Tanzania
REAL HORSE RIDING HOLIDAYS

Here is your chance to experience a true African safari, but on horseback instead of by jeep. For 5-7 hours a day you can ride as fast as the groups of giraffes passing by, or follow alongside herds of zebra, antelope, gazelle, and wildebeest, and from a safe distance watch the "Big Five"--lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceroses. You will ride between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, through savannahs, bush country, and swamps, and stay each night in safari camps.
You'll see elephants as you approach Kenya, at Amboselia National Park. Our riding safaris are different from the standard bus or landrover safaris. No friendly drivers are in radio contact to draw all nearby tourists to a group of sleepy lions. It will probably take you many hours in the saddle to get the same result, but on horseback you are a part of the natural surroundings and can stay far away from the tourist caravans. You share these special times only with your fellow riders.

Uto Farm is a 500 acre ranch located at 6,000 ft. altitude on the northern slopes of 4 500m high Mt. Meru volcano, fifth highest mountain on the continent of Africa. The ranch overlooks the East African Rift Valley with a spectacular view from the front verandah. The main farmhouse was built in 1937 by Mr. Laubscher, a South African settler and trek leader, in the distinctive Cape Dutch architectural style.
We have since extended the accommodation to include bungalows in the gardens that can accommodate up to12 guests.

Today the farm is a livestock enterprise with dairy cattle, sheep, and 28 stabled part thoroughbred horses that are the backbone of our safari riding operation.

The areas in which we operate are scenically some of the most beautiful in East Africa, it is 'bush' where access is via dirt-track or cross-country. Volcanic peaks rise from the savannah plains which are interspersed with acacia woodland and thorn bush. Only the nomadic Masai people share this scenic land with the numerous animals and birds of the area. After the rains (April-May and November) the land is green and full of flowers, the dry season can be very dusty but it is often the best time to see game. Temperatures usually range between 20-35 degrees centigrade and the altitude is from 1100 - 2000 meters above sea level.

Our Horses are mostly thoroughbred but some are Anglo-Arab. We also have a few Australian brumbies. Most are of lively temperament and all are at home in the bush. We take great care to ensure their well-being on safari, bringing our grooms along. Riders are welcome to assist with tacking up and feeding if they wish, but this is not obligatory. Riders are expected to be experienced and capable of controlling horses at all paces. Riding time is normally between 5 and 8 hours a day depending on the pace and distance, with siesta breaks at lunch time during the hottest part of the day. Our tack is English.

Our tented fly camps, exclusive to our own group of guests, are comfortable with as many amenities as can be provided considering that the location is changed every day, and we try to limit ecological disturbance by taking only the number of vehicles strictly necessary. Tents are twin accommodation insect proof, with mattresses and sleeping bags. Each has a wash basin, and camp chairs set on a palm-fibre mat. We bring all water along on safari. This is used for the horses, for cooking, and for bathing. This means that water is limited, but usually enough for a splash in the morning and a warm wash at night.

Lunch is transported by Landrover and laid out in the shade of a tree ahead of the guests' arrival. Camp chairs and siesta mats are provided at each lunch stop. The lunch vehicle has space to accommodate any light baggage riders may wish to use during the stop, e.g. toiletries and cameras. Anyone wishing to take a break from riding and also non-riding participants may travel in the car. Evenings are spent relaxing around the campfire with drinks and dinner.

Optional extensions include safaris to the Tanzania northern-circuit National Parks. It is also possible to extend your stay at Uto Farm with or without riding.

The wildebeest migration is after the rains and usually arrives southern Serengeti (Ndutu) April-June.