8 days & 7 nights itinerary.

Our itinerary is flexible as the tide levels in Vilanculos play an important part in where and what time we ride. Our activity day changes according to the weather and when the visibility will be best for scuba diving. At all time during the safari we will have a power boat available as backup and safety for our clients. The boat will be used to transfer clients from the lodges to the horses as well as bringing supplies and taking clients who need a break from riding.



Day 1

Our guests will be transferred from Vilanculos airport to Archipelago Sun in time for lunch. Pat & Mandy Retzlaff will settle you in and give you a brief introduction to Mozambique, Vilanculos and activities that can be done. You will enjoy an introductory ride that afternoon along the beach giving you a chance to become familiar with the horses and tack.

Early evening drinks will be served at the lodge followed by a fresh seafood dinner hosted by Patrick and Amanda.



Day 2.

We will take you over to the stables, mount up and set off on an exhilarating ride along deserted beaches and over high cliffs with panoramic scenes of the Bazaruto Archipelago. A picnic lunch will be served on the red cliffs with magnificent views of the bay, you will be fascinated by the changing colours of the water and there is always a chance of seeing dolphins.

After a long day in the saddle a well deserved dinner will await you at the lodge.



Day 3.

Today we will set off on a long ride along the coast towards the Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary on the San Sebastian Peninsular. The area is covered with scattered lakes and wetlands interspersed with native woodland and mangrove forests. The local area is home to thousands of greater flamingos and has in the past served as a nesting ground for the rarer Lesser Flamingo. In the late afternoon we will catch the boat back to Vilanculos and leaves the horses to stay overnight with the grooms.

In the evening we'll enjoy drinks around the bar and dinner at a lovely restaurant where they serve the famous Mozambican "Peri-Peri chicken"



Day 4.

We will jump onto the boat and head back towards the Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary. We need to leave early in the morning as we have many miles of sandy beach to cover before we reach our destination. Be prepared for long canters and dramatic scenery as the region boasts some of the richest biodiversity in Africa. The Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a mosaic of wetlands, mangrove swamps, miombo woodland, salt marshes and freshwater lakes. The birdlife is astounding and we will encounter a variety of native birds. 

After a long a ride and much deserved thirst quenching drink at a lovely lodge we will hop onto a boat and cruise home in the fading sunlight leaving the horses to make their way back with the grooms the following day. 



Day 5.

Today you will experience the wonder of a traditional sailing dhow gliding through the Bazaruto Archipelago. The island of Benguerra is complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees and pristine coral reefs. The snorkelling is superb and will help you work up an appetite for a delicious picnic lunch on the beach. You are likely to spot whales, dolphins, turtles and the only viable dugong population remaining in this part of the world.

Mozambique Horse Safari has a herd of horses based on Benguerra Island and we will go for a breathtaking ride. The island of Benguerra consists of huge 100m sand dunes, freshwater lakes, mangrove swamps and sandy beaches which make for an exciting ride. 



Day 6.

Today the riders can relax and unwind either choosing to spend the day sunbathing and swimming on the beach or for those who are looking for something a little more active, try scuba diving in the waters around the Bazaruto Archipelago. The archipelago's coral reefs and clear waters offer some of the best diving in the world, dive sites are uncrowded and marine life is varied and abundant.

A choice of options:
Scuba Diving
Dhow Sailing
Shopping
Sunbathing
Whale Watching



Day 7

The Vilanculos coastline possesses some of the most delightful landscapes in Mozambique. Today we will experience countless inland lakes, rugged cliffs, uninhabited bush and incredible beaches. Riding on horseback provides an exhilarating and a marvellous way of experiencing this fantastic scenery. We will visit the Coconut Palms and go for swims with the horses in several of the lakes.

Lunch will be served under the trees and after untacking the horses, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake. We will make our way home along the coastline with spectacular views from the cliff tops and white beaches.



Day 8

A short early morning ride up the coast, inland up streams, following interesting spoor and quietly looking for elusive species of bird and wildlife amongst the hills and tall golden grass. Descend to the beach for a final brisk gallop before heading home to check out of Archipelago Sun at noon.