On the southwestern slopes of Kilimanjaro lies Makoa Farm, an old
coffee farm that has been lovingly resurrected over the past four years
after it was nationalized in the 1960’s and then abandoned.
The owners are as passionate about wildlife and wilderness as they are
about running a successful coffee farm. Therefore much of the farmland is
devoted to conservation. Though you won’t find big game here, the birdlife
is phenomenal, monkeys abound, and there is no shortage of bush pig and
small antelopes.
The farm is bordered by two rivers, each filled with towering trees, a
habitat the owners are committed to preserve. In addition to horses, they
raise cattle and pigs. Their produce comes from their own garden (the
bounty of which they happily share with monkeys, bush duikers and a myriad
of other small creatures).
As if that weren’t enough, they run one of the only large animal
veterinary practices in northern Tanzania.
The Farm is near Kilimanjaro’s Machame Gate with access to the
spectacular rainforest on the mountain’s lower slopes. The area is home
to the Chagga people, whose small villages dot the hillsides. On the high
plateau to the south, Maasai graze their cattle. The area is rich in
diversity and surprisingly untouristed.
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 a suitable one. 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 monkey, yellow baboon, bush buck and duiker and secret ones such as leopard, striped hyena, side striped jackal, aardvark and bush pig.
Day 2 : Dayride into Masailand
This horseback trail leads through farmland and bush deep into Masasiland. We pass a historical bridge and move far down inside a fertile valley. Our crew prepared a delicious lunch at a scenic point.
Later on we return on another way to the farm, crossing the steep gorge of the Kikafu river. When we reach the Kikafu River Gorge, we’ll dismount and lead the horses into this enchanting area to explore.
After a small break or some exploring of the riverbanks on foot we make our way further through bush- and farmland, passing flower and coffee plantations.
Day 3 : Excursion to the Hot Springs
Wake up early in the morning for an early morning ride. The ride leads you through Makoa-Farm and you have a good chance to meet some of the wildlife who shares the farm with us.
After breakfast we depart by 4xvehicle to the Hot Springs to see more of this unusual ecosystem. After arrival a guided walking tour will lead us through the 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! We return to the springs for lunch and for a refreshing plunge into the spring, followed by an afternoon for leisure. Late afternoon we drive back to Makoa-Farm, arriving there just after sunset.
Day 4 : Masailand and local market
This morning you have the chance to visit a local Masai market. You will be surprised what items Masai trade in and what they will take home, often multiple day-journeys away, carried on their donkeys back.
After lunch we depart for another ride towards the Masailand. We will find another place to reach the deep Kikafu river gorge and anyone who wants to join the horses for refreshing splashes or a plunge in the water is welcome. On our way back for sure you will experience one more of the unforgettable sunsets of Africa.
Day 5 : Experience Makoa-Farm and surroundings
After breakfast we hike through Chagga villages and small farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a romantic spot on the river’s edge for light refreshments. See people’s daily life, admire their permanent good mood and learn about their farming methods.
In the afternoon start for another ride towards the Weru-Weru River, passing tobacco and smallholder farms.
We stop for a visit of the Makoa-River waterfall for some unusual wildlife viewing –a colony of rare mountain fruit bats in a cave below the waterfall. You may also see one of the shy, very impressive monitor lizards that live nearby.
Day 6 : Day trip north-east through lush plantations,...
...Chagga villages and small coffee farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a flower farmbe on a beautiful location with fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and over the Masaisteppe. Our lunch will be prepared under old trees.
Later in the afternoon we will make our way back, taking a slightly different route. What will not change is the permanent good mood of all local people we meet.
Day 7 : Trip to Kibo-Kikafu-Coffee Estate...
...where we pay a visit to Tom, the 170 year old giant tortoise. During our lunch there are again enjoy breathtaking views. The ride back home through lush banana and coffee plantations as well as long fields offers possibilities for good 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 enjoy the day waking up from horseback. Take your last round through our coffee farm where you hopefully will spot some of the game which is on their way back to the riverine forest where they spend their day dozing in the shade.
After breakfast departure for your on- or home-going journey.
Dates 2007 :
15 - 22 February : 3 spaces available (German speaking group)
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 a suitable one. Afterwards you start for an introductory ride, exploring the farm and getting to know your horse.
This horseback trail leads through farmland and bush deep into Masasiland. We pass a historical bridge and move far down inside a fertile valley. Our crew prepared a delicious lunch at a scenic point.
This morning you have the chance to visit a local Masai market. You will be surprised what items Masai trade in and what they will take home, often multiple day-journeys away, carried on their donkeys back.
...Chagga villages and small coffee farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a flower farmbe on a beautiful location with fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and over the Masaisteppe. Our lunch will be prepared under old trees.