Includes: Airfare Johannesburg-Kilimanjaro-Johannesburg on Air Tanzania, airport transfers, accommodation for 3 nights at Makoa Farm in cottage or guesthouse/room, accommodation for 7 nights in fly camps (dome tents), including all bedding, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the day.
Alcoholic drinks included in the evening, activities and horse riding as specified, all riding equipment German and English speaking guide, luggage handling, entrance fees to reserves.

Excludes: Tanzania visa, travel insurance, health requirements (yellow fever, malaria), gratuities, all items of a personal nature and any service not specified.

All prices quoted are subject to change due to airfare increases or any other unforeseen circumstance.

Please note:
This trip is suitable for experienced riders only.
Safari riding is challenging and consists of riding through difficult country often in close proximity to 'wild' animals. As such, we require our clients to be experienced and confident riders able to deal with the varying situations that may arise in the African bush. We spend 5 to 7 hours in the saddle each day. We can also offer novice and intermediate rides - please enquire.
The horses are much loved, well mannered and in excellent condition. A variety of reliable, for safari-purpose trained horses like Partbred and Anglo-Arab, Thoroughbred, Trakehner, Bavarian Warmblood, Australian Brumby etc. ranging from 14 - 16.2 hands (140 - 165 cm) high - there is a horse to suit everyone.
Tack is usually bitless (Hackamore and Sidepull). There are good quality English, Australian Stock, Endurance and Western trail saddles.
Riders weight limit is strictly 95 kg.
This itinerary serves only as a guide. All scenarios are dependent on the season and the migration of game. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary in any way. Local weather conditions may also affect game movements.
Either both or at least one of the owners will accompany each safari as guide/s and will be equipped with a first aid kit, radio and GPS.
Please supply us with information regarding any special occasions, dietary requirements or medical conditions before departure and with a copy of your medical insurance. Anyone with severe allergies, heart or respiratory conditions or any other physical limitations must consult their physician. You will be required to sign an indemnity form on arrival.

What to bring:
A light-weight riding hat (wearing one is your responsibility)
A shade hat with strap
Bush color riding clothes (not white)
Cotton riding trousers
Light-weight riding shoes
Long sleeved shirts
A jersey, fleece or multi pocketed waistcoat
A lightweight, waterproof windbreaker jacket
Sun block, lip salve
Film, camera and binoculars ona strong shoulder strap,preferably in a (waterproof) pouch to be secured to belt

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Depart Johannesburg on Air Tanzania flight at 13h40 to Kilimanjaro via Dar es Salaam, arriving Kilimanjaro 20h35. You will be met on arrival and transferred to Makoa Farm, the starting point of the safari. Overnight on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 - Enjoy a relaxed morning on the farm. During the afternoon we will introduce you to the horses and 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 ride over farmland, passing an old historical bridge to reach another farm located on the way to the forest reserve. Our horses will spend the night here whereas we will return to Makoa Farm after a sunset drink.

Day 3 - After an early breakfast we will be transferred to the farm where the horses are already waiting for us. This is a day which offers wonderful insights into Chagga lifestyle and culture. The Chagga tribe populates the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro and successfully farmed here long before any explorers reached this spot. We will ride through villages, small holder farmland, banana and coffee plantations and scenic valleys. All this together with lots of chatting to the local population who take a real interest in our horses and guests. This is a demanding ride and we have to lead the horses through some steep areas until we reach our camp in the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve.

Day 4 - Wake up to the sounds of the forest. During the morning, riders and horses enjoy some time off. This is a good chance to take a walk around the area of the camp - try to identify the tracks of secret night visitors. You will be surprised by the variety of birds present. In the afternoon we set out on horseback to visit the national forestry projects in the area. We return just in time for a sunset drink and dinner served by our bush kitchen.

Day 5 - Today we explore the vast indigenous forests of the Kilimanjaro Reserve - a world of lush, 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 we return to camp for a hot shower, a sundowner drink and a delicious meal.

Day 6 - We leave the forest camp and ride to the northwest. Our journey takes us through a mixture of open grassland and thornbush savannah. Along the way we encounter our first plains animals. We arrive at the Riverside fly camp for a late lunch. Afterwards there's time for some rest or for a hike to the nearby waterhole for some wildlife viewing. After an early dinner we enjoy a night game drive. With the aid of a spotlight you can view all the nocturnal species not generally seen during the day.

Day 7 - Today we ride out in search of big game in the heart of the reserve. In addition to the ever-present antelope, zebra and gazelle, we'll keep an eye out for giraffe, ostrich, warthog and maybe even a leopard. What we really hope for though is the chance for a peaceful meeting with a heard of magnificent African elephant. Don't forget your binoculars and camera!

Day 8 - Wake up early with a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your tent. We start off on a long morning ride spotting game along the western boundary of the ranch. Return to camp for brunch. You are in the heart of the West Kilimanjaro wilderness and we may find seasonally large herds of eland - sometimes up to 100, and up to 200 elephant. Expect to spot lesser kudu, waterbuck, bush pig and warthog; with some luck even predators such as striped and spotted hyena, cheetah and leopard. This area is not inhabited by lion which makes it safe to wander around camp during the day. Late afternoon we reach North Camp, our private fly camp set in the shade of an ancient tree with stunning views of Mt Meru. Relax with a cool drink and take in the rich colours of the sunset. Later enjoy a bush dinner served under the stars.

Day 9 - Rise to an African sunrise and 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. Our ride today crosses the perfect terrain for long canters. Slowly and carefully we approach the wildlife we find along the way - lesser kudu, antelope, gazelle and lots of other animals. If you feel up to it, you can canter with the zebra and wildebeest. This is a safari the way it was meant to be Late afternoon we set off on our last sunset ride. Evening rides are especially good for photography because of the beautiful light, and with photos in mind, it will be a calm ride. Returning to camp there is time to freshen up with a hot bush shower before dinner. Our camp chef will impress you with her culinary skills, despite the rustic setting. After dinner, return to the campfire and marvel at the enormous night sky before falling asleep to the sounds of the night.

Day 10 - We leave the West Kilimanjaro wilderness and explore the area of 'Tembo bridge' to 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, canter with zebra and eland, then stop en route for a picnic lunch. Later in the afternoon we meet the truck which will transport riders and horses back to Makoa Farm. Enjoy the view of Mt Kilimanjaro whilst sitting on the veranda as we toast our riding adventure with a glass of champagne as the sun sets on Kilimanjaro. Later we continue our celebration over a farewell dinner.

Day 11 - Early morning transfer to Kilimanjaro airport. Depart on Air Tanzania flight at 08h00 via Dar es Salaam, arriving in Johannesburg at 13h00.