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Unparalleled opportunities to encounter wildlife on horseback
James and Janine Varden operate horse-back safaris in both Hwange National Park and the Mavuradonha Mountain wilderness area. James and Janine have ridden (‘scuse the pun) out the last tumultuous years with surprising optimism. Passionate about the bush (they choose to spend their time off in their fly-camp), and particularly devoted to Zimbabwe, they have staked their claim as the only horse-riding outfit in Africa allowed to conduct safaris inside a National Park.
James started his career as a professional guide and, as he underwent his training in Zimbabwe (the most rigorous in Africa), this makes him something of a legend on the safari circuit. His extensive knowledge and affable manner combine well ; it’s a pleasure to sit quietly by a river and have the finer points of dragonflies expounded upon, or to follow tracks of recent four-legged passersby. Somehow, you actually learn something without really being aware of it...
Janine, Australian by provenance, is an accomplished horsewoman and an effortless host. Her team of camp staff are so efficient as to be almost invisible but their input is indeed evident in the tasty home-cooked meals, hot water and frosted g’n’t that appear just when you need them.
The safaris vary in length and can be flexible according to the needs of guests; however, you do need to be an experienced rider to take part as they inevitably include long days in the saddle. Furthermore, in the face of a potentially dangerous animal, the last thing you need to be thinking about is how the heck to rise and fall.
Generally, you’ll spend a couple of nights in a fixed camp, then “ride roughÇ?? for a couple of nights. This entails basic support, washing in rivers, fly camping....the really wild stuff. This means you can penetrate some of the really remote areas and is in fact a highlight. In any case, you’ve always got that comfy bed and hot shower to look forward to, and they are always better when you're truly grubby. The areas that James and Janine favour are properly out of the way, and because you are on horseback, you can reach places where a vehicle would blow a gasket even thinking of going. The overall feel of the trips is intrepid, exploratory, relaxed and low-key and highly memorable.
Mixture of mobile camps & lodges
Unparalleled opportunities to encounter wildlife on horseback
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Hwange National Park dominates nearly 15,000km² of western Zimbabwe. The areas’ status as the royal hunting ground of Mzilikazi, King of the Matabele people, in the 1800s testifies to its superior quality as a wildlife destination. Previously well known particularly for lion, elephant and wild dog, the area is still teaming with game, assisted by a number of waterholes which act as a bit of a game magnet. This is the best place to go if you want to see the Big 5. Read more?
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Once a hallowed safari destination, Zimbabwe has emerged from a few troubled years and remains a safari destination to be reckoned with. Although travel around the country is not as easy as it once was, there are some real gems here that are definitely worth considering. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
