Ride in the Shadow of Mount Meru
Your journey begins at a classic safari lodge on a golf and wildlife estate, set in the shadow of Mount Meru, where the African wilderness unfolds in whispers and wonder, time slows—lunch under the canopies, an exciting horse ride through sunlit grasslands, and sundowners as the sky burns gold. Each day draws you deeper into the heart of the bush: riding along ancient game trails, past herds of giraffe and buffalo, following the footsteps of legendary explorers like Margaret Trappe. You’ll sleep beneath a ceiling of stars, wake to the call of monkeys, and trace the wild curves of a land rich with memory and magic. By the time you reach the park gates on the final day, the adventure will have etched itself into your heart—a tapestry of hooves, laughter, stars, and silence.
LOCATION
Arusha National Park
BEST TIME
June – October
DURATION
4 Days – 3 Nights
LODGING
1 night in a lodge + 2 nights in private mobile camp
RIDING
2 morning rides + 2 afternoon rides
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Among Buffalo and Mountain
Ride through the landscapes of Arusha National Park, alongside buffaloes, giraffes and other wildlife, following narrow game trails around the eastern slopes of Mount Meru.
The Mount Meru Wilderness
Explore a mosaic of misty forests, sparkling lakes, rolling hills and ancient craters, with giraffes moving through highland clearings and flamingoes gathering along the shores of the Momella Lakes.
Following the Iron Lady
Follow the historic trails of Margaret Trappe, one of East Africa’s first female professional hunters, whose life and love of horses became part of the history of the Mount Meru wilderness.
Beneath a Canopy of Stars
Spend two nights in a private mobile camp in the wilderness, with evenings beneath the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
YOUR JOURNEY DAY BY DAY
Into the Foothills of Mount Meru
Upon arrival at the lodge, guests are welcomed and shown to their accommodations, with time to settle in and refresh after the journey. A leisurely lunch is served, followed by a safari briefing covering the upcoming adventures and important safety information. In the late afternoon, guests set out on a scenic horseback ride across the resident wildlife estate, on the foothills of Mount Meru, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. As the sun begins to set, head back to the lodge for sundowners in a picturesque setting, followed by dinner.
Into the Heart of Arusha National Park
The day begins with a refreshing wake-up and a hearty breakfast at the lodge, before a scenic 30-minute drive to the edge of the park where the safari horses await. Once mounted, the journey into the heart of the park begins, riding alongside buffaloes, giraffes and other wildlife along the narrow game trails skirting the eastern slopes of Mount Meru. The ride continues through canopy forests and open glades, with a relaxed lunch beneath the shade of a lone tree. The afternoon ride continues deeper into the park before arriving at the mobile camp for sundowners and dinner under a canopy of stars.
Following the Trails of Hatari
Day three might begin with the distinctive wake-up calls of colobus monkeys echoing through the trees. After breakfast at camp, riders mount up and set off toward the landscapes where the classic film Hatari was shot, starring John Wayne. The morning ride passes through scenic terrain filled with wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, waterbuck, bushbuck and warthogs. After lunch and a peaceful siesta at camp, guests head out by safari jeep toward the Momella Lakes, where sundowners are served, with the possibility of seeing hippos, flamingoes and water birds before returning to camp for dinner.
In the Footsteps of the Iron Lady
The last day begins with an early breakfast at camp before riders head out to explore the remote bushlands of Mount Meru, following historic trails once used by the legendary “Iron Lady,” Margaret Trappe. The ride pays tribute to her legacy and the trails she rode with her favourite thoroughbreds, Comet and Diamond. With luck, the day may offer a glimpse of elephants moving quietly through the trees. The ride concludes at the park gate in the late morning, bringing the adventure to a close.
INCLUDED
Four days and three nights
One night in a lodge
Two nights in a private mobile camp
All meals and beverages, apart from beverages on the first night
Two-course lunches
Three-course dinners
Two afternoon rides
Two morning rides
One afternoon game drive
Park fees / government fees
Private guide
NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Beverages on the first night
Gratuities — guideline of USD 30 per day / guest, or USD 120 per guest for the full safari
Visa
Medical expenses
Travel insurance
Ride with the Rhythm of Meru
