Mozambique Horse Safari, the worlds premier beach horse riding holiday destination.The spirit of fun and adventure runs deep at Mozambique Horse Safari so saddle up and enjoy a truly unique African adventure on our wonderful horses.
Mozambique Horse Safari specializes in custom-made horseback riding holiday safaris and daytime trail rides along the Vilanculos coast and on Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The coastal area is renowned for its long stretches of untouched white sand beaches and magnificent cliff top views overlooking the ever-changing turquoise blue colours of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Itinerary
DAY 1: INTRODUCTION DAY
Our guests will be transferred from Vilankulo Airport to Archipelago Beach Resort; Pat & Mandy will settle you in and give you a brief introduction to Vilanculos. You will enjoy an introductory ride in the afternoon along the beach giving you a chance to become familiar with the horses and tack. You will ride past the Chibuene archaeological site which was used as trading post since the 7th century. A fresh seafood dinner will be served at the resort in the evening.
DAY 2: RED DUNES
We will take you over to the stables, mount up and set off on an exhilarating ride along deserted beaches to the Red Dunes on North Beach with incredible scenes of the archipelago. Lunch will be served at a beachside restaurant with views of the bay; you will be fascinated by the changing colours of the water. After a long day in the saddle a well deserved dinner will await you at the resort.
DAY 3: ACTIVITY DAY
You can visit the Vilankulo market, relax at the resort or enjoy activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, dhow sailing, parasailing, a booze cruise, kayaking and fishing. Lunch and dinner will be provided in the resort.
DAY 4: ENRIQUES FISHING VILLAGE RIDE
This wonderful ride takes us through coconut plantations along the beach to Enrique's Fishing Village. Enrique the local chief entertains us in true Mozambican style; setting up a table for us with traditional food. We start off with a refreshing coconut drink and are shown how to eat fresh crab and taste Matapa a traditional Mozambique dish made from cassava leaves, nuts and coconut milk. After lunch we continue our ride through the rural village and head onto the "Fingerprint of god"; a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the archipelago. A wonderful day?s ride experiencing traditional African culture.
DAY 5: BENGUERRA ISLAND RIDE
Mozambique Horse Safari has a herd of horses based on Benguerra Island where we will go for a ride. The island consists of huge sand dunes, freshwater lakes and sandy beaches which make for an incredible ride. A delicious seafood lunch will be served on the beach. In the afternoon we will return to Vilanculos by motorised dhow and enjoy dinner at a lovely restaurant where they serve the famous Mozambican "Peri-Peri chicken".
Optional activities on Benguerra Island include scuba diving, island drives and game fishing. Please note that these are at optional activities at the clients expense.
DAY 6: ACTIVITY DAY
You can visit the Vilankulo market, relax at the resort or enjoy activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, dhow sailing, parasailing, a booze cruise, kayaking and fishing. Lunch and dinner will be provided at the resort.
DAY 7: SOUTH BEACH BUSH AND RIVER
The Vilanculos coastline possesses some of the most delightful landscapes in Mozambique. In the morning we will ride towards the river on South Beach through the rural area and back along the beach passing coconut plantations. The long wide open beaches allow for wonderful canters finished off by a swim with the horses in the ocean. Dinner in the evening will be served around the pool at Archipelago Beach Resort.
DAY 8: FAREWELL SWIM RIDE
Gear up for a short early morning farewell ride up the coast; towards the cliffs and mangroves on South Beach. The views from the cliffs overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago are extraordinary and a memory that you will never forget. Descend to the beach for a final brisk gallop and one of our world famous swims before heading home to check out of Archipelago at noon and a light lunch.
Notes
This kit list has been compiled with the help of previous riders based on their experience.
Clothing:
Shirts and shorts, please bear in mind the climate.
Trousers or jodhpurs that are comfortable to ride in.
Swimming costume
Long-sleeved t-shirts to avoid sunburn and mosquitoes
Thick socks
Hat & sun protection
Horse Riding Hat
Medical:
All prescription medicines for the duration of your trip
Mosquito repellent 30% deet minimum, it is available here but more expensive than the UK
Anti malarias for the duration of your trip
High factor sun cream. Enough for the duration as its hard to come by here
Footwear:
Boots suitable for riding and working in
Sandals / Flip flops / Crocs
Finance:
At least one Visa or MasterCard ATM card.
A valid visa for Mozambique see www.mozambiquehc.co.uk