Duration: 2 - 6 days
Please note:
Conservation & Activity fees apply and will be on extra charge.
Departures:
on request
InquireBig Game, Crater, Lakes & Savannah… What makes this horseback safari truly special is the encounter of animals from horseback, close to the setting of the legendary movies “HATARI!” and “Momella – a farm in Africa“, that made the wilderness of Mt. Meru and Arusha Park well-known all over the world. From our riding area you will be looking onto the world famous Mount Kilimanjaro and its neighboring dormant volcano, Mount Meru.
The park´s dense vegetation hosts great numbers of big game, several primate species including the black&white colobus monkey, flamingo and numerous birds. Elephant are present and we often use their paths during our riding safari.
Dive into the world of hunters and actors and follow their footsteps tracking buffalo, elephant, giraffe and more on horseback – but with a camera rather than a gun!
Itinerary from 2 days / 1 night or longer are available – to make game viewing possible 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.
The films “Hatari” and “Momella – A Farm in Africa“ made the wilderness of Mt. Meru and Arusha Park well-known all over the world. Close encounters with the animals, fantastic scenery while riding and at picnic points with great views of Mount Kilimanjaro to the East, Mount Meru to the West, Masailand in the South, as well the glorious ecosystem of the Momella Lakes. Depending on the itinerary the location for our mobile camp will vary.
The Arusha National Park has a dense vegetation and hosts great numbers of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wart hog, different types of antelope, hippo, several primate species including the black & white colobus monkey, flamingo and numerous birds. Elephant are also found here and we will use their paths during our riding safari.
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.
For the first time in the history of Tanzania´s National Parks TANAPA has given Makoa-Farm exclusive access to take riding safaris within the park boundaries. Visit the places of “Hatari” and the routes of John Wayne and Hardy Krüger in this wilderness. Dive into the world of Margarete Trappe and follow her footsteps tracking game – but with the camera rather than a gun!
Day 1
Arrival Tanzania and Makoa-Farm
We will pick you up from the airport and drive to Makoa Farm, our starting point for the safari. The 358-acre plantation and horse farm is nestled into the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The house and rooms are situated to take in spectacular views of this impressive mountain, Africa’s highest peak.
After arrival we will introduce you to the horses and start on a ride so you can become familiar with horses, tack and riding style. For the non-riders this is time to settle in their rooms or to stretch their legs on a relaxed walk.
Both, ride and walk, follow the boundary of the farm through plantations, bush and grass land which is used for grazing horses and cattle. Wild animals also inhabit the area, these include Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, duikers, bushbucks, reedbucks and bush pigs as well as nocturnal animals like aardvarks, porcupines and jackals.
In the evening you will receive a briefing on all details about the safari and riding in game area.
Day 2
Rinding in Arusha National Park
Transfer to Arusha National Park from where we soon will depart on horseback. Expect to see buffalo, zebra, giraffe, antelope and more at the “Little Serengeti”. Often spoor and fresh smell will remind us of the close proximity of forest inhabitants and we will pass through breathtaking scenery with various glades and forests.
After a short stop and a saddle picnic we continue towards Meru, passing the original home of the famous „White Huntress“ Margarete Trappe. We will find our mobile camp set up in the middle of the fantastic setting of this impressive mountain. Spacious tents of 3m x 3.80m are equipped with comfortable beds and linen, private verandah and en suite bath tent with toilet, sink and a shower, which the crew fills up with hot water every night.
Enjoy a hot shower and delicious meal and go asleep with the stars that are visible from your pillow, and the night noises of Africa that are the background to your sleep. Nothing brings the experience of Africa closer….
Day 3
Buffalo Flads, Fig Tree and more...
Wake up with a cup of steaming tea in your tent. We will head off to the buffalo glade where these massive animals can be watched excitingly close whilst they are grazing or resting. Watch out for giraffe and antelope, also warthogs which feel most comfortable in close proximity of a buffalo herd.
We will be back at camp for lunch and a siesta, thereafter change horse against a vehicle and drive to the Momella lakes. The first impression are pink flamingo flocks shimmering from far away. Hippos may be seen and there are good chances to watch other game near the water edge such as buffalo, giraffe and also some smaller species.
The evening ride will lead us up the mountain through a “fairytale” forest with tree ferns and moss. The “Fig Tree Arch”, is a well-known landmark of Arusha Park, a natural feature created by assorted animals and birds. A few meters further there is a breathtaking view over the West Kilimanjaro area and Mt. Kilimanjaro glowing in the evening sun.
Day 4
Tululusia Waterfal und more Game Tracking from horseback
Wake up with the sun, enjoy early breakfast and get on the horse. We will descend to the thundering Tululusia Waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. A long ride in the morning will lead us over Momella plains and through dry forest and savannah where we look forward to seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope and other game. We will enjoy some faster paces and there will also be some ground to be covered. We will head towards the Momella lakes.
We will pass by the most scenic place in the area, this time overlooking the Momella lakes right next to us. Our crew will await us with lunch and with a stunning 360 degree view. On clear days you can see Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, Masailand in the South and the ecosystem of the Momella lakes a bit further away.
After lunch we continue our ride to the small Lake Longil a little further away. This is home to hippo and buffalo and most probably we will find some hippo having an interested look on our horses. Soon we will arrive at our mobile camp at the Ngongongare site, located close to a spring and with lots of evidence in and around the camp indicating that we might expect nocturnal visitors…
Day 5
Tracking Elephants
Wake with the sun, we will take the vehicle and drive along the rim of the Ngurdoto Crater. The diameter of this crater is approximately 3 km and is the ideal terrain for buffalo as it consists of year round pastures and lush swamp that offers perfect buffalo wallows and a reliable water source. Along the rim there are many lichens and mosses that provide for a peculiar atmosphere. After a hearty breakfast we will pack up again and back on the horse turn south, riding mostly downhill through thick forest. We keep our eyes open and all senses alert as this is again favorite forest for elephant and buffalo.
A bit further a beautiful trail through the forest has been hacked through dense bush and forest to be used for the horses, leading to the “Little Serengeti” that will provide you with the picture to stay in your memories. The bush surrounding the Little Serengeti offers perfect feeding ground for the elephants and we will spend some time tracking the giants.
At the park gate our crew will expect you with a big smile and open arms, refreshments and snacks.
The lorry will be waiting to load the horses and drive back to our base at Makoa-Farm, so here it means to say good bye to new friends and horses… while you continue for your ongoing journey or opt for another night at Makoa-Farm, to enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Those who booked one more night will be welcomed at Makoa with a view of Kilimanjaro in the basking sun, just in time for sundowners. After washing away the dust we can celebrate our great adventure with a fantastic meal and and usually at this time new plans come up, for next safaris and adventures on horseback…
Day 6
Makoa-Darm and Departure
In the morning you may have some time to enjoy the farm and get an insight into our projects. Maybe you like to visit our rescued resident animals or accompany our orphaned monkeys on their daily walk out in the bush. Alternatively you may opt for another ride on Makoa-Farm.
There will be a day room available for you, so you can shower and relax after riding and before your departure.
This is where your safari comes to an end but plans for the next trip evolve! Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
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