The Kukuletwa Hot Springs have a history with foreigners going back to around end of 1800. Early explorers were impressed with the incredible bio-diversity of the area which included innumerable numbers of big game. Later the area became a popular hunting ground for wealthy Europeans. During the past few decades much of the game has migrated further south to the Maasai Steppe and the Blue Mountains.
However the area is still home to animals such as lesser kudus, gazelles, crocodiles, baboons, Sykes and Vervet monkeys, banded mongooses, and the shy nocturnal animals like porcupines, aardvarks, striped hyenas, serval, genet and civet cats. The variety of colourful birds is also impressive. Possibly the best thing about this place is that it remains largely unknown to most tourists so we usually have it to ourselves!
Day 1 : Arrival at Makoa Farm
You will arrive late afternoon on Makoa-Farm, our starting point for the safari. The 358-acre coffee 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.
In the afternoon we will introduce you to the horses, help you to choose one to match your skill and start on a ride so you can become familiar with horses, tack and riding style.
The ride follows the boundary of the farm through grass and bush land which is used for grazing horses and cattle. Wild animals also inhabit the area, and unlike on other farms, we welcome them. These include Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, duikers, bushbucks, reedbucks and bush pigs as well as nocturnal animals like aardvarks, porcupines and jackals.
Day 2 : Ride to Hot Springs
After breakfast we start our horseback riding safari, making the most of the cool morning hours. On our way we pass farm- and bushland and dry riverbeds with rough but beautiful vegetation. A long valley offers many good possibilities for canter. A picnic lunch is served along the way.
We reach Kukuletwa Hot Springs in the afternoon. This is an amazing place where a river literally bubbles out of the ground, under the roots of a giant fig tree. The local name for them translates to “Water that boils”, which perhaps explains how they became known as “hot” springs, even though the water is perfectly refreshing. A dip in the springs will wash the dust away and afterwards there is time for relaxing in the shade of huge, ancient fig trees.
Later, a sumptuous bush meal is served under the stars. Tonight you sleep surrounded by the unforgettable sounds of the African bush!
Day 3 : Kukuletwa Hot Springs
Awake to the gentle cooing of the African dove, and to a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your tent. Then we head out on horseback for an early-morning ride to explore an area further downstream around the Sanya River. The terrain here is perfect for invigorating long canters.
Afterwards a brunch and a long siesta with enough time for a refreshing plunge into the spring. Late afternoon we take a guided walking tour of this unusual ecosystem, comprised of numerous springs and small streams. As we retrace the footsteps of Dr. Livingstone, keep alert for exotic birds, different types of monkeys, and for crocodiles!
Enjoy the warm colors of sunset, with Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru silhouetted in the distance. We return to camp for dinner.
Day 4 : Return to Makoa-Farm
After a last plunge in the spring and breakfast we turn our horses back towards Makoa-Farm. We will take another route, passing through areas shaded by indigenous palm trees and riverine forest. A picnic lunch is served in the deep valley of Kikafu River (if the water levels are not too high, otherwise circumventing it) After lunch break and maybe another dip into the Kikafu River we continue our ride and reach Makoa-Farm in the late afternoon.
Refreshments are served on the veranda. With luck Kilimanjaro will emerge from the cloud to bask in the evening light.
Day 2 : Ride to Hot Springs
Awake to the gentle cooing of the African dove, and to a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your tent. Then we head out on horseback for an early-morning ride to explore an area further downstream around the Sanya River. The terrain here is perfect for invigorating long canters.