Horse riding safaris
If you wish to discover some of the most diverse and spectacular landscapes at the heart of Africa, one of the best ways to do this is to take a horse-riding safari. Whether you wish to have a day’s gentle canter around the foothills of Kilimanjaro or spend a few days on a properly guided safari in Tanzania for the more experienced rider, Jolita Safari can organise something to suit.
Whatever you decide, one thing is for sure you can expect to have plenty of interaction with the local area; Maasai herding their cattle, a wide array of wildlife to be observed at close quarters all set against beautiful panoramic vistas.
With its natural beauty and undulating landscape, the great beauty of a horse riding safari is that you get to enjoy the fresh air , the exercise and the outstanding wildlife and beauty of Africa’s best, right close up. And at the end of a day of horse back riding there is simply nothing more rewarding than relaxing around a camp fire, enjoying a few drinks and some entertainment, whilst reflecting upon the day’s wonderful experiences.
Jolita Safari Africa equestrian safaris of varying durations are catered for to ensure that the tour matches not only fitness but exactly what the traveller wants to see. One may also wish to take on a more “traditional” safari with non-riding partners and family, this can be catered for.
Contact us for information or for program dates for horse riding safaris in Tanzania.
4 days Horseback Safari: Kilimanjaro Wildlife Viewing
Watch Big Game from the back of your horse around Kilimanjaro . With the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro rising to your East and Mt. Meru to the West, this safari takes place in one of the most dramatically beautiful settings in East Africa.
These safaris are for experienced riders, and makes for an unforgettable adventure as we ride through the African bush, far away from roads and other tourists, we share the pristine habitat with elephants, wildebeests, giraffes, gazelles, and more.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Makoa Farm
You are met at Kilimanjaro International airport (please provide flight details) and driven to 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.
In the afternoon we will introduce you to the horses and start on a ride so you can become familiar with horses, tack and riding style. For the non-riders this is time to settle in their rooms or to stretch their legs on a relaxed walk. Both, ride and walk, follow 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.
In the evening you will receive a briefing on all details about the safari and riding in game area.
Day 2: West Kilimanjaro Wilderness
After breakfast you will be transferred to a meeting point, the horses will be waiting for you. On the plains between Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru we start our ride to the northwest. The non-riders have their own vehicle and this will be the first game drive for them, they also might spot the rider group on the way.
The landscape changes completely as we head through a mixture of open grassland and thorn bush savannah. This is a long ride interrupted by a short break and some snacks on the way. We may encounter the first antelopes, zebra maybe some ostriches and jackals.
Late lunch will be prepared next to a water hole, the elevated wooden platform offers great wildlife viewing during your meal. The sightings will keep your camera busy and the warm afternoon light will provide the best background. If you are interested in Masai culture then you will do an excursion to visit them after lunch. Alternatively you may decide for another sunset-ride or take the chance for a little walk to our near camp for a sun downer drink. For the next two nights you will stay in our private mobile bush-camp. The mobile tents are classic canvas dome tents and equipped with comfortable beds, mattresses, blankets and linen. There are toilet and hot bucket shower tents. Emphasis is on privacy, game viewing and scenery in remote areas.
Depending on requirements this might be arranged as a mobile trail where the site for our fly camp will be mostly determined by the game situation.
In our mobile bush-camp the food is always prepared fresh and most of the ingredients are produced on our farm. This includes most vegetables, meat, milk and milk products. Expect to find freshly home baked bread on your table every morning, as well as homemade confectionary in the afternoon.
Day 3: Out of Africa
Wake up early with a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your tent. This will be an exciting day for game viewing; the route will be mostly dictated by the game situation.
We mount our horses and head out into the savannah. 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. 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 ride on another route back to camp, while we enjoy the sunset from horseback in the savannah.
Day 4: More game… on the ride towards Mt. Kilimanjaro
Start early for a long morning ride for spotting game along the western boundary of the reserve. 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 and we will explore the area of “Tembobridge” to seek out herds in between the euphorbia forest. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
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 vehicle and transport horses and guests back to Makoa Farm. Enjoy the view of Mt.Kilimanjaro while sitting on the veranda with a sunset drink.
Later departure for your onwards or homewards journey or opt for another night at Makoa for a more relaxed pace.
8 day Horseback Safari: Big Game Trail in West-Kilimanjaro
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 a 24 hour bush-experience, lighted by lanterns, listening to animal sounds next to the camp fire… and much more!
