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.
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: Masai Ride
After an early breakfast, we will leave Arusha Park in the direction of Mount Kilimanjaro. After about 2.5 hours, we will arrive at the meeting point with the horses. We will ride through the lands of the Masai and we will get to know them.
We stop for lunch under an acacia tree and in the afternoon ride to reach our new tented camp by sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp in Masai Country

Day 5: Plains Ride
Today, we wake up very early and ride towards the Kenyan border. After passing the "seven sisters", we stop for lunch and enjoy a siesta in the shade of the acacia trees.
In the afternoon, the landscape changes, from the leafy forest we will pass to the wider prairies and therefore we will also see the fauna change, meeting many zebras, elephants, antelopes and warthogs.
Tonight's camp offers great views of Mt Kilimanjarp, Mt Meru, Namanga and Longido.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp

Day 6: Elephants Ride
Morning riding through various landscapes on elephant tracks. Then, return to the camp for lunch and in the afternoon another safari in the saddle until sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at Camp

Day 7: Wildlife Ride
For our last riding day, we will try to trace elephants, lions and even the shy Kudu.
Dinner and overnight at the same tented camp.
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