All activities / Horse Riding / Equestrian / Livingstone
Horse Riding / Equestrian in Livingstone
Livingstone, the old colonial town on the Zambian bank of the Zambezi, is the gateway to Victoria Falls and the country's adventure capital, base for white-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge, scenic flights over the falls, riverboarding, horse riding and the low-water swim at Devil's Pool on the very lip of the falls.
Why here
Riding out along the Zambezi above Victoria Falls is one of the quietest ways to see the river and its wildlife, on horseback through riverine bush where giraffe, zebra, impala and warthog graze and hippo wallow in the shallows. Livingstone has a long-established stable close to the river, and rides suit everyone from first-timers on gentle short outings to experienced riders who can move at pace across open ground when conditions allow. Mornings and late afternoons are cool and full of birdsong, and the trails run past the river and through the surrounding bush rather than into the busy falls area. For confident riders, the same operator runs multi-day horseback safaris in a wildlife conservancy to the west, sleeping out and riding among plains game, a rare way to experience the Zambian bush at the pace of a horse.
Best months
Rides run year-round in the cooler early morning and late afternoon, avoiding the midday heat. The dry season from May to October has the most comfortable riding weather and the best game viewing along the river as animals come to drink. The green season brings heat, humidity and afternoon storms but lush scenery. Short river rides suit complete beginners and children, while faster riding and multi-day safaris are reserved for competent riders who can handle a canter in the presence of wildlife.
Getting there & around
The stables are on the Zambezi a short drive upstream of Livingstone and the falls, and rides are usually booked directly with the lodge, often as a morning or afternoon outing from town or from a river lodge. Beginners and children are catered for with gentle short rides and led pony rides, while faster trails and multi-day safaris need prior riding experience and a weight limit applies. For the multi-day horseback safari in the conservancy to the west, book well ahead as departures are limited.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (1)
Chundukwa River Lodge
OutfitterChundukwa River Lodge sits on the Zambezi about 25 kilometres upstream of Victoria Falls and keeps the oldest stable yard in Livingstone, with a string of around fifty horses. Guided rides follow riverside trails through indigenous bush, from short morning and afternoon outings to a champagne breakfast ride, and beginners and children are welcome. Its sister operation, Zambian Horseback Safaris, runs multi-day rides in the Simalaha Wildlife Conservancy to the west for experienced riders.