Kilimanjaro
Big Game Trail - Tanzania
 

Tanzania is a country famous for its wildlife and scenery - and for good reason. Here you find the greatest concentrations of wild animals left anywhere in the world, you see extremes of climate unknown in the western world, and you meet people with cultural backgrounds so distinct from your own that you are forced to question all your previous beliefs and  way of life. This is wild Africa - this is true exploration, and on horseback!
The great "Out of Africa" experience on your horse! Discover the wildlife rich western slopes of Mt. 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!

IT-TZRT06
Rates include all meals, shared accommodation in  canvas tents with beds and mattress and bedding and one night at the farm and 2 nights at the Namuai guesthouse, soft drinks during the day and alcoholic drinks in the evening, horses and tack, guiding and good company, 7 riding days 
8 days/ 7 nights $ 3,975
.. based on Euro 2,800
Requested Single room/tent  +30%
- waived if willing to share.
2008 Dates:

01/12-01/19   02/09-02/16    02/16-02/23
03/15-03/22   06/14-06/21    07/12-07/19
08/09-08/16   09/06-09/13    10/04-10/11
11/01-11/08

  availability & reservation
 

Meeting: Moshi
Airport:   Arusha Kilimanjaro
Transfer: from Kilimanjaro Airport  incl.
Level:       Intermediate+
Horses:    Variety of Thoroughbred, Warmbloods and Mix of both, Arabian Mix, Australian Brumby, Achal-Tekke
Tack:      Quality trail saddles (‘Trailrider’), treeless saddles (‘Barefoot’ and ‘Torsion’)
Bitless bridles like Sidepull and Hackamore
Pace:      Long trots and canters. 6 hours in saddle
Min/Max Riders:  2-6
Weight Limit: 200 lbs
Note:  Riders must be able to post to the trot for extended periods and able to use leg aids to control a horse. Good balance & state of fitness is required.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve and Forestry Project
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or Moshi. Transfer to the Namuai guest house on a farm located at the edge of the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve, our starting point for the safari. 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 will ride along the forest reserve and on the farm and return just in time for a sunset drink and dinner.

Day 2: 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 reserve we return to our guest house for a hot shower, a sun downer drink and a delicious meal.
Day 3: The West Kilimanjaro Wilderness
Today we leave the guest house and ride to the northwest. Our journey leads us through a mixture of open grassland and thorn bush savannah. Along the way we 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: Mgunga 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. Depending on the game situation we might return to camp for lunch or have a picnic on the way. 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. This area is not inhibited by lion which makes it safe to wander around camp at daytime. Late afternoon we reach Mgunga Camp, our private fly camp 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. 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 don't 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: 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 the 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 the farm and visit the 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 the farm 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.