Africa > Mozambique

Mozambique escapade

Located along the dreamy coastline of Mozambique, Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary is a little piece of heaven best explored on horseback. Combine riding adventures with a luxury retreat on this beautiful horseback holiday. Not one day is the same: set out to explore the sanctuary, look out for the local wildlife, go swim with the horses, or go for a gallop along the beach. After the day, relax at the Lodge and enjoy a massage - with one night spent under the stars!
Book now Print the details for this ride
Trail Riding
8 days (5 riding) -
From £0
Family holidays
from 12 y.o
Open to non-riders
  • Mozambique escapade
    Mozambique escapade
  • Woman swimming with a horse in Mozambique
    Beautiful contrasting colours of Mozambique
  • Landscape of a beach in Mozambique
    Snorkeling, and sea kayaking are among the activities you can enjoy during this holiday!
  • Woman riding a grey horse in a beach in Mozambique
    Ride along the dreamy coastline of Mozambique
  • Three riders riding during the sunset in Mozambique
    Amazing Sosian sunsets!
  • Woman in a swimming pool looking at the view in Mozambique
    After a long day, relax at the Lodge and enjoy the swimming pool!
  • Groom riding a horse in the sea in Mozambique
    A relaxing riding holiday in Mozambique
  • Woman swimming with a horse in Mozambique
    On this riding holiday, you'll have the opportunity to swim with the horses!
  • Woman walking along side a horse in a white sand beach in Mozambique
    The stables are home to an excellent selection of Boerperd and Nooitgedacht crosses
  • Man posing for a picture alongside a horse in Mozambique
    Combine riding adventures with a luxury retreat
  • Dinner time setting in the Dugong Beach Lodge
    Dinner is served at your table and consists of grilled meats, vegetables, fresh fruit...
  • Three riders riding along a white sand beach in Mozambique
    This is not a challenging ride and the even terrain allows for a faster pace!

Itinerary

Highlights

- Enjoy long beach rides and the chance to swim with the horses
- Discover the beautiful contrasting colours of Mozambique, from white sand beaches to turquoise waters
- Accommodation in a luxurious lodge at the heart of the Sanctuary
- Several activities are included in your package: snorkelling, sea kayaking, catamaran, and complimentary massages.
- Ideal as an extension after your safari in South Africa or Botswana, with direct flights from Johannesburg

  • Day 1 1 : UK - JOHANNESBURG

    International overnight flight to Johannesburg - Flights are not included but we can assist with this on request. Please note that you need to depart London before c. 21:00 so that you arrive in Johannesburg before 09:00 the next day to leave enough time for a long transfer to your flight to Vilanculos, usually schedule in the late morning (Johannesburg is a big airport and we recommend 2-3 hours connecting time)

  • Day 2 JOHANNESBURG - VILANCULOS - 2 hours riding

    Dugong beach lodge
    Arrival in Johannesburg and connection to Vilanculos. Upon your arrival at the airport, a member of our local team will pick you up to take you to the beach where the boat awaits. A 30 minute boat ride with the chance to see marine life will take you to Dugong Beach Lodge in time for a wonderful late lunch prepared by a skilled chef. After a brief of the days to come, you will depart on an introductory sundowner ride. After the ride, enjoy a refreshing cocktail and candle lit dinner at the lodge.

    Please note - the following itinerary is not fixed and it can change on a daily basis depending on weather conditions and tide times.

  • Day 3 3 : VILANCULOS COASTAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - Approx. 5 hours riding

    Dugong beach lodge
    Breakfast on the deck, overlooking the beach. The horses will be ready for a ride that will take you to a local village, where you can enjoy the local culture, with a traditionally cooked meal. Maybe you will be lucky enough to encounter some wildlife such as waterbuck or giraffe on the way. You will continue to the beach, for some swimming with the horses and return to the lodge. Upon arrival you will be received with cold hand towels - a blissful feeling after a day out! In the evening you might want to just relax on the beach or by the lodge's pool. Dinner will be served at the lodge.

  • Day 4 4 : VILANCULOS COASTAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - Approx. 4 hours riding

    This morning is free to spend at your leisure! Enjoy the beautiful setting of the lodge - perhaps have a lie in or engage in some water sports. Enjoy a massage either on the deck with views to the beach, or at the spa. After lunch you will set out for your afternoon ride, which will take you to a far spot on the sanctuary, where the fishermen and team will have set up local fishing boats ready for a magical night under the stars. Your horses will stay close to you for the night. Enjoy a BBQ of the catch of the day before you go to sleep under the African starry sky.

  • Day 5 5 : VILANCULOS COASTAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - Approx. 5 hours riding

    Dugong beach lodge
    After a light breakfast, hop in the saddle to take a route along the coast. You ride up to a beautiful picnic setup. While you are having lunch, the horses will rest in their mobile paddock as you drive out with the boat which is waiting, to sunbathe, swim or snorkel/kayak. When you are ready, you will ride inland back to the lodge as the tide rises.

  • Day 6 6 : VILANCULOS COASTAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - Approx. 5 hours riding

    Dugong beach lodge
    Breakfast at the lodge, and onto the horses. This morning you ride in search for animals, along the beach and inland, climbing some sand banks to reach a lookout point with spectacular views. Lunch will be served back at the lodge. After freshening up, and a massage or some time on the beach, you will depart to a beautiful sundowners spot at Muco viewpoint. Hopefully you will be able to watch the game on the floodplains just below. Return at sunset for dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

  • Day 7 7 : VILANCULOS - UK - Approx. 2 hours riding (option

    Early morning breakfast and an optional ride. Transfer back to Vilanculos for your flight back home. You may also like to make the best of your time in southern Africa to combine this ride with a horseback safari in South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia...

  • Day 8 8 : UK

    Arrival back in the UK.

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- Rates are based on a 6 days/5 nights holiday, in a twin or double room sharing. International flights are not included.

- Groups are made up of 1 to 8 riders maximum.

- Important for solo riders: there is a single supplement payable if you end up in a single room. The supplement is c. £445 and will be refunded to you if a sharer is found.

- Dates are entirely flexible and you may arrive and depart on any day you like. Minimum stay is 4 nights and maximum is 10 nights.

- Young riders are welcome on this holiday, however it is preferable they are 12+ yo and good riders.

- Riders over 95 kilos/15 stone/210 lbs, please contact us before booking.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide
A team of grooms at the stables

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider

Inland transport

Return airport transfers from Vilanculos

Accommodation

Double room - lodge, with one night under the stars (weather dependent)

Meals

Full board from lunch on day 2 to breakfast on day 7 - drinks not included

Extras

Non-motorized watersports, complimentary massages.

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages (including mineral water) and personal extras

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Visas and personal purchase
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Return airport transfers from Vilanculos0,00 €



Accommodation

Single room supplement - at the lodge only
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian info

Horses

The stables are home to an excellent selection of Boerperd and Nooitgedacht crosses. The horses are even tempered, docile and sure footed. You will be riding with English tack and wearing a helmet is obligatory.

For riders over 95kg/ 210lbs / 15 stone, please contact us before booking so we can organise a suitable mount.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

Riders should be at ease at all 3 paces - walk, rising trot, gallop in a forward seat - and be in good physical condition. More novice riders can also participate in this ride as there as suitable horses for everyone.

For riders over 95kg/ 210lbs / 15 stone, please contact us before booking so we can organise a suitable mount.

Pace

You will experience all three paces throughout your trip. All observations are done at a walking pace - there will be no galloping around/ with the wild animals.

Tacking ability and participation

An English-speaking staff take care of all of the horses' needs, as well as tacking and untacking your horses.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

This is not a challenging ride and the even terrain allows for a faster pace, especially along the beach.

Equestrian equipment

English tack.
Helmets are mandatory. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.
Small saddlebags are available.

Travel info

Comfort

Dugong Beach Lodge is situated in the Vilanculos Coastal & Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge is made up of 14 beautiful chalets, and boasts and ideal location along pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. All chalets are equipped with A/C.

Due to the remoteness of Dugong Beach Lodge power is obtained from a combination of solar and generator power. The generator operates during the day until the afternoon and again from sunset until approximately half an hour after the last guest has gone to bed.



Meals

Breakfast: buffet with sweet and savoury options, tea and coffee, juice.
Buffet lunch.
Dinner is served at your table and consists of grilled meats, vegetables, fresh fruit.
Mineral water is provided when riding but is not included in your meals.

Climate

- Dry season: from April to mid-October, temperatures between 15° and 20°
- Wet season: from November to March, with hot temperatures (26-31° during the day)

November to March are hot and you might see some short trains. February and March are hurricane season.
April to October are cooler with beautiful blue skies. April can be quite busy and is very popular with families, especially around Easter. May and June are lovely to visit as they are less busy and the temperatures are ideal. In July and August, expect many guests! September and November are ideal if you are looking for warmer weather but dry conditions.

Guide and local team

English and Spanish speaking team.

Tips

It is customary to tip the local team as a gesture of thanks and we would recommend c. £15-20 per day, but you should give what you feel is right.


Packing list

Head
- Helmets are mandatory and not provided.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and dust
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared. Layering is key to cope with the fluctuations in temperature between day and night
- Casual clothes for the evening

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Bathing suit
- Casual clothes for the evening

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps as long chaps/long boots can get very hot.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear
- Thermals are a good option for sleeping in in the colder months, or a t-shirt and shorts for warmer nights

Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided and you should pack it into two bags if it weighs more than 15kg so it's easier for the team to transport between camps
- Take a second, smaller bag to pack things you may need during the day such as a book or suncream then you can easily access it during the long lunch break
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Other useful items
- Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Hand sanitiser
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Binoculars
- Mask and tuba

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Small penknife

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Rehydration sachets (dioralyte or similar)
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Ear plugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper
- Micropur or similar water purification tablets

Miscellaneous
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals

Visa & Health

Formalities

A passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the intended date of departure from Mozambique is required by all nationals of Australia, Canada, USA, the UK and Other EU countries.
Please note that a minimum of three blank pages is required for your visa.

Visas
All visitors (except citizens of Swaziland, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, & Zambia) need a visa.
If you’re a tourist or travelling for work purposes from a country where there is a Mozambican diplomatic mission, you must get the appropriate visa before travelling.
If you’re travelling from a country where there is no Mozambican diplomatic or consular representation, you should apply for a visa from the nearest country with a Mozambican diplomatic mission before travelling.
You must present on entry a return air ticket (for air travellers) and either an invitation from family / friends or a confirmed hotel reservation.

Embassies
Mozambique High Commission in the UK
Telephone: (020) 7383 3800. Opening times: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1400-1700.
Time required
Allow three days for visa processing. Visas can also be issued within 24 hours (express service) or within 90 minutes (same-day express service) for an additional fee.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION RE: TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
From 1st June 2015, South Africa have introduced tough rulings for anyone travelling with children, including passengers transitting South Africa to another destination.
- Two parents travelling with children will need to show the childs Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC)
- One parent travelling with a child will need to show the UBC plus either: a Parental Consent Affidavit (PAC) from the parent not travelling OR a letter of special circumstance.
- Widowed parents will need to show the UBC and a death certificate for the deceased parent
- Children travelling with family friends will need a UBC, PCA, copies of the parents passports and contact details for the parents.

For more information click here: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-updated-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry

Contact South African Immigration for what is required for other circumstances.

Addresses of consulates

  • Paris Ambassade du Mozambique
    82, rue Laugier
    75017 Paris
    Tél. : 01.47.64.91.32
    Fax :
    embamocparis@wanadoo.fr
  • Ambassade de France au Mozambique
    Avenida Julius Nyerere
    BP 4781
    2361 Maputo
    Tél. : +258 (21) 48 46 00
    Fax :
    admin-francais.maputo-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr
  • Mozambique High Commission
    21 Fitzroy Square
    W1T 6EL London
    Tél. : +44 020 7383 3800
    Fax :

Health

There are no vaccinations legally required to travel to Mozambique except that you need a yellow fever vaccination if you have travelled to a country (7 days or less before entering Mozambique) where that disease is widely prevalent (such as Zambia). Also, a cholera stamp is required when entering the country overland.
The usual recommendations for vaccination are for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP). Also both Hepatitis A and Typhoid are often recommended.
If you are staying longer than 3 months or have a particular risk you might consider a rabies vaccination. Vaccination against Tuberculosis and Hepatitis B are also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months.
Malaria is prevalent in the country. Don't underestimate this tropical disease and take precautions. Buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net.

Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Voltage

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. South African-style three-pin (round) plugs are used in the capital and most tourist areas.

Budget and money

Mozambique Metical (MZN; symbol MT) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of MT1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of MT10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.
Note: The new Metical replaced the old Metical (MZM) on 1 July 2006. 1 MZN = 1,000 MZM. The old notes ceased being legal tender on 31 December 2006.
Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Maputo, but not generally beyond the capital.
Travellers cheques are not commonly accepted, and where accepted are slow to process and often attract high rates of commission.

Please note that the metical is a restricted currency, so try to use up your meticais before you leave the country.

Telephone and jetlag

The dialling code for Mozambique is +258.
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is expanding to all main cities in most provinces, but may be patchy in rural areas.
There are Internet cafes in most cities.
Mozambique is GMT +2 hours

Did you know?

Did you know?

Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated south of Vilanculos and incorporating the southern tip of the Bazaruto archipelago, Vilanculous Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary comprises 30,000 hectares of varied terrain. On your riding holiday, you may ride around and over mudlflats, mangrove swamps, beautiful coastal dunes and coral reefs.

Although this is not a riding safari, the wildlife is surprisingly diverse and you may encounter zebra, waterbuck, giraffe, nyala, eland and wildebeest. In the water, marvel at the leatherback sea turtles and the rare and fascinating (and endangered) dugong, amongst many other marine species.

This wildlife sanctuary provides an idyllic setting for your horseback vacation in Mozambique.