Enjoy the experience of a lifetime, watching migratory herds from horseback on this fabulous riding safari holiday in Tanzania. The wildebeest migration in East Africa alone comprises the largest movement of land animals on the planet.
These migration rides take place in private concession areas or wildlife management areas in the north of Tanzania. Depending on game movement they might be arranged near to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, which are popular national parks and reserves. Or, they might take place in the game corridor between Amboseli National Park, Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Park.
In the north of Tanzania close to 1.2 million wildebeest gather in huge migratory herds in search of quality pastures, some of which pass through the riding area. Let’s go and track them!
As the nature of this ride is following the game, it is never certain which direction you will be taking, but below we give a sample itinerary for the South Amboseli region, to give you an idea of the type of riding and very comfortable full service camping you will be doing.
No supplement if rider is willing to share and a sharer can be found.
2012: £389/€425/$599
SAMPLE ITINERARY - MIGRATION SAFARI TRAIL
Sample Itinerary Migration Trail:
Day 1
Arrival and Rides on the farm
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the farm. After you settled in your rooms you will meet the horses and start your introductory ride on the farm. Overnight at the farm.
Day 2 Ndarakwai Ranch
After breakfast you will be transferred to West Kilimanjaro. We will find the horses at the meeting point and start the ride from here. A part leads over the Narco Plains where we will encounter the first plain animals. Later afternoon we will arrive at Ndarakwai Camp, a permanent tented camp where we will stay for the next two nights.
Day 3 Game Rides at Ndarakwai Ranch
A whole day of riding in this private game reserve. We are likely to encounter elephant, zebra, wildebeest and many other antelopes (Elands, Thomson, Grant and Impala), occasionally buffalo. We will return for a lunch break, in the afternoon there is the option to watch animals from the elevated tree house next to the water hole. Those interested in local culture may join the visit of a Masai Boma, this is how a settlement of a Masai Clan is called.
Day 4
Tingatinga/Ngasurai Plains
Today we leave Ndarakwai and continue towards the Ngasurai Plains. After the first rains of the rainy season this vast plain all of a sudden gets very populated and there are big migratory herds wandering through feeding on the fresh short grasses.
You will be awaited with a camp fire in our mobile camp and have a Gin &Tonic to enjoy the warm sunset colors.
Day 5 Ngasurai Plains
We will ride over the Ngasruai plains north towards the Kenyan border. The main consideration of the route will be determined by the movement of the game. The area is perfect for canters with wildebeest or zebra herds – or what about a gallop with giraffe… Lunch will be arranged under a shady tree, in the late afternoon we will reach our mobile camp for the night, located at the edge of the plains.
Day 6
Kambi ya Tembo (Kisw.: Elephant Camp)
A day ride will lead us up to the Kenyan border close to Amboseli National Park. By now the landscape changed completely and you will be surprised how many animals populate the area which seems to consist out of chalk – this is where the “Meerschaum” has been mined many years ago. Depending on the weather we will choose a place close to the numerous springs or ponds to have picnic, or if it is hot we will stay a bit further away under a shady tree. This area is popular with elephants and old bulls can often be found here.
By late afternoon we will climb onto a rift with a permanent camp set up perfectly with a view over the plains towards the Rift Valley. Often we can watch a herd of elephants or giraffe passing next to the camp.
After a delicious meal you might go to bed, maybe with the roaring of a lion in the distance…
Day 7
Out of Africa
After breakfast we leave for a long route for today. Carefully we will wind our way through Acacia bush and over savannah. This area is not accessible by vehicle so we will carry some snacks in our saddle bags. We will arrive for a late lunch at our Mgunga Fly Camp, you will feel yourself brought into “Out of Africa”. The view over rolling grass fields and bush, with Mt. Meru at one side, Mt. Kilimanjaro behind you and the mountains Longido and Namanga to the other side will make you feel that this is the place where you’d like to stay…
The afternoon is for leisure and relaxation; the more active might climb Mgunga Hill to enjoy the wonderful sunset from there.
Day 8
Back to the farm
You will feel it difficult to leave, however this will be a last exiting day on horseback. First we head towards Mt. Meru, when we reached Narco there will be some last exhilarating canters over the plains. We will meet the vehicle for a picnic, afterwards load the horses and drive back to the farm.
You arrive for a sunset drink on the veranda of our farm house, with a hopefully clear view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is the end of your itinerary, departure for your home- or ongoing journey or opt to stay another night at Makoa for a more relaxed pace. Late transfer for Kilimanjaro International Airport and departure.
Please note that the itineraries only serve as a guide, all scenarios are dependent on the migration of game. We reserve the right to alter the itineraries in any way. Local weather conditions may also affect game movements.
NOTES - MIGRATION SAFARI TRAIL
The sample itinerary above is for the usual Migration Trail which encorporates both permanent and mobile camps. There is also an option to just stay in mobile camps, thus being able to move in the direction of the game more easily. Please see detailed prices for the mobile camping price.
In 2012 the riders will stay in mobile camps; if you would prefer permanent camps please enquire.
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
Full board basis in the mobile and permanent camps and locations as described in the itinerary, non-alcoholic drinks during the day, wine/beer with dinner and local alcoholic drinks in the evening, horse including equipment, back-up vehicle, all entrance fees in private reserves, Wildlife Management Areas and village fees, all transfers and luggage handling from and to Kilimanjaro International Airport, English speaking guides.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Other alcoholic beverages, gratuities, laundry and phone calls, other items of a personal nature.
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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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