I volunteered at Mozambique Horse Safari for a few weeks, and it was honestly one of the most amazing times of my life. Pat and Mandy, the owners of Mozambique Horse Safari, are some of the kindest and most generous people you will ever meet. Both them and their team of grooms clearly love the horses, and do whatever they can to make your trip or ride the best it can possibly be. So whether you are weighing up going on one of their safaris, volunteering, or going for their ocean swim or beach ride, DO IT. It will be the best thing you do. I've done a lot of riding abroad and can honestly say this is some of the best you'll ever have.

Of course Mandy, Patrick, Amir and Liz are wonderful. Black Beauty is a gorgeous horse, who never acted out. The gear was appropriate, the views were beautiful. Mandy sent me some lovely handmade soap. Her story of the horse rescue appeared in a book in our hotel gift shop. I've no doubt I would book this experience again, but i may have told them I had more experience riding than a "4," as my horse was led along the beach somewhat slowly. It would have been nice to break away a little for faster paces. Highly recommended - passionate people with their hearts firmly grounded in their work.

This was a truly amazing experience with the Mozambique riding team. From the first contact at the booking stage to our departure, we were blown away by the holiday. Stunning location, superbly schooled horses, sensational food, great people and happy holiday memories that I still dream of. An absolute must for riders looking to elevate their horses riding experience.

Just returned from the most amazing weeks holiday at Mozambique Horse Safari. From the moment you step off the plane you are honestly made to feel like part of the family rather than holiday guests. Service is absolutely incredible, unfortunately my case was damaged on the flight out but Mandy arranged for it to get repaired, honestly it looks better than new! Accommodation was in the most beautiful villa with sea views. Housekeeping staff were fantastic. Big shout out to the chef Nelson, I honestly don’t think I have ever eating as well, lots of freshly caught fish, cooked on the same day. Horse were forwarded going and really well trained, a pleasure to ride, they try and match horse to riding ability, liked being able to ride the same horse all week so you can really build a bond, fell in love with the beautiful Serana! Beach canters were something else! Impressed by the attention to safety and horse welfare, girth was always checked a couple of times before riding out and always the option to change horses if you weren’t happy. Big thank you to Mandy and Pat for truly welcoming us into their home and the volunteers and staff who really looked after us, were the best photographers and were great fun to hang out with! - Tara, Caroline, Julia and Olivia Vilanculos is a truly beautiful place, don’t hesitate book you will have the holiday of a lifetime!

I have just returned from spending the most magical week with Pat, Mandy, Charlotte and their incredible team at Mozambique horse safari. As a solo traveller I was a little apprehensive but from the get go this holiday was truly special. Communication is excellent, you are met/ dropped at the airport and I felt very safe throughout. The passion and love for the horses is paramount. They are all beautiful. I was matched with beautiful Sorana and rode her all week. If you wish to try different horses that’s no problem…in fact nothing is too much trouble for the hosts….and their story…amazing. I read 104 horses before I visited… written by Mandy and tells of their amazing journey. Some of the horses mentioned in the book are at the stables and it’s lovely to meet them. The horses are forward going if that is what you want. Safety is paramount at all times. I loved the variety of the holiday. My personal favourite was swimming on horseback in the sea…I’d have done that all day, every day! As well as the amazing rides, we were taken to the market, tried local foods, spent one day snorkelling on the reef, a canoe safari (magical fireflies), made natural face creams, paddle boards, sailed in a traditional dhow. The food is delicious and we enjoyed drinks around the fire pit during the evening…. I rode every day except one where I went snorkelling on the reef. Saw stingray, flamingo, dolphins, huge array of fish! You must visit….memories of a lifetime. Pat, Mandy, Charlotte thank you so much… I will be back x

A wonderful ride on beautiful Mozambique beaches. I was impressed with the attention to safety detail. As a competent rider I liked the fact that I was given safety stirrups and a hat to fit. Once on the horse two checks took place to make sure girth was tight and stirrups the right length. The lady taking the ride was lovely and we had amazing canters along a deserted beach and trots and long rein walks but at every step of the way safety of the horse a rider was paramount. This didn’t in any way diminish the enjoyment of the ride … but as a horse owner of 3, I really appreciate that consideration was given to horse and rider. I would thoroughly recommend this ride to any one out there who loves horse riding. The people couldn’t have been nicer and the horses were well trained responsive and forward going. It was a great afternoon and I would book again in a heartbeat. Well done Mandy and your team especially Charlotte. You are a credit to the equine world. Thank you Liz Edwards

If you're visiting Vilankulo you MUST go on a ride with the Mozambique Horse Safari team. The horses are beautiful, the scenery is stunning and Maria, Zoe, Mandy, Pat and all of the grooms are helpful, friendly and reassuring to any nervous riders. Amazing, amazing, amazing! What are you waiting for?

Highly recommend this amazing experience! Even if you have been riding for years, riding bareback in the ocean is incredible! The owners have an unusual story and know the area of Africa well. Don't miss it!

We spent 5 glorious days with Pat and Mandy, family members, amazing staff, 2 wonderful volunteers...and of course, wonderful horses! Each ride was special as it provided insight to the culture, the land and local cuisine. Our favorite ride, however, was the Red Dune ride. Loved the fast canters on the beach and climbing up to the most breathtaking view of the beach and ocean! Our accommodations were top with our own chef. Morning breakfasts under a shaded tree and delicious dinners under the stars were highlights to begin and end our days. This place is a must...even if for a one-day ride.

I went out for a month as a volunteer. Pat and Mandy made me feel so welcome and part of the family. It was wonderful to meet the horses, get to know them and to take part in the rides with beautiful beaches to canter on. The horses are in great condition and well trained thanks to the dedication of Pat, Mandy and Charlotte, ably assisted by the Head Groom, Luka, and his team. I loved my accommodation near the stables, particularly the two dogs, Douma and Bonny, plus the cats. During some of my down time it was lovely to shown around Vilanculos by Maria and Zoe plus share some rides together. Thank you to everyone that made my trip so special, I will always smile when I think about my time in Mozambique.

You can tell they love what they do. Excellent facilities and lovely ride. Matched riders very well with the horses. The amount of galloping along the beach time was incredible as most venues do not allow you to do so. Incredible history and over all a great experience.

Incredible experience. The horses are so well looked after and healthy and Pat the owner is an excellent horseman. A fantastic ride for experienced riders as well as beginners. The scenery of the beach is breathtaking. A MUST do experience when visiting Vilanculos.

As per usual....the horses were impeccably chosen to suit each rider and well cared for and the guide was super knowledgeable about the environment. A pleasure to experience. This is why we return year after year to these lovely people

A superb coastal riding experience. Takes in both beach and local environment. Mandy was very informative in local and recent contextual history. Highly recommended!

This review is long past due! I rode with Paul, Mandy and Pat last February and March 2020 for a week right before the pandemic hit. It was one of the most amazing riding trips I have ever participated in, and I have been on some amazing rides around the world! My horse for the week Sarana was a doll! I miss her so much! Such a sweet heart! Such well trained horses and very loved and cared for by the Retzlaffs. I was inspired to come visit Mozambique And meet this family and ride with them after reading Mandys book 104 horses. So when the opportunity presented to me to do so after My friend invited me to come ride with her (after I told her about the 104 horses and she read the book) well then it was an easy decision. I had to go! The time was now! And I’m SO glad I went when I did as because just days after I returned from Mozambique, everything shut down due to the pandemic. I hope things open up soon so that many more can experience this magical opportunity to ride with the Retzlaff family and their wonderful horses in such a beautiful place! I loved all of the different rides. It’s hard to say I’d to say if I had a favorite. They were all unique. The red dune ride is incredible and the beach riding and bush ride allowed for Lovely canters! The vastness of the once and beach for miles is incredible and a breath of breath air. You won’t be disappointed if you make the of the beaten path Journey to this amazing place once it reopens!!! Swimming with the horses in the ocean simply magical! Thank you Paul!