With support from Peace Parks Foundation and partners, the Simalaha was the first community conservancy to be created in Zambia. When established in 2012, communities were not aware of how wildlife could benefit them through a wildlife-based economy, but through the vision and leadership of Chief Sekute of the Kazungula district and Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta of the Sisheke district, the tide slowly started to turn.
This 180 000 ha of communal land lies within one of six key wildlife dispersal areas in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. It is vital in re-establishing wildlife populations and their migration routes in the landscape. With over 2 000 animals already introduced and the wildlife thriving, it only seemed right to launch the first tourism operator in the area, Zambian Horseback Safaris. Today, it is the community members who help to run the lodge, protect the wildlife and, in doing so, have become guardians of their landscape.
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Seeing Africa on horseback offers a unique perspective on the landscape and wildlife here in the Simalaha Community Conservancy. As the first and only tour operator in the area, Zambian Horseback Safaris offers riders access to terrain across the whole conservancy, from the vast open plains to mopane and acacia woodlands. On the plains, one might ride among wildebeest, zebra and many other wild animals. In the bushveld, riders can get close to giraffe, sable and eland. Meanwhile, along the Zambezi River, one may encounter hippo and a large variety of birdlife.
Wild animals view a human on a horse very differently from a person in a safari vehicle. They almost see it as one animal, which means more up close and personal wildlife viewings.
The reason Peace Parks is experiencing this timeless place on horseback is to keep abreast of the tourism developments in the area. It is this type of tourism offering that most aligns with a sustainable future for the region. Guests stay in en-suite tented accommodation with stunning views over the Simalaha floodplain. This, along with well-kept horses, knowledgeable guides and staff and an incredible wilderness setting makes for an amazing adventure for tourists.
