KILIMANJARO SAFARI TRAIL - TANZANIA

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Here, between the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru we explore the West Kilimanjaro Wilderness, encountering amongst others elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and hundreds of different antelope. This is a mobile tented safari for 2-6 experienced riders at a time, making it a very personal experience. The tents are dome tents and provided with comfortable mattresses. There are toilet and hot bucket shower tents. The food is freshly cooked and of a very high standard. The horses are mostly Warm blood, some Arab and Thoroughbred and X, all ridden in bitless bridles on a loose rein with trail or treeless saddles. Your hosts are both veterinarians and ensure the condition of the horses even in the challenging conditions in the bush, are superb. This horse riding holiday is at all paces where the terrain permits.

Trip length 8 days / 7 nights Ride only price £2,189 in 2008 Departure dates 12 Jan, 9 & 16 Febr, 15 Mar, 14 Jun, 12 Jul, 9 Aug, 6 Sept, 4 Oct, 1 Nov 2008 Approximate riding time per day 4 to 6 hours. Riding ability required Confident, fit and experienced riders. Min age 12. Group size 2 - 6 Meeting point (getting there) Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania Transfer Included from meeting point Flight guide Kilimanjaro from London return £530-£790. See below for flight info. Single supplement 30% single supplement only charged if not willing to share - £659 in 2008

SAMPLE ITINERARY - KILIMANJARO SAFARI TRAIL

Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or Moshi.
Transfer to the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve, our starting point for the horse riding holiday. During the afternoon we will introduce you to the horses where you can choose one to match your size and skill. Then we embark on a ride so you can become familiar with your horse. During this ride we will explore the area along the Forest.

Day 2
Explore the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve
After a hearty breakfast we begin our horseback safari by riding into the Kilimanjaro Forest Reserve - a lush world of exotic sounds and scenery. We ride 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. Bushbucks 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 elephants feeding not far off. After a picnic lunch in the forest we return to Kipepeo Camp for a hot shower, a sun downer drink and a hearty meal.

Day 3
West Kilimanjaro Wilderness Area
Today we leave Kipepeo Camp and ride to the northwest. Our journey leads us through a mixture of open grassland and thorn bush savannah. Along the way we encounter our first plain animals. Picnic lunch on the way. We arrive at the Riverside fly camp for a late lunch. Afterwards time for some rest or for a hike to the nearby water hole for some wildlife viewing. After early dinner we start for a night-game drive. Here you can view, with the aid of a spotlight, all the nocturnal species not generally seen during the day.

Day 4
Riverside Camp
Today we ride out to search for big game. We arrive in the heart of the Game Reserve for another exciting day of wildlife viewing. In addition to the ever-present antelopes, zebras and gazelles, we'll keep an eye out for giraffes, ostriches, warthogs and maybe even a leopard. What we really hope for though, is the chance for a peaceful encounter with a herd of magnificent African elephants. Don't forget your binoculars and camera!

Day 5
North Camp
Wake up early with a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your tent. We start for a long morning ride for spotting game along the western boundary of the ranch and return for a brunch. You are in the heart of the West-Kilimanjaro wilderness and we may find seasonally large herds of Elands, sometimes up to 100 and up to 200 elephants. Expect to spot lesser kudu, waterbuck, bush pig and warthog, with some luck even predators as striped and spotted hyena, cheetah and leopard. This area is not inhibited by lion which makes it safe to wander around camp at daytime. Late afternoon we reach North Camp, our private fly camp set in the shade of an ancient African tree, with stunning views of Mt. Meru. Relax with a cool drink and take in the rich colours of the African sunset. Later, enjoy a bush dinner served under the stars.

Day 6
Game rides
Rise to an African sunrise for 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 starts crossing perfect terrain for long canters through bush and grasslands. Slowly and carefully we approach the wildlife we find along the way - lesser kudus, antelopes, gazelles and a lot of other animals. If you feel up to it, you can canter with zebras and wildebeests. This is a safari the way it was meant to be! Late afternoon we start for our last sunset-ride into the Reserve. 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 refresh with a hot bush shower before dinner. Our camp chef will impress you with his culinary skills, despite the rustic setting. After dinner, retire to the campfire and marvel at the enormous night sky before falling asleep to the sounds of the African night.

Day 7
Coffee Farm
Today we will leave West Kilimanjaro Wilderness. We explore the area of 'Tembobridge' and seek out herds of elephants 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, have a canter with zebra and eland, then we stop en route for a picnic lunch. Later afternoon we meet the truck which will transport riders and horses to the coffee farm. Enjoy the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro while sitting on the veranda with a sunset drink.

Day 8
Departure
After a relaxed breakfast there might be time to have look around the farm and visit the uncountable number of animals. This is a farm environment with many dogs, cats, geese, chickens, peacocks, and little further stables for horses, a donkey, some pigs and cattle. All the animals are very friendly and welcome a pat or scratch behind the ear! Later transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport and departure.

Please note that itineraries, inlcuding the order of the days, may change depending on game movements, weather and other local circumstances, as with many riding holidays.

The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All meals, a reasonable quantity of drinks with meals, accommodations, horses, tack, guide, round-trip transfers from the Kilimanjaro International airport, all transportation during the ride, taxes and entrance fees to national parks.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Other alcoholic beverages and gratuities, laundry and phone calls, other items of a personal nature.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.

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