Woodbridge Safaris
"however you wish to travel"
May 2010 Newsletter, Horseback Safaris
What a winter we’ve had! I’m sure like me you can’t wait for Spring with new growth and warmer weather. I have huge admiration for anyone who has to work outside every day in all weathers. I never missed volunteering one day a week for my local Wildlife Trust when I helped with their livestock, but seeing the conditions that our builders work in has been an insight. The end is nearly in sight and having Volter (my horse) at home with me will make it a lot easier to balance my work and play.
Several of you found the Winter weather just too depressing and I’m pleased that you enjoyed your last minute escape to a safari in the sun. I love hearing reactions when it is a first-time safari: I don’t tell you all the secrets otherwise there would be no surprises around the corner. “You never told us how close you got to the wildlife!!” “The meal we had was simply the best that I’ve ever eaten in my whole life!”
I hope that you are looking forward to your holidays for this year. Some of you off to see bears in Canada, others are headed down under to New Zealand. If you haven’t yet decided, then you’d best be quick. Many camps and flights are becoming limited on availability for August/September.
If you are a confident and experienced rider do you fancy coming with us in September? Our safari is with James and Janine Varden who have put together a new trail ride in the middle of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. It is very unusual for a National Park to allow horse riders inside the boundary and I’m excited about seeing the game here. Hwange has a reputation for big herds of elephant and giraffe – a good combination for a certain people that I’ve ridden with before!! Zimbabwe?! Is that safe I hear you ask: it’s easy to reach via Johannesburg and then a short flight to Victoria Falls. You could extend the 7-night riding safari with a few nights in Victoria Falls or extra nights on safari in Zambia or Botswana. There are still places on the ride so contact me and I’ll see what combination works out best for you.
Other updates:
- Sarah-Jane who set up African Horseback has just announced she is operating in Namibia. Having moved from Maun to Windhoek she is certainly likely to put her stamp on ReitSafaris, who specialise in horse trails for experienced riders looking for the challenge of long, dry rides in the desert.
- Remember the Foots? David and Robyn who rang Nyika riding safaris in Malawi for over sixteen years. They are now based in Maun. If we return for a ride here, Graham will be staying at home otherwise we’ll argue who rides Curry, their fabulous 16.2 Thoroughbred with the most amazing paces.
- For families or those who think they need just a bit more experience in the saddle, then Horizon makes the perfect combination of riding twice a day, riding with game and relaxing in their new swimming pool overlooking the lake. A really easy destination to reach too if you having young children that don’t enjoy travelling. Who does?!
- Good news from Safarilink who have just announced an extra afternoon flight to Ol Donyo Wuas. This will make it possible to get out to Ride Kenya without the need for extra overnights in Nairobi. You can fly out of London one evening and reach the mobile camp the next day. With the good company of Patrick and Nicola, ride away the stresses of the general election, share prices or whatever else you want to leave behind.
- I can’t finish without mentioning the Tuli Trail and the Big Five rides that are also really good for close-up wildlife from horseback. Their weekly updates to me have been boasting of some really special sightings – leopard, wild dog and a python catching an impala!
If a group of you who ride together want a safari, then talk to me about taking over a whole ride. You can then adapt the route, the number of days and within reason the pace of the ride to suit. If you prefer, let me come out to you and give you a slideshow.