enrich your understanding of Zambia, its people, and its landscapes.
Final thoughts
A Zambian horseback safari delivers an undeniable sense of freedom, with every fully inclusive moment crafted entirely around you – while respecting the wildlife, environment, and local communities that make it so special. For me, it is a rare kind of freedom, a reminder of how travel can be both light on the land and heavy with meaning.
With Bonamy Private Travel helping to craft another bucket-list-worthy adventure, I know I’ll be back – reins in hand, ready to ride once more.
Book here: https://bonamy.co.uk/
Email: safari@bonamy.co.uk
Written by Emma Blunt for Wild Edit