Tanzania on Horseback
Tanzania offers the “Out of Africa” experience most dream of when they imagine a horseback safari in Africa. Riding across some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and set to the backdrop of magnificent snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, horse riding here promises an unforgettable experience! Become part of the herd as you canter across the plains alongside zebra, giraffe and wildebeest, keeping a close eye out for the big cats that this area is famous for.
Tanzania is the perfect destination for those searching for an authentic African horseback adventure and caters for families, couples or the intrepid solo traveller. The vast open plains offer the perfect playground for experienced riders who enjoy fast-paced riding, incredible scenery and some of the most incredible wildlife encounters known to man. For those who have partners or families that do not ride, they can embark on an epic safari by vehicle, meeting up for meals and catching up around the evening campfire.
Each adventure is led by qualified and professionally trained guides, offering informative and exhilarating adventures. The routes are off the beaten track, going deep into the wilderness to discover the wonders that Africa has to offer on horseback. This is true, wild Africa, be sure to leave only your hoofprints and heart behind.
Safari, Landscape and Wildlife
Northern Tanzania is most well-travelled, with 3 of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro; the highest peak in Africa, the vast Serengeti savannas; home to the incredible wildebeest migration and the Ngorongoro Crater; the biggest intact volcanic caldera in the world.
Choose to start your horse riding in Arusha, just a short drive from Mt Kilimanjaro International Airport. Here the landscape varies between savanna, rain forest and woodlands, and is filled with elephants, zebra, giraffe and the cheetah and lion that stalk them.
Meaning “endless plains” in Masai, the Serengeti is the Africa most people dream of. Here you can witness the natural phenomenon of riding with millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle as they embark on their annual migration. In the beginning of the year, ride out to witness the magic and drama unfold during the calving season with thousands of wobbly calves and incredible big cat sightings. During peak season, combine your Kilimanjaro and Arusha horse safari with vehicle game viewing in the Serengeti, where you will be mesmerized by death-defying leaps across crocodile-infested rivers.
At the end of your riding experience, fly to the idyllic tropical islands of Zanzibar, Mnemba or Mafia, favourites for families and honeymooners. Here you’ll find endless white beaches, azure water and an underwater wonderland waiting to be explored.
The people and culture of Tanzania
A horseback safari in East Africa allows you to immerse yourself in the rich African culture, riding with local Masai warriors who will teach you about their unique heritage, traditions and language. A highlight of riding in Tanzania is getting to know the people and learning about the many cultures that call it home. There are over 100 tribes, all united by one common language – you will likely return home knowing a number of Swahili words and phrases.
Here you will find that conversations start with long greetings and the locals will often ask about your family’s wellbeing as if they are long lost friends, and end with a warm lingering handshake. Most of the guides, grooms and camp staff come from local villages, with in-depth knowledge of the extraordinary landscape and the wildlife that inhabit it.
Accommodation on your Tanzania Horse Safari
Your horseback adventure starts near Arusha, either at the Polo Club or a nearby private villa. Guests arriving early, can relax next to the pool, explore the grounds or try their hand at a quick game of polo before settling in for the night. At dawn the veil of cloud on the horizon clears, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Mt Meru or on clear days, Mt Kilimanjaro in the distance.
From the permanent lodge, you will be driven out to the mobile camps where you will meet your crew. These mobile camps are reminiscent of the old explorers who first came to Africa. Large canvas tents, beds decked out in white linen, brass washstands and outdoor showers under the stars. The camp is moved on a regular basis, following the movements of the wildlife and weather patterns. Decadent meals are cooked over the coals, adding unique flavour to all the dishes.
TANZANIA FAQ’s
Why choose Tanzania for safari?
Tanzania offers sensational scenery, unbelievable game viewing, the Great Wildebeest Migration and more bucket-list activities than any other (did you know you can go chimp trekking in Tanzania?) Combine your epic horse safari with an overland safari to see the Ngorongoro Crater and the Tarangeri tree climbing lions, or jet off for a few days of beach bliss.
Will I see the wildebeest migration on horseback in the Serengeti?
The annual migration is one of the most incredible and misunderstood natural phenomena – the animals don’t follow our human calendars or respect our man-made borders. Our Migration ride in the Serengeti runs from January to April. While you will not see the dramatic river crossings many imagine, you will witness the magic of the savanna alive with newborn calves and the dramas that unfold as the predators move in.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
Tanzania is considered a low risk Yellow Fever Country. A vaccination certificate is only required for travellers coming from – or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours – a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission, including Kenya. Yellow fever vaccination which is given as a single dose ten days before travelling and offers lifelong protection.
How do we get to our horse safari?
Book your international flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, you will be transferred by road to Arusha, the starting point for most safaris in Tanzania. From Arusha, it is either a road transfer to your mobile camp on the Kilimanjaro Horse Safari or a scenic light air charter flight to your Serengeti camp.
How can I extend my African adventure?
Tanzania is a county that you could easily spend weeks or even months exploring. For those with more time, we would suggest an overland safari to see more of this incredible country such as the Serengeti, Ngorogoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara. If you want to see the dramatic migration river crossings in July – September, then a combination of Tanzania and Kenya gives you the best chance to see this natural phenomenon.
