Arusha Riding Safari

Introduction
Tanzania Tanzania
A safari in Tanzania is a must for those who love Africa and horses.

Tanzania is one of Africa's main destinations for people passionate about the wild savannah. Arusha National Park, whose name derives from Warusha (the name of the local people of the region), offers a wide variety of flora and fauna in a pleasant setting. 

Join our amazing 7-night or 3-night horse safari for an unforgettable experience.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a wilderness wide, so nights will be spent in several camps.

Description
You will spend most nights in our comfortable mobile camps.

Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day Safari - subject to changes
Night 1: Lodge
Night 2 & 3: Camp near Mt Meru
Night 4: Camp in Masai Country
Night 5, 6 & 7: Camp

Accommodation Itinerary for 4-day Safari - subject to changes
Night 1: Lodge
Night 2 & 3: Camp near Mt Meru


Lodge
This beautiful lodge is just 30 minutes from Kilimanjaro airport. Each spacious bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and free Wi-Fi access. Guests can use the swimming pool, SPA and take yoga, polo and golf lessons upon request (extra fee).

Camps
We sleep in comfortable mobile tented camps with spacious tents equipped with mosquito nets, beds and linens. Each tent has its own bush toilet and bucket shower. The toilet is a traditional short drop style toilet with a nice wooden toilet seat over a metal box with open sides. The shower is a traditional start gazing canvas bucket.


Room Occupancy
A single supplement fee applies if we are unable to find you a roommate.



Meals
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

Meals are prepared with fresh local products. Drinks are included (soft drinks as well as local beer and wine) except during dinner on day 1 and lunch on the last day at the lodge.

Breakfast is of traditional Cowboy style, served with homemade juice and exotic African fruits.
Lunch is alfresco, enjoyed somewhere out in the wild under a nice shady tree, it may either be vehicle supported or we may carry it in our saddlebags. 
Dinner is a three-course affair, with a mix of local and international cuisine, always served with newly baked bread and fresh salads and herbs.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Requirements
It is necessary to be in full control of your horse in open spaces and be in good physical condition. The local guides reserve the right to "afoot" a rider if his inexperience could jeopardize its own and/or the group's safety.

Horses
The horses are all purpose trained safari horses, with a mix of local breeds and thoroughbreds. Close to all of them are ridden in western style, with one hand. This allows you to take photos and dig into your saddlebag while out on safari. Only some of them are ridden English style, if this is the case the guide will tell you before you mount your horse. All horses are given lots of love, care and attention, therefore resulting in their nice characters and strong personalities. They all have their own heads with different temperaments, which allows us to find a perfect fit for each rider.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: 8 days - subject to changes

Please note that the itinerary described below is to be considered indicative. There are various itineraries and to better enjoy this experience, the guides can modify it to follow the natural movement and migration of the animals, according to the seasons and rains.

Day 1: Arrival to Tanzania
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and transfer (approx. 40 minutes) to the lodge where the first night is spent. Settle in and meet the other participants on the safari.
On arrival in the late afternoon, guests are welcomed to the lodge and invited to unwind in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Time is yours to relax—whether by the pool, on the verandah, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the bush. As the sun dips low, your guide joins you for sundowners, sharing stories and insight into the days ahead. If a polo match is taking place, you may also have the chance to watch this elegant sport in action with a drink in hand. Dinner follows at the lodge, accompanied by a gentle safari briefing. Afterwards, you retire to your room, night sounds easing you into a restful night’s sleep. For everyone including early arrivals, golf, relaxing spa treatments, or a scenic horse ride can be arranged before the safari begins—and if possible, let us know in advance so we can plan everything perfectly for you.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Lodge

Day 2: Riding into Arusha National Park
The day begins with a refreshing wake-up and a hearty breakfast at the lodge, preparing guests for the adventure ahead. After breakfast, 1030am, there’s a scenic 30-minute drive to the edge of the park where the safari horses await. Once mounted, the journey into the heart of the park begins, riding alongside buffaloes, giraffes, and other wildlife that roam freely along the narrow game trails skirting the eastern slopes of Mount Meru. The ride weaves through canopy forests and open glades, offering ever-changing views and thrilling wildlife encounters. Midway through the day, there’s a pause for a relaxed lunch beneath the shade of a lone tree—an idyllic break in the wild. The afternoon ride continues deeper into the park, with the light softening and the landscape growing quieter. As evening approaches, the group arrives at the mobile camp, an exclusive and comfortable setup in the wilderness. The day ends with sundowners, followed by a delicious dinner under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp near Mt Meru

Day 3: Legendary Trails
Wake up to the distinctive calls of colobus monkeys echoing through the trees. After breakfast, ride out into the scenic landscape where the classic film Hatari!, starring John Wayne, was shot. Follow the trails first traveled by the legendary Margaret Trappe, the Iron Lady of Africa. She spent years exploring these wilds, and her footsteps still guide many today. Ride through habitats rich with wildlife — giraffes gliding across the gladfes, bushbucks and waterbucks grazing in the undergrowth, and tiny dik-diks darting through the brush. Later in the morning, return to camp for a leisurely lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, climb into safari jeeps for an exciting drive to Lake Momella. Keep an eye out for hippos lazing in the water, flamingoes painting the shoreline pink, and a variety of water birds skimming the surface. Enjoy a beautiful sundowner by the lake before heading back to camp at dusk. After dinner, drift off to sleep with the sounds of the wilderness around you — and if you’re lucky, the elusive call of a leopard in the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp near Mt Meru

Day 4: Masai Ride
After breakfast, it’s time to move on. Jump into safari cars for a drive of approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. This part of the journey isn’t suited for riding, so you’ll relax and absorb the Tanzanian countryside until you meet the horses at your new destination. The ride begins across the dry and harsh Masai Steppe, a land filled with new wildlife sightings. You’ll hopefully encounter grant’s gazelles, Thompson’s gazelles, zebras, and wildebeests scattered across the open plains. As you ride, the landscape transitions into acacia shrubland and woodlands. The early hours of riding can be tough, as the ground is rocky and unsuitable for fast riding. However, by later in the morning, the terrain softens and allows for a faster pace. You’ll ride through Masai country, a land that feels both timeless and wild, although the game becomes less abundant here. By midday, it’s time for a lunch break under the shade to escape the heat of the day. This gives both riders and horses a much-needed recharge, a full 3 hours to relax and rest. After lunch, ride on into the cooler afternoon hours, making your way to your night stop. Your destination is a beautiful spot overlooking the magnificent mountains: Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Mount Longido. A stunning view to end the day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp in Masai Country

Day 5: Plains Ride
After breakfast, it’s time to move on once again. Find your horse and set off in a northeastern direction toward the mysterious formations known as the Seven Sisters. Although elephants may have eluded you so far, this afternoon you enter prime elephant territory — you’ve been riding along their migration routes for days, and while nothing is guaranteed in the wild, today brings your best chance yet to encounter these majestic giants. The morning ride feels like a journey back in time, crossing dried out floodplains and passing near traditional Masai Bomas. You may even cross paths with Masai warriors moving through the landscape as they have for centuries. If luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of the very rare and endangered antelope called a Geerenuk— a treasured sight in these parts. Lunch is enjoyed somewhere along the route, followed by a peaceful break to escape the heat of the day. In the afternoon, ride into dried-out lakebeds, perfect terrain for exhilarating, fast-paced gallops. The land opens up into vast wilderness, and you finally reach your camp, now set in a new location under a canopy of trees, out in the open. Settle in for the evening with views that stir the soul, majestic Kilimanjaro to the north, Longido to the west, Meru to the south, and the hazy outline of Namanga in the distance.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp

Day 6: Wildlife Ride
At first light, your tent steward arrives quietly, pouring hot water into your basin as birdsong begins to filter through the canvas walls. Outside, the world is waking, and the air is filled with the gentle promise of a new adventure. Enjoy a warm breakfast as the early sun spills gold across the landscape. Today’s ride takes you deeper into the wilderness — a place where the chances of seeing elephants, cheetahs, and hyenas are high, and the rolling terrain invites you to pick up the pace. The wind in your face, the rhythm of the horse — it feels like flying across timeless earth. By midday, return to camp, where shade, comfort, and a freshly prepared lunch await. Indulge in a siesta as the heat of the day settles, listening to the soft whispers of nature around you. In the late afternoon, ride out, bathe in the golden light of the African sunset, and let the land speak to you in silence and shadow. As night falls, gather around the fire with a gin and tonic in hand. Then, dine under a ceiling of stars — a three-course feast shared in the heart of the wild. The air is filled with stories, laughter, and the magic of Africa — a night to be remembered forever.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp

Day 7: Farewell Ride
After breakfast, you mount up once more for a morning ride through the soft light of early day. Today’s journey takes you to a traditional, genuine Masai Boma — a chance to step into a culture as rich and enduring as the land it calls home. Ride through the grasslands to find the circle of mud huts, hand-shaped from earth and time. Here, you’re welcomed by the Masai, known for their dignity, warmth, and brightly coloured shukas. Watch the warriors as they go about their day, and if you dare, sample the traditional mix of goat milk and blood — a rite of strength and survival. Browse handmade jewellery, each piece carrying stories woven from generations. Return to camp for a leisurely lunch and a moment of rest, knowing that the final ride still awaits. In the cool of the afternoon, saddle up for one last time. This ride isn’t about distance — it’s about feeling the wind in your hair, the power of the horse beneath you, and the freedom that only the wilderness can give. The land rushes past, batiked in golden light. Back at camp, the evening unfolds with a farewell feast beneath the stars. Laughter and stories are shared around the fire. And as night deepens, you tuck into bed, hoping to fall asleep to the most primal song of Africa — the low, distant roar of a lion.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp

Day 8: Departure
This morning, we return to civilization and transfer (about 3 hours) to the departure lodge. Time for a shower and a last lunch (drinks not included) before the transfer to Kilimanjaro airport (the return flight must not be before 3.00 pm).
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch



Sample Itinerary: 4 days - subject to changes

Please note that the itinerary described below is to be considered indicative. There are various itineraries and to better enjoy this experience, the guides can modify it to follow the natural movement and migration of the animals, according to the seasons and rains.

Day 1: Arrival to Tanzania
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and transfer (approx. 40 minutes) to the lodge where the first night is spent. Settle in and meet the other participants on the safari.
Over lunch, a briefing will take place followed by an afternoon introduction ride. This is a good opportunity for everyone to get to know their mount before heading into the National Park the following day.
The afternoon ride takes place on a wildlife estate, home to plenty of plains game like zebras, wildebeests, elands and if lucky there is a good chance of seeing one of the shyest and rarest antelopes in Africa, the Gerenuk (also know as giraffe antelope).
Back to the lodge in time for showers and sundowners before dinner is served.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Lodge

Day 2: Riding into Arusha National Park
Wake up call with tea and coffee. After breakfast, we drive for about 30 minutes to Arusha National Park gate. Here, the horses will be waiting, ready to be mounted. As we ride into the park, the vegetation will change dramatically, from open grassland to rainforest. We have good chances of seeing elephants, buffaloes, plains game, leopards and rare species such as Suni, Red Duiker, the magnificent Hartlaub's turaco and so much more. The feeling is magical as you enter into the big canopy forests.
Lunch will be set on route, with time for a small siesta. After lunch the ride continues through leopard country and as we head towards our night stop. On our way, we will pass by Margarete Trappe’s old house. The legendary lady known and remembered as the Iron lady from the first world war.Our riding safari follows Margarete's old riding paths through the holy forests of the park. 
Our camp is located at the foot of Mt Meru.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp near Mt Meru

Day 3: Fig Tree Arch Ride
This morning, you will hopefully wake up to the very talkative Colobus monkeys. Breakfast is served and shortly thereafter we ride towards the area where the film Hatari was filmed, starring John Wayne. Halfway into the morning ride, we start the climb (on horseback) to the best viewpoint of the park. Here, we will leave the horses and continue by 4X4. We will pass through the famous “fig tree arch” and then proceed to stop for lunch near a waterfall, located 2000 meters above the sea level. After lunch, we go back to the horses, riding back to camp.
Once back at our camp, there will be an option to jump into the vehicles and go visit the Momella lakes, hoping to see some hippos and beautiful water birds.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp near Mt Meru

Day 4: Departure
After breakfast, we enjoy a last morning ride in this magical place. Late morning, we will get back to the Arusha National park gate where we dismount and say farewell to our four legged friends. 
We then drive to the lodge for lunch, before a transfer back to the airport.
It is possible to add extra nights at the lodge and play polo.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Rates and Dates for Arusha Riding Safari

Dates Note: Additional departure dates on request throughout the year with a minimum of 4 participants (except for the months of April and May)

Other Info
Meeting: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Transfer: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Climate:
                                                Arusha area