Imvelo Horse Safaris
Connecting people with nature
If you’ve never been to Zimbabwe before, you’re in for a treat. After all, it’s one of the most beautiful, enigmatic, diverse and friendly countries in Africa.
Imvelo aren’t just about luxury lodges and there’s more to them than spectacular photographic safaris - they believe in enriching the lives of those who live around them as well as their guests. Imvelo are determined to ensure that it’s the local people and wildlife that directly benefit from you, the guest.
Imvelo are at the forefront of eco-tourism,
game water supplies, mobile dental clinics, village boreholes, water pumps, school building supplies, a library, and so the list goes on.
With over 20-years creating symbiotic relationships between man and nature, forming mutually beneficial relationships within our surroundings, and learning how to protect all living things for future generations...
The first of it's kind in Southern Hwange
Hwange Horseback Safaris in partnership with Imvelo Safari Lodges are extremely proud to have launched this new activity in the south of Hwange National Park. A first of its kind in this area! The magnificent and expansive savanna grasslands that surrounds the lodges, along with the famous Ngamo Plains make for the best safari riding areas in Zimbabwe! Ngamo is famed for its prolific wildlife, large herds of wildebeest, elephants and buffalo. Others animals you can see are lions, hyena, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala and jackals. During the rains this area floods bringing with it a spectacular variety of bird life. The highlight for most guests is arriving at either Camelthorn or Bomani Tented Lodge by railcar on the ingeniously designed Elephant Express! Our horseback safaris are all lead by top Zimbabwean qualified guides and trackers, safety of our guests and horses are our number one priority. Imvelo properties are pioneers in changing the way you safari and offer many activities to complement your horse safari such as walking, game drives, night drives, all day game drives and pump runs, birding, their unique underground game viewing hide as well as village and school tours. Our multi day safaris are for experienced riders only. Riders should be fit and confident at all paces. Within our herd twenty -two top safari horses you are certain to find your perfect partner on safari. The breeds range from Boereperds, Perchrons, Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds with heights varying from 15,3 to 16,7 hands.
Download our Sample Itineraries and Fact Sheet
The Lodges
Bomani Tented Lodge
This luxurious tented lodge is situated on a private concession in the magnificent Ngamo Plains on the edge of the remote and unspoilt south eastern corner of Hwange National Park. Bomani is famous for its unique scenery as well as its large herds of elephants and all other animals and birdlife resident in Hwange. Our fully licensed and knowledgeable guides will treat you to a safari experience you will never forget! If you are looking for an exciting safari destination – in a remote and exclusive area – with great game viewing all year round, and one that actually makes a difference to the local communities and wildlife, then you need look no further than Bomani.
Camelthorn Lodge
Living under the Acacia's
Camelthorn is nestled in the cool woodlands on the southern edge of Ngamo’s famous Plains. Here, you will be treated to a truly memorable safari experience, in pure comfort and style.
The lodge is unique in its style and design and has as its centre piece a huge ancient Camelthorn
tree. On the edge of the Ngamo Plains, and strategically placed to explore the remote and unspoiled south eastern portion of the park, Camelthorn offers a spectacular wilderness experience.
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Scheduled Daily Rides
The open grasslands and forest groves of the Ngamo Plains around Camelthorn and Bomani Lodges are among the most scenic areas of Hwange, as well as being home to a variety of wildlife, big and small. The landscape changes dramatically between the cooler dry winters and warm humid summers.
This special scenery is ideal for horse-riding and several activity options have been designed for riders of different experience levels. Ranging from the ever popular cultural immersion ride, hippo sunrise, sundowner ride and a full day horseback safari. We do have a beginner bush ride for the not so confident and younger riders. We have a weight restriction of 90kgs and do not allow children under 16 years of age (children 7 years and above are permitted on the Beginner Bush Experience).
All rides are led by our experienced, qualified guides and trackers. The pace is determined by safety and terrain and is mostly fast walking and trotting. Where possible in open areas we will canter and gallop. We look at our riders’ experience and tailor the pace accordingly.
Download our Daily Activities and Fact Sheet
The Elephant Express
The Historic Railway line which runs the entire length of the North Eastern boundary of Hwange National Park was built in the 1900's and it is said that the first warden of Wankie (as the area was then known) arrived by train in 1928 before going on to declare the area a game reserve.
In 2015 Imvelo launched it's ingeniously designed Elephant Express Railcar to offer guests an alternative mode of travel between its lodges in Hwange National Park.
Lunch and refreshments are served on board as this luxurious railcar travels between Dete railway station to Ngamo siding offering spectacular views and unforgettable wildlife sightings along the way.
This transfer is available for guests booking any of our Imvelo horseback safaris or for the combined Vintage and Imvelo horse safari.