The scenario for the movies “Hatari” and “Momella – A Farm in Africa“ made the wilderness Arusha National known to the world years back.
Arusha is a perfect destination for horse riders seeking a completely different experience, riding in Arusha National Park will mean herds of buffalo, giraffe, probably some hippos and elephants.
Arusha National Park encompasses Mt. Meru which is the 2nd highest mountain in Tanzania and the 5th highest mountain in Africa. The forest is beautiful but very dense and there are swamps, rocks, steep areas. The park authorities prepared beautiful tracks for the horses so there is no ride on the roads that are used by vehicles. The area is really green; there are black and white Colobus and other monkeys about. Wildlife viewing is pretty good, especially exciting are really close encounters with buffalos and giraffes. There are good numbers of various antelope and occasionally we have encountered spotted hyena and leopard. Although there are some chances for rather slow canter these are really limited. However, even if riding is slow it still means riding with big and potentially dangerous game so participants need to be fairly good attached to the horse in case we need to take off to avoid an attack.
Remember! A parallel non-rider companion program can be prepared.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TANZANIA
Pick up from airport and drive to a 358-acre plantation and horse farm which is in the lower slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The house and rooms are in a natural environment where wild animals are strolling around and have a view of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
Once in the farm and settled you will be introduced to the horses and go on a ride so you can become familiar with them, tack and riding style. This introducing ride follows the boundary of the farm through plantations, bush and grass land which is used for grazing horses and cattle. Wild animals also inhabit the area; these include Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, duikers, bushbucks, reedbucks and bush pigs as well as nocturnal animals like aardvarks, porcupines and jackals, yes, This Is Africa, we all live together.
In the evening we will have a briefing on all details about the safari and riding among wildlife.
Accommodation: Guest house / cottages at Farm.
DAY 2: RIDING IN ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
A drive will get us to Arusha National Park from where we soon will depart on horseback. Expect to see buffalo, zebra, giraffe, antelope and more at the “Little Serengeti”.
After a short stop and a saddle picnic we continue towards Mount Meru, we will find our mobile camp set up in the middle of the fantastic setting of this impressive mountain. Spacious tents of 3m x 3.80m are equipped with comfortable beds and linen, private porch and a bath tent with toilet, sink and a shower, which the crew fills up with hot water every night.
A hot shower a delicious meal and the voices of Africa that are the background, a once in a lifetime experience of Africa.
Accommodation: Private mobile camping inside Arusha NP. All meals and drinks included (Except for spirits/liquor)
DAY 3: BUFFALO GLADES, FIG TREE ARCH AND MORE
Wake up with a cup of steaming tea in the tent. We will head off to the buffalo glade where these massive animals can be watched excitingly close whilst they are grazing or resting. Watch out for giraffe and antelope, also warthogs which feel most comfortable in close proximity of a buffalo herd.
We will be back at camp for lunch and a siesta, the evening ride will lead us up the mountain through a “fairytale” forest with tree ferns and moss. The “Fig Tree Arch”, is a well-known landmark of Arusha Park, a natural feature created by assorted animals and birds. A few meters further there is a breathtaking view over the West Kilimanjaro area and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: Private mobile camping inside Arusha NP. All meals and drinks included (Except for spirits/liquor)
DAY 4: TULULUSIA WATERFALL AND MORE GAME TRACKING FROM HORSEBACK
This morning will start by descending to the Tululusia Waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. A long ride will lead us over Momella plains and through dry forest and savannah where we look forward to seeing giraffe, buffalo, antelope and other game. We will enjoy some faster paces and there will also be some ground to be covered. We will head towards the Momella lakes.
We will pass by the most scenic place in the area, this time overlooking the Momella lakes. This point has a stunning 360 degree view and on clear days you can see Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, Masailand in the South and the ecosystem of the Momella lakes a bit further away. Our crew will await us with lunch.
After lunch we continue our ride to the small Lake Longil a little further away. This is home to hippo and buffalo. Soon we will arrive at our mobile camp at the Ngongongare site, located close to a spring and with lots of evidence in and around the camp that indicates that we might expect nocturnal visitors…
Accommodation: Private mobile camping inside Arusha NP. All meals and drinks included (Except for spirits/liquor)
DAY 5: TRACKING ELEPHANTS
Back on the horse southwards, riding mostly downhill through thick forest. We will use the paths of the “big ears”, as elephants know best how and where to climb the steep hills. We keep our eyes open and all senses alert as this is again favorite forest for elephant and buffalo.
A bit further a beautiful trail through the forest has been hacked out of dense bush and forest for the horses, leading to the “Little Serengeti” that will provide you with the picture to stay in your memories. The bush surrounding the Little Serengeti offers perfect feeding ground for the elephants and we will spend some time tracking the giants.
From here to gate and back to farm, shower dinner and sharing experiences…
Accommodation: Guest house / cottages at Farm. All meals and drinks included (Except for spirits/liquor)
DAY 6: FARM AND DEPARTURE
In the morning you may have some time to enjoy the farm and its habitants, there will be a day room available for you, so you can shower and relax after riding and before your departure.
This is where your safari comes to an end but plans for the next trip evolve! Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or to your next destination.
The rate includes:
Days nights on a full board basis in locations and the camps as described in the itinerary, during the day non-alcoholic drinks, in the evening also alcoholic drinks (sunset-drinks, wine/beer for dinner), horse including equipment, back-up vehicle, all transfers and luggage handling from and to Kilimanjaro International Airport, English speaking guides.
Please note: For the mobile ride our private mobile tented camp will be set on remote and scenic places and will cater only for our private group.
Not included are:
Personal expenses (e.g. phone calls), tips and gratuities, imported spirits and Champaign, national and international flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport!
Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice and in the event of a change on government taxes, levies, concession / wildlife / community fees Samless Adventures reserves the right to pass on any increase to the clients.
Please note that the itineraries only serve as a guide, all scenarios are dependent on the season and the migration of game. We reserve the right to alter the itineraries in any way. Local weather conditions may also affect game movements.
Riding ability:
We cater for ‘Good Intermediate +’ riders on safari rides (i.e. strong intermediate and advanced riders). We will take beginners and novices for farm rides only.
In addition riders need to have a fair general physical condition.
The minimum riding requirement for safari rides is the ability to post to the trot for ten minutes at a time and be able to canter with a secure seat, controlling the horse’s speed and direction at all times. Safari rides require prior experience in riding over rough terrain as during the rides we may cross steep valleys, river with seasonally strong current and dry river beds.
At some of these places we will dismount and lead the horses, for this reason riders need to have a fair general physical condition and need to be able to mount unassisted at any time.
We spend 4 to 6 hours per day in the saddle.
Important for South Amboseli Ride, Kilimanjaro Big Game Trail and Wilderness Rides: You need to be able to react to the movement of wildlife which may startle the horse. You may also be required to gallop out of trouble so the minimum ability for these rides are ‘Strong Intermediate’.
It will be at the discretion of the company whether you will be permitted to ride, taking into consideration the safety and enjoyment of the group as a whole.
An ability questionnaire.
Please answer the following questions for the booking:
Your assessment:
Please mark your own assessment of your riding experience next to the paragraph:
We reserve the right to judge a rider’s competence and ability. A rider, who in the sole opinion of the guide is unable to control their horse or who poses a threat to themselves, their horse, or another rider in the group, will be dismounted. For your own safety, please be totally honest with us about your riding experience.
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.
The terrain can be uneven with areas of rocks, clumps of grass, thorns and holes. These obstacles can sometimes not be seen from far and therefore require a quick reaction of the horses – they will confidently jump or move around rocks, stones, thorns or holes. The horses are sure footed. They will bring the riders safe to where we want to go, however the rider is expected to be balanced enough to follow the movement of the horse.
Tack is usually bitless (Hackamore and Sidepull).
There are good quality treeless (Startrek / Trekker), Endurance (Podium) and Trail Saddles (Sommer, Trailrider / Leon Liversage).
14 stone / 200 lbs or 90 kg
(in exceptional cases 15 stone, 210 lbs or 95 kg but only if you are an advanced rider). The horses will not carry a heavier weight than this.
There is a specific maximum weight each horse can safely carry and it is for this reason that we will weigh riders before assigning their horse.
Every ride will be accompanied by one of the owners as guide and a back-up rider and will be equipped with a GPS, first aid kit and mobile phone.
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.
All guests are required to take out full medical and travel insurance including Flying Doctors Membership, details (e.g. membership number, emergency phone numbers) of which must be submitted prior to arrival.
Please bear in mind that some insurance only cover you if a helmet was worn, in case of an injury.
You can book the membership with one of the the Flying-Doctor-Services (from 15USD to 25 USD depending on stay) through the internet:
AMREF: http://flydoc.org/products (Maisha Tourist Silver).
Or Flying Doctors: www.flyingdoctorsafrica.org
Pls let us know if you like us to book the Flying Doctors membership for you.
Please give us details of your health insurance and flying doctor membership where it applies:
Insurance Company:…………………………………………………………
Policy-No.: ……………………………………………………………………………
Date of Policy:…………………………………………………………………….
Tel. No. in case of emergency:……………………………………………………………..
Riding and your stay with us is on your own risk! The company cannot be held responsible for any damage or injury occurring during horseback safari or your stay on Farm or during riding or any other activities arranged at the Farm .
Information for riders taking malaria prophylaxis: Bring a good insect repellent and use long-sleeved shirts/trousers for the evening hours.
Deet-based products are very efficient but even most natural Citronella-based products are working really well.
There are Deet-products (e.g. NoBite) which can be used to treat clothes before you travel, the deterring effect will last for your whole holiday. Make sure they are effective against ticks, too – wildlife area is tick area!
Most guests seem to tolerate Malarone or Doxicycline well. If you choose other drugs for malaria prophylaxis then consider that some drugs cause physical problems which might have a negative impact on your riding holiday.
You will be required to sign an indemnity form on arrival.
Would you please share some more information so we can ensure that your holiday with us will be an enjoyable one:
In order to pre-choose your best safari companion please let us know on what type of horse you would feel most comfortable during your holiday with us:
Please state here if any dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, allergies, etc):
Do you have any special interests or expectations on what you like to see and/or experience during your holiday with us?
Is there any special occasion for/during your holiday with us?
Please let us know any further information you feel we should know:
I declare that I read the information and the above details given show a true reflection of my riding ability and experience. I realize that inaccurate information will limit my enjoyment of the ride and could prove to be dangerous.
Signed:
Date:
Print Name:
