With an overwhelming number of options for horse riding in Southern Africa, it is easy to find yourself paralysed by the choice of which is best for you.

So instead, picture this: The sun casting its warming glow across open plains, the smell of wild grass in the warm air, the rhythm of hooves radiating a magical melody, a group of like-minded individuals, a beautiful horse beneath you, and a glass of homemade iced tea waiting upon your return to camp.

This was how I felt every day I spent on a horse riding adventure with Zambian Horseback Safari and Bonamy Private Travel, who get the biggest tick in my book for expertise and authenticity when it comes to booking the most memorable and exclusive adventures in Africa.

Zambian Horseback Safaris offers a perfect passage into the heart of Africa. Combining exhilarating rides with wildlife encounters, conservation and sustainability, and as the sole operator of 180,000km² of the untouched Simalaha Community Conservancy, there is no other experience quite like it.

But if you need more convincing, from my own adventure, here are the main reasons to add this to the top of your next riding adventure list:

The Simalaha Scenery

Untamed landscapes set the scene for the most vibrant flora (and fauna) in the region. Endless canters over sprawling stretches of open plains are combined with the opportunity to explore other habitats. Whether it be the forest areas housing the mighty baobab tree or the wetlands from the meandering Zambezi River, the forward and well-trained horses enjoy showing you the mosaic of terrains on offer that aren’t always accessible with vehicles. Evenings in the dry season will see you riding into perfect sunsets, collusion of oranges, reds and yellows, before riding home under the moonlight. Annual floods renew the grounds, so you can expect a different landscape each month of the year!

Wildlife encounters

Over a decade of rewilding efforts means the Conservancy is teeming with all manner of wildlife. With morning and evening rides and the highest quality guides, you’ll encounter everything from zebra to wildebeest, impala to sable, giraffe to a plethora of bird species. All graze in unity, inquisitive yet unphased by the horses riding past. With no large predators in the Conservancy, you can ride with pure freedom and safety, providing perhaps the most unique safari experience. It’s truly the most exhilarating feeling galloping side-by-side with zebra and wildebeest, stopping time as you become part of their herd.

Unparalleled horsemanship

The hosts of this safari are Doug and Gail, who have been sharing their love for horses, protecting and preserving the natural environment and supporting communities in Zambia for over 40 years. The horses are very much a part of the family and treated with quality care, evident in their spirited personalities and gentle natures. You can rest easy that the horses you will be riding are all forward-going and full of fun, yet provide you with the assurance of security and safety. From Quarter horses to thoroughbred crosses, Doug will meticulously match you to your horse for the safari, based on your ability, experience and personality.

Sustainability and community

Simalaha means ‘come together’ – a fitting name, as this safari operates with a commitment to sustainable tourism, protecting cultural heritage, community-led initiatives and wildlife protection.

As you settle into your first night around the table, Doug and Gail will regale you with the tales of the Conservancy, driven by the Sesheke and Sekhute chiefdoms. The authenticity and importance put on contributing to initiatives that empower and educate is inspiring. Joining hands with the local community and Peace Parks Foundation, this safari is unlike any other, opening up training and opportunities for jobs, income from nature-based economies, security and inclusion of locals in decision-making, to make a truly lasting and sustainable difference to the Simalaha’s community and wildlife.

The results clearly showing – with improved and more equitable livelihoods whilst upholding efforts to conserve, rewild, reforest and educate about the methods to live sustainably. Learning traditions, meeting community members and contributing directly to these initiatives during your time here puts this over and above any other riding safari.

Bespoke accommodation

The Simalaha camp is an open yet intimate setting, accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 tents. Each tent is raised above the ground, with a deck to sit back and relax as you watch the horses dance in the moonlight. Managing the fine balance between rustic and bespoke luxury, the tents feature comfortable beds and beautiful open-air bathrooms. With all electricity generated by solar power, sustainability has been carefully considered throughout the whole camp.

If this isn’t enough of an immersive experience for you, you can spend a night sleeping out in the open plains (weather permitting). It’s just you, your starbed (and mosquito net!), the horses and the boundless galaxy to fall asleep under. There’s nothing quite like the extraordinary silence of the Simalaha.

Bonus number 6: Other activities at your fingertips

If 7 hours a day in the saddle wasn’t enough to keep you entertained, there are some additional activities at your fingertips. The 7-night itinerary offers 5 days of riding in the Simalaha Camp, followed by 2 days at the main Chundukwa Lodge in Livingstone. It is here that you can visit the mighty Victoria Falls, spend more time riding out from the Lodge itself, go white rhino tracking with the most dedicated park rangers, interact with the local community and learn about their initiatives in a truly authentic way, and even spend your evening on the Zambezi with exclusive river sunset cruises

Overall? Zambian Horseback Safari promises an inescapable sense of freedom, where each fully inclusive experience is created completely around you, whilst honouring the environment, wildlife and community. For me, it was a wonderful experience that I will cherish, until I undoubtedly return to do it all again with Bonamy Private Travel taking the reins and creating another bucket list trip designed perfectly for me. Stay tuned!

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Written by Emma Blunt for Luxuria Lifestyle International and Luxury Safari Magazine