Shiwa Ngandu Deluxe Horse Safari Zambia Zambia A new fast paced riding safari in the northern part of Zambia. The country 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. The terrain is diverse with open plains and beautiful sandy soil to magnificent forestry areas cloaked with a canopy of leaves to allow for exploration on the hottest of summer days. The combination of history, large herds of game, diversity of antelope species and other wildlife make this estate and horse riding a truly amazing experience. The base for this riding safari is Shiwa House. Shiwa House is located in the heart of Northern Zambia, to the North of the Luangwa National Park and overlooks Shiwa Ngandu, the “Lake of the Royal Crocodiles”. The house was originally designed and built by Sir Stewart Gore-Browne in the 1920’s, but fell in to disrepair and had been all but abandoned. In November 1999, Charles Harvey, the eldest grandson of Gore-Browne and his wife Jo and children Tom and Emma, bought the house and estate from other family members. They then lovingly took on the restoration project for the house and whole estate, including local hospitals and schools and the house now retains its former glory. The Harveys welcome guests as part of their own family in four double rooms with ensuite facilities. All rooms are with original hardwood furnishings and paintings very much in keeping with the dream and design of Gore-Browne nearly 100 years ago. Within the building is housed the very comprehensive library and extensive archive base of documents and photographs which were built up by Gore-Browne during his time at Shiwa. The Shiwa Estate includes a 25,000 acres game reserve with 22 mammal species, of which the there are large herds of Zebra, Blue Wildebeest and numerous herds of antelope. Leopard, Caracal, and Serval Cats are amongst the predators and on occasion a pack of Wild Dog come through from the neighboring reserves providing exciting game viewing as they hunt their way through to their next destination. The fishing is excellent, and there are 450 different species of birds on and around the lakes, historic walks around the estate, river walks and day trips to Kapishya Hot Springs. In addition there is the David Livingstone Memorial on the estate as this area is where he lost his medicine and completed his last writings shortly before his death investigating the source of the Nile. Camping Ride with vehicle support Safari Ride Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Shiwa Airport:   Mfuwe via Lusaka, Ndola via Johannesburg Transfer: Mfuwe or Lusaka by charter airplane Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Options:

Weekly departures in Season - flexible dates with minimum of 2 riders

If you are flying in light aircraft the weight of your bag is severely restricted and so you will be limited to one medium sized soft sided bag weighing no more than 12kg – you will be weighed on arrival! The flight company have secure lockers at their base in Lusaka for those who have onward journeys and require more luggage. You are provided with saddle bags and water bottles for riding.

Soft sided smaller bags are still required for those arriving by car as they will need to be transported to the fly camp for the night out and larger bags can not be accommodated.

A laundry service is available at the lodge, although not at fly camps

Comfortable riding trousers/jodhpurs

Half chaps or full chaps

Riding boots with rubber sole, also suitable for walking. Full length riding boots will not be either practical or comfortable. The best would be Jodhpur boots (with rubber sole) or a pair of dual purpose riding/leisure boots.

T-shirts / Long sleeved cotton shirts / Safari Shirts– please note that all clothing must be in a neutral, Khaki or bottle green colour. Please refrain from bringing all other colours.

Hat: We recommend 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.

At all times a hat is advisable as protection against the sun. Your hat should be secure on your head!

Riding Gloves: Your hands will be particularly exposed to the elements for long periods

Sunglasses: We recommend a lace/cord attached to your sunglasses so that they do not fly off.

Jumper or Fleece: recommended for the evenings / early mornings especially in winter months

Light Waterproof jacket : recommended especially for the summer months December to April – although it has to be noted that rain is localised mainly to afternoon and disappears as quickly as it arrives!

Casual clothes for when not riding, house shoes.

Swimsuit, shorts, sandals, etc.

Sunscreen, lip salve and moisturiser.

Insect repellent – preferably one that contains DEET

Camera and film – twice what you think you will use!  Spare batteries.

Torch and spare batteries.

Binoculars – if you are particularly keen on game viewing or birding

Wash bag - A nail brush will be particularly useful after a day in the saddle.

Fanny Pack or Waist Bag You may find that a small waist bag is useful for keeping a camera or sun-screen readily to hand (saddle bags will be provided for carrying water etc).

 

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This trip includes some wine with dinner.

Tack:		South African stock saddles, Pelham bridles
Horses:		Boerperd, Basuto pony, SA Warmblood and crosses
Pace:		All paces. We ride in Elephant, Lion and Buffalo country - only for riders that ride regularly and are confident at all paces. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3.5 to 4 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 10
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 2	Max 8

Horses:  You will ride some of the best horses in the safari business and we have received many accolades on their quality and schooling. All the horses are personally selected by Steven Rufus and are chosen with the same criteria as selecting an event horse i.e. pace, confirmation, ride ability and temperament.
The various breeds include South African Boerperd, SA Warmblood, Quarter Horse cross and THB crosses. In particular we look for responsive horses that like to work, as well as be able to cope with the harshness of the African bush. They are all fit, in excellent condition and range in height from 14hh to 17.3.

The South African Boerperd (literal translation farm horse) is a wonderful breed, renowned for its hardiness, intelligence and paces. These horses have evolved to cope with extreme temperatures and terrain of Africa and you will be amazed at their sure footedness and bravery as they guide you safety through the bush. All horses are schooled in basic dressage movements - when not on safari - in classical English style to produce a soft and responsive mount for clients on safari.

Tack: 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

Guides 
Steven Rufus who is an experienced horseman and was an advanced open eventer in RSA . He has lectured in equine studies, and is a registered farrier. Having grown up with horses in Matopos National Park in Zimbabwe he has a wealth of experience with Big Game and is considered to be one of the foremost horse guides in the industry today.  Fourteen years ago he established Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana. Prior to this, with his wife Lucy they established and ran South Africa Horseback Safaris in Songimvelo Game Reserve RSA which quickly became a top International destination.
Gerry van der Westhuizen is our other guide who has an impressive resume in terms of horse safari guiding in Africa. Having previously worked in Botswana and RSA and conducted walking safaris in Zambia he comes with an obvious passion for horses and the bush which is enthusiastically transmitted to all guests.

Riding level: For this safri you should be competent at walk, trot, canter and gallop. This ride is for strong 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. You may have to jump fallen logs through the bush. It is not suitable for nervous riders.
All riders will have to pass an assessment before taking part in a safari. Please note that the safari leader has the right to dismount clients at any time should the booking information prove to be inaccurate or the client is causing a danger either to the group, horses or themselves. You are not entitled to any refund should this situation occur.

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.  Competent teenagers aged 12 years and over are accepted on the safaris.
All children under the age of 18 years must wear a hard hat when 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.

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.

Passports
Passport valid for six months from the visa's date of expiry required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Visas
Required by nationals referred to in the chart above except the following for stays of up to 30 days:
(a) 1. nationals of Ireland (all other EU nationals do require a visa);
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Private and Transit. The cost depends on nationality. For UK citizens: £75 (single-entry); £240 (double- and multiple-entry). For US citizens: US$135.
Validity
Six months from date of issue for a stay of maximum 30 days; transit visa valid for seven days. Daytripper visas are valid for tourists entering Zambia for no more than 24 hours.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at high commission or embassy); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Three, if submitted in person. Allow five for postal applications.