General Information


The vast Shiwa Estate includes a 10,000 hectare game reserve with some 22 species of mammal, which include plains zebra, blue wildebeest with a number of other antelope species. In addition there is leopard, caracal, serval, and on occasion, a pack of wild dog come through from the neighbouring reserves.

 

Fishing is excellent, and there are some 450 species of birds in and around the lakes. Guests can also enjoy historic walks around the estate, river walks and day trips to Kapishya Hot Springs. There is also the David Livingstone Memorial on the estate as this area is where he completed his last writings shortly before his death.

 

The terrain is diverse, with open plains and beautiful sandy soil to magnificent forested areas.

 

Your guide is Steven Rufus - an experienced horseman, with a background in eventing, he has also lectured in equine studies, and is a registered farrier. Having grown up with horses in Matopos National Park in Zimbabwe he has a wealth of experience with Big Game and is considered to be one of the foremost horse guides in the industry today.

 

Steven has a passion for all African History and its wildlife and at Shiwa House he has found the perfect location to impart this knowledge to our guests. He will cover both modern and ancient history of the area.

 

Accommodation

 

The main Shiwa House is a stunning colonial building retaining all of its original charm, situated in beautifully maintained gardens. It can sleep 8 guests in 4 en suite rooms. All bedrooms have their own fireplaces for the cooler months and have original hardwood furnishings and paintings.

 

All visitors are welcome to roam the house and visit the extensive library to learn more about the amazing history of the house and its founder Stuart Gore-Brown.

 

Impandala is a beautiful farm style house with a dramatic view over the lake. It consists of four spacious and light bedrooms (two en suite), a warm hospitable lounge and dining room with veranda that overlooks the surrounding estate. It is within walking distance of the horse facilities so perfect for the weekly itineraries for horse riders.


A laundry service is available at the houses at no extra cost but not whilst at the Bush Camp.

 

Over 90% of all food consumed on the estate is produced on the estate. Food is both excellent quality and quantity. There is delicious wholesome farm food, which is the perfect accompaniment to long hours in the saddle or invigorating walks around the estate.

 

Whether at Shiwa Main House or Impandala - typically breakfast is served after the morning activity and consists of full English, with piping hot homemade muffins and a choice of cereals, farm produced fruits and yoghurts.

 

At the main house in the evening you enjoy a sumptuous three course meal served in the original dining room, whilst at Impandala (weather permitting) you eat on the lovely veranda and once more home made fare and farm produce is the key element of all the courses.

 

Vegetarians can easily be catered for (please advise in advance).

Riding Ability

Riders need to be competent at walk, trot, canter and gallop. Unfortunately beginners are not accepted as you have to be a confident rider, with an independent seat and be secure in the saddle should you need to react quickly if the situation arises.

 

The riding can be fast with long canters and gallops along beautiful sandy tracks and through forest paths. There are beautiful open plains where there is opportunity to view and potentially gallop with the Zebra or other Antelope species.

 

As you will be riding in an area with game all riders will have to pass an assessment before going out in to the bush.

 

Riders over 65 years should have written confirmation from their doctor that they are fit for the ride and that there are no medical conditions of which the guide should be aware.

 

Horses

 

In conjunction with Kafue Horse Safaris Shiwa House Horse Safaris prides itself as having some of the best horses in the safari business.

All the horses are personally selected by Steven and Lucy Rufus and are chosen with the same criteria as selecting an event horse - pace, confirmation, ride ability and temperament. There are a variety of breeds including South African Boerperd, SA Warmblood, Quarter Horse cross and THB crosses. Responsive horses are chosen, those that like to work, as well as being able to cope with the harshness of the African bush. They are all fit, in excellent condition and range in height from 14 hands to 17.3 hands.

The South African Boerperd (literally: farm horse) is a wonderful breed, renowned for its hardiness, intelligence and paces. These horses have evolved to cope with extreme temperatures and terrain of Africa and you will be amazed at their sure footedness and bravery as they guide you safety through the bush.

All the horses are schooled in basic dressage movements in classical English style to produce a soft and responsive mount for clients on safari. They are a much loved and well produced herd of horses that provide the perfect accompaniment for a horse riding holiday.

Tack

 

The tack is South African stock saddles designed for comfort and long hours in the saddle. Pelham bridles are used for control, although you will normally ride on a loose rein.

Weight Limit

 

There is a weight limit of 16 stone / 100 kg / 220 lb

Children

 

Riding at Shiwa House gives families the opportunity to experience African Wildlife together. Riders from 10 years and over are very welcome, and there are a number of other activities for younger members of the family to enjoy.

All children under the age of 18 years must wear a hard hat when riding and it is recommended that they bring their own as there is no riding equipment for rental at Shiwa House.

What to Bring

 

As you are flying in light aircraft the weight of your bag is severely restricted and so you will be limited to one medium sized soft sided bag weighing no more than 15kg – you will be weighed on arrival! You are provided with saddle bags and water bottles for riding.

  • Comfortable riding trousers/jodhpurs
  • Half chaps or full chaps
  • Riding boots with rubber sole, also suitable for walking (full length riding boots will not be practical or comfortable). The best would be Jodhpur boots (with rubber sole) or a pair of dual purpose riding/leisure boots
  • T-shirts / Long sleeved cotton shirts / Safari Shirts– please note that all clothing must be in a neutral, Khaki or bottle green colour. Please refrain from bringing all other colours
  • Hat: We recommend a hard hat. Many insurance companies will not insure your holiday unless you are wearing a hard hat or safety helmet whilst in the saddle. It is your responsibility to provide your own properly fitted hard hat or safety helmet. We can not accept any liability whatsoever for injuries sustained as a result of ignoring this advice. At all times a hat is advisable as protection against the sun. Your hat should be secure on your head!
  • Riding Gloves - your hands will be particularly exposed to the elements for long periods
  • Sunglasses - a lace/cord attached to your sunglasses is recommended so that they do not fly off
  • Warm Coat or Fleece: recommended for the evenings / early mornings especially in winter months
  • Light Waterproof jacket - recommended especially for the summer months December to April Smart / Casual clothes for when not riding, house shoes
  • Sunscreen, lip salve and moisturiser
  • Insect repellent – preferably one that contains DEET
  • Camera and film – twice what you think you will use! Spare batteries
  • Torch and spare batteries
  • Binoculars – if you are particularly keen on game viewing or birding
  • Wash bag - a nail brush will be particularly useful after a day in the saddle
  • Bum Bag - you may find that a small bum-bag is useful for keeping a camera or sun-screen readily to hand (saddle bags will be provided for carrying water etc).

Other Activities

 

There are a number of activities to keep everyone busy at Shiwa Estate and non riders are very welcome. In addition to game walks and drives, there is opportunity learn more about the extensive history of the area and have a guided tour around the main house itself.

Shiwa Estate is a working reserve and all visitors can be involved with the everyday tasks.

Guests are welcome to take part in any of the following activities all of which are included in the cost:

Bird walks, Game Drives, Boating, Forest Walks, Historical Walks, Brick kilns and Archaeological Tours, Visits to Waterfalls, Fishing and Mountain Biking.

A visit to Kapishya Hot Springs can be arranged, it is a short 30min drive from the estate and the cost is additional to any packages.