点评:I have just recently returned from a fabulous Big 5 horse safari in Hwange National Park with Ride Zimbabwe, hosted by James and Janine Varden and their friendly team.
The riding was varied with lots of lovely long canters along the sand roads and game trails, bush whacking through the wooded areas, with lots of sightings of the wildlife. Close encounter with an elephant and her calf, even closer encounter with 4 hunting lionesses; they looked so docile from the Land Cruiser the day before!
The happy and healthy horses live as a herd in a tall curtained off boma surrounded by a paddock with electric fences, so they get some grazing on top of their hard food and hay. I was partnered with Savannah, an absolute darling, I wanted to take her home with me. Highly responsive, lovely soft mouth, smooth transitions both up and down, and no yanking. Everyone was happy with their horse, Janine did a good job matching her horses to her guests.
We interspersed the riding with some early morning game drives, the fleece-lined ponchos keeping us toastie warm until the sun provided enough warmth.
Both camps, Iganyana Wild and Kennedy, were extremely comfortable with ensuite facilities. The food was delicious and the wine flowed. Hospitality was second to none. There’s nothing like sitting by the camp fire before dinner watching the African night sky.
A stay in Victoria Falls is a must, either before or after the riding. The Falls are spectacular and a guided tour is highly recommended.
The holiday exceeded my expectations and I would highly recommend it (intermediate and advanced riders only, for the safety of your fellow riders). I might even go back!
翻译:我最近刚从万基国家公园的五大马匹狩猎之旅回来,这次旅程精彩绝伦,由詹姆斯·瓦尔登和珍妮·瓦尔登夫妇及其热情友好的团队组织。
骑行体验丰富多彩,沿着沙路和狩猎小径悠闲地慢跑,在树林中穿梭,还能看到许多野生动物。我近距离接触了一头大象和她的小象,甚至还与四头正在狩猎的母狮近距离接触;它们前一天还在陆地巡洋舰上,看起来温顺极了!
这些快乐健康的马匹成群结队地生活在一个用帘子隔开的高大畜栏里,周围是带电围栏的围场,所以它们除了吃硬饲料和干草外,还能吃到一些草料。我的搭档是萨凡纳,她真是个可爱的小家伙,我真想把她带回家。她反应灵敏,嘴巴柔软,上下起伏都平稳顺畅,而且不会猛拉。每个人都对自己的马很满意,珍妮把她的马和客人的匹配工作做得非常出色。
我们在骑行途中穿插了一些清晨的狩猎活动,羊毛衬里的斗篷让我们一直暖洋洋的,直到太阳升起。
伊加尼亚纳野外营地和肯尼迪营地都非常舒适,配有独立卫浴。食物美味可口,美酒供应充足。热情好客无与伦比。没有什么比晚餐前坐在篝火旁,欣赏非洲的夜空更惬意的了。
无论是骑行前后,在维多利亚瀑布小住一晚都是必须的。瀑布景色壮丽,强烈推荐参加导览游。
这次假期超出了我的预期,我强烈推荐(仅限中级和高级骑手,为了同伴的安全)。我甚至可能会再去!