Arrival Ride
Upon arriving at Vilankulo Airport, our guests will be warmly greeted by either Pat or Mandy Retzlaff, who will serve as your hosts and guides for the upcoming week. Following a brief transfer, you will be transported to your lodge. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to acquaint yourself with the horses and staff in the stable. You’ll be introduced to a selection of horses that you can also take for a trial run in the riding arena. To foster a deeper connection with the horse of your choice, we’ll embark on an initial ride. This adventure will take you across endless sandy beaches, through untouched bushland, past mangrove-lined shores, and over stunning rocks that provide magnificent viewpoints. In the evening, you’ll savor fresh seafood under the starlit sky, all while enjoying a direct view of the ocean.

Benguerra Island Horseback Adventure

We start the day early, embarking on a motorized dhow to traverse the Bazaruto National Park en route to the world-renowned Benguerra Island. While aboard, you’ll be treated to a delectable breakfast. Passing by traditional fishing dhows and frolicking dolphins, you’ll catch sight from a distance of horses beneath the palms on the immaculate white beach.

Guiding you with her unwavering passion for the region, Charlotte, your guide, will introduce you to the local flora and fauna. As you venture inland, you’ll journey past villages, ascend remarkably vast golden sand dunes, and observe flocks of flamingos by the lakes.

During invigorating gallops along the beach, you’ll experience the invincible energy of your horse, forging ahead and granting you an unparalleled sense of liberation. The pinnacle of the day awaits as we take our horses for a bareback swim in the sea.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll engage in snorkeling activities around Magaruque Island, discovering the kaleidoscope of colorful fish in the temperate waters and embarking on a quest to uncover concealed octopuses. Following our distinctive diving escapade, a modest yet savory seafood lunch will be served beneath the sheltering canopy of trees, before it’s time to make our way back to the mainland.

Please note: The duration of the ride is approximately 3 hours and is contingent on tidal conditions.

Beach and Bush Ride

Start your day with a hearty breakfast served at our restaurant. With renewed energy, we mount our horses and set off along the historic coastal main road, running parallel to the shoreline and eventually reaching a narrow river estuary. During our ride, we pass through quaint rural villages and interact with some of the locals. Beyond the villages, we seize the opportunity for exhilarating extended gallops through the coastal bushland. After spending several hours in the saddle, we once again reach the shoreline, riding through wooded areas and rewarded with a breathtaking view over the bay. The vast, sandy beaches offer us one last chance to enjoy delightful gallops as we make our way back to the stables.

After a fulfilling day on horseback, we wind down with sundowners and indulge in a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

Ride Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Farewell Ride and Swim

Enjoy your last breakfast before setting out on a farewell ride. The view of the bay and the vast, untouched beaches will leave a lasting impression. Our renowned swimming ride and ocean stroll are experiences you’ll treasure forever. You’ll commence this extraordinary journey on the beach, riding without saddles, before venturing into the glistening blue sea, with the water reaching chest-deep. Following the coastline for approximately 20 minutes, we’ll find a secure spot for our swimming adventure.

Once you dismount, you’ll lead a different horse into the shallow waters. Typically, they play and frolic in the water, splashing around before lying down and rolling in the shallows. Once the horses have settled, you’ll mount again, riding without saddles, and venture into deeper waters, with your horse guided for security by a long rein. As you and your horse wade into the deeper sea, you’ll experience the tug and power your horse employs to move forward – an incomparable encounter. Each horse exhibits unique behavior, ensuring you an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.

Please note that this serves as a representative itinerary, and modifications and inaccuracies are subject to change at any time.

Start your day by indulging in a delightful breakfast and taking a refreshing swim in the sea before our ride commences at around 11:30 AM. Mandy will lead us in a relaxed walk along the beach, where the tide has receded, and you can catch a glimpse of the ocean shimmering in the distance.

Once we’ve passed the rocky section, under Mandy’s expert guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to canter along the shoreline towards the mangrove trees and the captivating “Fingerprint of God” viewpoint. Our journey will then continue, taking us through coconut plantations along the beach and eventually leading to the charming fishing village of Managlise.

Here, we’ll take a break in simple thatched huts and quench our thirst with delicious coconuts. For lunch, a feast awaits us, featuring fresh crabs harvested from the beach, grilled fish caught earlier in the morning, and Matapa – a traditional Mozambican dish made from cassava leaves, nuts, and coconut milk.

Allow the infectious joy of the singing and dancing children in the village to sweep you off your feet. As the late afternoon approaches, we’ll saddle up our horses and make our way back home.

Ride Duration: 2 hours of riding and 1.5 hours for lunch in the village.

Today, we embark on a journey into the heartland, following a trail that meanders through African villages and alongside expansive natural freshwater lakes. The avian diversity here is truly remarkable, offering excellent opportunities to catch sight of eagles, pelicans, herons, egrets, and kingfishers. We’ll pick up the pace as we canter along a bush path, traversing African farmland, passing by rural schools, and glimpsing the remnants of erstwhile Portuguese houses. The ancient pathways of the fields will grant us a brief burst of speed as we venture further inland, heading towards the Govuro River.

A revitalising picnic, accompanied by refreshing chilled beverages, awaits us on the verdant riverbank. Our equine companions will also be tended to with water and nourishment before they accompany us along the river’s edge. We’ll have the chance to appreciate the luxuriant riverine vegetation, scout for indigenous fish, and listen to the melodious calls of the birds.

As the evening sets in, you’ll have the pleasure of relishing a drink beneath the star-studded sky, gathered around the campfire. Dinner will feature a tantalizing Mozambican barbecue that’s sure to make your mouth water.

Ride Duration: Approximately 3 hours on horseback, along with lunch and canoeing activities.