Varden Horse riding now excited to announce re-brand March 2017 to Ride Zimbabwe. Two new riding ar
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Our 7 night semi mobile riding safari in Hwange National Park is up there with the top rides in Africa. As a member of Riding Safari Association you can be assured our horses are top quality, well schooled and responsive to safari conditions.
Our Guestateer program is designed for people over the age of 30. It's part guest and part volunteer.
If you would like to spend 2 weeks in Zimbabwe with your own private guide .dupreez with a max of 6 other folks in your spacious tent with ensuite.
Get hold of us for the full information
[email protected] or your African Riding specialist
The first 7 night ride for September is underway.
We are expecting some phenomenal wildlife viewing over the next couple of months. The hot dry, before the rains come, is when it all happens!🦓🦁🐆🐃🐾🦜🦒🦬🐎🐒🍀
We have 1 saddle available for Sept 21 and Oct 5 departures.
We have 3 saddles available on the Oct 21 departure.
Ask about shorter safaris or lodge based rides.
Email: [email protected] or riding safari specialist.
Thank you. It was a pleasure having you ride with us .sanders.37853
Hope we see you again 🐎🦁🦓🐆🦒🐘
We have some saddles available for the final months of the 2024 season GRAB, yours now.
Contact [email protected]
Or your riding safari specialist
Not for the faint hearted but that's life in the Savanna.
This is not our video but very well could be.
sentiments are much the same as ours these last months of the year are going to be a feast for the predators.
We love getting handwritten notes from our lovely guests 🌻💯 💕
We know our safari horses are top notch, but its music to our ears when our guests sing their praises paticularly
one who has ridden with all the big name safaris.
The next few months are the absolute best time to be on safari 🍁🍂🌿 in Zimbabwe. Nature in all her glory.
The bush has thinned out, and every creature must go to a pan to drink life-saving water💧💧
This is the make or break time of year - who will thrive and who will die.
We still have some space available on safaris before the season ends.
Email [email protected] or get in touch with your African Riding Safari specialist.
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So the cat is out of the bag🦊 it's been a long time coming - the long-awaited Grand Tour of Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 is about to hit your screens.
One for the road.
Tune into Prime Friday 13th of September.
You never know who you might see, and we don't mean
or 🤣🤣🤣
The Cat is out of the Bag🐱 It has been a long time coming but finally the big date is near.
Mark the date on PRIME Sept 13th look out for some big names and familar faces/ places in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼🇿🇼 and i don't mean Clarkson, May and Hammond🤣🤣
This only means one thing, the riders are coming in from their mobile 🏕 adventure around K2. Looking forward to hearing all the stories tonight around the camp fire @ Iganyana Wild.
It is time to get properly clean under a hot hot shower as opposed to the bucket shower.
Engage with the real world (if you have to)
Indulge in a massage with the lovely Milly after 6 days of riding. What a pleasure!😊
Take some time to reflect on the last 6 nights under canvas in the African bush before one last 3 course dinner under a blanket of stars.
You may recall the post a couple of weeks ago when intervened to remove a wire snare on a Buffalo. Snares are usually laid by poachers to catch small Antelope like Impala who have great difficulty escaping the snare and die a slow agonising death or death comes quicker if the poacher checks his snare line.
Often, bigger mammals such as Buffalo or Elephants get caught up in these snares, but they are able to pull their way out only to remain with the wire embedded in their leg or neck😢😡
This Buffalo was known to have a snare, but much like the perfect storm, everything must align to remove the snare.
The animal must be reported to National Parks, and the dangerous drug person must be located and available
The darting must be done in daylight.
For this lucky Buffalo, everything came together, and the snare was removed
It's a long public holiday in Zimbabwe for Hero's weekend.
It's also Zimbabwe's HOY Horse of the Year show.
Which is held at Bulawayo Showgrounds.
Usually, we are working on safari, so it's a treat to be off and able to attend the show and see such talented riders and horses.
Bit of a busmans holiday, really😁
Guestateer Team meeting
Making plans for the arrival of Guestateers,
dupreez
Getting very excited for the arrival of Guestateers
What is a Guestateer? A Guestateer is a hybrid of a high-end guest and a volunteer.
Guestateers stay for 2 weeks and base out of Waterholecamp. There is plenty of riding in the mornings, and in the afternoon, your Guide .dupreez will take you out in the communities for some real conservation work like snare collection. It's going to be hot in October and November, so there will be plenty of time to swim the horses in front of the camp.
You need to do a bit of remote work no problem 👍
Wifi is there.
Inquires [email protected]
Do you want to capture photos like this?
Now is the time when you will see the ultimate sunsets in Africa and particularly Hwange National Park.
The hot dry conditions create atmospheric conditions like no other time of the year.
Throw in a little dust and abracadabra 💫 you have the most inspiring photos and memories for life.
We still have saddles to be fill for our ride 17th to 24th August. Can't make 7 nights ? Inquire about 4 or 5 nights.
Photo of professional guide riding RZ Lilly
Head guide and lead horse in the making Lilly.
This little mare has all the makings of a top lead horse.
Lilly was a surprise foal😳 We brought her Dam Waterford Nikki from a friend in South africa who lives across the way from the famous but now defunct Waterford Stud.
We were looking for a weight carrier, and we certainly got that in Waterford Nikki. Unbeknown to anyone in the chaos of dispersal sales and placing over 600 horses, Nikki was covered and lo and behold the evening she arrived in Zimbabwe she foaled down with Lilly.
We still don't know who Lilly's father is but it's one of those things that occasionally happen.
We call them night workers the stallions of unexplained foals that just appear🤪
What we do know is that Lilly is a fine safari horse. Even though she has some attitude, it doesn't go astray in a lead horse. Lilly is being groomed to take on some of the lead horse work from James Beloved Shanky.
Thank you, , for the snap.
**t
Does anybody feel like getting out of Dodge Last minute.com ?
We still have a couple of saddles available on the above ride💫🤠
August is a sensational time of year to do a riding in Hwange National Park✅️
It's not too hot, not too cold, just right✅️
The huge herds of elephants known to form in the hot dry have started to congregate at the water points early because of the dry, dry conditions.
Special airfares around $800 return on sale now for the month of August (from the UK) 🛫🛬🐎🐾🦒🐘
For more details, contact [email protected] or your African Riding Safari specialist.
Say Hello to Bernadette 👋 she is an LPG Learner Professional Guide who is being mentored by . Bernadette absolutely adores the horses and aspires to be a professional guide one day.
She has been in camp the last couple of weeks learning under James
James has about 10 guys and girls in his mentoring group. Including 2 of our own staff Head Groom and Stable manager Earnst
Did you know Zimbabwe has one of toughest and
most comprehensive guide training sustemsin Africa?
It generally takes 3 to 4 years of training under someone like
Good luck to everyone writing their learners' exams, a bit
later in the year and the same to everyone parricpateing in the week long proficiency in November.
Sir Prize, our speedy Boerperd has been living on a farm for the last 12 months as a companion to a friend's retired gelding.
Sir Prize is a quirky character that you either love love to ride or you would prefer something a bit more sedate.😂 he will be coming back to us in a few weeks safari ready.
Thanks, .woods.948, who adores Sir Prize and has spent many happy hours hacking on the farm. Christine has a very special bond with Sir Prize after she fell in love with him on safari a couple of years ago🥰🐎
It's all hands on deck now as we head into our high season🐎🐵🐴🦓🐎🐃🐴🦒🐎🐘🐎🦜🐎🦁🐎🐆🐎
Friday night sundowners on safari Cheers, Salud, Prost,
Santé, Salute, Chin Chin, Skål, Bottoms up,
Wherever you are, we hope you had a good Sundowner🌅
Any version of Cheers we have missed out, feel free to comment below with Country of origin.
Paul De Montille at work yesterday after a Buffalo was called in with a snare on the Dete Vlei.
Thank you, Paul, for all you do for the wildlife
Paul is the owner of , where our Guestateer program will run from.
Paul also established D.A.R.T. Dete animal rescue trust.
The snare was successfully removed from the Buffalo. The Buffalo was given antibiotics and revived, and he went back to join his herd mates.
And no, it's not a cold Misty day here. That atmosphere is provided by dust!! from the rest of 400 plus head of Buffalo. 🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🐃🩼
Missing our dogs when we are on safari.
Isn't she a cracker ♥️
Amber Varden in her winter jacket at home this morning.
Sent to us daily are photos of the 3 dogs and 3 horses at our Bulawayo property.
This is POL
Do you think this is excessive getting photos everyday?
Does anyone know what POL stands for?
We can tailor make a safari to your requirements.
After 3 nights of Glamping in Hwange National Park taking part in a traditional safari (gamedriving and walking), the family returned to for a couple of days of riding.
We are delighted to host this lovely family from Brazil.
Mum, Dad, daughters, and boyfriends🙌
Thanks for sending them to us Paulo
Interested in Horses, wildlife, conservation, and communities?
This is not your average volunteer volunteer programme.
You will have your own dedicated Guide .dupreez
A lovely big tent (that you don't have to share), which has a full ensuite.
Great food, we can cater to most dietary requirements with notice.
Safari savvy horses.
Private Tented camp on the edge of Hwange National Park.
The camp owner Paul, who runs D.A.R.T. Dete, Animal Rescue Trust will be on hand to give fascinating insights into antipoaching and real work with communities surrounding wildlife areas.
Sound interesting contact via email
[email protected]
If you have ever tried to take a still photo , you know you need patience and a bit of luck to make it all come together.
You need your horse standing dead still, both ears pricked in the same direction. You need your phone or camera in one hand and reins in the other, clean glasses if you're over 50 like us handy! and lastly, you need the wildlife to play their part and then abracadabra you have your
perfectly framed photograph.
For more tips on taking stills on horseback, follow us
Photo credit
Friday Feels - whatever you do, do what you love.
multi night horseback riding safaris in Hwange National Park.
We have saddles available on safaris this high season.
Welcome to , who has been with us for 2 weeks now. Izzie is a track work rider🏇 in the UK and is helping us out for the next few months.
While Izzie is used to very early mornings at track, Lilly on the hand is still yawning and wishing the sun will hurry up and come out 🏵️🏵️
The hot dry season is fast approaching.
The best time for Wildlife viewing on safari.
Horse and Hippo Safari - THE Ultimate safari for adventure-seeking Horse riders.
Combining two Southern Africa Epic National Parks
Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park.
7 nights riding in Hwange and 3 Nights walking - canoeing and game driving in Mana Pools National Park.
Fully guided and hosted
This is an active safari which appeals very much to the horse riding market.
Our next confirmed departure for the Horse and Hippo safari is the 20th of July
If you would like to know more about this safari please contact your African riding specialist or email [email protected]
Birthdays on safari are always a special occasion!
We always try to slip in a cake or two for a really memorable birthday.
To be sure this is the most healthy and fibrous cake you will (nearly) eat.
Does anyone care to guess the ingredients?
Thanks to Chef Charles from for the creation.
If you have a special occasion coming up and would like to spend it on safari.
Please get hold of us [email protected] to discuss options
Boenne Nuit to our wonderful French riders🇨🇵
What a wonderful safari we had.
and of course lots of birds and smaller mammals to name a few.
🦒🦓🐃🐾🦁🐒🐘🦛🐿🦉🐦🕊🐎🐝🍁🍀
Lots of long canters, under the teak trees on elephant paths, ducking, and diving, testing your riding skills.
Praise, for our wonderful horses. Even some French treats which they love, unlike the Polo's from the UK, which could never get them to take😂
Thank you to for sending us this lovely group of accomplished riders and friends.
Sorry, Michelle Echo can't not go to France....
Language is never a barrier with horses around♡
A lovely review from last weeks ride.
Thank you, Bryony and African Horse Safaris.
As the sunsets on another weekend, we wish all horse
lovers around the world a wonderful week ahead.
And remember, the best day's are spent in the saddle.
Today is Africa Day May 25th
What does it mean? Besides another public holiday.
Africa Day is a celebration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity founded in 1963.
Now named AU, Africa Union Africa Day reflects on history and achievements of African liberation.
For some, it's just a public holiday for other people like us it's another work day.
holiday
Happy Africa Day.
Hwange National Park
Bulawayo
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This ain't Texas, that's for sure!! Hell no, it's Zimbabwe 🇿🇼Hwange National Park, Dete Vlei, Iganyana Wild to be precise 😁 We are back from leave and ready to ride.🐎🐎 Let us make your Wildest Dreams come true🐎💓 #ridezimbabwe #horsesafari #horsesinthewild #countrymusic #Beyoncé #taylorswift #ridingholiday Book your saddle [email protected]
#boerperd #JurustUvaldo Back from leave and catching up with @beashepherdev about progress with the young horses while we have been away. As anyone who follows us or knows us. knows we are a big fan of the Boerperd breed as a safari horse. With a number of our horses coming from the well-known Jurust and Lang Carel studs. Jurust Uvaldo came up from South Africa last year. Impeccably breed, brought up, and handled as per usual by Koos and Mariaan Uys Uvaldo has a fantastic temperament and inquisitive mind. Look out for him in the future. #safarihorse #boerperd #startinghorses #ridinginhwange #ridinghorses #ridingholiday #ridewithus
Having some fun while practicing for serious business. #ridezimbabwe #DoubleDonkey #iganyanatentedcamp
Love ❤️ ❤️ this reel by @jazzabraham777 Talented rider and reel maker #familyholiday #ridingholiday #horseriding #hwangenationalpark #biggame #equestrian #ridingsafaris #eventers #iganyanawild #hakunamatata #ridehwange #ridezimbabwe
MOM MOM I am just a growing baby 👶 More food please. Ride Zimbabwes Lilly is starting her safari career in Hwange National Park. She has done a few short safaris and so far we are pretty impressed with her maturity so much so we have ear marked her as a possible lead horse. Watch this space!! #lillythesafarihorse #safarihorse #safarihorseinthemaking #attitude #ridinginhwange #ridingsafariszimbabwe #cheval #horsebacksafaris #pherdeholidays #horsesinafrica #pherdesafari #ridezimbabwe #professionalsafariguide
Some more lion spam from our just ended safari. This is one of our best lion 🦁🦁sightings and interactions EVER in over 30 years of Guiding! Watch the interactions between the young members of the pride and the big male. SOUND ON 📢 PS we were in a game driver not horseback! @vunduvarden #Iganyanawild #iganyanamobile #lions #lionsofinstagram #lionkill #lionsofhwange #offthehorse #gamedrive #safaris @ridezimbabwe
We were off the horses yesterday afternoon on a game drive from the #iganyanamobile and what drive it was🤩🤩. A pride of 13 lions on a freshly killed Zebra with Elephants passing in the background. As a safari operator these sightings are what we dream or showing guests. Can't explain how raw it is to spend time in close proximity of wild lions. Incredibly privileged to spend over 1.5 hours with these lions. #Iganyanawild #iganyanamobile #hwangenationalpark #lions #lionkill #gamedrive #nevergetenough #Elephants #vunduvarden #privileged #professionalsafariguide #horsefriends #horseridingsafari #horseholiday #dreams #horsesandwildlife #equineholiday #elephantherd #ridezim #ridezimbabwe #askushow
Beautiful winter morning ride on the Dete Vlei Hwange National Park. Dete Vlei is famous for forming part of the Presidential Elephant herd home range and grazing grounds for big Buffalo herds. Come ride with us on this amazing ecological niche. #detevlei #hwangelephants #safarihorses #ridingholiday #hwangenationalpark #Zimbabwe #ridezim #ridezimbabwe
An Experience of a lifetime🤩🤩 After a ride you can cool off in the pool. You never know who you might meet!! @jaclyn_lauren @astecker12 @vunduvarden Due to a cancellation we have 2 saddles free on the next 7 night departure 14 JULY Let's ride🐎🐎
As a guide there are 2 signs on this Big Hwange Bull that will put you be on double alert. You can't notice on this video but a few minutes later he showed us he was a bit grumpy. Tying in with the 2 physical signs. Can you see them? Comment below. Look closely👀 #elephants #elephantbull #bigbullelephant #hwangelephants #swagger #elephantsafari #Iganyanatentedcamp #Iganyanawild
Kicking up some dust in Hwange Sunrise 🌅
Did you know towel art is a thing on safari? Look at the beautiful Elephants Tops is making in the mobile safari tents for our lovely guests. We have 5 nights on mobile safari. Different animals will be made every night. #glampinglife #towelart #it'sthelittlethingsthatcount #Iganyanatentedcamp #Iganyanawild #iganyanamobile #ridezimbabwe #horsesandcamping #intothewild #wildlifeaddict #horseaddict #cheval #pegasus #camplife #glampingnotcamping @ridezimbabwe
More Buffalos than you can count! On safari with Ride Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 Hwange National Park #Equine #bovine #wildlife #wildlifeaddict #horsesandwildlife #bufffalo #horsesafari #safarihorses #chevalholiday #horseadventure #horseholidayafrica #ridingsafarizimbabwe #glamping #holidayonhorseback #zimbabwehorsesafari @Iganyanawild @Iganyanawild
Good Morning FriYAY! When we're are on safari we always feed out of nose bags as the are light to carry and don't take up much space. Back at base young horses get used to eating out of them Here is Finn McCool enjoying his breakfast. Find has just turned 4. He is one of the horses earmarked for @michaelgascon to start on the August clinic If you haven't booked your saddle on the August safari and clinic with you should!!! #Michaelgasconhorsemanship #thehorseguru #Horsemanship #horses #trixiechicks #Gascon @
@matt_harnacke and Janine Anketell Varden talk about the safari horses Matt and @_jessedrent rode on safari with us. We are so chuffed they really enjoyed and understood what goes into producing a wonderful safari horse 🐎 🥰💖 Thanks to @ africanhorsesafaris for making it happen. #safarihorse #horses #Equine #cheval #ridingholiday #dressage #Matt_harnacke #jessedrent #Horsemanship #ridinghorses #happyhorses #mooliesafarihorse
Ride Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 We have 2 types of rides. 1. 7 night semi mobile Explore Hwange Which has 2 set departures a month. 2. The 2nd safari is Lodge based with morning and afternoon rides. Watch the clip below to get a taste of life on a riding safari🌟 #horsesafari #ridingsafari #horsesandwildlife #ridingholiday #ridingsafariholiday #horseriding #ridezimbabwe Email us: [email protected]
Since we are conservationists, we are always looking for ways to reduce ~ reuse ~ recycle. We came across this video and we thought it would be a great way to save water on our mobile riding safaris, particularly in Hwange National Park which is part of a desert system. What do you think 🤔 ?? Comments below. #bucketshower #bushshower #savewater #reduce #happyfriday
As we operate our riding safaris in a National Park we can't take our dogs with us 😪 we miss them. So we get regular POL proof of life !! updates from @luke_chikoo and the rest of the gang back at home. They play hard💥 All present and accounted for apart from our dear old girl Jackal who is following behind staying clear of the ruckus. Smart girl🐶 #dogsofinstagram #dogsatplay #blueheeler #rhodesianridgeback #labx #ridezimbabwedogs
