Gallop on pristine white sand beaches, trail ride through the lush, verdant jungle, snorkel in crystal-clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean, dine on the most exquisite seafood you’ve ever tasted and enjoy an unforgettable experience with your hosts, the Retzlaff family.

Mandy Retzlaff’s book, 104 Horses, chronicles the family’s journey from Zimbabwe to Mozambique, and her tale put her family and their horses on the map.

The ultimate beach vacation on horseback, this exquisite trip is just the right combination of riding and relaxation, tranquility and excitement, hospitality and quiet.

The Retzlaffs are incredibly passionate about their horses, they are schooled and looked after under the leadership of Pat Retzlaff and have lovely calm temperaments, reacting easily and lightly to the aids. Altogether they have just over 40 horses; more than 20 years since the writing of 104 Horses, few of the original herd rescued from Zimbabwe still remain. The Retzlaffs continue to breed and grow their herd, which includes a combination of crosses with a strong mix of Arab and registered South African Boerperds. The riding horses are schooled and looked after by Pat, and they have lovely calm temperaments and react easily and lightly to the aids.

Great care is taken to match riders with suitable mounts, at an appropriate level, to enjoy a fun and comfortable riding experience.

Riding Level: All Levels Welcome

Different rides are offered for riders of different levels, and all levels can be accommodated. There are other activities available for accompanying non-riders as well.

Tack: Combination of Wintecs, Australian Stock and McClellan saddles. Our bridles are uncomplicated with single reins, and generally use bitless bridles or single jointed & French link snaffle bits.

Helmets: Helmets are required and will be provided.

Terrain: Come for the beach, stay for…everything else. While the beach here offers magnificent riding - extensive expanses of white sand, especially at low tide, perfect for long canters, and soft sand dunes dotted with palms - the rest of the landscape is breathtaking in its own way as well. Enjoy a ride to the top of the Red Dune, the largest sand dune in the country, with views over the inland greenery and the water. Ride inland through farms, villages, and lakes, and catch a glimpse of Mozambican culture, with local children coming out to follow you on your trail.

Weight Limit: 90 kg, 198.5 lbs. or 14.2 stone

Sea Horse Beach House is a charming seaside home set in a large garden on the beach with exquisite views overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago. The house has recently been rebuilt in 2022 with swimming pool, cobbled fire-pit, patio, driveway, WIFI and all the latest amenities added. Our luxury beach house is fully serviced, sleeping up to 6 people with 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen with large dining island and a comfortable lounge with all the modern conveniences of a beach home. It is tastefully decorated with handcrafted furniture, kilim rugs and local art & photography. The terraced lawns run towards the beach with swimming pool, al fresco dining area and fire pit. At the bottom of the garden is an ancient Baobab tree and private access to the incredible beach below.

If Sea Horse Beach House is full, we will look to accommodate our guest in similar private homes and resorts in the area.

Mozambique has a rich culinary heritage, with its strong Portuguese influence specialties revolve around fresh seafood, coconut curries and its world famous peri-peri chicken. Mix that in with our English heritage and love of braaiing (barbequing) and you get an idea of what to expect on a holiday with Mozambique Horse Safari.

In the morning, depending on the guest’s preference, its fresh seasonal fruits, cereal or oats, a choice of eggs, bacon or tomatoes with fresh Portuguese rolls or toast. For lunch & evening dinner expect meals prepared by a personal chef, or to eat out at top seafood restaurants or barbeque poolside.

We cater for vegetarians and love having them on safari, there is a wide variety of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits that we can source locally. We do have limitations when it comes to vegan and gluten free diets as we are remotely situated, so it’s important to share dietary information as soon as possible so we have the necessary time to prepare.

Guests will fly in and out of Vilankulo airport, where they can purchase their entry visas for Mozambique, and will be met at the airport by a member of the staff. Airport transfers are included.

Guests are met at Vilankulo Airport by either Pat or Mandy Retzlaff, your hosts and guides for the week. After a short transfer from the airport, we will settle you into your lodging for the week.

In the afternoon you will have an opportunity to meet the horses and staff at the stables. You will be offered a number of horses to try in our riding school and once you feel comfortable, we will head out onto the beach for a slow and relaxing ride allowing you to become familiar with horse and equipment. The ride incorporates all the wonderful eco-systems in the archipelago; wide open beaches, incredible cliff top views, pristine dune bush and mangrove shoreline.

Today we will ride inland on single trails skirting African villages and vast natural fresh water lakes. The birdlife is fantastic and there is a good chance of seeing eagles, herons, harriers, rollers, pelicans and kingfishers. We will canter along bush paths through African farmlands, rural schools and past the ruins of old Portuguese homesteads. The old farm roads allow for a fast pace as we continue across country. As usual on the way home there is plenty of space for long canters on the beach.  

In the morning a motorized dhow will whisk you through the Bazaruto National Park to the world famous Benguerra Island. As you meander across the calm waters you will look out onto pods of dolphin’s breaching and old fishing dhows from a time gone by. Approaching the island, you see the shapes and colours of horses under palm trees on a pristine white sandy beach being readied for your arrival.  

You are soon saddled up, the horses are eager underfoot with ears pushed forward, you settle into your saddle and take in the magnificence of the vast Indian Ocean. Your guide chats you through the flora and fauna, her passion unbridled. As you move inland you pass through local villages, towards high golden sand dunes and fresh water lakes with flocks of flamingos. The ride continues at a relaxed pace along sandy tracks onto a long beach past waving fisherman. Just before reaching the stables, you slip off the saddle and wallow into the sea bareback.

If the tide allows you will be able to spend some time snorkeling on Magaruque Island where a simple & delicious seafood lunch is served ashore under a shady tree.  Return to the mainland as the sun is setting for dinners and drinks.

Have a relaxing morning before our lunchtime ride to a local fishing village. From the stables Mandy guides the group down to the beach at a gentle walk, the tide is out and the blue and white colours shimmer into the distance. Past the rocks the beach opens up and under Mandy’s instruction you will canter towards mangrove trees in the distance and up a red bank to the "Finger Print of God". The panoramic views look out over the Bazaruto Archipelago, you will see colourful dhows glide along the channels and fisherwoman hunting crab in shallow sands. You continue through winding coconut plantations along a beach path to the Managlise Fishing Village.

You hear the distinct chatter of laughing children and are soon greeted by a horde of smiles. Once sat in simple thatch shelter, newly harvested coconuts are cracked open, the refreshing juice is rich reward after a long ride. Then a traditional lunch is served, fresh crab from the beach, grilled fish from the mornings catch and Matapa; a Mozambican dish made from cassava leaves, nuts and coconut milk. After your meal the children come out to sing local songs and dance, their smiles and energy make the occasion feel very special. Once goodbyes are completed the horses are saddled up and you start the return home.

The Fishing Village Ride is completely authentic, rich in cultural experience and brings much appreciated business to a locality well off the beaten track. It also means that locals who once feared the horses, have a better understanding and involvement with them in their community.

Today’s ride is a favorite with many of our guests, the route will take you along the old coastal main road running parallel to the beach before meandering up and wading across a small river estuary. Along the route we will pass through small rural villages where young children will come to wave at the horses. As the local population thins out there are long safe canters through coastal bush. After several hours in the saddle, you will follow a bush track through dense woodlands that leads us down on to the beach with amazing views over the bay. The long, deserted, safe, sandy beaches offer a chance to experience dream-like canters on our way back to the stables. After a long day in the saddle, there is a chance for sundowners and a fine dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast we will drive you over to the stables. Your group is soon saddled up, once down on the beach your horse’s ears pick up as she takes in the sounds of chatting fisherman in passing dhows. You gaze out onto a wide-open expanse with turquoise seas and settle in next to Pat, together you canter along the never-ending beach.

The ride takes you on past Vilankulo town back onto the beach, then in the distance across the bay, glimmering red, towering above the shoreline is the resplendent Red Dune. As you reach the base your horse takes the lead, you can feel her exploding strength underfoot surging forward as she ascents to the summit in a powerful canter, her stamina and will far beyond the ordinary. The views are difficult to describe, your breath taken away by the blues seas and silver sandbanks stretching into the distance. Obligatory pictures, dune jumps and you move on back down, cantering on across the beach for a fresh seafood lunch.

After lunch we will stop at a local arts and crafts center that supports the community – there will be plenty of time to explore and get some souvenirs for friends and family back home. Relax by the pool in the late afternoon or take a stroll on the beach. Dinner will be served in tranquil settings as we savor and toast your last night.

Our swimming ride and ocean walk is world famous and something you will never forget. To start this extraordinary ride, you mount your horse bareback on the beach before wading chest deep into the blue turquoise seas on an amazing ocean walk that takes you along our shoreline for approximately 30 minutes until we reach our safe swimming spot.

Once dismounted, you will lead a new horse into the shallows. There is a sense of excitement as they thrash the water, then lay down to wallow and roll. Once the horses have settled, you will again mount bareback and this time wade out to the deeper water, the majority of time your horse will be attached to a long lead rope for safety. As you get into the deeper sea you will feel the exploding surge and strength as the horse propels forward. It is an experience that cannot be described, each horse is different and it is truly something not to miss.

In the late afternoon we will travel out to the Govuro River by vehicle where you will paddle/be paddled along a picture-perfect waterway. Soak up the lush river riverine, look out for native fish and listen to the magical calls of birdlife. As evening falls ducks will return inland to roost and there is a good chance that you will see fireflies lighting up the evening sky. 

A morning farewell ride that follows the beach southwards passing through lines of mangroves and swaying palms. The ride allows for long canters up towards the "Fingerprint of God"; a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago. A little further on through dune bush and then it’s time for home cantering along the beach.