COFFEE FARM STAY - TANZANIA
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A great riding holiday where you will spend a week on a coffee farm set at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Stay in a chalet with beautiful views of the snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro from private balconies. All rooms have en suite hot showers, basin and toilet. Meals at the farm are taken on a large netted veranda with views of Kilimanjaro. There is a large living room with fire lit every night in the colder months. There is riding on the slopes of the coffee farm and plains below. Plains game is encountered on your rides. Here you are free to relax between your twice daily rides or you can take part in many activities. See below for a suggested itinerary. Your hosts are both veterinarians and ensure the condition of the horses even in the challenging conditions in the bush, are superb. They are very welcoming and are helpful with requests for unusual items. This is a farm environment with many dogs, cats, geese, chickens, peacocks, and a 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!
| Trip length | 8d/7n or 15d/14n |
| Ride only price | 2009:
7 nights - £1,109
14 nights - £2,089 |
| Departure dates | 2009: 17 Jan, 14 Feb, 14 Mar, 13 Jun, 11 Jul, 15 Aug, 12 Sep, 10 Oct, 7 Nov, 5 Dec
Please note - these dates are shared with the Hot Springs ride but only one ride will operate on each date. Please contact us for latest information. |
| Approximate riding time per day | 4 to 6 hours. |
| Riding ability required | Confident, fit and experienced riders.
Novice riders by arrangement. |
| Group size | 2 - 6 |
| Meeting point (getting there) | Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania |
| Transfer | Included from meeting point |
| Flight guide | Kilimanjaro to London return £530-£790. See below for flight info. |
| Single supplement | 2009:
7 nights - £335 only charged if not willing to share
14 nights - £629 only charged if not willing to share |
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SAMPLE ITINERARY - COFFEE FARM STAY
Kilimanjaro looks on as you discover an area of Tanzania far off the beaten path. On this horse riding holiday, you will experience the African landscape from horseback - a refreshing change from being enclosed in a safari vehicle. We ride through wilderness and farmland, enjoying stunning scenery with opportunities for viewing Kilimanjaro up close.
Day 1: Arrive Coffee Farm
Arrive at the farm, nestled into the southern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. If you arrive early enough, you can meet the horses, choose one for your safari and begin an introductory ride, exploring the plantation and getting to know your horse.
Farming in Africa may be a little different from what you are used to. We ride through the coffee plantation and along natural grass and bush land. In addition to the expected farm animals like cattle, horses, pigs, chicken and geese, the area is also inhabited by a variety of wild creatures, most obvious the noisy ones such as Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, and vervet monkeys.
Day 2: Coffee Farm – Experience
The day begins with tea or coffee served on the farmhouse veranda with a breathtaking view of Kilimanjaro. Then we head out on horseback for a half day’s exploration of the area. The 358-acre farm consists of coffee, crops and also natural bush and grasslands. In addition to traditional farm animals, we share the farm with many others: There is small, mostly nocturnal game like duiker, bush pig, jackal, serval, genet and civet cat, aardvark, even striped and occasionally spotted hyena and leopard. However, these animals are rather shy and very difficult to spot. During the day you have a good chance of seeing Sykes or Vervet monkeys, savannah baboons and a seemingly endless variety of birds.
In the distance we will see small homesteads of the local Chagga people and later we will stop at a scenic spot for some refreshments. From here you can choose to descend on foot to a waterfall and caves that are home to a big colony of mountain fruit bats. Although you might think they should be sleeping, they seem to enjoy frolicking in the spray of the waterfall. If you are lucky we may also catch sight of Freddie, the two meter long monitor lizard. Lunch will be taken at the farmhouse.
In the afternoon we will introduce you to the numerous farm residents: Makoa is heaven for many domesticated and wild animals, some of which where brought to our veterinary clinic when injured or orphaned. Those who could not be re-introduced into the wild, due to injuries, live with us and play an important role of animal ambassadors to enable local children a “hands-on”-experience on animals for a deeper understanding of nature and conservation. See how animals interact with each other and humans, take the chance to accompany bush pigs or banded mongooses on a walk, observe the perfect beauty of a 3-legged serval cat or feed our wild bush babies in the evening. Most of the animals are very close to humans and they believe that all the visitors are here to give them a scratch behind their ears...
Day 3: Dayride into Masailand
This horseback trail leads through farmland and bush deep into Masasiland. We pass a historical bridge and move far down inside a fertile valley. Our crew prepared a delicious lunch at a scenic point.
Later on we return on another way to the farm, crossing the steep gorge of the Kikafu river. When we reach the Kikafu River Gorge, we’ll dismount and lead the horses into this enchanting area to explore.
After a small break or some exploring of the riverbanks on foot we make our way further through bush- and farmland, passing flower and coffee plantations.
Day 4: Excursions to the Hot Springs
Wake up early in the morning for an early morning ride. The ride leads you through Makoa-Farm and you have a good chance to meet some of the wildlife who shares the farm with us.
We come back for breakfast and depart by 4xvehicle to the Hot Springs to see more of this unusual ecosystem. We retrace the footsteps of Dr. Livingstone on a guided walking tour through numerous springs and small streams. Keep alert for exotic birds, different types of monkeys, and for crocodiles! We return to the springs for lunch and for a refreshing plunge into the spring, followed by an afternoon for leisure.
Late afternoon we drive back to the farm, arriving there just after sunset.
Day 5: Kilimanjaro-Flight, Masaimarket and Masailand
This morning we suggest a flight around Mt. Kilimanjaro inside 4-seater Cessna (This is not included in the rate, booking on extra charge). Depending on the weather this might be arranged for another day. Enjoy a fabulous view of the glaciers of Mt. Kilimanjaro and see from here which places you will visit during the next days.
We will be back for breakfast and afterwards you have the chance to visit a local Masai market. You will be surprised what items Masai trade in and what they will take home, often multiple day-journeys away, carried on their donkeys back.
After lunch we depart for another ride towards the Masailand. We will find another place to reach the deep Kikafu river gorge and anyone who wants to join the horses for refreshing splashes or a plunge in the water is welcome. On our way back for sure you will experience one more of the unforgettable sunsets of Africa.
Day 6: Day trip north-east through lush plantations…
… Chagga villages and small coffee farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a beautiful spot on a flower farm with an incredible view over the Masaisteppe. Our picnic lunch will be prepared under old trees.
The non-riders will be transferred by vehicle to this spot and have a look around the flower farm until the riders arrive for lunch. They also may choose to do a long hike to reach the flower farm; in this case they will be accompanied by a local guide.
Later in the afternoon we will make our way back, taking a slightly different route. What will not change is the permanent good mood of all local people we meet.
Day 7: Coffee Plantation and Giant Tortoise
Day trip on horseback over an historic bridge to the Kibo-Kikafu-Coffee Plantation, where we pay a visit to Tom, the 170 year old giant tortoise. During lunch we enjoy a breathtaking view of the plains.
After a break we saddle our horses again and ride back home to the farm. The day ends with sunset on horseback and, weather permitting, the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the evening sun.
For non-riders we will offer an exciting hike, crossing the deep gorge of the Kikafu River. Be prepared to get wet feet and there is always lots of enjoyment during the river crossing as there is no bridge! Your guide will show you many plants on the way which are used to produce local medicines.
With a moderate pace it will take you about 2 1/2 hours to get to the picnic spot where you meet the riders. After a well-earned picnic and the visit of Tom you will be transferred back to Makoa-Farm by 4xdrive vehicle.
Day 8: Experience the Coffee Farm and surroundings
In the morning a hike through the smallholder farms of the Chagga tribal people. See people’s daily life, admire their permanent good mood and learn about their interesting farming methods.
For those being more sportive we highly recommend a walk along our 12 km water channel that provides water for our coffee plantation. On the way there will be a visit of a Chagga homestead which will give you good insights into Chagga-lifestyle. Later you will pass by waterfalls, walk through scenic river valleys, banana and coffee plantations to reach a romantic spot on the river’s edge for lunch picnic. You will drive back to the farm by vehicle.
After a well-earned rest we start for another ride towards the Weru-Weru River.
Alternatively a sunset ride on the the farm. If the weather permits, you will have an extraordinary view on Mt. Kilimanjaro to the north and the Maasai Steppe to the south to end your memorable day with us.
If this is the day of your departure then later transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Day 9: Kilimanjaro National Reserve
We drive to the West Kilimanjaro area to explore the montane forest of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Different to national parks we are not bound to certain walking routes.
The reserve is very remote and unknown to most of the tourists, there is only limited use of these kinds of national reserves. You will not meet any other tourists; this is really off the beaten tracks!!!
There are only few tracks in the reserve, mostly we use trails made by elephant and other game, a very exciting experience. We track the pretty black and white Colobus monkeys and will meet lots of signs that confirm a wide fauna living in the forest. We take our picnic in the rucksack for a break at a scenic place next to a river.
Late afternoon we will arrive at our guest house at Namuai Farm, located at the border of the Kilimanjaro National Reserve.
Day 10: Masai Visit and Wildlife Viewing in the West Kilimanjaro Wilderness
Today we start early for our 4x4 excursion to the savannah of West Kilimanjaro area. Together with our Masai-Guide we will spend the day tracking game. The area is home to herds of elephants but also many others, like zebra, wildebeest, elands- and other antelopes, often grazing in close proximity to the Masai herds. This is the game corridor that connects Mt. Meru, Arusha National Park, with the Kilimanjaro Reserve and Amboseli in Kenya.
Unlike a national park, we can leave the car to follow game on foot, accompanied by an armed ranger. A highlight of the trip will be to climb into a tree house overlooking a waterhole to observe the animal interactions unseen. Expect a wonderful experience for sunset: Your Masai guide will show you his Boma (name of a small Masai settlement). For dinner we will arrive back to Namuai Farm.
Day 11: Arusha Nationalpark
We drive with a 4x vehicle over the vast plains to Mt. Meru for a day trip to Arusha National Park.
The Arusha-Park offers great scenery, with a montane forest completely different from Kilimanjaro forest. Expect to see giraffe and buffalo, many other game, lakes with pink flocks of flamingos and a wide variety of birds.
Maybe you choose a canoo trip on the Momella lakes (additional charge, rates depend on season).
Game viewing from canoe is very exciting and we will often get very close to animals.
In the evening we return to the farm
Day 12: Moshi
After a relaxed breakfast we will visit the old German town of Moshi. Here you have the chance to purchase souveniers, observe the local markets and drink a cup of coffee at the Coffee-Shop where all residents will pass by during their shopping tours.
The drive itself will give you a good insight on ideas for different means of transports used in this area...
For sure there will be time for a sunset ride through the coffee plantation after our return from town.
Day 13: Lake Challa
A day trip to Lake Challa, located on the eastern slope of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is a deep crater lake with the border line to Kenya passing through the lake. After moving through small villages, coffee and banana plantations we are all of a sudden in middle of deep bush again. The last kilometers are a real Off-Road experience with the jeep and a fantastic picnic spot with an unforgettable view over the lake, weather permitting even many kilometers further to the Pare and Usambara mountains to our south is the reward.
If you are fit then we recommend to descend to the lake. More hiking possibilities are available around the bush and savannah around the lake.
In the evening we return to the farm.
Day 14: Nyumba ya Mungu
In English: „Home of God“ this is the name of a 145 square-km water reservoir. Nyumba ya Mungu is fed by many rivers and generates the main power supply in Nothern Tanzania. The lake is food and a source of income for many fisher men and at the same time the whole system of 22.000 hektar, consisting of lake, adjacent swamps and acacia bush is a well-known birders paradise.
Here Masai mix with other tribes which results in a colorful picture: fisher men with their canoes bringing back the catch of the day, often accompanied by many herons, storks and other waders hoping to get their share. Next to them herds with Masai and close by acacia bush populated by parrots...
The Maasai and their cattle have lived for centuries in harmony with African wildlife. It is not unusual at all to find them living in close proximity to wild animals.
On request we can arrange for a canoe trip with a local fisher man, on extra charge.
After picnic lunch and some bird-watching, we drive back to, arriving early evening.
Day 15: Arusha-Trip or Relaxing on the farm
There are different alternatives how to spend your last day with us:
If you like to experience some more Tanzanian life you should join us for a visit in Arusha town. Arusha is the northern center , in terms of business, and home of the East-African Union and the Rwanda Tribunal of the United Nations. If you were not successful to aquire suitable gifts by now then this will be the day where you will find a wide variety to choose from: many local artists offer handcrafted items.
Alternatively you may choose an early morning tea or coffee and enjoy the day waking up from horseback. Take your last round through our coffee farm where you hopefully will spot some of the game which is on their way back to the places where they spend dozing their day away.
Those who prefer to relax may take some time to visit our „Noah’s Ark“ again, maybe accompany the animals while foraging or start for their last horse ride in the area.
Later depart for your on- or home-going journey.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
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.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Moshi, accommodation in rooms with view, all meals, snacks, tea, coffee and other beverages, wine/beer and alcoholic drinks in the evening, activities and rides as described in the itinerary, horses incl tack, luggage transfers where necc, English speaking guide
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights, tips and gratuities, laundry and phone calls, other items of a personal nature.
Not included are following activities (but can be booked on extra charge): Kilimanjaro flight in the morning and canoe trips in Arusha Park or at the Lake Nyumba ya Mungu.
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