Africa > Mozambique

Horses and Blue Lagoons

The perfect extension to another riding holiday in southern Africa, Mozambique is a hidden treasure offering beach rides along white sand, blue coral lagoons, sand dunes and the opportunity to swim with your horse. Not forgetting all the amazing water-based non-riding activities on offer too.
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Centre based holidays
5 days / 3 riding
From £2,425
Family holidays
Open to non-riders
  • Mozambique and horse in sunset
    Riding into the sunset in Mozambique
  • Horse riding holiday in Mozambique
    Paradise landscape in Mozambique
  • Horse riding in Mozambique
    An idyllic scenery, perfect for an exciting beach ride
  • Horses and dunes in Mozambique
    Gallop in the dunes
  • Horse riding beach holiday in Mozambique
    Horse riding in Mozambique, the African Paradise
  • Horse riding holiday in Mozambique
    Rider and her horse under the sun of Mozambique
  • Palm trees and ocean in Mozambique
    Beautiful landscape in Mozambique
  • Horse riding holiday in Mozambique
    Miles and miles of unspoilt beaches
  • Horse riding holiday in Mozambique
    An amazing equestrian adventure in Africa
  • Horse riding holiday in Mozambique
    Horses and riders enjoy the Indian Ocean

Itinerary

Highlights

- Unusual destination, still relatively unspoilt by tourism
- Turquoise lagoons, white sands and fishing dhows
- Fresh seafood and delicious local meals
- Go swimming with your horse and canter down beaches and through sand dunes
- Numerous non-riding activities also possible (may be extra cost): scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, fishing, dugout canoe.
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  • Day 1 1 : JOHANNESBURG - VILANCULOS - 1.5 hours riding

    Sea Horse Beach House
    After your flight from Johannesburg to Vilanculos (not included but are happy to advise you on the best options) you are met at Vilanculos Airport by either Pat or Mandy Retzlaff, your hosts and guides. After a short transfer from the airport, you are settled into your accommodation. Later in the afternoon you will have an opportunity to meet the horses and staff at the stables. You will be presented with a number of horses to try in the riding school. Once you feel comfortable, you will head out onto the beach for a slow and relaxing ride, allowing you to become familiar with your horse and equipment. In the evening a fresh seafood dinner will be served under the stars overlooking the sea.

    IMPORTANT: the following itinerary is just an example - the actual itinerary is flexible and will depend on your preferences.

  • Day 2 2 : BUSH AND BEACH RIDE - 3-4 hours riding

    Sea Horse Beach House
    After a hearty breakfast served at your hotel, head out on horseback along a route which follows the old coastal main road running parallel to the beach before meandering up and wading across a small river estuary. Along the route you pass through small rural villages where young children will come to wave at the horses. As the local population thins out there are long safe canters through coastal bush. After several hours in the saddle, a bush track through woodlands leads down onto the beach with amazing views over the bay. The long, deserted, sandy beaches offer a chance to experience dream-like canters on your way back to the stables. After a long day in the saddle, there is a chance for sundowners and a fine dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Day 3 3 : RED DUNES - 3-4 hours riding

    Sea Horse Beach House
    After a delicious breakfast you are driven over to the stables before mounting up and setting off on an exhilarating ride through the outskirts of town and along deserted sandy beaches to the Red Dunes on North Beach. There are ample opportunities for controlled canters on the wide open beaches before climbing the giant red coastal dunes. The panoramic views of the white sandbars and turquoise seas below are spectacular and one of the special highlights of this holiday. Lunch will be served at a gorgeous beachside restaurant overflowing with seafood specialties. After lunch you will stop at an arts and crafts centre that supports the local community. Relax by the pool in the late afternoon or take a stroll on the beach. Dinner will be served in tranquil settings.

  • Day 4 4 : BENGUERRA ISLAND - 3 hours riding

    Sea Horse Beach House
    Depending on tides you may have an early start from your hotel on a motorized dhow which whisks you through the Bazaruto National Park to Benguerra Island. A packed breakfast is served on board while you take in the sea views and look for dolphins, turtles and rays. There are horses living on the island and a breakthtaking ride awaits through the massive sand dunes, freshwater lakes and white sandy beaches. The varied eco system offers exceptional birding with large flocks of flamingo often seen. After your ride, a seafood lunch prepared by the boat captain will be served on board as you island hop by sail to Margaruque. Mask, fins and snorkels are provided and you are encouraged to enjoy some of the world’s finest drift snorkelling along a vertical rock drop off. Return to Vilanculos as the sun sets over the ocean to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Day 5 5 : VILANCULOS - JOHANNESBURG - 1.5 hours riding

    After a relaxed breakfast, there is time for a short morning farewell ride up the coastline. The views over the bay and long stretches of unspoilt beach will be a memory that you never forget. You finish off your safari with the world renowned swim - to see horses wallowing and rolling in the sea is a once in a lifetime opportunity and truly magical experience. Time for one more lunch before you bid farewell to Vilanculos in preparation for your onward journey.

    You will be transferred to Vilanculos airport in time for your flight back to Johannesburg.

Dates & prices

Price details

- International flights to Vilanculos (via Johannesburg) are not included but can be booked for you on request.

- The groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 8 riders.

- It is possible to guarantee the ride from one ride, with the payment of a single supplement of $575/£500/€575.

- All guests have a private bedroom with their own en-suite bathroom unless they request to share. The single supplement is ONLY required if you will be riding on your preferred dates without any other horse riders in your group.

- The itinerary is flexible and you can do as much or as little riding as you like. Dates are flexible and you can arrive/depart on any day - the above dates are only a suggestion.

- Group discounts are available for 3+ guests booking together.If 3 riders in the group; one gets 35% discount, if 4 – 6 riders in the group; one gets 75% discount, if 7 – 10 riders in the group; one person goes free

- This ride works perfectly as an extension to other rides in Southern Africa - shorter stays are possible.

- Non-riders are welcome.

- Weight Limit: 90 kg, 198.5 lbs. or 14.2 stone. Heavier riders please contact us.
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 tour leader

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider

Inland transport

Airport transfers from Vilanculos

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 5
Drinks including sodas, local wine and beers.

Price doesn't include

Transports

International flights to Johannesburg
Visa fees
International flights to Vilanculos

Extras

Solo rider supplement - only if there are no other riders booked onto the same dates.
Tips to the local team

Insurance

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

Extras

Trip extensions or additional activities, such as canoeing, diving, kite surfing, snorkeling etc.
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    06/10/2023 10/10/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
    Guaranteed departure
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    13/10/2023 17/10/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    20/10/2023 24/10/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    27/10/2023 31/10/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    03/11/2023 07/11/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    10/11/2023 14/11/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    17/11/2023 21/11/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    24/11/2023 28/11/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    01/12/2023 05/12/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    08/12/2023 12/12/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    15/12/2023 19/12/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    22/12/2023 26/12/2023 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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    29/12/2023 02/01/2024 £2,425 €2,740 $3,007
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Equestrian info

Horses

The horses are responsive, alert, tough and fit. The herd comprises of Thoroughbreds, Arabs and the South African Boerperds. Many of them were rescued from Zimbabwe by your hosts and guides, and are the subject of a book - One Hundred and Four Horses. They are schooled to a very high level and react easily and lightly to the aids.

Guide & local team

Pat and Many have fled their home in Zimbabwe, saving their horses from land invasions. They are experiences guides and horsemen and have build themselves an excellent reputation as hosts. They are passionate about their horses and look after them extremely well. Pat and Mandy will lead each ride, and always spend time with their guests sharing stories and experiences with them.

"One Hundred and Four Horses": The book "One Hundred and Four Horses" tells the story of Pat and Mandy Retzlaff and how they fled war-torn Zimbabwe with the horses they refused to leave behind. Eventually they reached Mozambique and set up home on the beautiful sandy beaches around Vilanculos. Some of the horses they rescued are still available for you to ride on our riding holidays in Mozambique.


Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

All abilities can be catered for and groups are usually split according to ability, with experienced riders going on faster rides and novice riders taking it more steadily. However, groups can choose to ride together if they wish but the pace will be set by the weakest rider.

Weight Limit: 90 kg, 198.5 lbs. or 14.2 stone

Pace

All four paces can be experienced, depending on ability. There is lots of walking through deep sand and on narrow tracks, but there are opportunities for canters and gallops along the beaches as well as the chance to swim with your horse.

Tacking ability and participation

A team of grooms will feed, care for and saddle your horses. You can help with untacking if you wish, but this is not expected.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Mozambique has a tropical climate which presents no special difficulties, however, temperatures can be very warm from November to March during the Southern African summer. Cyclones can be experienced during February.

Equestrian equipment

English saddles, but also McClellan and Australian stock saddles.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Sea Horse Beach House is a charming seaside home set in a large garden on the beach with exquisite views overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago. The house has recently been rebuilt in 2022 with swimming pool, cobbled fire-pit, patio, driveway, WIFI and all the latest amenities added.

The luxury beach house is fully serviced, sleeping up to 6 people with 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen with large dining island and a comfortable lounge with all the modern conveniences of a beach home. It is tastefully decorated with handcrafted furniture, kilim rugs and local art & photography. The terraced lawns run towards the beach with swimming pool, al fresco dining area and fire pit. At the bottom of the garden is an ancient Baobab tree and private access to the incredible beach below.

If Sea Horse Beach House is full, we will look to accommodate guests in similar private homes and resorts in the area.

Meals

Mozambique has a rich culinary heritage, with strong Portuguese, South African, and English influences.

Breakfast: fresh fruit, ceral or oats, eggs, bacon or tomatoes, Portuguese rolls or toasts.
Lunch and dinner are freshly cooked by your personal chef.

Vegetarians can be catered for with advance notice. There are limitations when it comes to vegan and gluten free diets as the safari is quite remote with limited access to special products.

Climate

- Dry season: from April to mid-October, temperatures between 15° and 25°. This is the cooler, drier season: short and t-shirt weather! You may need a jacket in the mornings and evenings.
- Wet season: from November to March, with hot temperatures (25-30°+ during the day). This is the hotter, wetter season, when brief but vigorous downpours before the sun starts shining again. It seldoms rains enough to spoil the riding fun though.

Tips

Tips are customary in Mozambique and you should make sure to bring small notes to give to your driver and porters. During the ride, we recommend about US$10 per rider per day to be divided between the staff.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is compulsory and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable. You also have the option of buying protective shells to go under your hats (Ranch & Rider, Lexington Safety Products) or western hat helmets (Troxel).
Head
- 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

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

On this riding holiday in Mozambique, your hosts will be Pat and Mandy Retzlaff.

Before establishing Mozambique Horse Safari in 2006, Pat and Mandy spent 25 years farming in Zimbabwe, bringing up their family in the beautiful rural setting of Crofton Farm. In 2001, their lives were turned upside down as their farm got invaded by Mugabe's war veteran's association members, reclaiming the land to their own. Pat, Mandy and their was forced to flee, leaving behind everything they owned... Except for their horses.

Fleeing from farm to farm, trying to stay one step ahead of the war vets, they collected a string of 104 horses that other families trusted to their care. Exiles in a country they loved and never thought they'd have to leave, Pat and Mandy finally had no choice but to make a new home in Mozambique, near Vilanculos.

On this horseback holiday, you can meet these modern day heroes and even some of the remaining horses, some of them still living on Benguerra Island.