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 forest to the western savannah, where African animals roam freely as they have for thousands of years. This safari is designed for experienced riders and offers breathtaking views, exhilarating canters and close contact with wildlife such as elephant, 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 at Makoa-Farm on the Foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Arrival 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 skills. Then we embark on a ride so you can become familiar with your horse.
Day 2 : Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve
After breakfast, transfer with the horses to the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve. Today we explore the indigenous montane forests of the Kilimanjaro Reserve - a lush world of exotic scenery. We ride slowly and carefully so as to spot the shy black and white Colobus monkeys.
Mostly there are no roads and we use elephant trails to pass through. The dense forests are populated by a whole range of, mostly secretive animals. A sharp eye will doscover lots of tracks and signs, even an elusive leopard, and a keen ear might pick up the crunching sound of a herd of elephants feeding not far off.
After a picnic lunch in the forest reserve we continue to the Namuai guesthouse on a farm located at the edge of the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve where we spend the night. We will arrive in time for a sun downer drink, a hot shower and a delicious meal.
Day 3 : Out of Africa
We leave the guest house and ride toward the northwest. Our journey leads us through a mixture of open grassland and thorn bush savannah. Along the way we will encounter our first plains animals. Lunch will be prepared under a shady tree and if you are lucky there will be an elephant herd watching us during our break.
Late afternoon we reach Mgunga Camp; you will be welcomed with a cold gin and tonic at the end of the day. Our private fly camp is set in the shade of an ancient African tree, with stunning views of Mt. Meru. Relax with a cool drink and take in the rich colours of the African sunset. 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. After dinner, retire to the campfire and marvel at the enormous night sky before falling asleep to the sounds of the African night.
The fly camp usually consists only of a basic tent or even mosquito net set up around a mattress, under a beautiful Acacia tree, toilet tents and classic hot bush showers are available. 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 4 : Tracking game on horseback
TWake up early with a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your tent. We start for a long morning ride of game spotting along the western boundary of the ranch. In addition to the ever-present antelopes, zebras and gazelles, we'll keep an eye out for giraffes, ostriches, warthogs and maybe a cheetah. 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!
Depending on the game situation we might return to camp for lunch or have a picnic on the way. Evening rides are especially good for photography because of the beautiful light, and with photos in mind, it will be a calm ride.
Day 5 : More game...
Another day of game viewing: The day will be mostly dictated by the game movements. You are in the heart of the West-Kilimanjaro wilderness and we may find seasonally large herds of elands and sometimes up to 100 to 200 elephants. Expect to spot lesser kudu, waterbuck, many other antelopes and smaller species like warthog, with some luck even predators such as striped and spotted hyena, cheetah and leopard.
We return to camp for late lunch. In the afternoon we start in an open game-drive vehicle for another tour. We drive through bush savannah and plains to track some more game; we will be sure to meet indigenous Masai while herding their cattle. You may take the chance to visit them in their Masai Boma to learn more about their daily life.
Day 6 : The West Kilimanjaro Wilderness
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. Our ride today starts crossing perfect terrain for long canters through bush and grasslands. 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!
Arrive at Ndarakwai Camp for lunch. Afterwards there is time for some rest or for a hike to the nearby water hole for some wildlife viewing. The elevated wooden platform by the waterhole offers great sightings and the perfect place for another sunset drink. Back in camp you will enjoy your spacious and comfortable tent and after the traditional bush shower we meet for dinner. After 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 7 : Ride over Narco-Plains and back to 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 on 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 stop en route for a picnic lunch.
Late afternoon we meet the truck which will transport riders and horses back to Makoa Farm. Enjoy the view of Mt.Kilimanjaro in it’s lush environment, bush babies visiting you while you sit on the veranda with a sunset drink.
Day 8 : Makoa-Farm and 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 pet and tame wild animals - dogs, cats, geese, chickens and peacocks roam freely with marabou stork, grey and black headed herons, not to forget Gin & Tonic, the bush pigs. A little further on are stables for horses, donkeys, pigs and cattle. All the animals are very friendly and welcome a pat or scratch behind the ear!
Later transfer for Kilimanjaro International Airport and departure.
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.
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. Our ride today starts crossing perfect terrain for long canters through bush and grasslands. 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!