Safari Information

Mobile camp accommodation

Our mobile tents are of our own home-made design. They are comfortable and spacious, being 4 X 4 meters with mosquito netted doors and windows to allow for ventilation but remain insect proof. Each tent is provided with a carpet, towel rack, bedside table and water bottle, bed and cotton linen and a solar light. Outside each tent there is a veranda with chairs and a washstand 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. Our motto is "Rhinos cover it please do the same". There is a small mound of dirt with a trowel next to the toilet seat for this purpose. The shower is a traditional star gazing canvas bucket.

Meals

The food is of great standard with professionally trained bush chefs. Our chefs create delicious and highly entertaining dishes, breakfast is of traditional full English style, served with 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, served with newly baked bread and fresh salads and herbs.

Drinks

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

Horses

The horses are all purpose trained safari horses, with a mix of local breeds, cross breeds and thoroughbreds. Close to all of them play polo and therefore used to be ridden with one hand (neck reined). This allows you to take photos and dig into your saddlebag while out on safari. 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.

Tack

All the horses come with their own tack. Most of them in all-round English saddles (without the kneepad) and each horse has its own headcollar, bridle and bit. Each rider / saddle will carry a saddlebag with essentials out on safari.

Riding ability

Due to the nature of our horse safaris we only cater for experienced riders; therefore, one must be confident and able to control their horse (most thoroughbred crosses) at varying speeds on diverse terrain, ride one handed, rise at the trot, and maintain a secure, balanced raised seat out of the saddle while cantering / galloping for a longer distance. A fit and proficient rider is of big advantage out on safari.

Weight limit

Maximum weight is strictly 85 kg (13.5 stones). Other arrangements could be organized subject to availability and would have to be requested well in advance.

Safety

Out on safari the lead guide is armed with either a bullwhip or a rifle / revolver, we communicate over radios and cell phones, with a mobile station in each vehicle and a sat phone is always kept in camp.

Guiding

All guides are qualified and professionally trained, with good knowledge about Tanzania’s fauna and flora. A keen interest is taken in the smaller creatures as well as bigger game. The cultural visits bring in knowledge of medicinal and traditional beliefs about Tanzania’s trees and plants.

Groups

Mobile, multiple day horse safaris, a maximum of 10 riding guests (maximum, 14 guests including non-riders) with exceptions for private bookings, where we can accommodate 14 riders maximum.

Time spent in the saddle

We aim to do between 4-6 hours in the saddle a day. During the rides we will stop for drinks and refreshments and a three-hour lunch break, with time for a siesta. The terrain will vary and some legs will have to be done by foot, which is also a good opportunity to rest the horse’s backs and loosen up the rider’s muscles.

Routes and the terrain

the terrain varies from place to place, everything from rainforest to open savannah, acacia woodland, and Doum Palm forests to really thick vegetation. Open savannah caters for long, adrenaline thrilling gallops while in thick bush all ears and eyes must be alert for any game we might encounter. Depending on climate and rainfall we will cross-riverbeds and ride along the shores of beautiful lakes. Apart from game viewing the landscape and the scenery mustn’t be forgotten, the rides are in some of the most spectacular areas in Africa.

Climate

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-April 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.

Non-riders

for those who are not keen horse riders or not confident enough, options for vehicle safari, bicycle and walking safaris are available and we have made special itineraries specifically for this as an alternative, allowing your non riding friends and family to join the adventure.

Children

We do allow children, depending on their riding ability. However, for group departures, minimum age is 14-year-old. And they must be confident and strong enough to ride a full-sized horse.

Single supplement

If the guest is unwilling to share a tent, there is an additional charge of 90 USD per person per night. (However, this can be discussed depending on route and number of people on safari). We never mix different sex and if there are odd numbers out on safari, we do not charge the extra single supplement, this fee only applies upon request. PLEASE NOTE when you pay the extra SUPP you get your own sleeping tent however you share the toilet and shower unit with another person due to logistics (same sex).