Share an epic horse-riding adventure in Mozambique with the Retzlaff family. Established in 2006 on the Mozambican beaches of Vilanculos, Pat and Mandy Retzlaff established Mozambique Horse Safari with rescued horses saved from Zimbabwe’s land invasions. Over the years, Pat and Mandy have built an excellent reputation as great guides, horseman and hosts who are passionate about their horses and the Mozambican coast.

Pat and Mandy Retzlaff have been married for over thirty-five years and spent 25 years farming commercially in Zimbabwe before moving to Mozambique. In Mandy’s book One Hundred and Four horses, she tells the epic story of the family’s dramatic escape from Zimbabwe’s political upheaval and the unbreakable bond between man and horse.

After the Retzlaff family’s farmhouse was being decimated at the hands of Zimbabwe’s war veterans, they made the decision to reach out and rescue 104 horses from the violence of home invasions in their homeland.

After settling in Mozambique in 2001, Pat and Mandy decided to establish Mozambique Horse Safari tours, which specialises in bespoke horseback riding holiday safaris and daytime trail rides along the Vilanculos coast and Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The area is renowned for the ever-changing colours of the magnificent wetlands, the long stretches of untouched beaches and the amazing cliff top views overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Mozambique Horse Safari offers a number of different tours including, a week-long adventure tour along the Vilankulo coastline which takes you along the wide-open beaches and up sand dunes with breathtaking views of the glistening ocean as well as a dhow trip to Benguerra Island.

Another incredible tour is a calm Swimming Ride that guides you into the clear blue ocean on horseback. Experience the horses wallow and splash in the warm waters as you travel bareback into the deeper ocean. This is truly an experience you will never forget.

Pat and Mandy also provide horse riding lessons at their school. This offers one-on-one training and extensive knowledge about the horses and how to feel the most comfortable while horse riding.

Each ride is personally guided by Pat or Mandy. The tours are relaxed, flexible and tailored to your length of stay with a mixture of half day rides and all-day rides. There are 37 horses, with a number of them being rescued from war-torn Zimbabwe. The horses have calm temperaments, and each horse has been schooled and trained to a high standard. There is a combination of Thoroughbred horses, Arabs and South African Boerperds.

Mozambique Horse Safari has a strong sense of passion and pride for their horses and the Mozambican coastline. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Ratzlaff family as you canter along the untouched beaches of Mozambique and enjoy a truly unique African adventure. Find out more about the Mozambique Horse Safari itineraries here.

If you’re thinking of adding a guided horse riding experience for your travel plan, contact us and we’ll create a bespoke itinerary for your vacation. Explore the island paradise of Mozambique on horseback, contact us today!