Guides consist of Steven
Rufus who is an experienced horseman and was an advanced open eventer
in South Africa. He has lectured in equine studies, and is a registered
farrier. Having grown up with horses in Matopos National Park in
Zimbabwe he has a wealth of experience with Big Game and is considered
to be one of the foremost horse guides in the industry today. Fourteen
years ago he established Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana.
Prior to this, with his wife Lucy they established and ran South Africa
Horseback Safaris in Songimvelo Game Reserve RSA which quickly became a
top International destination.
Gerry van der Westhuizen is our other guide who has an impressive
resume in terms of horse safari guiding in Africa. Having previously
worked in Botswana and South Africa and conducted walking safaris in Zambia he
comes with an obvious passion for horses and the bush which is
enthusiastically transmitted to all guests.
BEING PREPARED
For the Kafue Horse Safari you should be competent at walk, trot, canter and gallop. This ride is for intermediate and advanced riders only. As we are riding in areas of dangerous game all riders should have an independent seat and be secure in the saddle should they need to react quickly if a situation arises. The riding is challenging and
fast with long canters and gallops where terrain allows, some steep
climbs and descents, river crossings and diverse terrain to cross. It
is not suitable for nervous riders. All riders will have to pass an
assessment before taking part in a safari.
The tack is South African stock saddles designed for comfort
and long hours in the saddle. Pelham bridles are used for control,
although you will normally ride on a loose rein.
There is a weight limit of 16 stone / 100 kg / 220 lb. The lodge can
take a maximum of 12 guests at any one time but there is a maximum of 8
guests per riding group. Two groups will be lead should the numbers be
more than 8 at any one time. Minimum of 2 guests per safari. All
clients will be required to sign an indemnity prior to riding.
We recommend the usage of a hard hat. Many insurance companies
will not insure your holiday unless you are wearing a hard hat or
safety helmet whilst in the saddle. It is your responsibility to
provide your own properly fitted hard hat or safety helmet. We can not
accept any liability whatsoever for injuries sustained as a result of
ignoring this advice.
THE HORSES
Kafue horse Safaris prides
itself as having some of the best horses in the safari business and we
have received many accolades on their quality and schooling.
All the horses are chosen with the same criteria as selecting
an event horse i.e. pace, confirmation, ride ability and temperament.
The various breeds include South African Boerperd, SA Warmblood,
Quarter Horse cross and THB crosses. In particular we look for
responsive horses that like to work, as well as be able to cope with
the harshness of the African bush. They are all fit, in excellent
condition and range in height from 14hh to 17.3.
The South African Boerperd (literal translation farm horse) is
a wonderful breed, renowned for its hardiness, intelligence and paces.
These horses have evolved to cope with extreme temperatures and terrain
of Africa and you will be amazed at their sure footedness and bravery
as they guide you safety through the bush.
All our horses are schooled in basic dressage movements - when
not on safari - in classical English style to produce a soft and
responsive mount for clients on safari.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Scheduled safaris run from
Tuesday to Tuesday each week - apart from January and February.
Tuesday
- arrive in Lusaka to connect with light aircraft or car transfers from
Lusaka airport. Light aircraft will fly you to the bush airstrip in
Kafue National Park - called Ngoma. You will be collected at the
airstrip and driven the 18km to the lodge arriving mid afternoon for
either late lunch or high tea. Car transfers will bring you direct to
the lodge. Once settled in to the rooms you will change in to riding
gear and have your first introductory ride. Here you will have the
opportunity to meet your mount and try out the trail saddles as the
guides take you for your first glimpse of the park and potentially game
viewing on the way. Sundowners overlooking the water pan precede a
delicious evening meal and your first night in the bush with all the
exciting noises that darkness in the bush offers.
Wednesday /
Thursday - Typically the safari days will start with an
early morning call and a light breakfast of drinks, rusks and toast
before departing to start the adventure of exploring the National Park
and tracking game. Riding will be split to 3 hours in the morning with
brunch back at the lodge and the chance to relax by the pool. A shorter
ride of two hours in the afternoon returning for sundowners and
delicious evening meal.
Friday
- Leave the lodge early in the morning game tracking and riding through
the park to arrive at a very special location for lunch. Here you will
get the chance to relax after a longer morning ride and then in the
afternoon a guided walk will give you a very different viewpoint of
Zambia and its amazing animals. Return to camp site for evening meal
and sleep under open sided lapa for a truly unique experience.
Saturday
- After light breakfast riding back through the park, game viewing and
enjoying the ambiance of riding your horse through the bush. Arrive
back to lodge for late lunch and then afternoon of relaxation around
the pool. Potential for guided walk later afternoon. Overnight at
lodge.
Sunday
- This is another very special day as you will once more leave the camp
early to ride and visit the local villages and see how people live
today in rural Zambia . A beautiful picnic spot will provide the
location for lunch and this great opportunity to gain an insight in to
the real Africa whilst enjoying the beautiful open plains and riding.
Return to the lodge later afternoon for sundowners and the last evening
meal
Monday
- Light breakfast again with riding early morning, arrive back to lodge
for delicious brunch and relaxation with riding again late afternoon,
across plains and game viewing.
Tuesday -
For the last morning this will be a shorter ride to allow you to open
up across the plains and really embed your bush experience with your
horse in the memories. Arrive back to the lodge mid morning in time to
allow you to shower and change and be driven to local airstrip for
onward flight back to Lusaka or connect with car transfer.
WHEN TO GO
As Kafue National Park is
not in an area of low altitude the temperature although noticeably
warmer in summer months seldom reaches the unbearable heat of some of
the other African countries. Riding will be scheduled to suit the
weather and in the summer months we may leave earlier in the morning
than winter.
Each season holds its own delights, with different flora and
fauna available for viewing in each month. Our recommendation is that
you return each year in a different season to decide which one you
prefer!
May to August
is the dry season with a very low likelihood of rain and clear blue
skies. Within this June and August are the coolest months (although it
has to be said that cool means a jersey early morning and evening! And
the days are sunny and bright
September to
November still the dry season but becoming warmer as
spring / summer starts to arrive
December to April
is the wet season, rain tends to arrive late afternoon and disappears
as quickly as it arrives. The temperature is beautifully warm and the
birdlife and foliage takes on new life which provides for some
wonderful game viewing possibilities.
ACCOMMODATION
The lodge consists of six
beautifully styled rooms overlooking a central water pan where game
frequently comes to drink and view the tourists! The rooms are
traditionally tented accommodation with thatched roofs and reed walls
which will sleep two people. Bathrooms are all en suite and consist of
an outside shower and toilet facilities. Dιcor is classic safari with
very comfortable surroundings and amenities.
A central thatched lapa has a dining and lounge area with bar,
again overlooking the central pan allows you to relax in the afternoons
and enjoy the plunge pool with game viewings. The entire camp is
unfenced to allow all game access to the water pans and produce a
wonderful wilderness experience. A laundry service is available at the
lodge at extra cost.
MEALS
Meals will be served in our
main lapa with outside dining should weather permit. The emphasis is on
wholesome and delicious food served in a relaxed African atmosphere.
Local produce will be used where possible with our very special home
grown vegetables.
FLIGHTS
Inbound Flights to Lodge:
Light Aircraft will leave Lusaka at 11.30 each Tuesday to fly to Ngoma
Airstrip (approx 40 min flight). Clients flying in from overseas at the
International Airport and transferred to Proflight's at the private
terminals to await flight to Ngoma. Weight limit for bags strictly
12kg, if necessary you can leave luggage at Proflight office in a
secure location for any onward journeys, all costs to be paid by
clients at the time.
Outbound Flights to Lusaka: Light aircraft will leave Ngoma Airstrip approx 13.00 each Tuesday and
arrive back in Lusaka approx 40 mins later for onward journeys.
What is included in this tour:
Fully inclusive of all accommodation, activities, meals, beverages (within reason), community levy, professional guide, horse riding, guided walks (where detailed in itinerary), all beverages (note - alcohol may be local brands only), transfers, laundry service. VAT
What is NOT included in this tour:
Visas, travel and medical insurance - which is essential
Transport from your home to Lusaka and return
Gratuities for camp staff and guides
ALL OUR TOURS CAN BE ENTIRELY CUSTOM MADE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR VISIT OUR HORSE BACK SAFARI PAGE.
Like a beer, no frills but plenty of character
