KILIMANJARO SAFARI

8 Days | US$6,550 pp sharing | Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

In the footsteps of the greatest mammal on earth, the elephant...

OVERVIEW

Off the beaten path, away from crowds and engines, you explore Africa in the shadows of the snowy peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro, encounter wildlife, raw and genuine tribes, the true and traditional mobile safari, where you cover great distances on the back of a horse.

Up and close with the gentle giants, the Elephant.

The thrill of galloping across the Serengeti plains, surrounded by thousands of wildebeest, the greatest migration on earth. In contact with rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and freedom.

Let’s Ride!

HIGHLIGHTS

Ride in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro
Sporty, fast-riding wildlife safari
Traditional mobile tented camp
Meet local tribes people
Enjoy sundowners and campfires

OVERVIEW

FAST FACTS

7 Nights / 8 Days

Cost: From US$6,550pp sharing, Single person supplement: €70 per night.

Operator: Kaskazi Horse Safaris

Where: Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania

When: Jun - Aug, Oct, Nov

Riding level: Advanced, you must be able to control your horse cantering and galloping in open spaces.

Riders: 4 - 10 riders

Weight limit: Maximum of 85kg / 187pounds

Time in the saddle: 4 -6 hours a day

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 English tack with one hand as most of them play polo. If you would prefer a stock saddle this can be arranged prior to the safari however all horses have their own tack thats fits them so if one wants a saddle a specific horse will be matched to you ahead of time.

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 for the perfect fit to each rider.

ACCOMMODATION

Mobile Camp (6 Nights): Comfotable and spacious 4 X 4 tents with mosquito netted doors and windows to allow for ventilation but still remain insect proof. Each tent is provided with a carpet, towelrack, bedside table and water bottle, bed and cotton linen and a solar light. Outside each tent there is a veranda with chairs and a wash stand that you share with your tent partner. 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.

Permanent Tented Lodge (1 Night): The lodge is only thirty minute drive from Kilimanjaro International airport and Arusha Town, nestled between Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru and home to zebras, wildebeests, Elands, Kudu’s, other species of gazelles and antelopes including the very shy and rare Gerenuk.

Within the estate there is a large variety of different activities to offer, such as horse riding, horse polo, golf, nature walks, yoga, spa treatments and are only a stones throw away from the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar with a very convenient airstrip, only ten minutes down the road from the lodge.

GET IN TOUCH

Fill in an obligation free rider form by clicking “book now” and we will be in touch!

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ENQUIRY

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Shared accommodation, set transfers, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), drinks, guides, horses & tack including saddle bags and water for each ride.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

The price does not include international flights, travel insurance, or tips (US$25 a day recommended).

GETTING THERE

Arusha is the start off point for most safaris. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most convenient port of entry and exit, located just 45 minutes from Arusha Town and only 35 minutes drive from the lodge where your first night upon arrival is spent.

The airport is served from Europe by KLM/Northwest, which flies daily from Amsterdam.

Drop off and pick up times

Set arrival times: On the set arrival date, Kaskazi will pick up guests at any time at any place between Arusha Town and Kilimanjaro International Airport. In case of arrival a day or two earlier then the set arrival date, an additional transfer cost of $80 per vehicle (max 4 pax) will apply. This transfer fee applies within the region of Arusha Town and Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Set departure times: On the set departure date, Kaskazi will drop off guests within Arusha Town and Kilimanjaro InternationalAirport.It is of highest important that no one has a flight departure before 1500PM on this day.For guests who depart later (who prefer notto wait at the airport), a day room can be arranged prior to the safari for an extra cost.

VISA + VACCINATIONS

A visa is required for entry into Tanzaniafrom most countries. The visa may be purchased at the Tanzanian port of entry but best to apply for this online prior to arrival. It is 50 USD per person($100 for US citizen). If you are flying in via Kenya, remember the transfer visa fee of 25 USD ($50 US citizen) on top of the Tanzanian visa fee of 50 USD ($100 US citizen).

Vaccinations

Everyone must make sure to have a yellow immunisation card to display upon arrival to Tanzania. Travellers arriving directly from US and not transferring through a country with risk of yellow fever are currently not required to be vaccinated for yellow fever. However immunisation against Yellow Fever is required when entering Zanzibar. Your physician may recommend certain other immunisations or Public Health Department and a current recommendation may be obtained from the Centre for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia(www.cdc.gov).

Protection against malaria is necessary; we recommend the malaria prophylaxis Malarone. Consult your physician to obtain these prescriptions and non-prescription drugs, as your preference may not be readily available.

WHAT TO PACK

Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.

No hard suitcases, preferably soft waterproof material bags. The safaris takes place in hot climate, therefore we recommend cotton wear. Bring clothing you’ve ridden in before, to avoid rashes and blisters. To avoid rubbing on the same spot, bring different riding trousers.

All the clothing should be as nature coloured as possible, beige, khaki and nature green. The darker colours the better and avoid wearing white and red. Before the safari there will be possibilities to purchase Kaskazi Horse Safari t-shirts and caps fora fee of 20 USD per item.

As some of the terrain is thorny acacia forest, a pair of long or short chaps comes very handy. It is important to wear long sleeve shirts and to bring sunscreen along as the African sun is strong and can cause severe sunstroke. Sunglasses are highly recommended, not only for the sun but also for the dust, as during dry season in Tanzania, some areas become desert like. Bring insect repellent for the evenings, a head torch and a light raincoat. The rains are very hard to foresee and rather be prepared than unprepared.

You must bring your own helmet if you want to wear one.

Water bottle (long and narrow rather than short and wide)

2 x Riding trousers
2 x T-shirt /shirt while on safari (natural colored)
2 x Long sleeve shirts /jumpers for the evenings
1 x Loose comfortable trousers for the evenings
1 x Riding boots (preferably leather)•Flip-flops or sport sandals (showers, and airing feet)
1 x Belt (that you can attach items onto, small camera, binoculars, compass etc., you will find it handy and easy accessible when outriding).
Book to read
Hat/ Helmet (once again we highly recommend all riders to wear helmets, great protection for your head but also from the sun)
Chaps(great protection for the end less acacia thorns)
Light rain coat / poncho (IMPORTANT)
Scarf /bandana (for dust, coolant, sun protector)
1 pair of riding socks per day
1 pair of underwear per day - Staff traditionally do not do ladies smalls, washing powder is therefore available upon request for your convenience.
1 x pair of shorts (for travelling days, siesta times and if spending time on the beach)

MEALS

The food is of great standard with professionally trained bush chefs. Mark English, a gourmet chef from South Africa, trains and every now and then joins us out on safari. Himself or his trained chefs creates delicious and highly entertaining dishes.

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.

Drinks are locally sourced and a large variety is brought along on safari.

INTERNET

An Airtel sim card has good reception in the national parks.

You can by an eSim online before you arrive here.

AVAILABILITY & PRICES

2024/25: US$6,550 per person based on 2 sharing accommodation for 8 days / 7 nights. Single person supplement: $70 per night

Dates:

01 - 08 or 15 - 22 June 2024

29 June - 06 July 2024

13 - 20 July 2024

27 July - 03 Aug 2024

10 - 17 Aug 2024

04 - 11 Sept 2024

30 Oct - 06 Nov 2024

2025

04 - 11 June 2025, 18 - 25 June 2025

02 - 09 July 2025, 16 - 23 July 2025

30 July to 05 August 2025, 13 - 20 August 2025, 23 - 30 August 2025

10 - 20 September 2025, 20 - 30 September 2025

Fill in an obligation free Rider Form to book and we will get back to you with more information.

ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), which is divided into 100 cents. It's recommended to exchange your currency to Tanzanian shillings upon arrival, as most vendors and merchants in the country do not accept foreign currency. However, some hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops may accept US dollars or Euros, but it's always best to have Tanzanian shillings on hand to avoid any inconvenience. It's also essential to note that outside of major cities, ATM machines and currency exchange facilities can be limited, so it's advisable to have cash in hand when traveling to remote areas.

Time Zone: GMT+3

Tanzania lies just south of the equator and on the whole enjoys a tropical climate.There are two rainy seasons, the short and the long rains. The long rains called Masika fall from mid-march to May, and the shorter rains called Mvuli fall from November to mid-January. The cooler climate is during the dry season and lasts from May to October.

The hottest months of the year are usually December to February, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. From June to September, the temperatures are cooler, averaging between 15°C to 20°C during the day.

YOUR ITINERARY

Please note that itineraries are subject to weather and your guide may change the itinerary if needs must with your safety in mind.

Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be met and transferred around 30 minutes to the lodge for the first night, a comfortable lodge situated beautifully on a golf, polo and wildlife estate. Meet up with the rest of the group, followed by sundowner and dinner. If there is a polo game on, sundowner will be at the polo club house.
No Riding Today
Wake up calls with tea and coffee, breakfast is served anytime from early hours. After breakfast at around 1100AM, we drive for about twenty minutes to Arusha National park gate. Here the horses will be waiting, ready to be mounted and shortly after we will ride into one of the most beautiful parks in East Africa. Here the vegetation will change dramatically, from open grassland to rainforest.
With good chances of seeing elephants, buffaloes, all your 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, we will pass by Margarete Trappe’s old house. The legendary lady known and remembered as the Iron lady from the first world war. “If, as children, we were thrilled by Buffalo Bill we should have been still more spellbound by Mrs. Trappe’s adventures, the adventures of the fearless woman with her two legendary horses, Comet and Diamond, and her two inseparable Alsatians. Like a phantom she would suddenly appear, like a phantom she would vanish; as intimate with wild beasts as though they were tame.” These are some of the tales about Margarete who’s old riding paths this horse safari follows through the holy forests of the park. Arrive to camp, based on the foot of Mt Meru in time for showers and sundowners then dinner under the stars.
This morning you will hopefully wake up to the very talkative Colobus monkeys. Breakfast is served and shortly thereafter we mount and directions are taken towards the area where the film Hatari was filmed, starring John Wayne. Thereafter half way into the morning ride we start the climb (on horseback), aiming to reach the “Fig Tree Arch”, a massive fig tree arch, big enough to fit five horses underneath the arch. The ride continues until we reach lunch, beautifully located in the rain forest next to a waterfall. We are now on about 2000 meters above sea level.
After lunch we start heading back towards camp, passing by another 30-meter high waterfall on route back. After returning to 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. Sundowners at the lakes before heading back to camp for showers and dinner.
You wake up with the sun and a big breakfast is served, thereafter it is time to get on your horse. Today we ride out of Arusha National Park. The directions are eastbound heading towards Mount Kilimanjaro and leaving Mount Meru behind us like a shadow. The day’s ride is long and amongst Tanzanian farmland and the Massai steppe, its scenic with many cultural interactions as the rides goes along. We make use of the cooler hours in the morning and try to cover as much ground as possible.
The lunch is served under a big acacia, sometimes near to a dam where the Massai’s water their cattle and we our horses. You will have a good 3- hour’s stop for lunch, with time for a siesta to regain some strength. The afternoon enters into wildlife areas again, continues across opened plains, making sure to reach our night stop before the sun hits the horizon.
Early wake up with coffee and tea before a bush breakfast is served. The day will be spent tracking the biggest land living mammal, the elephants. The terrain differs from thick scrublands to acacia woodland.
Today we will return to camp for lunch and head out for another ride in the afternoon.
Before sunset, we return to camp to enjoy another night in this remote and remarkable place on earth.
Early wake up calls followed by an English breakfast. Everyone mounts their companion and the safari starts heading towards the so-called Seven Sisters. After have crossed the seven hills (seven sisters) we ride through Sinya Village and continue towards lunch, served under a shady tree. The terrain varies from opened grassland to beautiful canopy forests.
The day offers good chance of seeing plains game such as zebras, giraffes and wildebeests but most important is the presence of the shy antelope, the Gerenuk that we will keep an eye for as we ride along.
The night is spent at an astonishing place, hopefully the night is clear and you will get the feeling being watched by four powerful mountains, Mt Meru, Namanga, Longido and the most legendary of all, Mt Kilimanjaro.
Wake up with the sun, taking directions for the Kenyan border. This day will be spent tracking the footsteps of the biggest land living mammal, the elephant. Hopefully we have good luck tracking and get the chance to see these giants from the back of a horse.
The night will be spent overlooking the pans with its plains game on constant alert for predators. Hopefully this night is clear, as apart from the view of the mountains within this area, the night sky is a mind-blowing site.
The last morning us upon us and the safari has come to its end, enjoy a big breakfast before directions are taken towards civilization, depending on road conditions about 3 hours journey back to the airport.
We will arrive back to the lodge and have a last lunch together. There will be an option for a shower for everyone however for those who fly out late please let us know if you would like to book a dayroom.
The adventure has come to its end and reality is waiting around the corner. Safari ends...for this time