Different By Design Not By Default
Here at Ride Zimbabwe we offer a rare, deeply personal way to experience Africa from the saddle, where we take it at your pace, where our incredible team of horses are part of the family and our professional guides bring an intimate knowledge of the wilderness we call home.
Your Ride, Your Adventure.
At Your Pace.
The Experience of a lifetime is waiting, Welcome to Ride Zimbabwe
Tucked away on 50,000 acres of privately owned wilderness in southern Zimbabwe, Rocky Glen Ranch offers a safari experience that is both authentic and highly engaging. This is not a traditional lodge-based stay, but rather a hands-on, exploratory adventure, where each day unfolds organically in response to the landscape, wildlife, and your own preferences.
With a distinctive blend of horseback exploration, water-based activities, and guided bush experiences, Rocky Glen is ideally suited to guests seeking an active, shared time in nature. Whether in the saddle, on the water, or exploring on foot, the emphasis is on freedom, variety, and genuine connection to the environment.
You'll ride through some of Zimbabwe’s most extraordinary landscapes, then retreat to beautifully simple camps, where comfort never comes at the expense of adventure. Expect delicious home-cooked meals in the bush, unhurried evenings around the campfire, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing a day on horseback in the wild.
For those who love horses, wild places and a little adventure - at a pace that feels just right - this is Africa at its most authentic, personal and unforgettable.
Day Seven - A Fond Farewell
Start the morning with a gentle sunrise ride before breakfast, taking in the last quiet moments in the wilderness. Then, with fond farewells to your horses, guides and fellow riders, transfer back to Bulawayo — carrying the memories of an unforgettable African adventure with you.
Day Six - Conservation & A Final Sunset
Set out on a morning ride through the Ranch’s wildlife corridors, gaining an insight into the conservation work that helps protect this extraordinary wilderness. As the day cools, saddle up for a final sunset ride, heading to one of the Ranch’s idyllic vantage points to watch the African sun sink across the landscape. Then gather for a farewell dinner — a chance to celebrate the adventures, friendships and unforgettable moments shared along the way.
Day Four & Five - Wildlife, Wilderness & Wide Open Skies
Ride deeper into the reserve for a full day in the saddle, leaving the familiar behind as you explore the wilderness on horseback. As evening falls, settle into camp beneath a vast African sky, with your horses grazing nearby.
Gather around the fire for stories, laughter and traditional bush cooking — a simple, memorable night spent truly immersed in the wild.
Ride out to the dam on horseback, with the chance to swim alongside your horse — an unforgettable way to experience the African wilderness. Pause for a relaxed picnic lunch in the bush before taking to the water for an evening boat cruise, watching hippos surface as the sun slips below the horizon. Return to Chifuri for dinner around the fire, with the stories of the day lingering long after sunset.
Day Three - Ride, Swim, Sunset
Day Two - Into The Wild
Set out on a morning ride, weaving through herds of zebra and wildebeest, with opportunities to track wildlife from the saddle and encounter giraffe and elephant along the way
Return to Chifuri for lunch, where much of what you eat is grown right here on the ranch.The afternoon is yours to choose: stretch your legs on a guided nature walk, settle in for some stargazing, or saddle up for another ride. Spend the evening at Chifuri, beneath an extraordinary African sky.
Day One - Welcome To The Adventure
You'll arrive to the ranch from Bulawayo via road or air transfer, where you'll be warmly welcomed by the team, meet the horses and settle in to your en-suite safari tent accommodation at Chifuri Camp. Head out on a short sunset ride or sit back by the fire with a cold gin & tonic and enjoy dinner under the stars.
A Week In The Life
Our Story
James and Janine Varden are the founders and owner-operators of Ride Zimbabwe, combining decades of professional guiding, horsemanship and wildlife expertise to create exceptional horseback safari experiences in Zimbabwe.
James began his guiding career in Hwange National Park before moving to Mana Pools in 1991, where he earned his canoeing and professional guiding licences. He has since guided extensively across Zimbabwe’s premier wilderness areas, with particular passions for walking, canoeing, birds, botany, wildlife photography and the natural world.
Originally from Australia, Janine grew up around horses and worked as a jillaroo before becoming an African-mammal keeper at Werribee Open Range Zoo. Her expertise in horsemanship and animal husbandry is central to Ride Zimbabwe, where she oversees the care and wellbeing of their horses. She also has a strong passion for conservation and community development.
Today, Ride Zimbabwe is based at Rocky Glen Ranch, where they continue to offer exceptional horseback adventures, combining their deep knowledge of Zimbabwe’s wildlife and landscapes with a genuine commitment to conservation, local communities and responsible tourism. Specifically catering for the riders who still want to enjoy all the benefits of a horse safari without having to do excessive galloping.
Our Pricing: $452 USD PPPN
7 Day, 6 Night Experience $2712 USD
Ready To Say Yes To Adventure?
Here's The Details...
Included
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Accommodation at Rocky Glen Ranch
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All Meals & Local Drinks
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Horse Riding & Guided Activities
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Expert Riding Guides
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24/7 On Site Host Support
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Wi-Fi, Laundry, Housekeeping
Excluded
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Road or Air Transfers to and from Rocky Glen Ranch
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International or Domestic Flights
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Travel & Medical Insurance
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Personal Expenses & Gratuities
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Any Items or Services Not Specifically Stated
Frequently Asked Questions...
What Animals Will I See?
Whilst Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed due to the sheer size of the property and the animal's ability to move freely, you can hope to see Giraffe, Wildebeest, Warthog, Mongoose, Aardvark, Zebra, Kudu, Eland, Bushbuck, Hyena, Hippo, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo & more!
Due to there being no lions on the property, our horses and riders are completely safe from predators.
What's The Best Time Of Year To Come?
There is never a bad time to be in Zimbabwe, each season has its own highlights!
November - April is warm and often rainy, the bush is bright green and it is also baby season for the wildlife.
May - Early August is much cooler and dry you'll typically expect sunny days and chilly nights.
Late August - October is hot and dry the bush is dry and this is usually the best time period for spotting wildlife as there is less shrubbery to hide behind.
Who Is This Experience For?
Ride Zimbabwe offers the perfect experience for intermediate - experienced riders as itineraries may involve long hours in the saddle and riding in varied bush terrain. This is the perfect adventure for anyone who prefer a lighter pace and a comfortable stay at an affordable price! Whilst long gentle canters are definitely on the agenda endless long galloping that leaves you feeling worse for wear won't be found on this itinerary!