Mavuradonha Wilderness Safari
8 days - Harare to Harare
The Mavuradonha wilderness region is set on the escarpment of the famous Zambezi Valley, 180 km north of Harare. Here you will find a pristine wilderness of more than 600 sq km, home to elephant, buffalo, eland, sable, kudu, zebra and many other species. It is an area of deep river valleys, towering rock faces and grass-covered mountains. The riding is challenging with steep climbs and descents and rivers to cross.On this ride you have a chance to experience what it was like for the early explorers, travelling on horseback and sleeping on a mountaintop or on the sandy floor of a cave. It is a safari for the adventurous, for those that love nature and for those who want to experience Africa - an Africa, as it should be. The itinerary shown is only a sample of what can be arranged, as the safaris are tailored to suit your individual preferences and requirements.
Less experienced riders or groups of mixed ability can chose to spend their whole time at Kopjie Tops - from here you can explore the surrounding area on horseback, learn to play polocrosse, visit bushman paintings or just relax.
- Day 1 (L,D)
- You will be met on arrival and transferred by road to Kopje Tops Lodge, located deep inside the Mavuradonha Wilderness. After lunch there is time for a short ride to familiarise yourself with your horse and the surroundings.
- Days 2 (B,L,D)
- After breakfast ride through the bush towards Bat Caves Camp, a rustic yet very comfortable bush camp situated a day's ride from Kopje Tops. Dismount for lunch next to a swimming hole for a refreshing dip before continuing on to camp. After a long day in the saddle you will appreciate the hot bucket showers, comfy beds and wholesome, freshly prepared meals. The camp is situated not far from the largest known colony of giant Egyptian fruit bats in the southern hemisphere and during the evening there is a chance to watch them depart their caves in a huge swarm. For the more adventurous your guide may take you deep into the caves to explore the bats habitat.
- Day 3 to Day 5 (B,L,D)
- Head further into the untouched Mavuradonha wilderness and overnight in the bush, sleeping out under the stars or in a cave. The riding becomes progressively harder, the elephant paths narrower and more precipitous as you climb higher into the mountains. For this section packhorses are used to carry the equipment. There is no set daily itinerary on this safari. Depending on your wishes you can either spend three consecutive nights out or head back to the comfort of Bat Caves for hot showers after one night rough and then proceed on in another direction the next day for another night out rough. The next few days will be spent exploring the area, visiting waterfalls, ancient fortresses of the Monomatapa Empire and game viewing.
- Day 6 (B,L,D)
- Return to Bat Caves Camp for the night.
- Day 7 (B,L,D)
- Ride back to Kopje Tops Lodge for a welcome hot shower and a hearty meal.
- Day 8 (B,L)
- A final morning's ride before transferring back to Harare.
-
- Cost per person:
- Ride Only: £995
- Includes: Return transfers from Harare, accommodation and meals as indicated, locally made drinks, laundry and all riding.
- All Inclusive: From £1,625 depending on the season.
- Includes: Flights, transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated, locally made drinks, laundry and riding.
- Single Supplement: None if prepared to share.
- Departure Dates: Daily throughout the year.
- The Accommodation: Three different types of accommodation are used during the safari, each offering a distinct bush experience. Kopje Tops Lodge is a magnificent three level stone and thatched lodge sitting high amongst the trees. Scattered at the base are six attractive chalets all offering en-suite facilities and hot water. Bat Caves Camp is a typical rustic bush camp with comfortable tented accommodation and hot bucket showers. You will then travel deeper in to the heart of the wilderness for one or two nights to sleep out rough, carrying your own food and water (wine for dinner), washing in rivers, a spade for a loo and sleeping on the ground with a mat or grass bed and a sleeping bag.
- Food & Drink: Traditional camp food cooked on wood fires. Much of the produce is home grown. Breakfast whilst at Kopje Tops and Bat Caves comprises of bacon, eggs, cereals and fruit. Lunches at the lodge include pasta, salads, curries and fresh bread and in the evening a 3-course candlelit dinner is provided. Simpler food, cooked over an open fire, is served whilst camping rough and saddlebag lunches are provided for full day rides. Locally made drinks are included.
- Laundry: Available at Kopje Tops and Bat Caves Camp.
- Children: Children must be 14 or over to go on the Wilderness ride. They must be competent riders and accompanied by an experienced adult rider. Children of any age are permitted at Kopje Tops.
- Non-Riders: Are welcome at Kopje Tops.