Ride with Elephants Beneath the Shadows of Kilimanjaro
This seven-night mobile horse safari takes you deep into the wilds of northern Tanzania. Ride through the foothills of Mount Meru, across the open plains of the Maasai Steppe and beneath the gaze of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Along the way, encounter herds of buffalo, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest, with the chance of seeing elephants, cheetahs and, more rarely, lions. Ride across dried lakebeds, track wildlife through acacia woodlands, visit traditional Maasai bomas and spend your evenings in private mobile camps beneath vast African skies.
This is a journey for those seeking freedom, adventure and a deeper connection with nature — all from the back of a horse.
LOCATION
Arusha National Park & Maasai Steppe
BEST TIME
June – October
RIDING
4-7hrs a Day
DURATION
7 Nights - 8 Days
LODGING
1 night in a classic safari lodge + 6 nights in a private mobile camp
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Ride Beneath Kilimanjaro
Ride through open plains, acacia woodlands and wilderness landscapes beneath the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Mount Longido.
Into Elephant Territory
Follow wildlife migration routes into prime elephant territory, with the best opportunities of the journey to encounter these remarkable animals.
Traditional Maasai Culture
Visit a genuine Maasai boma, meet the Maasai and experience a traditional community living within the landscape.
Mobile Camp Wilderness
Spend six nights in a private mobile camp, moving through the wilderness and ending each day with sundowners, fireside dinners and the sounds of the bush.
YOUR JOURNEY DAY BY DAY
Arrival at the Lodge
Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into the peaceful surroundings of the lodge. Relax by the pool or on the verandah before meeting your guide for sundowners and a briefing on the days ahead.
If a polo match is taking place, there may also be an opportunity to watch the sport. Dinner follows at the lodge before retiring for the night.
For early arrivals, golf, spa treatments or a scenic horse ride can be arranged before the safari begins.
Into Arusha National Park
After breakfast, take a scenic 30-minute drive to the edge of the park, where the safari horses await.
Mount up and ride into the heart of Arusha National Park, following narrow game trails along the eastern slopes of Mount Meru. Ride through canopy forests and open glades alongside buffalo, giraffes and other wildlife.
Stop for lunch beneath the shade of a lone tree before continuing deeper into the park during the cooler afternoon. Arrive at the private mobile camp for sundowners and dinner beneath the stars.
The Hatari! Landscape
Wake to the calls of colobus monkeys before riding through the landscapes where the classic film Hatari! was filmed.
Follow trails first travelled by Margaret Trappe and ride through habitats rich in wildlife, with giraffes, bushbuck, waterbuck and dik-diks along the way.
Return to camp for lunch and a leisurely break before heading out in safari vehicles to Lake Momella in the afternoon. Look for hippos, flamingoes and water birds before enjoying a sundowner beside the lake.
Across the Maasai Steppe
After breakfast, leave by safari vehicle for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes before meeting the horses at your new destination.
The ride begins across the dry Maasai Steppe, with opportunities to see Grant's gazelles, Thomson's gazelles, zebras and wildebeest. The landscape changes from open plains to acacia shrubland and woodland.
After the rocky terrain of the early morning, the ground softens and allows for a faster pace. Stop for three hours during the heat of the day before continuing into the cooler afternoon towards camp, with views of Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and Mount Longido.
Into Elephant Territory
Ride northeast towards the mysterious formations known as the Seven Sisters.
You have been following elephant migration routes for several days, and today takes you into prime elephant territory. While wildlife can never be guaranteed, this is your best chance of encountering elephants during the safari.
Cross dried floodplains and pass traditional Maasai bomas, with the possibility of seeing Maasai warriors and the rare and endangered gerenuk. After lunch and a break from the heat, continue into dried-out lakebeds — perfect terrain for fast-paced gallops — before reaching camp in its new wilderness location.
Deeper into the Wilderness
Begin the day with hot water brought to your tent as the bush wakes around you, followed by breakfast beneath the early morning light.
Ride deeper into the wilderness, where the chances of seeing elephants, cheetahs and hyenas are high. The rolling terrain offers opportunities to pick up the pace and experience the freedom of riding through the landscape.
Return to camp for lunch and a siesta before heading out again in the late afternoon. Finish the day around the fire with a gin and tonic, followed by a three-course dinner beneath the stars.
Maasai Country & Your Final Ride
After breakfast, ride through the early morning light towards a genuine traditional Maasai boma.
Meet the Maasai, see the traditional mud huts and learn more about life within this enduring culture. There is an opportunity to browse handmade jewellery and, for those who dare, sample the traditional mixture of goat milk and blood.
Return to camp for lunch and a final afternoon ride. This last ride is about the feeling of the horse beneath you and the freedom of the wilderness before returning to camp for a farewell feast beneath the stars.
Departure
After breakfast, leave the horses behind and begin the journey back by safari vehicle.
The approximately three-hour drive takes you out of the wilderness towards Kilimanjaro International Airport, arriving at around 11am in time for your onward flight.
Your adventure ends here — for now.
INCLUDED
1 night in a classic safari lodge
6 nights in a private mobile camp
All meals and beverages, except lunch and beverages on the first night
Two-course lunches
Three-course dinners
6 morning rides of 3 hours
5 afternoon rides of 2 hours
1 afternoon game drive
Park fees
Government fees
Village fees
Private guide
NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Lunch and beverages on the first night
Gratuities — guideline of USD 30 per day / guest, or USD 240 per guest for the full safari
Visa
Medical expenses
Travel insurance
