This program is the ultimate hybrid - horseback and driving safari. Thoughtfully designed to highlight some of Tanzania's most iconic parks and for the ultimate wildlife viewing.
Safari Portion: On the first day air transfer to Northern Serengeti where the action starts immediately with a game drive along Mara River - this time of year the Northern Region will be active as zebra and wildebeest gather along the riverbank just waiting for enough courage to take the plunge and cross to the other side. Spending two nights in the north near the Mara River, then 2 nights in the Central region of the Serengeti - providing a diversity of landscape and wildlife, followed by a game drive on the crater floor which is know to have some the greatest density of wildlife and one night at a Luxury Lodge located just outside the Ngorongoro Crater.
Horseback Portion: Visits Arusha National Park - The entrance gate leads into shadowy montane forest inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colourful turacos and trogons – the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white colobus monkey is easily seen. In the midst of the forest stands the spectacular Ngurdoto Crater, whose steep, rocky cliffs enclose a wide marshy floor dotted with herds of buffalo and warthog.
Further north, rolling grassy hills enclose the tranquil beauty of the Momela Lakes, each one a different hue of green or blue. Their shallows sometimes tinged pink with thousands of flamingos, the lakes support a rich selection of resident and migrant waterfowl, and shaggy waterbucks display their large lyre-shaped horns on the watery fringes. Giraffes glide across the grassy hills, between grazing zebra herds, while pairs of wideeyed dik-dik dart into scrubby bush like overgrown hares on spindly legs. Although elephants are shy in Arusha National Park, and lions absent altogether, leopards and spotted hyenas may be seen slinking around in the early morning and late afternoon. It is also at dusk and dawn that the veil of cloud on the eastern horizon is most likely to clear, revealing the majestic snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, only 50km (30 miles) distant.
But it is Kilimanjaro’s unassuming cousin, Mount Meru - the fifth highest in Africa at 4,566 meters (14,990 feet) – that dominates the park’s horizon. Its peaks and eastern foot slopes protected within the national park, Meru offers unparalleled views of its famous neighbour, while also forming a rewarding hiking destination.
Passing first through wooded savannah where buffalos and giraffes are frequently encountered, the ascent of Meru leads into forests aflame with red-hot pokers and dripping with Spanish moss, before reaching high open heath spiked with giant lobelias. Everlasting flowers cling to the alpine desert, as delicately hoofed klipspringers mark the hike’s progress. Astride the craggy summit, Kilimanjaro stands unveiled, blushing in the sunrise.
Please note: Riders MUST be strong intermediate riders capable of riding at a Walk/Trot/Canter in open areas - riders should be able to ride a posting trot and canter in a 2 point/jockey position. Note majority of horses are polo horses and have preference for neck reining/one hand riding or riding with a bridge rein. Riders unable to keep up with the group or unable to follow the guidelines can opt for jeep/non-horseback game drives.
Saddle Days: 4 Saddle Days (~6 Rides 3-4 hours per ride)
Horseback Portion Accommodation: The initial night is at the Dolly Estate Lodge, the following two nights will be in 10x10 Mobile tents with single cots - in a double tent, bucket shower and compost toilet. Full Board meals and selection of locally sourced alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Highlights: 5 Night classic game drive safari, 3 Night Horseback safari - Visits Northern Serengeti, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha National Park.
Price includes: Horseback safari as mentioned - includes mount/tack, guide/lead horse, grooms and camp staff. Private 4x4 Land Cruiser safari truck with pop up roof, full board accommodations unless mentioned otherwise, professional English speaking safari guide, unlimited driving kilometres, all park fees, taxes and levies, unlimited drinking water and well stocked mini fridge in truck with select of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Includes air transfer from Arusha to Northern Serengeti and return airport transfer on the final day
Package Price
Per Person Sharing: $6,900 USD
Solo Supplement (for individual rooms/Tents): +$600 USD