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Tanzania Cross Country Ride
Enjoy a combination of a
Farm Riding Vacation and Mini-Trail to the Hot
Springs. The diversity of Tanzania unfolds
before us as we ride across the Maasai Steppe to the
ecological wonder of the Kukulewa Hot Springs.
Although the ride is not in typical wilderness area
we might spot some of the wildlife like lesser kudu,
gazelle, and crocodile which occupies the lush
vegetation. Indigenous palm trees surround the
springs and give home to a colorful bird life and a
variety of monkeys and other small species of wild
animals. Enjoy the adventure of sleeping in the bush
surrounded by sounds of the African wilderness.
 IT-TZRT06
Rates include all meals, shared
accommodations at the farm and on trail, alcoholic
drinks (evenings), horses and tack, guiding and good company, 7 riding days
8 days/ 7
nights $ 2,175
.. based on Euro 1,675
2008 Dates:
01/05-01/12 01/26-02/02
02/23-03/01
05/31-06/07 06/28-07/05
07/26-08/02
08/23-08/30 09/20-09/27
10/18-10/25
11/22-11/29
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:
Some trots and
canters according to the riders abilities. 2 to 6 hours in saddle daily.
Min/Max Riders:
2-8
Weight Limit: 200 lbs
... see
for
the non-camping option
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Itinerary Cross Country Ride
Day 1 – Arrive at the Farm
Pick up from the airport and transfer to the 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 one for
your safari. 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 residents. The farm and bush area is also
inhabited by a variety of wild creatures such as
Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, duiker, bushbuck,
reedbuck and bush pig. This evening after dinner you
will have a ride briefing to discuss the next day’s
safari.
Day 2 – Farm/ Kukuletwa Hot
Springs
After an early morning wake up call followed by
breakfast we start our trail, making the most of the
cool morning hours. Today's ride is through a
mixture of farm and bush land and we will cross dry
river beds; depending on the season a long river
valley offers possibilities for good canters. A
picnic lunch is served along the way. When we get
near to the springs the landscape changes and we
will cross a number of rivers. We reach Kukuletwa
Hot Springs in the afternoon. This is an amazing
place where a river literally bubbles out of the
ground, under the roots of a giant fig tree. The
local name for them translates to “Water that
boils”, which perhaps explains how they became known
as “hot” springs, even though the water is perfectly
refreshing. A dip in the springs will wash the dust
away and afterwards there is time for relaxing in
the shade of huge, ancient fig trees.
The Kukuletwa Hot Springs have a history with
foreigners going back to around end of 1800. Early
explorers were impressed with the incredible
bio-diversity of the area which included innumerable
numbers of big game. Later the area became a popular
hunting ground for wealthy Europeans. During the
past few decades much of the game has migrated
further south to the Maasai Steppe and the Blue
Mountains. However the area is still a haven to
animals such as lesser kudu, gazelle, crocodile,
baboon, Sykes and Vervet monkeys, banded mongooses,
and the shy nocturnal animals like porcupine,
aardvark, striped hyens, cerval, genet and civet
cat. The variety of colourful birds is also
impressive. Possibly the best thing about this place
is that it remains largely unknown to most tourists
so we usually have it to ourselves!
Later, a sumptuous bush meal is served under the
stars. Tonight you sleep surrounded by the
unforgettable sounds of the African bush!
Day 3 – Kukuletwa Hot
Springs
Awake to the gentle cooing of the African dove, and
to a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your
tent. Then we head out on horseback for an
early-morning ride to explore the area further
downstream around the Sanya River. The terrain here
is perfect for invigorating long canters.
After a late breakfast we take a guided walking tour
of this unusual ecosystem, comprised of numerous
springs and small streams. As we retrace the
footsteps of Dr. Livingstone, keep alert for
different types of monkeys, a wide variety of birds
and perfectly camouflaged reptiles up to crocodiles!
We return to camp for lunch and for a refreshing
plunge into the spring, followed by an afternoon for
leisure.
Enjoy the warm colors of sunset, with Mt.
Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru silhouetted in the
distance.
Day 4 - Return to the farm
After a final bath in the springs and breakfast we
turn our horses back towards the farm. We will take
another route, passing through areas shaded by
indigenous palm trees and riverine forest. A picnic
lunch is served on a scenic place, sometimes in the
bush under a stand of Euphorbias at a site offering
expansive views across Maasai land, or in the Kikafu
River valley. We continue on horseback this
afternoon, crossing the Kikafu River if the water
levels are not too high, or circumventing it to
reach the Farm in the late afternoon.
Refreshments are served on the veranda. With luck
Mt. Kilimanjaro will emerge from the cloud to bask
in the evening light.
Day 5 - Experience farm
life and the surroundings
This morning the horses enjoy some time off. After
breakfast we take a guided walk through Chagga
villages and small farms, passing through scenic
river valleys to reach a romantic spot on the
river’s edge for light refreshments. You will see
people’s daily life and learn about their farming
methods. In the afternoon start for another ride
towards the Weru-Weru River, passing tobacco, flower
and smallholder coffee farms.
Day 6: Day trip north-east
through lush plantations…
… Chagga villages and small coffee farms, passing
through scenic river valleys to reach a flower farm
on a scenic location with fantastic views of Mt.
Kilimanjaro and over the Masaisteppe. Our lunch will
be prepared under old trees. Enjoy the permanent
good mood of the village residents we are passing on
our way back.
Day 7: Day trip to
Kibo-Kikafu-Coffee Estate…
…where we pay a visit to Tom, the 150 year old giant
tortoise. During our lunch you will get some more
insider information and impressions about life in
Tanzania. The ride back home through lush banana and
coffee plantations as well as long fields offers
possibilities for nice 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 see the day
wake up from horseback. Take your last round through
our coffee farm where you hopefully will spot some
of the game which is on its way back to the riverine
forest where they spend their day dosing in the
shade. After breakfast departure for your on- or
home going journey. |
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