Day notes
Arrive at Victoria Falls Airport where your Zimbabwean Safari experience begins. You will be met by a transfer vehicle for your road transfer to Miomo Safari Camp near Hwange National Park (2 hours).
After settling into your tent, enjoy some refreshments and lunch in the main lodge area. This will be followed by the introduction and orientation talk at the stables before heading for a short ride out to a nearby waterhole finding suitable horse and rider combinations.
Sundowner drinks and snacks at the stables followed by the evening’s entertainment and dinner at the main lodge.
OVERNIGHT: Miombo Safari Camp (FI)
Check-in to Miombo Safari Camp
Transfer from Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA] to Miombo Safari Camp
Hwange Horseback Safaris
Transfer
Minibus / Safari Vehicle
Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA] (Victoria Falls International Airport)
Miombo Safari Camp
Day notes
After an early breakfast we head out on the horses making our way through the Hwange estate, viewing game, tracking animals, swimming the horses in water holes and arriving for lunch at your new home for the night, Vintage Horse Camp Hwange.
Vintage Horse Camp is situated on a private concession and boasts a glamorous take on a bygone era of explorer accommodation. This exclusive camp sleeps eight people and a portion of each bed night directly contributes to local conservation and community projects in the area.
In the afternoon we head off on a game drive with the chance of sighting the world famous Presidential Elephants on their home range. Returning to camp for drinks on the deck and dinner
OVERNIGHT: Vintage Camp (FI)
Check-out from Miombo Safari Camp
Fully Guided Trip from Miombo Safari Camp to Vintage Camp
Hwange Horseback Safaris
Fully Guided Trip
Horseback Safari
Miombo Safari Camp
Vintage Camp
Check-in to Vintage Camp
Day notes
Waking before sunrise with teas and coffees around the fire we head off with a professional guide for a walk on the concession. Walking in Hwange provides unparalleled game viewing and the opportunity to gain vast knowledge of the area and its fauna and flora.
After a few hours of a good walk a tantalizing authentic African Bush Brunch will be waiting for you!
We mount up again, this time making our way down to the renowned Dete Valley for an unforgettable game viewing experience. Back at camp that evening you can expect another wholesome dinner and stories around the campfire before retiring to your tent.
OVERNIGHT: Vintage Camp (FI)
Day notes
Rising to watch the sunrise before packing up and riding back to Miombo Safari Camp, making the most of the wildlife sightings on the way! After settling the horses and a quick refreshment its time to transfer on to Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world! Then off to begin the next leg of your adventure with your stay at Ursula's Homestead located within the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve.
OVERNIGHT: Ursula's Homestead (FI)
Check-out from Vintage Camp
Fully Guided Trip from Vintage Camp to Miombo Safari Camp
Hwange Horseback Safaris
Fully Guided Trip
Horseback Safari
Vintage Camp
Miombo Safari Camp (Miombi Camp)
Transfer from Miombo Safari Camp to Ursula's Homestead
Hwange Horseback Safaris
Transfer
Minibus / Safari Vehicle
Miombo Safari Camp
Ursula's Homestead
Check-in to Ursula's Homestead
Expert tips:
VICTORIA FALLS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
The 4 000ha Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve is the only privately-owned reserve within the immediate vicinity of the Victoria Falls (just 12km away). Established in 1996, this conservation success story was founded on the vision of sustaining and supporting the area’s rich natural heritage. Fenced in 2000, the reserve became a designated rhino Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) with a monitoring and breeding programme, as well as Anti-Poaching Unit & Ranger Training Facility. The success of this initiative is obvious as the population of this critically endangered species has subsequently flourished, and sightings are virtually guaranteed.
Along with once-in-a-lifetime black rhino tracking, visitors to this African Eden join their professional Field Guide to experience the other members of the iconic Big Five, general game - including the sable antelope and eland, and a thriving bird population with an abundance of species. The diverse habitats (across grasslands, teak forests, and along the Masuwe and Nakavango rivers) are the perfect environments from which to enjoy scenic morning and afternoon game drives, exclusive black rhino conservation experiences, private walking safaris, and horse safaris led by expert guides.
HOSREBACK SAFARIS
Africa’s vast wilderness vividly comes to life when experienced on horseback. The experience combines a heady mix of adventure, natural beauty, up-close wildlife encounters, and a sense of nostalgia. At Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, riders explore just as the earliest pioneers did in this African Eden, unchanged by time.
The reserve is a remarkably beautiful place to traverse, and its plains and riverscapes set a constant backdrop for this adventure. The diverse landscapes makes for rich riding experiences. With hectares to roam, riders are guaranteed to encounter more wildlife than people for miles, making for a more personal and exclusive safari experience.
Horseback safaris on the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve are all about being ‘one with the wilderness’, where horses and humans are seen as no threat. This allows for a completely different experience to that of being in a vehicle or on foot. Together with two professional guides, small groups of no more than six riders come within meters of shy plains game, including zebra, eland and a variety of other antelope.
On experienced rides there is the excitement of tracking and maybe finding the fabulous black rhino, and other big game. Short rides focus on plains game – but the potential of encountering grander species is always there.
Our horses are well accustomed to game. Beautiful natured and well trained, they are suited for both gentle rides, as well as more thrilling safari experiences.
Rides depart from and return to the quaint Ursula’s Homestead, where coffee and refreshments are served both prior to and after the safari.
Day notes
We will be up and on our horses as the sun rises, to spend the morning on horseback. Exactly where we go will depend on our inclination and game movement. Tracks and territorial markings will put us on the trail of rhino, giraffe and other species. You will learn how to identify and age feeding signs and other marks as you and your horse become part of the environment.
And of course there are long canters, rivers to play in – a world to enjoy.
The late morning will see us back at Ursula’s Homestead for a break with lunch and a chance to relax by the pool watching wildlife at the waterhole in front of the camp.
The afternoon and evening will be spent on an afternoon game drive or a night drive in this private game reserve exploring areas we may not have reached on horseback. Enjoy drinks and sunset at the dam, before a leisurely drive back for dinner.
OVERNIGHT: Ursula's Homestead (FI)
Expert tips:
GAME DRIVES
Our early morning and late afternoon drives, led by expert Field Guides, take guests into a wilderness where the abundance of wildlife is king. Traversing its basalt plains, open grasslands and teak forests to meet the shores of the Masuwe River, guests encounter a great diversity of animals. This includes all of the Big Five, with a healthy population of the extremely rare and endangered black rhino.
Being in a private reserve, vehicles have the freedom to follow herds through the bush with ‘consideration for the delicate ecosystem’ and observe their natural behavior.
Guest are in for another treat with the refreshment (coffee, tea and biscuits in the morning, and local branded beverages and snacks in the afternoon) stops set up at a scenic spot on the reserve. Our vehicles are known for their comfort, and feature cushioned bucket seats with secure device holders.
BLACK RHINO CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve (VFPGR) was awarded custodianship of four black rhino in June 2006, becoming a designated rhino Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ). The programme has been a resounding success, and the thriving population on the reserve today has surprised even conservation experts. This is all thanks to the extraordinary effort and intelligence of the VFPGR Anti-Poaching Unit.
Consisting of a highly qualified APU manager/instructor and 18 professionally-trained game rangers, this unit is highly specialised (members are required to pass monthly fitness tests, undergo additional quarterly training in applied fields, keep up to date with current trends and operational issues, and attend training in other countries to ensure the highest standards of proficiency in anti-poaching systems and techniques). Despite extremely challenging conditions, these dedicated men have made it their life’s purpose to protect these animals.
In an effort to drive funding for this critical function, and to bring visitors closer to these extraordinary animals, we have designed the Exclusive Black Rhino Conservation Experience. The late afternoon activity includes an immersive talk with an expert VFPGR Guide, followed by a drive into the reserve in search of the black rhino. This experience is a very personal and unique view into the world of a pre-historic creature now fighting for its survival on this planet.
Day notes
Sunrise start again today for another fabulous ride as we range farther afield: exhilarating gallops will take us further to look for more Rhino and explore remoter parts of the estate. Lunch at Ursula’s Homestead.
After lunch – or brunch - your concierge will arrange for you to transfer to view the Victoria Falls itself. A guided tour may be arranged on request at extra charge, but it is equally fun to view it on your own. Allow at least two hours before being transferred back to Ursula’s Homestead for an evening game drive.
OVERNIGHT: Vintage Camp (FI)
Expert tips:
VICTORIA FALLS
A Natural Wonder of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls are one of Zimbabwe’s most visited attractions. But fully appreciating its beauty doesn’t mean having to fall in with the crowd. Book your own exclusive tour and our expert guide will take you on a tailor made and personalised journey through this Wonder of the World.
The Zambezi River is over 2km wide at this point (in season), where it plunges down a series of basalt gorges for 108m and sends up an opalescent mist that can be seen over 20km away. The locals still call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders) and pioneer David Livingstone – the first non-African to come across them in 1855 – was awed to remark: “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
Following in his footsteps, guests have the unique experience of trekking through the riverine forest to discover and walk along the Falls. There are few major waterfalls that can be viewed on foot at such close proximity – so close in fact, guests can feel the spray (raincoats are provided). Our local guide leads them to the route’s 15 lookout points, and shares tales with a fresh perspective of the area’s fascinating history.
Day notes
Today is your last ride with us. Our starting time and length of ride is entirely up to you deciding where we go will depend on what have seen and what we want to do: long gallops will take us further afield to look for more Rhino or we may choose a gentler ride up the Masuie River.
After a late brunch you will say goodbye to Ursula’s Homestead and be transferred to your homeward flight or on to the next stage of your adventure.
Check-out from Ursula's Homestead
Transfer from Ursula's Homestead to Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA]
Hwange Horseback Safaris
Transfer
Minibus / Safari Vehicle
Ursula's Homestead
Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA] (Victoria Falls International Airport)
