Enjoy the combination of a riding holiday on a working coffee estate combined with a
short safari to the Hot Springs.
The diversity of Tanzania unfolds before us as we ride across the Maasai Steppe to the
ecological wonder of the Kukulewa Hot Springs. Wildlife like kudu, gazelle, and
crocodile occupies the lush vegetation and indigenous palm trees surrounding the springs.
Colourful bird life abounds. Enjoy the adventure of sleeping in the bush surrounded by
sounds of the African wilderness. This trip is perfect for the medium to experienced
rider and can easily be added to the beginning or end of your other safari plans in
Tanzania.
Farming in Africa may be a little different from what you are used to. On the 358-acre
farm, we grow coffee, maize and vegetables, but a significant amount of land is left as
natural grass and bush land. In addition to the expected farm animals like cattle, horses,
pigs, chickens and geese, the area is also inhabited by a variety of wild creatures such
as Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, duiker, bushbuck, reedbuck and bush pig.
Day 1 : Arrival at Makoa Farm
Arrive at Makoa Farm, nestled into the southern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. If you arrive early enough you can meet the horses where we will help you to choose one for your safari. Afterwards you start for an introductory ride, exploring the farm and getting to know your horse.
Farming in Africa may be a little different from what you are used to. On the 358-acre farm we grow coffee and vegetables, but a significant amount of land is left as natural grass and bush land. In addition to the expected farm animals like cattle, horses, pigs, chicken and geese, our farm becomes similar to Noah's arch and an increasing number of orpheans and injured animals become Makoa residents. The farm and bush area is also inhabited by a variety of wild creatures such as Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, duiker, bushbuck, reedbuck and bush pig.
This evening after dinner you will have a ride briefing to discuss the next day’s safari.
Day 2 : Makoa Farm - Kukuletwa Hot Springs
After an early morning wake up call followed by breakfast we start our trail, making the most of the cool morning hours. Today's ride is through a mixture of farm and bush land and we will cross dry river beds; depending on the season a long river valley offers possibilities for good canters. A picnic lunch is served along the way. When we get near to the springs the landscape changes and we will cross a number of rivers. 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.
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 a haven to animals such as lesser kudu, gazelle, crocodile, baboon, Sykes and Vervet monkeys, banded mongooses, and the shy nocturnal animals like porcupine, aardvark, striped hyens, cerval, genet and civet cat. 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!
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 the area further downstream around the Sanya River. The terrain here is perfect for invigorating long canters.
After a late breakfast 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 different types of monkeys, a wide variety of birds and perfectly camouflaged reptiles up to crocodiles! We return to camp for lunch and for a refreshing plunge into the spring, followed by an afternoon for leisure.
Enjoy the warm colours of sunset, with Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru silhouetted in the distance.
Day 4 : Return to Makoa Farm
After a final bath in the springs 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 on a scenic place, sometimes in the bush under a stand of Euphorbias at a site offering expansive views across Maasai land, or in the Kikafu River valley.
We continue on horseback this afternoon, crossing the Kikafu River if the water levels are not too high, or circumventing it to reach Makoa Farm in the late afternoon.
Refreshments are served on the veranda. With luck Mt. Kilimanjaro will emerge from the cloud to bask in the evening light.
Day 5 : Experience Makoa Farm and surroundings
This morning the horses enjoy some time off. After breakfast we take a guided walk through Chagga villages and small farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a romantic spot on the river’s edge for light refreshments. You will see people’s daily life and learn about their farming methods.
In the afternoon start for another ride towards the Weru-Weru River, passing tobacco, flower and smallholder coffee farms.
Day 6 : Day trip north-east through lush plantations,...
...Chagga villages and small coffee farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a flower farm on a scenic location with fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and over the Masaisteppe. Our lunch will be prepared under old trees. Enjoy the permanent good mood of the village residents we are passing on our way back.
Day 7 : Day trip to Kibo-Kikafu-Coffee Estate...
...where we pay a visit to Tom, the 150 year old giant tortoise. During our lunch you will get some more insider information and impressions about life in Tanzania. The ride back home through lush banana and coffee plantations as well as long fields offers possibilities for nice canters.
The day ends with sunset on horseback and, weather permitting, the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the evening sun.
Day 8 : Ride and departure
After an early morning tea or coffee see the day wake up from horseback. Take your last round through our coffee farm where you hopefully will spot some of the game which is on its way back to the riverine forest where they spend their day dosing in the shade.
After breakfast departure for your on- or homegoing journey.
Dates 2007 :
10 - 17 February : 3 spaces available (English speaking group)
After an early morning wake up call followed by breakfast we start our trail, making the most of the cool morning hours. Today's ride is through a mixture of farm and bush land and we will cross dry river beds; depending on the season a long river valley offers possibilities for good canters. A picnic lunch is served along the way. When we get near to the springs the landscape changes and we will cross a number of rivers. We reach Kukuletwa Hot Springs in the afternoon.
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 the area further downstream around the Sanya River. The terrain here is perfect for invigorating long canters.
This morning the horses enjoy some time off. After breakfast we take a guided walk through Chagga villages and small farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a romantic spot on the river’s edge for light refreshments. You will see people’s daily life and learn about their farming methods.
...where we pay a visit to Tom, the 150 year old giant tortoise. During our lunch you will get some more insider information and impressions about life in Tanzania. The ride back home through lush banana and coffee plantations as well as long fields offers possibilities for nice canters.