2-Hour Horse Back Safari in Livingstone and Victoria Falls

2 Hours Round trip from hotel/lodge Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Ride on horseback along designated game trails in the national park
02 Get matched with a horse suited to your riding skill after a safety briefing
03 Approach grazing elephants, buffalo, kudu, and waterbuck more quietly on horseback
04 Relax with light snacks, cold drinks, or tea and coffee overlooking the bush

Saddle up for an unforgettable Horse Back Safari that brings you closer to the wild in a truly immersive way. After pick-up from your lodge or hotel, you'll head to the national park stables to meet the resident stable master, get fitted with safety gear, and take a short assessment ride so you're matched with the right horse for your skill level. Then ride along designated game trails for a two-hour safari on horseback, with the chance to approach grazing wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, kudu, and waterbuck more quietly before returning to the stables for light snacks and refreshments overlooking the bush.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Victoria Falls, Livingstone

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Horseback Safari Through National Park Game Trails

Pick up from your lodge or hotel and transfer directly to the national park stables.

07:00 AM - Safety Briefing and Horse Match: Meet the resident stable master, select your safety gear, and complete a brief assessment ride so the handlers can pair you with a horse that matches your specific skill level.
07:30 AM - The Safari Trail (2 hours): Ride along designated park game trails. Because horses mask human scent, you can ride directly up to grazing herds of elephants, buffalo, kudu, and waterbuck without startling them.
10:00 AM - Return to the stables: Enjoy a selection of light snacks, cold drinks, or tea and coffee overlooking the bush.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from hotel/lodge 2 cities · 2 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotel pick-up
English-speaking guide
Return hotel drop-off

What's Not Included

All that is not mentioned

What to bring

Long Pants: Bring riding jodhpurs, breeches, or comfortable jeans with flat seams. Avoid pants that bunch up, as they will cause painful chafing after a few hours in the saddle.
Riding Boots: Wear sturdy, closed-toe boots with a smooth sole and a small heel (around 1-2 cm) to prevent your feet from slipping through the stirrups. Avoid heavy hiking boots with thick, wide treads, as they can get stuck.
Half-Chaps: If you own a pair, bring them. They protect your inner calves from stirrup leather friction and stop your socks from pulling down.
Riding Helmet: Reputable operators provide helmets, but bringing your own well-fitted, ventilated helmet ensures maximum comfort.
Bush-Friendly Clothing
Neutral Colors: Pack shirts in khaki, brown, olive green, or beige. Avoid bright colors (which startle wildlife), white (which gets dirty instantly), and dark blue or black (which attract biting tsetse flies).
Layered Tops: Start with a lightweight, breathable, long-sleeved shirt to protect against the sun and insects. Bring a windbreaker or fleece for early morning or late afternoon rides when temperatures drop.
Sports Bra: Highly recommended for women, especially for intermediate and advanced rides that involve trotting and cantering.

Know before you go

1. Riding Ability and Honesty
- Accurate assessment: Be entirely honest about your riding experience. Operators split groups based on skill level so that experienced riders can canter while beginners stick to a controlled walk.
- Canter tests: For fast-paced, multi-day wilderness safaris, such as those in the Simalaha floodplains, operators often conduct a short riding test on day one to verify that you can balance at all paces and control a spirited horse.
2. Wildlife Etiquette and Safety
- Natural camouflage: Wildlife views horses as fellow four-legged animals, allowing you to get much closer than you would in a loud safari vehicle.
- Strict guide commands: You must listen to your trail guide at all times. If a large animal such as an elephant or buffalo approaches, your guide will instruct the group on how to position the horses to avoid spooking them.
3. Physical Restrictions and Health
- Weight limits: Most operators enforce a strict rider weight limit, typically between 90 kg to 100 kg / 200 lbs to 220 lbs, to protect the health and backs of the horses.
- Age minimums: Short, gentle trail rides usually accept children from 12 years and older, while fast-paced wilderness safaris often have a minimum age limit of 16 years.
4. Essential Packing List
- Trousers: Long, durable pants or riding jodhpurs are essential to prevent saddle sores and protect your legs from thorny bushveld branches.
- Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe boots or shoes with a small heel are required to keep your feet from slipping through the stirrups. Avoid sandals or heavy hiking boots with wide grips.
- Safety gear: Helmets (riding hats) are mandatory and provided by all reputable operators, though you can bring your own for a perfect fit.
Sun protection: Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, or brown) is preferred. Bring straps for your sunglasses and a high-SPF sunscreen.