Horse safari in Luangwa National Park Zambia

Zambia is situated at the northern tip of what is known as Southern Africa and is a landlocked state home to the legendary Victoria Falls at Livingstone. The country proudly holds the title of "The Real Africa' as it still has vast tracts of pristine wilderness which lend themselves beautifully for those true game enthusiasts. Kafue Horse Safaris is based on the outskirts of Kafue National Park in the South West of Zambia. This is the largest and oldest National Park in the country and covers an area of some 22480 sq km encompassing a vast and impressive range of scenery and wildlife. The lovely Kafue River and its perennial tributaries contribute to the great diversity of the landscapes which makes this one of the most interesting and rewarding African parks to visit.

Additionally the base for Kafue Horse Safaris is near the glorious Lake Itezhi-tezhi at the South Eastern base of the park - this lake covers an area of 370sq km - and it varied shore line includes grassy banks cropped by hippo, rocky bays and stretches of submerged tress which provide perfect perches for water birds, such as the fish eagle - the national symbol of Zambia - Cormorant and a host of other birds.

There are twenty-three species of large herbivores in the park and surrounding areas, including large herds of elephant, zebra, wildebeest and it is not uncommon to see buffalo herds of 1000 plus roaming across the plains. There are also eleven species of carnivores - with impressive packs of wild dog - and a huge diversity of reptiles and amphibians. Over 500 species of birds have been recorded to date. As you explore, a flash of brightly coloured feathers or a melodious song will often welcome you.

The terrain is varied with huge teak forests, endless open plains with majestic Lala palms swaying in the breeze and the shore line of the great lake which will make you feel you are standing on the edge of sea so vast are its dimensions.

The Nkala Fortified camp is a site of special interest and situated within riding distance of the lodge. This is a national monument found at the top of Nakalomwe hill, Captain Hamilton and Lieutenant Warrington of the Barotse Police built it in 1901. It was on the mail runner's route to the Kafue Hook copper mines and near the proposed route for the Cape to Cairo railway.

The combination of history, large herds of big game, diversity of antelope species and other wildlife make this park and horse safari a truly amazing experience.

For the Kafue Horse Safari you should be competent at walk, trot, canter and gallop. This ride is for intermediate and advanced riders only. As we are riding in areas of dangerous game all riders should have an independent seat and be secure in the saddle should they need to react quickly if a situation arises. The riding is challenging and fast with long canters and gallops where terrain allows, some steep climbs and descents, river crossings and diverse terrain to cross. It is not suitable for nervous riders.
All riders will have to pass an assessment before taking part in a safari.

Steven & Lucy Rufus are well known in Southern Africa amongst the horse safari community are heading off to the unknown, drawn by the romance of the real African experience and searching for an authentic wild life experience all from the back of a horse. They have found a place where buffalo roam free, the lion roar near by and their eternal enemies -hyena - giggle under a starry African night, mixed with the unique smell of the earth leaves you in no doubt that you are in Real Africa.

The Rufus’s have been very fortunate to have discovered the Kafue National Park in the South Western sector of Zambia. It has been a long and hard road but they have been able to secure a 30 year lease on 700 hectares of the Game Management Area bordering the National Park(GMA) known as Nkala Game management area. This GMA is under the control of two Chief’s - the honourable Chief’s Musungwa and Chief Shezongo both of whom have been fully involved and supportive of the process. The Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) could not have been more helpful with legislation being amended to allow domestic animals in to a National Park and much time and effort being spent to support the Rufus’s through the paperwork forest.

This is without a doubt a GREEN field project…….literally, Steven and Lucy were just given a piece of land, nothing else. This is pristine, untamed African bush with all its perils, excitement, wonders, heartbreak and the only thing that can be guaranteed is that life is never dull.
Those of you that have been riding with the Rufus’s before - either at Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana or South Africa Horse Back Safaris on the border of Swaziland - will know that they pride themselves on the quality of their well schooled and incredibly fit horses. These well mannered and well loved horses will give you an amazing experience as they interact with the game, from the best vantage point you could wish for - in the saddle upon the best 4x4 in the world!

Day per day

• The tack is South African stock saddles designed for comfort and long hours in the saddle. Pelham bridles are used for control, although you will normally ride on a loose rein
• There is a weight limit of 16 stone / 100 kg / 220 lb
• Clients over 60 years should have written confirmation from their doctor that they are fit for the ride and that there are no medical conditions of which the guide should be aware.
• The lodge can take a maximum of 12 guests at any one time but there is a maximum of 8 guests per riding group. Two groups will be lead should the numbers be more than 8 at any one time.
• Minimum of 2 guests per safari
• All clients will be required to sign an indemnity prior to riding
• We recommend the usage of a hard hat. Many insurance companies will not insure your holiday unless you are wearing a hard hat or safety helmet whilst in the saddle. It is your responsibility to provide your own properly fitted hard hat or safety helmet. We can not accept any liability whatsoever for injuries sustained as a result of ignoring this advice.

Dates & Prices

Practical information about this trip