Zimbabwe : Mavuradonna

Carew Horse Safaris
Carew horse safaris are based in the Mavuradonna Wilderness area, only a 2-hour drive north of Harare. It is a remote, untouched area of mountains and valleys, rivers and waterfalls and is accessible only on foot or on horseback. It is a thrilling horseriding experience where you follow elephant paths through deep valleys tangled with bamboo thickets, palms and waterberries, before climbing up through open miombo woodland and on up to cross high mountain passes patched with sparse grasses and hardy aloes.

There are 2 permanent lodges, the main one being Kopje Tops Lodge from where you can go out on daily rides or as a base to meet your horses and set out into the bush for a few days. There are 6 en suite, simple but comfortable chalets built around the base of a kopje hidden amongst a grove of msasa trees.

The second camp, Bat Caves Camp is a simple pole and thatch camp deep in the wilderness. This is a bush camp with bucket showers and long drop loos but very comfortable after a long day in the saddle. It is a beautiful setting by the river and 200 yards down stream are a series of caves and under ground waterfalls teeming with thousands of bats.

Safaris are extremely flexible and will fit around the party's preferences but there are plenty of different areas to visit. There is also the option of camping out for a night or two where you will carry all your own food and equipment, wash in rivers, a spade for the loo and sleep on the ground on a mat or grass bed and sleeping bag. The riding is more difficult as elephant paths get narrower as you climb higher into the mountains. There is always a spectacular camp spot on top of a mountain, in a cave or by a river.

All levels of riders are welcome but novices and experienced riders will not ride together unless they request to do so. The Mavuradonna is rugged and mountainous and does not support huge numbers of game but in the dry season a fair amount of game will be seen but as much as anything you will come for the beauty of the area and the fantastic riding and walking which it offers.

click on the photos for a larger version

Kopte Tops Lodge	riding	waterfall

the scenery	the Head Groom