The great "Out of Africa" experience on your horse! Discover the wildlife rich western
slopes of Kilimanjaro as Hemingway might have. We travel through the rain forest to the
western savannah, where African animals roam freely as they have for thousands of years.
You will be thrilled by breathtaking views, exhilarating canters and close contact with
wildlife such as elephant, zebra, wildebeest - to name but a few. For experienced riders,
this is the African equestrian experience of a lifetime!
Day 1 : Arrival at Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or Moshi. Transfer to the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve, our starting point for the safari.
If you arrive in the morning then there is some time to take a walk around the area of the camp on foot. Try to identify tracks of the secret night visitors of our camp and you will be surprised by the variety of birds present. During the afternoon we will introduce you to the horses where we can help you choose one to match your size and skill. Then we embark on a ride so you can become familiar with your horse.
We visit the national forestry projects in the area and return just in time for a sunset drink and dinner served by our bush kitchen.
Day 2 : Explore the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve
Today we explore the vast indigenous forests of the Kilimanjaro Reserve – a lush world of exotic scenery. We ride slowly and carefully to spot the shy Black and white Colobus monkeys. The forest is not accessible by vehicle so we use elephant trails to pass through. Bushbuck dash for cover as we pass, a sharp eye may catch sight of an elusive leopard, and a keen ear might pick up the crunching sound of a herd of elephant feeding not far off.
After a picnic lunch in the forest we return to camp for a hot shower, a sun downer drink and a delicious meal
Day 3 : The West Kilimanjaro Wilderness
Today we leave the forest camp and ride to the northwest. Our journey leads us through a mixture of open grassland and thorn bush savannah. Along the way we already encounter our first plains animals.
We arrive at the Riverside fly camp for a late lunch. Afterwards there is time for some rest or for a hike to the nearby water hole for some wildlife viewing.
After early dinner we start for a night-game drive. Here you can view, with the aid of a spotlight, all the nocturnal species not generally seen during the day.
Day 4 : Riverside Camp
Today we ride out to search for big game. We arrive in the heart of the Game Reserve for an exciting day of wildlife viewing. In addition to the ever-present antelopes, zebras and gazelles, we'll keep an eye out for giraffes, ostriches, warthogs and maybe even a leopard. What we really hope for though, is the chance for a peaceful meeting with a herd of magnificent African elephants.
Don't forget your binoculars and camera!
Day 5 : North Camp
Wake up early with a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your tent. We start for a long morning ride for spotting game along the western boundary of the ranch.
You are in the heart of the West-Kilimanjaro wilderness and we may find seasonally large herds of Elands, sometimes up to 100 and up to 200 elephants. Expect to spot lesser kudu, waterbuck, bush pig and warthog, with some luck even predators as striped and spotted hyena, cheetah and leopard.
Late afternoon we reach North Camp, our private fly camp set in the shade of an ancient African tree, with stunning views of Mt. Meru. This area is not inhibited by lion which makes it safe to wander around camp at daytime. Relax with a cool drink and take in the rich colours of the African sunset. Later, enjoy a bush dinner served under the stars.
Day 6 : Game rides
Rise to an African sunrise for an early breakfast. We mount our horses and head out into the savannah. 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 zebras and wildebeests.
This is a safari the way it was meant to be!
Late afternoon we start for our last sunset-ride into the savannah.
Evening rides are especially good for photography because of the beautiful light. Please dont hesitate to ask your guide if you like to make pictures - we always will try to get you in the best photographic position.
Returning to camp there is time to refresh with a hot bush shower before dinner. Our camp chef will impress you with her culinary skills, despite the rustic setting. After dinner, retire to the campfire and marvel at the enormous night sky before falling asleep to the sounds of the African night.
Day 7 : Makoa-Farm
Today we will leave the West Kilimanjaro wilderness. We explore the area of ‘Tembobridge’ and seek out herds of elephant in between the euphorbia forest. Later we continue our way southeast passing the plains between Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. See herd animals watching the horses with interest, have a canter with zebra and eland, then we stop en route for a picnic lunch.
Later afternoon we meet the truck which will transport riders and horses back to Makoa Farm. Enjoy the view of Mt.Kilimanjaro while sitting on the veranda with a sunset drink.
Day 8 : Departure
After a relaxed breakfast there may remain some time to have look around our farm and visit our uncountable number of animals. This is a farm environment with many dogs, cats, geese, chickens, peacocks, and little further stables for horses, a donkey, some pigs and cattle. At the same time Makoa keeps turning into a 'Noah's Arch' with an increasing amount of orphaned and injured animals which find a temporary or permanent home here. Most of the animals are very friendly and welcome a pat or scratch behind the ear!
Later transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport and departure.
Dates 2007 :
2 - 17 January : full booked
27 January - 3 February : full booked
24 February - 3 March
3 - 10 March : 2 spaces available (English speaking group)
24 - 31 March : 5 spaces available (1 pax German speaking)
26 May - 2 June
23 - 30 June
21 - 28 July
18 - 25 August
15 - 22 September
6 - 13 October
20 - 27 October
17 - 24 November
15 - 22 December
Price : 2200 Euro pp sharing (single supplement : 30%)
Minimum 2 riders required, with a rebate of 100 Euro for bookings of at least 4 people.
Included in the price :
horse and all equipment
German & English speaking guide
non-alcoholic drinks and snacks during the day
luggage transfers where necessary
full board accommodation at the farm or in dome tents away from Makoa
transfers to and from Makoa Farm
Not included :
personal expenses
tips
Riding experience required :
The horses used by us are well-schooled horses trained and used
for the purpose of Safaris and include breeds such as Arab, Bavarian
Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds. You will ride on a loose rein (often in a
bitless bridle) leaving the horse free to react to obstacles for between
5-7 hours each day. We stress that Safari riding is challenging and
consists of riding through difficult country often in close proximity to
‘wild’ animals. As such, we require our clients to be experienced and
confident riders able to deal with the varying situations that may arise
in the African bush, and to galopp out of trouble if necessary.
Today we leave the forest camp and ride to the northwest. Our journey leads us through a mixture of open grassland and thorn bush savannah. Along the way we already encounter our first plains animals.
Rise to an African sunrise for an early breakfast. We mount our horses and head out into the savannah. 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 zebras and wildebeests.