Day 1

You will be met at Vilankulo Airport by either Pat or Mandy Retzlaff, your hosts and guides for the week. After a short transfer from the airport, you can settle into your accommodation for the week before  meeting the horses at the stables. You will be offered a number of horses to try and once you feel comfortable, head out onto the beach for a slow and relaxing ride allowing you to become familiar with your horse. The ride showcases the diverse ecosystems in the archipelago; wide open beaches, incredible cliff top views, pristine dune bush and mangrove shoreline.

Day 2

Today you will ride inland on 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. 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 you continue across country. On the way home there is plenty of space for long canters on the beach.

Day 3

In the morning a motorized dhow (traditional boat) will whisk you through the Bazaruto National Park to the famous Benguerra Island. As you meander across the calm waters, look out for pods of dolphins. Meet the horses on the beach, saddle up and take in the vast Indian Ocean. As you move inland you pass through local villages, towards high golden sand dunes and freshwater 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 can ride in 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 under a shady tree.  Return to the mainland as the sun is setting for dinners and drinks.

Day 4

Have a relaxing morning before a lunchtime ride to a local fishing village. 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. Continue through winding coconut plantations along a beach path to the Managlise Fishing Village. Once sat in a simple thatch shelter, newly harvested coconuts are cracked open as refreshment before 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 local children come out to sing local songs and dance. Once goodbyes are completed the horses are saddled up and you start the return home. This ride is completely authentic, rich in cultural experience and brings much appreciated business to a locality well off the beaten track.

Day 5

Today’s 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 you will follow a bush track through dense woodlands that leads down to the beach with amazing views over the bay. The long, deserted, safe, sandy beaches offer a chance to experience exhilarating 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.

Day 6

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the stables to saddle up, and head down to the beach again. The ride takes you past Vilankulo town back onto the beach to reach the Red Dune. You’ll ascend the dune on horseback to admire the spectacular views across the bay before moving back down, cantering across the beach for a fresh seafood lunch. After lunch, stop at a local arts and crafts centre that supports the community – there will be plenty of time to explore and get some souvenirs for. Relax by the pool in the late afternoon or take a stroll on the beach before dinner.

Day 7

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 a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago. A little further on through dune bush and then it’s time to go home cantering along the beach

Day 8

Depart after breakfast

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