Horseback riding in Coast, Mozambique

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- Mozambique Coastal Paradise Holiday
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Horseback riding vacations in Mozambique, Coast

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Equestrian tours in Mozambique, Coast
Mozambique Coastal Paradise Holiday


Itinerary for Mozambique Coastal Paradise Holiday




Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

Please note that this is a rough itinerary, and the daily schedule is determined by the guide with the best interests of the group and horses in mind. Weather conditions and especially the changing tides in Vilankulo control the timing of the rides and in which order they are to be run during the week.

Day 1: Introductory Ride
Guests are met at Vilankulo Airport by either Pat or Mandy Retzlaff, your hosts and guides for the week. After a short transfer from the airport, we will settle you into your lodging for the week.
In the afternoon you will have an opportunity to meet the horses and staff at the stables. You will be presented with a number of horses to try in our riding school. Once you feel comfortable, we will head out onto the beach for a slow and relaxing ride, allowing you to become familiar with horse and equipment. The ride incorporates all the wonderful eco-systems in the archipelago; open sandy beaches, incredible cliff top views, pristine dune bush and mangrove shoreline. In the evening a fresh seafood dinner will be served under the stars overlooking the sea.
Riding: 1.5 hours
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Vilankulo


Day 2: The Great Lake Ride
Today we will ride inland on single trails skirting African villages and vast natural freshwater lakes. The birdlife is fantastic and there is a good chance of seeing eagles, herons, harriers, rollers, pelicans and kingfishers. We will canter along bush paths through African farmlands, rural schools and past the ruins of old Portuguese homesteads. The old farm roads allow for a fast pace as we continue across country. As usual, on the way home, there is plenty of space for long canters on the beach.  
Riding: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Vilankulo


Day 3: Benguerra Island Ride
In the morning a motorized dhow will whisk you through the Bazaruto National Park to the world famous Benguerra Island. As you meander across the calm waters you will look out onto pods of dolphin’s breaching and old fishing dhows from a time gone by. Approaching the island, you see the shapes and colours of horses under palm trees on a pristine white sandy beach being readied for your arrival. 
You are soon saddled up, the horses are eager underfoot with ears pushed forward, you settle into your saddle and take in the magnificence of the vast Indian Ocean. Your guide chats you through the flora and fauna, her passion unbridled. As you move inland you pass through local villages, towards high golden sand dunes and fresh water lakes with flocks of flamingos. The ride continues at a relaxed pace along sandy tracks onto a long beach past waving fisherman. Just before reaching the stables, you slip off the saddle and wallow into the sea bareback.
If the tide allows you will be able to spend some time snorkeling on Magaruque Island where a simple & delicious seafood lunch is served ashore under a shady tree.  Return to the mainland as the sun is setting for dinners and drinks.
Riding: 3 hours (depending on tide)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Vilankulo


Day 4: Fishing Village Ride
Have a relaxing morning before our lunchtime ride to a local fishing village. From the stables, we guide you down to the beach at a gentle walk. The tide is out and the blue and white colours shimmer into the distance.
Past the rocks, the beach opens up and under your guide's instruction you will canter towards mangrove trees in the distance and up a red bank to the "Finger Print of God". The panoramic views look out over the Bazaruto Archipelago.
You will see colourful dhows glide along the channels and fisherwoman hunting crab in shallow sands. You continue through winding coconut plantations along a beach path to the Managlise Fishing Village.
You hear the distinct chatter of laughing children and are soon greeted by a horde of smiles. Once sat in simple thatch shelter, newly harvested coconuts are cracked open, the refreshing juice is rich reward after a long ride. Then a traditional lunch is served, fresh crab from the beach, grilled fish from the mornings catch and Matapa; a Mozambican dish made from cassava leaves, nuts and coconut milk.
After your meal the children come out to sing local songs and dance, their smiles and energy make the occasion feel very special. Once goodbyes are completed the horses are saddled up and you start the return home.
The Fishing Village Ride is completely authentic, rich in cultural experience and brings much appreciated business to a locality well off the beaten track. It also means that locals who once feared the horses, have a better understanding and involvement with them in their community.
Riding: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Vilankulo


Day 5: Beach & Bush Ride
A hearty breakfast will be served at your restaurant – today’s ride is a favorite with many of our guests. The route will take you along the old coastal main road running parallel to the beach before meandering up and wading across a small river estuary. Along the route we will pass through small rural villages where young children will come to wave at the horses. As the local population thins out there are long safe canters through coastal bush. After several hours in the saddle, a bush track through woodlands leads us down on to the beach with amazing views over the bay. The long, deserted, safe, sandy beaches offer a chance to experience romantic dream-like canters on our way back to the stables. After a long day in the saddle, there is a chance for sundowners and a fine dinner at a local restaurant.
Riding: 3-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Vilankulo


Day 6: Red Dune Ride, North Beach
After a delicious breakfast we will drive you over to the stables, mount up and set off on an exhilarating ride through the outskirts of town and along deserted sand beaches to the Red Dunes on North Beach. There are ample opportunities for controlled canters on the wide-open beaches before climbing the giant red coastal dunes. The panoramic views of the white sandbars and turquoise seas below are spectacular and one of the special highlights of this holiday. Lunch will be served at a gorgeous beachside restaurant overflowing with seafood specialties. After lunch we will stop at a local arts and crafts centre that supports the local community – there will be plenty of time to explore and get some souvenirs for friends and family back home. Relax by the pool in the late afternoon or take a stroll on the beach. Dinner will be served in tranquil settings as we savor and toast your last night.
Riding: 3-4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Vilankulo


Day 7: Ocean Ride & Canoe trip
Our ocean ride is something you will never forget. To start this extraordinary ride, you mount your horse bareback on the beach before wading chest deep into the blue turquoise seas on an amazing ocean walk that takes you along our shoreline for approximately 30 minutes until we reach our safe swimming spot.
Once dismounted, you will lead a new horse into the shallows. There is a sense of excitement as they thrash the water, then lay down to wallow and roll. Once the horses have settled, you will again mount bareback and this time wade out to the deeper water, the majority of time your horse will be attached to a long lead rope for safety. As you get into the deeper sea you will feel the exploding surge and strength as the horse propels forward. It is an experience that cannot be described, each horse is different and it is truly something not to miss.
In the late afternoon we will travel out to the Govuro River by vehicle where you will paddle/be paddled along a picture-perfect waterway. Soak up the lush river riverine, look out for native fish and listen to the magical calls of birdlife. As evening falls ducks will return inland to roost and there is a good chance that you will see fireflies lighting up the evening sky. 
Riding: 1 hour
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Hotel in Vilankulo


Day 8: Farewell Ride
A morning farewell ride that follows the beach southwards passing through lines of mangroves and swaying palms. The ride allows for long canters up towards the “Fingerprint of God”; a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago. A little further on through dune bush and then it’s time for home cantering along the beach.
After you have packed and had lunch we will transfer you to the airport and say goodbye.
Riding: 1-2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch



Non-Riders
We do not have a specific non-rider program, but due to the variety of activities in the area, it can easily be arranged - please inquire! Some of the non-riding activities include canoeing river trips, scuba diving & snorkeling, dhow trips to the Bazaruto Archipelago, game fishing and kiteboarding.
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Mozambique Coastal Paradise Holiday
Tour Code: IT-MZRT01
8 days / 7 nights
Dates : Available all Year

Difficulty : Riding Level
Riding Level Explained
ABeginner
Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
BNovice
Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
CIntermediate
Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
D Strong Intermediate
Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
EAdvanced
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
Lodging: Standard
Lodging Level Explained
   
= Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
   
Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
 Accommodations with superior comforts.
   
 = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
   
Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
   
 = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
   
Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

Online Reservation


Season Seasons  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 01/01 - 12/31 8d / 7n 8 day trip 2 /6 Reserve
B 2024 01/01 - 12/31 7d / 6n 7 day trip 2 /6 Reserve
C 2024 01/01 - 12/31 6d / 5n 6 day trip 2 /6 Reserve
D 2024 01/01 - 12/31 5d / 4n 5 day trip 2 /6 Reserve
E 2024 01/01 - 12/31 4d / 3n 4 day trip 2 /6 Reserve
F 2024 01/01 - 12/31 3d / 2n 3 day trip 2 /6 Reserve
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Other Activities
Tack: South African McClellan, Australian St...
Horses: Thoroughbred & Arab crosses, and South...
Pace: Pace can be adjusted for any riding le...

Airport: Vilankulo Airport (VNX)
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