Duration: 5 - 8 days
Please note:
Conservation & Activity fees apply and will be on extra charge.
Departures:
on request!
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The great “Out of Africa” experience on horseback!
Follow in Hemingway’s footsteps over the western game corridor of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy the diverse scenery and flora and fauna, from the montane rain forest of Arusha National Park and Mt. Meru, through the western savannah, finally arriving at the border of Kilimanjaro National Park. In this corridor African animals roam freely as they may have for thousands of years.
Itinerary from 5 days / 4 nights or longer are available – so you can join a horseback-trail even if you are on a tight schedule.
We offer Specials for
- Alternative itineraries for non-riding guests
- Last-Minute bookings
- Honeymooners (within 1 year after the wedding)
- Groups and families
- Waiver of Single Supplement
- Early-Bird rate for bookings with departure dates of more than 9 months.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS FOR SOME MORE ADVENTURES
If you would like to learn more about life around Mt. Kilimanjaro you might decide for one, or even two more days’ riding while circumventing this impressive mountain. On this route you will ride through Chagga villages, small holders farms, banana and coffee plantations and cross scenic valleys.
In Hemingway’s footsteps from Mt. Meru over the western game corridor to Mt. Kilimanjaro.
This outstretched wilderness forms part of the ‘Amboseli Eco System,’, with some of the areas being turned into the Enduimet Wildlife Managenemt Area, next to a private concession. The soil contains layers of high mineral content from millions of years of volcanic activity. It is a patchwork of contrasting scenery of patched, salt covered flatlands, rolling valleys, infinite plains of black cotton soil peppered with Acacia trees, and rocky landscapes shroud in a blanket of hard ancient lava stilled in time. From sun baked plains raise to the fertile, interior of Kilmanjaro’s forested canopy.
We will be riding through most diverse scenery, flora and fauna, from Mt. Meru in Arusha National Park through the western savanna, evtl reaching the montane forest of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Both migratory and habitual herds of plains-game populate the area. Much of the wildlife will follow rain patterns in search of pastures but remain close to reliable water sources of Enduimet and Ndarakwai during dry season.This safari covers various terrain and offers breathtaking views, a mix of all paces and close contact with wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, zebra, eland, wildebeest – to name but a few.
Enjoy the 24 hour bush-experience, lighted by lanterns, listening to animal voices next to the camp fire… und much more!
Day 1
Arrival on Makoa-Farm on th Foothills of Mt Klimanjaro
Arrive at Makoa-Farm, our starting point for the safari. The 358-acre coffee and horse farm is nestled into the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro. The house and rooms are situated to take in spectacular views of this impressive mountain; Africa’s highest peak!
During the afternoon we will introduce you to the horses, and help you choose one to match your size and skill. Then we take you on a ride so you can become familiar with your horse.
Day 2
Arusha National Park
Early breakfast and transfer of riders and horses to Arusha National Park.
Arusha National Park encompasses Mt. Meru which is the 2nd highest mountain in Tanzania and the 3rd highest free-standing mountain in Africa. There are dramatic variations in scenery: open savannah, dense forest and thick bush, impressive craters and many lakes. Furthermore there are 5 distinct vegetation zones which host a wealth of flora and fauna, Arusha Park is home to some of the most impressive big game such as leopard, elephant and buffalo.
We begin our ride and soon we reach the area known as “Little Serengeti” which is open pasture, home to plains game. Afterwards we will continue our way by passing through various glades and forests with breathtaking scenery. Often enough spoor and fresh smell will remind us of the close proximity of the forest inhabitants.
We will pass by the Park-Resthouse, the original home of the famous „White Huntress“ Margarete Trappe. Then we continue towards Mt. Meru and just before sunset should arrive at our mobile camp in the middle of the fantastic setting of this impressive mountain.
Our private mobile camp is waiting for you and our ever-friendly crew will make sure your stay will be a comfortable one. Spacious tents are equipped with comfortable beds and linen and en suite WC, shower and wash basin which our crew will fill up with steaming hot water every night. Your dinner is prepared on nothing more than a wood fire, served under the stars, weather depending there might be a mess tent. Our camp chef will impress you with her culinary skills, despite the rustic setting.
The stars are visible from your pillow, and the night noises of Africa are the background to your sleep. Nothing brings the experience of Africa closer…
Day 3
Game Tracking in Arusha Park
Waking to the calls of Colobus monkeys we will start early and ride through a “fairytale” forest with tree ferns and moss. What we really hope for though, is the chance for a peaceful meeting with a herd of magnificent African elephants. There are many paths with tracks and spoor, giving away the presence of hidden eyes watching you. Look out for the colourful Hartlaub´s Turaco with deep red wings, their calls echoing far through the forest.
We will reach a well-known landmark of Arusha National Park: The “Fig Tree Arch”, a natural feature created by assorted animals and birds. Brunch is set at a place overlooking plains and lakes with a bird’s eye view ending only at Mt. Kilimanjaro. Next we will descend to the thundering Tululusia Waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru – where we are guaranteed to meet some buffalo on their way back from their grazing areas. These massive animals can be watched excitingly close whilst they are grazing or resting… lots to do for your cameras!
Back to camp we will change the horses for a vehicle, to visit the Momella lakes a bit further away. The lakes are populated by flamingo and lots of other fowl. Hippos may be seen in close, but safe, distance and there are good chances to watch other game near the water edge, such as buffalo, giraffe and smaller species as antelope and more.
Day 4
Arausha Park and Masailand
A long ride in the morning leads us through dry forest and savanna where we look forward to seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope and other game. Tanzanian National Parks are not fenced and the animals we encounter might have traveled great distances. Late morning we will cross the border of Arusha Park. All of a sudden the landscape changes and we are leaving the green meadows and lush acacia forests, which indicate the presence of underground water, behind us.
There will be a short lunch break on the way as we will aim to cover a lot of ground through Masailand, giving a good opportunity for canters. Masai herders appear as colourful dots in the afternoon sun as we pass through a mix of plains and their farmlands.
We will find our camp at a romantic place under yellow-barked acacia and next to a trail quite regularly used by elephant… Enjoy a hot shower and delicious meal and go to sleep with the sounds of the wild.
Day 5
Heading North
Rise to an African sunrise for an early snack. We mount our horses and move further, passing rocky hills and winding our way through bush and acacia forests. We will cross Euphorbia forests, elephant land and we will follow the tracks and other signs of the giants, hoping to meet these magnificent animals. Wildlife is variable but often animals are seen only last second before they take off. Although this is Masai land, too, there might be predators present in this area and we will be constantly alert.
We will return for brunch and thereafter you may take the chance to accompany a Masai guide on a walk, learning about their life in nature.
After the walk and a siesta we will start again for an evening ride, crossing perfect terrain for long canters through bush and grasslands. Kori bustards and secretary birds are often seen here stalking their prey. Slowly and carefully we approach the wildlife we find along the way – lesser kudus, antelopes, gazelles and a lot of other animals. If you feel up to it, you can canter with zebra and wildebeests. This is a safari the way it was meant to be!
Day 6
Another Day in Savannah
Wake up with the sun and start for a long morning ride of game spotting along small hills. The route of this day will be mostly dictated by the game movements. You are in the heart of the West-Kilimanjaro wilderness and many animals use this corridor on their routes between Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru and Amboseli.
In the months following the rains there are usually herds of elephant and buffalo. All year round we may encounter giraffe, zebra, eland and other game, also expect to spot lesser kudu, waterbuck, many other antelopes and smaller species like warthog. Predators are frequently heard although quite secret during the day, with some luck we might encounter such game as striped and spotted hyena, cheetah and leopard.
This is now Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, the wildlife corridor connecting Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Park. Late afternoon we reach Mgunga Camp; you will be welcomed with a cold Gin&Tonic at the end of the day. Our private mobile camp is set in the shade of an ancient African tree, with stunning views of Mt. Meru, now in the far distance. Relax with a cool drink and take in the rich colours of the African sunset.
Day 7
Heading Towards Mt. Kilimajaro
Today we will leave the West Kilimanjaro wilderness. We will ride through a mixture of open grassland and thorn bush savanna and explore the riverine forests , favourite routes of animals when they wander between Kilimanjaro forest and the savanna.
Later on the fantastic scenery of the montane forests of the Kilimanjaro National Park to the East appears – a lush world of exotic scenery. We turn East and ride along the forest. The route provides fantastic scenery with endless forest on the left and at the same time Enduimet in the West. The terrain varies and so will our pace, from slow riding so as to spot the shy black and white Colobus monkeys to great canters.
We will leave the horses on a farm next to Kilimanjaro forest and drive back to Makoa- Farm. Enjoy the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro in its lush environment and watch the bush babies visiting you while you sit on the veranda with a sunset drink.
Day 8
Makoa-Farm
After a relaxed breakfast there may be enough time to have look around our farm and learn more about our educational projects. This is a farm environment, attached to a veterinary clinic and an uncountable number of animals, pet and tame wild ones, which have often arrived because they became orphaned, injured or have unwillingly lost their habitat and found themselves stuck between human population.
Those who will not be able to fend for themselves, often due to injuries, get a new home at Makoa-Farm and are ambassadors in education. On a weekly basis various Tanzanian school children come to see, smell and touch the animals – for most of them an eyeopening experience which encourages them to become passionate about their environment. All the animals are very friendly and welcome a pat or scratch behind the ear!
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