Youāre invited: zimbabwe & botswana
Zimbabwe by horseback
april 14-23, 2027ā ā$3,550.00 USD 15 spots
Activity level: 3/5
Deposit: 30% non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking, with the rest due 60 days before booking.
Photographer: Now hiring! Think youāre a good fit? Apply here.
Note: The horses at Rocky Glen Ranch are on the smaller side. For animal welfare purposes, they cap the weight limit for horseback riding at 80kg (175 pounds).
makadii, welcome to zim! š
We've teamed up with Horses Africa to create an adventure beyond the ordinary. This April, Out Front Tours is taking a small group of you on an adventure of a lifetime to Zimbabwe and Botswana. We will be starting at Rocky Ranch ā 50,000 acres of untouched wilderness in Zimbabwe's south ā and ending in Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of the continent!
On this tour, you can expect horseback safaris under Mopane trees, sunset hikes to ancient cave paintings, a full-day safari through Botswana's Chobe National Park, and a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi; all with a group of people who get you. Not to mention, a professional photographer capturing the whole thing so you're actually in the memories, not just taking them!
April 14-19th: ABOUT ROCKY RANCH
The setting for the first stretch of the trip, Rocky Ranch, is a 50,000 acre, privately owned estate offering an unmatched sense of freedom, space, and seclusion. Here, the wild isn't observed from a distance, it's experienced up close through horseback safaris, hiking, educational bush walks, and unforgettable sunsets. Privately owned and family-run for five generations and home to a wide variety of animals (including 40 horses!), this unspoiled landscape invites you to explore freely, connect deeply, and experience Zimbabwe in its purest form.
April 20-23rd: Victoria falls ā A Wonder Of The World
Victoria Falls is one of the world's most iconic destinations, and this trip puts you right in the middle of it. Your tour includes entry to Victoria Falls itself, giving you an up-close look at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. From there, we'll head into Chobe National Park in Botswana for a full-day safari through one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations ā famous for having the largest elephant population on the continent alongside lions, hippos, buffalo, and an incredible variety of birdlife. As the day winds down, board a sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, drifting along the Zimbabwe-Zambia border while dinner is served and the African sky puts on a show.
TOUR Highlights
š Reconnect in Nature Join a group of like-minded, animal- and adventure-loving sapphic women and non-binary travelers discovering the wild charm of Zimbabwe and Botswana together. Disconnect from the noise of normal life and reconnect with the world around you.
⨠2 Different Safari Experiences This trip pairs two completely different ways to safari. In Zimbabwe, saddle up for a horseback safari through the ranch's woodlands, riding alongside giraffe, zebra, and antelope for an up-close, on-the-ground perspective you can't get from a vehicle. Then cross into Botswana for a classic 4x4 game drive along the Chobe River. Two countries ā two styles of wild!
š³ļø Sunset Dinner Cruise Considered one of the most scenic experiences in Victoria Falls, this dinner cruise combines breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, and incredible wildlife viewing, creating the perfect evening on the Zambezi River. As you cruise upstream, enjoy spectacular views of the river while keeping an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and more.
š„ The Boma Dinner, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge This is one of Victoria Falls' most popular attractions. Experience an unforgettable evening of culture, cuisine, and entertainment at The Boma! Youāll be welcomed with face painting and traditional drum entertainment before digging into a feast of Zimbabwean specialities, freshly grilled meats, and a variety of desserts (adventurous eaters can sample the local delicacies too).
šø Your Photographer for the Whole Trip
A phone-free experience! If youāre ready to unplug, we have you covered with a professional photographer who travels with the group the entire tour.
š Your Tour Gives Back
We believe traveling somewhere comes with a responsibility to the people who call it home. Zimbabwe's LGBTQ+ community continues to navigate a very different reality from the experience many LGBTQ+ travelers have while visiting. We can experience the beauty of this country, make incredible memories, and return home: while local queer communities continue to live with the realities of discrimination and criminalization.
That's why 1% of every tour package purchased for this trip will be contributed to a local LGBTQ+ organization, community initiative, or trusted grassroots partner in Zimbabwe.
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Our community commitment: 1% of your trip package will be donated to a local LGBTQI non-profit in Zimbabwe.
Accommodation
Twin Size, multi-occupancy style ranch rooms
Limited solo occupancy available for additional $425 USD
Airport transfers
Three meals per day*
3x horseback safari rides
Hiking & outdoor activities
Internal flight from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls
Full-day safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Boma Dinner Experience
Sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River
Entry to Victoria Falls
Professional photographer for the entire trip
Wi-Fi
Laundry
24/7 on-site dual-host support
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International Flights
Upgrade to solo occupancy āavailable for additional $425 USD
Double Entry Visas (~$70) - we'll help you with the simple online application process, your visa is usually granted instantly.
Food otherwise not included in itinerary
Alcohol
Souvenirs
Optional activities
Tips
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No prior Horse Riding experience needed
Horse Riding activities are optional and have a weight limit of 80kg/175lbs due to the horses size
International flights & Visa costs ā but we will help you find the best options!
You'll fly into Bulawayo (BUQ) arriving on the 15th and fly out of Victoria Falls (VFA) on the 23rd of April
Accommodation recommendations for flying in before the start date and out after the departure date can be provided.
Taking Malaria prevention medication is not obligatory but is recommended.
Taking part in additional optional activities available in Victoria Falls is highly recommended!
Eg: Angel / Devil Pools (hanging over the waterfall)
Helicopter Flights
Zip Line, Gorge Swing, Bungee Jump
White Water Rafting
Lunch & Dinner are not included on April 21st due to this being a free day to book any activities you wish to partake in! There are so many beautiful cafes and restaurants to choose from & some activities available also include meals.
BOOKING NOW: FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW! LIMITED SPOTS LEFT.
Meet your hosts
Founder, Horses AfricaKatie Daman
Hi, Iām Katie - your co-host and Zimbabwe local guide! I started Horses Africa to show people the wonder of the places I love most and, quite conveniently, combine my two greatest loves: Horses and Africa. Working with Sydney to curate this group trip has been so wonderful & I canāt wait to introduce you to the magic of Zimbabwe this April!
Founder, Out Front ToursSydney Cason
Hey, friends! Iām Sydney, the Founder of Out Front Tours and your Tour Leader for this incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip. By the time this runs, I will have hosted 21 sapphic group trips for over 300 travelers around the world. I canāt wait to bring you all to Zimbabwe with Katie and the Horses Africa team in April 2027!
GALLERY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Zimbabwe's legal and political history around LGBTQ+ issues is complicated, but the on-the-ground reality for travelers has consistently been different from the political rhetoric. Same-sex activity technically remains criminalized under laws dating back to the colonial era, with a 2006 law making any perceived homosexual conduct a criminal offense. However, enforcement against tourists has historically been nonexistent ā operators running trips in the country for over two decades report that no traveler, regardless of sexual orientation, has ever faced legal trouble because of it.
While we're in Zimbabwe we'll use discretion: we won't be discussing or disclosing that this is an LGBTQ+ group trip in public settings, and we'll rely on some group-only coded language when we need to reference LGBTQ+ related topics.
And where we're staying makes a real difference! Our ranch accommodation is LGBTQ+-friendly and set apart from public life: private and surrounded by nature. While there, you're free to be fully yourself with the group, no discretion required.
When we move on to Victoria Falls, it's a major international tourist hub, so we'll continue using the same discretion we practiced elsewhere in Zimbabwe.
Bottom line: this trip is designed with your safety and comfort in mind at every stage, and the moments of full openness (especially at the ranch) are part of what makes it special.
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This trip is run in partnership with Horses Africa, so its payment and cancellation terms follow their policy rather than our standard Out Front Tours cancellation schedule. Please read carefully before booking.
Payment Schedule
A 30% deposit is required to secure your spot and is due at the time of booking.
The remaining 70% balance is due 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
Deposit (30%): Non-refundable at all times, from the moment of booking.
Cancel 60+ days before arrival: You may receive up to 65% of your total payment back, minus your non-refundable deposit and a 5% admin/bank processing fee.
Cancel within 60 days of arrival: Your full payment becomes 100% non-refundable, with no exceptions.
Because these terms are stricter than our usual tiered policy, we strongly encourage every traveler to purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance at the time of booking, so you're protected if your plans change.
Questions about this trip's specific payment schedule? Reach out to katie@horsesafrica.com.
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All of the above! While about 90% of our travelers book solo, sapphic couples and your queer bestie are always welcome too.
That said, these trips aren't designed as a honeymoon-style getaway or a private friend retreat. The whole experience is built around group cohesion and community, so if you're coming with someone you know, be ready to mingle, meet everyone, and be part of the larger group.
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For this itinerary, we can accommodate most dietary needs!
In general: every itinerary accommodates vegetarians. Beyond that, our ability to accommodate specific allergies and dietary needs (gluten-free, celiac, dairy-free, etc.) varies by destination, since some regions are easier to navigate than others depending on local cuisine and availability.
We do our best to accommodate most restrictions, but please reach out to hello@outfronttours.com if you have specific dietary needs. We'll let you know exactly what to expect for that itinerary so you can travel with peace of mind.
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Rocky Ranch can accommodate up to 20 guests in a range of options :
2 Double Twin Room
1 King Room
1 Queen room with en-suite
12 twin size bed dormitory
At Victoria Falls, we will be at a 4 star hotel with all dual-occupancy twin size rooms with limited queen rooms.
If youāre interested in a solo supplement, please note that on the form above.
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No, you don't need to be an experienced rider to join us. The horseback safaris are designed to accommodate three different riding levels, and you'll receive guidance from the Horses Africa team before heading out in your group.
And if horseback riding isn't your thing, no worries! All activities on the itinerary are optional. You can always enjoy the ranch, take a bush walk, relax, or simply soak up the surroundings instead.
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Yes. For animal welfare purposes, there is a weight limit of 80kg (175 pounds) for horseback riding at Rocky Glen Ranch.
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We want every trans traveler to be able to book this trip with confidence, which means being honest about what we do and don't know.
Documented, trans-specific travel experience in Zimbabwe is limited. Most existing guidance for the region groups trans travelers in with the broader LGBTQ+ community rather than addressing gender identity on its own, so there isn't a lot of trans-specific precedent to point you to.
Hereās what we can say: we're not aware of any documented public case of a trans traveler being denied entry or exit from Zimbabwe over a document or appearance mismatch. But Zimbabwe's laws still place it in a higher-risk category for this kind of scrutiny, and we don't want to understate that gap between "no known incidents" and "low risk" ā they're not the same thing. Because of that, we'd encourage trans travelers to weigh their own risk tolerance and travel experience carefully before booking and to reach out to us before booking.
What we can speak to directly is the ground-level experience on this specific trip: gender identity, like sexual orientation, has consistently been treated as travelers' own business by the hotel and ranch staff we work with, with no reports of prying or any issues.
If you're a trans traveler considering this trip and have questions, please reach out ā we'd rather talk it through with you directly than have you guess.
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Every Out Front Tours itinerary is rated on a scale of 1ā5, so you know exactly what to expect before you pack your bags.
Ratings reflect the most physically demanding activity included on the trip, as most days will be lighter than the peak.
1/5: Easy, Relaxed Pace
Minimal walking, lots of downtime. Think beach lounging, boat days, leisurely city strolls, or a laid-back retreat. Perfect if you want to unplug without breaking a sweat. Accessible to nearly all mobility and fitness levels.2/5: Light Activity
Expect a walking tour 1-2 hours), short walks on flat terrain, and (depending on the itinerary) gentle water activities like paddle boarding or snorkeling. You'll be on your feet a bit more, but nothing strenuous! A comfortable pair of shoes is all you need.3/5: Moderate Activity
Expect several hours of walking or standing per day, possibly some stairs, cobblestones, or uneven ground, and activities like moderate hikes or full-day excursions out and about. A baseline level of fitness for walking 10K+ steps/day helps, but no special training required.4/5: Active
Built for travelers who want to move. Longer hikes, higher elevation, multi-hour excursions, or activities like scuba diving, surfing lessons, or full-day adventure outings. You should be comfortable being active for extended periods and used to regular exercise.5/5: Adventure & High Exertion
Our most physically demanding trips. Could include strenuous multi-day trekking, high-altitude activity, extended time in the water, or long days with minimal rest. Best suited for travelers who are physically fit, have relevant experience (e.g. diving certification, hiking endurance), and are excited to be challenged.A note on accessibility: Not sure if a trip is right for your body or ability level? Reach out before booking! We're happy to talk through the day-by-day itinerary so you can make an informed choice.
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We want every traveler to make an informed choice about what's right for their body. Disability and access needs look different for everyone, and accessibility infrastructure varies widely by destination! A city with excellent step-free access might still have a tour stop down a dirt path or a walk through a hilly park.
As a general guide: Level 1ā2 trips tend to be the best fit for travelers with physical disabilities, given the slower pace and minimal physical demands.
Level 3ā5 trips involve sustained walking, uneven terrain, stairs, or physically demanding excursions that are unlikely to be accessible for most mobility, stamina, or sensory needs.
If you're considering a Level 1ā2 trip, reach out to us before booking with details on your specific needs. We'll follow up with more information about the destination, accommodations, and excursions so you can decide if it's the right fit.
Your comfort and safety matter to us, so when in doubt, ask before you book.
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Travelers must be 18+ to travel with us. Our travelers span every stage of life, though most fall between their mid-20s to mid-40s, with plenty of folks in their 50s and 60s joining in too.
And we love the mix! There's something special about a group where you can learn from someone a decade (or three) ahead of, or behind you. Weāve found that the more diverse the age range, the more well-rounded the trip. -
Yes! Every single activity is optional. We know traveling in a group can be tiring, so we encourage every traveler to take tours at their own pace. Feel free to relax at the ranch while the group is out hiking or horseback riding, we want you to feel free to have alone time if you so choose.
OTHER TOURS TO CHECK OUT
Between now and our first official tour, here are a few trips our founder is hosting elsewhere.
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