Enjoy the combination of a riding holiday in a working coffee estate combined with a short safari to the Hot Springs. The diversity of Tanzania unfolds before us as we ride across the Maasai Steppe to the ecological wonder of the Kukulewa Hot Springs. Wildlife like kudus, gazelles, and crocodiles occupies the lush vegetation and indigenous palm trees surrounding the springs. Colourful bird life abounds. Enjoy the adventure of sleeping in the bush surrounded by sounds of the African wilderness. Accommodation en route is in dome tents. This trip is perfect for the intermediate to experienced rider and can easily be added to the beginning or end of your other safari plans in Tanzania.
2010: 9, 16 Jan; 6, 13 Feb; 5 Mar; 8, 15 May; 5, 12 Jun; 3, 10, 31 Jul; 7, 28 Aug; 4 Sep; 2, 9, 30 Oct; 20 Nov.
Please note - these dates are shared with the Coffee Farm Stay but only one ride will take place on each date. Contact us for latest information.
No supplement if willing to share. Otherwise:
2010: £355/€375/$535
SAMPLE ITINERARY - COFFEE FARM WITH HOT SPRING MINI TRAIL
Day 1
Arrive at the Coffee 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 farm and getting to know your horse. Farming in Africa may be a little different from what you are used to. On the 358-acre farm, we grow coffee, maize and vegetables, but a significant amount of land is left as natural grass and bush land. In addition to the expected farm animals like cattle, horses, pigs, chickens and geese, the area is also inhabited by a variety of wild creatures such as Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, duikers, bushbucks, reedbucks and bush pigs. This evening after dinner, you will have a ride briefing to discuss the next day's safari.
Day 2
Coffee Farm/ Kukuletwa Hot Springs
After an early morning wake up call followed by breakfast, we start our horseback riding safari, making the most of the cool morning hours. A picnic lunch is served along the way. We reach Kukuletwa Hot Springs in the afternoon. This is an amazing place where a river literally bubbles out of the ground, under the roots of a giant fig tree. The local name for them translates to "Water that boils", which perhaps explains how they became known as "hot" springs, even though the water is perfectly refreshing. A dip in the springs will wash the dust away and afterwards there is time for relaxing in the shade of huge, ancient fig trees. The Kukuletwa Hot Springs have a history with foreigners going back to around end of 1800. Early explorers were impressed with the incredible bio-diversity of the area which included innumerable numbers of big game. Later the area became a popular hunting ground for wealthy Europeans. During the past few decades much of the game has migrated further south to the Maasai Steppe and the Blue Mountains. However the area is still a haven to animals such as lesser kudus, gazelles, crocodiles, baboons, Sykes and Vervet monkeys, banded mongooses, and the shy nocturnal animals like porcupines, aardvarks, striped hyenas, cerval, genet and civet cats. The variety of colorful birds is also impressive. Possibly the best thing about this place is that it remains largely unknown to most tourists so we usually have it to ourselves! Later, a sumptuous bush meal is served under the stars. Tonight you sleep surrounded by the unforgettable sounds of the African bush!
Day 3
Kukuletwa Hot Springs
Awake to the gentle cooing of the African dove, and to a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your tent. Then we head out on horseback for an early-morning ride to explore an area further downstream around the Sanya River. The terrain here is perfect for invigorating long canters. After a late breakfast we take a guided walking tour of this unusual ecosystem, comprised of numerous springs and small streams. As we retrace the footsteps of Dr. Livingstone, keep alert for exotic birds, different types of monkeys, and for crocodiles! We return to camp for lunch and for a refreshing plunge into the spring, followed by an afternoon for leisure. Enjoy the warm colors of sunset, with Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru silhouetted in the distance.
Day 4
Return to Coffee Farm
After a hearty breakfast we turn our horses back. We will take another route, passing through areas shaded by indigenous palm trees and riverine forest. A picnic lunch is served in the bush under a stand of Euphorbias at a site offering expansive views across Maasai land. We continue on horseback this afternoon, crossing the Kikafu River if the water levels are not too high, or circumventing it to reach the farm in the late afternoon. Refreshments are served on the veranda. With luck Kilimanjaro will emerge from the cloud to bask in the evening light.
Day 5
Experience the coffee farm and surroundings
After breakfast we hike through Chagga villages and small farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a romantic spot on the river's edge for light refreshments. You will see people's daily life and learn about their farming methods. In the afternoon start for another ride towards the Weru-Weru River, passing tobacco and small holder farms.
Day 6
Day ride north-east through lush plantations...
...Chagga villages and small coffee farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a scenic spot on a flower farm with an incredible view over the Masaisteppe. Our picnic lunch will be prepared under old trees. Enjoy the permanent good mood of the village residents we are passing on our way back.
Day 7 Day trip to Kibo-Kikafu-Coffee Estate
Day 8
Depart and transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight home.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
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 either in rooms with view or dome tents, all meals, snacks, tea, coffee and other beverages, horses incl tack, luggage transfers where necc, English speaking guide
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Tips and gratuities, laundry and phone calls, other items of a personal nature.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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