Zambezi Horse Trails have been operating under the guidance of Alison Baker in Victoria Falls since 1989. The company is a small privately owned operation which prides itself on providing top quality horses for all types of riders.

One of the finest ways to experience the African bush is on horseback. We have a range of trip options available ranging from half day novice rides to full and multi day adventures for experienced riders that range far into splendid Teak forests, Mopani woodland and sub-riverine bush to explore the dramatic scenery above the Batoka Gorge.

There is a chance to see small game such as bushbuck or duiker, hippos and crocodiles along the river and in the dry season there is a better opportunity of spotting elephant and buffalo. There is also a wide variety of birdlife. All rides are led by experienced riders/guides and all riding abilities are catered for.

Clients are taken out on either experienced or novice rides so that everyone in the group is of similar experience.

Horse Trails for novices

These are short horse trails that last up to 3 hours. They take place in an area where there is a high concentration of game, and game viewing opportunities are plentiful. Clients will have to control their own horses - we do not provide leading reigns. It is important to realise that clients do not just walk on a novice ride. There will be opportunities to trot, and where in the opinion of the guide, clients may be allowed to canter. Clients who only wish to walk should notify the guide immediately. The horses used on a novice ride are more complacent, though still of good quality, and shorter distances are covered.

Experienced riders

We have one day trips designed for clients who own their own horses or have had considerable riding experience. The clients will be riding good quality horses, slightly challenging perhaps, but well schooled and certainly not suitable for novice riders. These are not ordinary trail horses and although there are a limited number of quieter horses available, clients will still be expected to control these without assistance.

The minimum requirement is that a client should have ridden at least 20 to 30 times, and if this is all the riding they have done, at least half of this should have been in the past two years. They should be able to control a horse at a canter - this means more than just hanging on. Unless a client has had considerable riding experience we do not advise them to undertake an experienced ride. They will not cope.

Experienced riders should also consider our two-day, four-day and six-day horse safaris.

Types of horses on the trails

Anglo Arab, Thoroughbred, Cleveland Bay , Thoroughbred cross and bush ponies. All horses are very light mouthed, responsive, fit and in very good condition. There are different horses and ponies for novice, intermediate and experienced riders. Horses range from 12 hands high to 17 hands high in size.

Tack used

Australian Stock Saddles/Polocrosse saddles, McClellan Saddles and some English Saddles. Each horse has their own saddle although we can change the type of saddle used if clients wish. Mainly snaffle bridles.

The SafPar Fact Files provide full details on requirements and booking information for the:

Half and one day horse trails in the Victoria Falls area
Multi day horse safaris in the Matetsi area

Horse Trails and Safaris

Notes | Bookings | Fact file

Available daily on request on either side of the Zambezi, all year round, prices per person Livingstone - Zambia
Horse Ride 2 hours, US$ 75
Half day with lunch and drinks, US$110

Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe
"Novice riders", 2 hours, US$65; Short "experienced riders", 4 hours, US$90
"Experienced riders": Full day, 6+ hours, US$120
(Prices exclude National Parks fees of US$10 per person)

Apply for price and availability on all multi-day horse safaris .

Victoria Falls Horse Trails

Horse Trails for novices

Experienced riders

Types of horses on the trails

Tack used