Guides and Riding

Guides consist of 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.
For the Kafue Horse Safari you should be competent at walk, trot, canter and gallop. This ride is for 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. It is not suitable for nervous riders.
All riders will have to pass an assessment before taking part in a safari.
Please note that KHS 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.

• 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
• 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.

• 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.
• Minimum of 2 guests per safari
• All clients will be required to sign an indemnity prior to 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 Horses
Kafue horse Safaris prides itself as having 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 our 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.

Itinerary

Kafue Horse Safari

Please note that the following is an example itinerary. The actual daily itinerary will be determined by the guide with the best interests of the group and horses in mind and taking into consideration terrain, weather conditions and game patterns.
Kafue Horse Safaris reserve the right to change this itinerary at any time due to unforeseen circumstances.
Scheduled safaris run from Tuesday to Tuesday each week – apart from January & February.
Tuesday – arrive in Lusaka to connect with light aircraft or car transfers from Lusaka airport. Light aircraft will fly you to the bush airstrip in Kafue National Park – called Ngoma. You will be collected at the airstrip and driven the 18km to the lodge arriving mid afternoon for either late lunch or high tea. Car transfers will bring you direct to the lodge. Once settled in to the rooms you will change in to riding gear and have your first introductory ride. Here you will have the opportunity to meet your mount and try out the trail saddles as the guides take you for your first glimpse of the park and potentially game viewing on the way. Sundowners overlooking the water pan precede a delicious evening meal and your first night in the bush with all the exciting noises that darkness in the bush offers.
Wednesday / Thursday – Typically the safari days will start with an early morning call and a light breakfast of drinks, rusks and toast before departing to start the adventure of exploring the National Park and tracking game. Riding will be split to 3 hours in the morning with brunch back at the lodge and the chance to relax by the pool. A shorter ride of two hours in the afternoon returning for sundowners and delicious evening meal.
Friday – Leave the lodge early in the morning game tracking and riding through the park to arrive at a very special location for lunch. Here you will get the chance to relax after a longer morning ride and then in the afternoon a guided walk will give you a very different viewpoint of Zambia and its amazing animals. Return to camp site for evening meal and sleep under open sided lapa for a truly unique experience.
Saturday – After light breakfast riding back through the park, game viewing and enjoying the ambiance of riding your horse through the bush. Arrive back to lodge for late lunch and then afternoon of relaxation around the pool. Potential for guided walk later afternoon. Overnight at lodge.
Sunday – This is another very special day as you will once more leave the camp early to ride and visit the local villages and see how people live today in rural Zambia. A beautiful picnic spot will provide the location for lunch and this great opportunity to gain an insight in to the real Africa whilst enjoying the beautiful open plains and riding. Return to the lodge later afternoon for sundowners and the last evening meal 
Monday – Light breakfast again with riding early morning, arrive back to lodge for delicious brunch and relaxation with riding again late afternoon, across plains and game viewing.
Tuesday - For the last morning this will be a shorter ride to allow you to open up across the plains and really embed your bush experience with your horse in the memories. Arrive back to the lodge mid morning in time to allow you to shower and change and be driven to local airstrip for onward flight back to Lusaka or connect with car transfer.

Accommodation

The lodge consists of six beautifully styled rooms overlooking a central water pan where game frequently comes to drink and view the tourists! The rooms are traditionally tented accommodation with thatched roofs and reed walls which will sleep two people.  Bathrooms are all en suite and consist of an outside shower and toilet facilities. Décor is classic safari with very comfortable surroundings and amenities.
A central thatched lapa has a dining and lounge area with bar, again overlooking the central pan allows you to relax in the afternoons and enjoy the plunge pool with game viewings.
The entire camp is unfenced to allow all game access to the water pans and produce a wonderful wilderness experience.
A laundry service is available at the lodge at no extra cost.

Other Activities

In the afternoons, there may be potential to experience a different type of game viewing in the form of game drives and guided walks.

Cuisine

Our Food & Beverage Manager – Christelle Bondesio comes with a wealth of experience having worked at one of the top safari camps in Botswana and is credited with being able to produce top quality food in the most remote of locations.
Meals will be served in our main lapa with outside dining should weather permit. The emphasis is on wholesome and delicious food served in a relaxed African atmosphere.
Local produce will be used where possible with our very special home grown vegetables.
Vegetarians can be catered for with prior notice, but due to our remote location it is not possible to provide for any stricter dietary requirements.

Children

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.

Weather

As Kafue National Park is not in an area of low altitude the temperature although noticeably warmer in summer months seldom reaches the unbearable heat of some of the other African countries. Riding will be scheduled to suit the weather and in the summer months we may leave earlier in the morning than winter.
Each season holds its own delights, with different flora and fauna available for viewing in each month. Our recommendation is that you return each year in a different season to decide which one you prefer!
May to August is the dry season with a very low likelihood of rain and clear blue skies. Within this June and August are the coolest months (although it has to be said that cool means a jersey early morning and evening! And the days are sunny and bright
September – November still the dry season but becoming warmer as spring / summer starts to arrive
December to April is the wet season, rain tends to arrive late afternoon and disappears as quickly as it arrives. The temperature is beautifully warm and the birdlife and foliage takes on new life which provides for some wonderful game viewing possibilities.

Average Monthly Temperatures – C

Note -these are the average high and low recordings of temperature across Zambia and you should see the recommended what to bring list for evenings and early mornings for a more localised weather pattern.

Getting There

International flights go direct from either the UK (British Airways) or connections via Nairobi using Virgin Airways / Air France. Daily flights to / from Johannesburg (SAA or Zambian Airways) provide another alternative to reaching Lusaka to join the transfer connections.
Inbound Flights to Lodge
Light Aircraft will leave Lusaka approx 11.30 each Tuesday to fly to Ngoma Airstrip (approx 40 min flight). Clients flying in from overseas will be met before Customs and escorted to departure areas. NOTE – departing from the Main hangar at Lusaka will now incur an $8 departure tax.
Weight limit for bags strictly 12kg, baggage will be weighed on arrival.
Outbound Flights to Lusaka
Light aircraft will leave Ngoma Airstrip approx 13.00 each Tuesday and arrive back in Lusaka approx 40 mins later for onward journeys.
Rates – One Way Only
1- 2 Passengers $897 / GBP 735 / E930
3 -4 Passengers $1316
5 – 7 Passengers - $1788
8 -12 Passengers - $2620
It has to be noted at the moment we only have one chartered flight in to / out of the camp each week. Should demand increase or should clients wish to stay for more days please ask Lucy Rufus and arrangements can be made either by plane or car.
All rates are subject to availability and quoted on lowest possible rate for plane size. Should that plane be unavailable then rates may increase to cover a different model.
Car Transfer
A car transfer can be organised with a guide to meet the clients at Lusaka airport and deliver them to the lodge at Kafue National Park, the journey takes a maximum of 5 hours and you will still be requested to bring one soft sided bag which is able to travel when you spend one night out in the bush.
Rates – One Way Only
1- 4 Passengers - $510 / GBP260 / E 330
5 - 12 Passengers - $620 / GBP 320 / E400
The car will leave no later than 09.00 on the Tuesday each week to arrive at Kafue Horse Safaris by 14.00 for late lunch and afternoon ride.
Outbound journeys will then deliver clients back to Lusaka for approx 19.00 that evening for onward destinations.
Self Drive
It is recommended that should you wish to self drive you obtain a 4x4 and do not drive at night – due to potholes! From Lusaka it will take approx 5 hours to reach the camp and the last 2.5 hours will be on a dirt road with plenty of holes. 4x4 hire can be expensive and you will need to use a reputable company to ensure you have a decent car.
Livingstone – Victoria Falls
It is now possible to book direct from Ngoma Airstrip to travel to Livingstone and one way rates given as follows. All conditions apply and for larger aircraft an additional re location cost may be incurred.
1-3 Passengers - $990
3-4 Passengers - $1120
5 – 7 Passengers - $1369

DUE TO FUEL FLUCTATIONS ALL RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND KHS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INCREASE COSTS AT ANY TIME

Money & Tipping

Currency in Zambia is the Kwacha, although US$ are often quoted in larger hotels and tour operations. It is important to note that in rural areas and smaller operations all rates are quoted in Kwacha and they will not accept dollars, as the Kwacha has become stronger more outlets are utilising this unit so do not rely on US$ alone.
On the Kafue Horse Safari you need cash only for tips and if you wish to purchase any merchandise. Credit cards are not accepted so all payments must be in cash and here various units of currency are acceptable.
Tippingis standard practice in Zambia .Clients will be given envelopes for tips which in turn will be given to Steven or Lucy who will share it amongst the guide, camp, grooms, back-up guides and lodge staff with some guidance of how to share it. A reasonable amount would be £50/$100 per person for the safari.
Foreign Exchange establishments usually only exist in the cities so please ensure that you have the relevant amount of currency required in cash prior to arrival.

Passport Visa

You must be in full possession of a valid passport to visit Zambia and you need a minimum of two unused page in your passport. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
Visas are required and can be purchased on arrival at border posts and International Airports. The costs vary dependant on nationalities but in July 2008 the cost for a British National was $145.00 for entry. Please check with your local embassy or travel agent in advance as there is no where to change money on arrival and you will need to carry the required amount.
Health Information
All clients visiting Kafue Horse Safaris will be required to hold comprehensive medical insurance that will include the cost of evacuation to another country in the region should the need arise. This is a condition of booking and confirmation will not be received until proof of insurance details has been provided.
Clients are advised to use insect repellent (typically repellents containing DEET are the best product) and cover arms and legs during sunset and wear long sleeved tops and trousers for the evenings
It is highly recommended that all clients seek medical advice from their doctor prior to travelling with regards to inoculations and prophylactics.

Rates – 2009 Season

Weekly scheduled Safaris –Tuesday – Tuesday
Ride Price - GBP 2100.00 / $4200.00 / €2670.00 per person per week
Includes – all meals, accommodation, park fees, community levy, professional guide, horse riding, guided walks (where detailed in itinerary), all beverages (note - alcohol may be local brands only), car transfer from Ngoma Airstrip to Lodge, laundry service
Excludes – all flights, car transfers – other than indicated above, gratuities,

Daily Rate for Lodge Riding
GBP 300 / $600 / €380 – per person per night
Inclusions and exclusions as above

Conditions:

• Should you be willing to share then no single supplement applies, to guarantee your own accommodation supplement charge of 50% of ride price should availability allow.

• Cancellation periods apply – please see below
• All clients must arrive with suitable riding equipment including protective headgear
• All guests required to sign an indemnity prior to riding
• Payment Methods – via bank transfer to specified account detailed on invoice. Note we can not accept credit cards and there are no facilities for changing money once at the lodge. Payments for gratuities and merchandise can be made in ZAR / Euro / GBP / US$ / Kwacha
• Rates are subject to change without prior notice
• Published itineraries are subject to change at management approval
• KHS reserve the right to dismount anyone should they prove a danger to themselves or others – you are not entitled to a refund should this situation occur
• Safety briefings will be given prior to riding on the first day of arrival

What to Bring
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.
Bum Bag: You may find that a small bum-bag is useful for keeping a camera or sun-screen readily to hand (saddle bags will be provided for carrying water etc).

Safari Dates – 2009
The lodge is open for riding all year apart from January and February. Scheduled safari dates run from Tuesday to Tuesday – 7 nights / 8 days, although it may be possible to join for shorter / longer periods should availability allow.
Start Date – 10th March 2009
Note there will also be a Xmas and New Year Ride (which will be the last of the 2009 season) dates:
22-28 December
29 Dec – 4 Jan
To Book
Availability on individual safaris can be checked by e mail to rufus@zambiahorsesafaris.com  , but flights should not be confirmed until we have agreed that a provisional booking is being held for your client. You should complete a booking form with the following information:
INFORMATION REQUIRED

• Name, age, weight, height
• Riding experience
• Special Dietary or other requests
• Medical Conditions
• In case of Emergency (contact name and telephone number)
• Travel insurance details (Insurers; Policy Number; Emergency Contact Telephone Number)

Cancellation & Payment
When a booking is confirmed, we expect a 20% deposit which is non refundable.
Full payment of the safari is required 31 days prior to the start date. Bank account details will be provided on the invoice issued when a booking is confirmed. If a booking is cancelled 30 days prior to the safari, the cancellation charge is 100%.