When visiting Victoria Falls or Chobe National Park it is easy to add on a visit to Zambia.
One way to experience wildlife is on horseback, particularly for those who are experienced and passionate about riding.
There are a number of horse riding experiences in the KAZA region and this short itinerary highlights one of the newest and some may say the most exciting. Not just because of the wildlife, but because of where it is …. Hidden away on the Zambezi floodplains, Zambia’s least explored conservancy, the Simalaha Community Conservancy.
Zambia Horseback Safaris are the sole operator in approximately 180,000 ha of prime Zambian wilderness, allowing pure riding freedom over ancient floodplains without holes – providing the space for long stretches of fast-paced riding on well-schooled horses, as well as the opportunity to explore ancient lands, trees, the Zambezi River and to experience a personal encounter with the Lozi people of Simalaha.
Meaning ‘come together’, Simalaha is an apt name for the community conservancy inspired and driven by the Sesheke and Sekhute chiefdoms. Bordering the Zambezi River on the Zambezi-Chobe floodplain, Simalaha is where wildlife and people come together and co-exist under one sky as they once did many years ago.
The vision of Chief Sekute of the Kazungula district and Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta of the Sisheke district to rehabilitate and conserve the region has become a reality through a partnership with the Zambian Government, supported by Peace Parks Foundation. The development of this community conservancy and the implementation of viable natural resource management have been key in uplifting local communities, creating income-generating opportunities through nature-based businesses, including tourism opportunities.
Zambian Horseback Safaris is dedicated to preserving the magnificence of the Simalaha Conservancy alongside the communities that live there.
This place of wild beauty is an ecology worth holding onto, not to mention the Lozi culture with their long term history on the Zambezi River.
One of the first visitors to the reserve commented “Simalaha has the most extraordinary silence, different to other areas – no words can explain it.”
If travelling from Chobe, simply cross the Kazungula Bridge and then drive to Mombova or alternatively it is a one hour drive from Livingstone. At Mombova you will board a river boat for a river safari experience into the Simalaha Community Conservancy (1h30min). You will be met by the horses at the Rivers edge and ride into the camp, approximately 20 mins away.
Accommodation is a luxury tent with ensuite bathroom on a full-board basis.
Your trip will include daily rides over this beautiful terrain, as well at the opportunity for an insight into Lozi life as you will be welcomed into a traditionally-built mud style home. Riders may possibly even learn a few local crafts, such as beer brewing or basket-weaving.
Itineraries can be 3, 5 or 7 nights – the 7-night stay offers riders endless canters on the Zambezi floodplains, ending with a few nights in the beautiful rustic luxury of Chundukwa River Lodge – the sister operation and stables – only a stone’s throw from the magnificent Victoria Falls. They welcome non-riding partners and those yearning for an authentic wilderness getaway.
If you want to know more about Simalaha Community Conservancy please see below.
