MOZAMBIQUE
Set on the Vilankulo Coastline, this safari opens your eyes to a different world. Ride the long stretches of wide-open beaches, swim in spectacular turquoise seas with your horse, and take part in the amazing, friendly island life in absolute paradise.
This safari is a week long adventure, with stunning scenery, beautiful inland lakes, red sand dunes, and breath-taking views of the Bazaruto Archipelago. By the time you leave you will have well and truly unwound, be stress free, and have amazing memories of sandy beaches and serene seas.
The Portuguese described landing on Mozambique’s shores as ‘passing into paradise’. With over 2500 km of coastline, and some of the most beautiful islands in the world, you will soon understand why. Mozambique has the allure of an undiscovered tropical paradise, exotic palm-lined beaches, and spectacular horse riding that is unrivalled. This safari is located just outside the town of Vilankulo, on the exclusive Benguerra Island, in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
You will enjoy incredible weather, stay in luxury accommodation, and dine out at top seafood restaurants.
Location: Mozambique
Nights: Seven
Rider Limitations: All levels of rider
Children/ families welcome
Season: January - December (all year)
Dates: Flexible dates throughout the year
Riding: 2-4 hours per day
Included: All-inclusive of riding, food and drinks, accommodation, airport transfers x 2, laundry, cultural tours, national park fees, Mozambique government VAT.
Not Included: Flights, insurance, visas, personal spending money, any extra activities or excursions not included in the itinerary.
Extra Costs: Tips for staff.
Visas to Mozambique are required for all non-SADC passport holders and can be obtained by application at your local embassy or on arrival in Mozambique. The price on arrival in Mozambique is £120/$150.
Luggage: Please check luggage weight limits when booking flights.
Flights: Flights must be booked to arrive and depart from Vilankulo Airport. Some airlines may fly directly to this airport, however, in most cases a transfer will be required at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg.
Internet: Wi-fi is available at the accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION
Your accommodation is at Vila de Sonhos; a beautiful, exclusive lodge overlooking the turquoise sea of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The lodge is made up of four individual villas. Each villa has a set of uniquely designed bedrooms, with breath-taking views. The bedrooms are spacious & comfortable, have en-suite bathrooms, and open onto private balconies.
The villas have a fully equipped kitchen with a personal chef, plus a comfortable lounge and dining room. The beautifully designed pool is only a stone throw away, with lounge decks and barbecuing facilities.
The large garden is neatly manicured and home to several ancient Baobab trees that silhouette the blue skies, complete with many species of wild birds and cheeky monkeys. At the bottom of the garden is private access to the incredible beach below.
Rates
7 nights/8 days
£3500
Single Supplement: £575
Shorter safaris can also be booked at the following rates:
6 nights/7 days: £3100
5 nights/ 6 days: £2700
4 nights/5 days: £2300
3 nights/4 days: £1900
2 nights/3 days: £1500
We recommend the 7 night/8 day safari as the ideal length of time, in order to get the most out of your trip.
**Rates are per person. All guests have their own room, unless you request to share**.
Single supplement fees only apply in the rare case no other riders are booked in at the same time.
If flight schedules, or other holiday plans require you to stay extra nights, this can be arranged at £220 per night (no riding included).
Sample Itinerary
Please note this is a sample only, individual experiences may vary slightly.
This itinerary acts as a guide to give you an overview of what your safari will be like.
Day 1, Introductory Ride: Riders will be greeted at Vilankulo airport and transferred to their accommodation at Vila De Sonhos. After an orientation and late lunch, you will be introduced to your horse! Your horse will have been matched to you based on your experience, personality and any specific requirements you made before your trip. You will then head out for an introductory ride, giving you chance to get to know your horse and form a bond. As you set out onto the beach for the first time the true beauty of Mozambique will hit you! The ride incorporates all the wonderful eco-systems in the archipelago; wide open beaches, incredible cliff top views, pristine dune bush and mangrove shoreline.
Day 2, The Great Lakes Ride: The day begins early as riders set out from the lodge. Riders head out inland, on single trails skirting African villages and vast natural fresh water lakes. The bird life is fantastic, with a good chance of seeing eagles, herons, harriers, rollers, pelicans and kingfishers! Riders who
are more experienced will canter along bush paths through African farmlands, past rural schools, and past the ruins of old Portuguese homesteads. On the way home there is plenty of space for long canters on the beach. The approximate riding time for today is three hours.
Day 3, Benguerra Island Ride: After breakfast a motorized dhow will whisk you through the Bazaruto National Park, to the world famous Benguerra Island. As you meander across the calm waters you may see pods of dolphins! Approaching the island, you will see the silhouettes of horses under palm trees on a pristine white sandy beach. After saddling up and taking in the magnificence of the vast Indian Ocean your guide will chat to you about the beautiful flora and fauna. Moving inland, you pass through local villages, towards high golden sand dunes and fresh water lakes with flocks of flamingos. The ride continues at a relaxed pace along sandy tracks onto a long beach past waving fishermen. Just before reaching the stables, you slip out of your saddles and wallow into the sea bareback. The approximate riding time on this day is three hours.
If the tide allows you will be able to snorkel on Magaruque Island, where a simple but delicious seafood lunch is served under a shady tree. Return to the mainland as the sun is setting for dinner and drinks.
Day 4, Fishing Village Ride: Day four in paradise includes a relaxing morning, before a lunchtime ride to a local fishing village. The group travels down the beach, past rocks, towards magnificent mangrove trees, and up a red bank called the 'Fingerprint of God'. From the top of the bank you will have a panoramic view looking out over the Bazaruto Archipelago. Riders continue on through winding coconut plantations, and along a beach path to the Managlise Fishing Village.
You will hear the lovely chatter of laughing children, and are soon greeted by a horde of smiles. Once sat in a simple thatch shelter, newly harvested coconuts are cracked open, the refreshing juice is served after a long ride. A traditional lunch is served... fresh crab from the beach, grilled fish from the morning's catch and Matapa; a Mozambican dish made from cassava leaves, nuts and coconut milk. The children sing local songs and dance, making the occasion very special, before you ride home. The approximate riding time today is two hours.
Day 5, Beach + Bush Ride: After breakfast the group saddles up for a long day of riding. By this point you will be well and truly bonded to your horse after so many beautiful experiences together. The group travels along the old coastal road running parallel to the beach, before meandering up and wading across a small river estuary. Riders have long canters through coastal bush. After several hours in the saddle you will follow a bush track through dense woodlands, leading on to the beach with amazing views over the bay. The long, deserted, safe, sandy beaches offer a chance to experience dream-like canters on the way back to the stables. After a long day in the saddle of three to four hours riding, there is a chance for sundowners and a fine dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6, Red Dune Ride: After breakfast the group is soon saddled up and on the beach, gazing out over turquoise seas. Across the bay is the Red Dune. After cantering up the dune, the views are difficult to describe, with breathtaking blue seas, and silver sandbanks stretching into the distance. After a fresh seafood lunch, riders stop at a local arts and crafts center that supports the community. There will be plenty of time to explore and purchase souvenirs. Relax by the pool in the late afternoon or take a stroll on the beach before dinner. Today's riding is around three to four hours.
Day 7, Swimming Ride + Canoe Trip:
The swimming ride is something you will never forget. To start this extraordinary ride, you mount your horse bareback on the beach, before wading chest deep into
the blue turquoise sea. Riders and horses wade through the sea for thirty minutes before reaching a safe swimming spot.
Once dismounted, you lead your horse into the shallows. The horses play in the water, then lay down to wallow and roll. Once the horses have settled, you will mount again bareback and wade out to the deeper water. As you get into the deeper sea you find your horse is swimming, and a feeling like no other will make sure you are grinning for the rest of the day!
In the late afternoon you will be paddled down the river on a canoe cruise, and become at one with nature.
Day 8: One last morning beach ride in paradise, before saying goodbye and heading back to the Vilankulo airport.
