This seven nights mobile horse safari takes you deep into the wilds of northern Tanzania. Ride through the foothills of Mount Meru, across the open plains of the Masai Steppe, and beneath the gaze of Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way, encounter herds of buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and — if lucky — elephants, cheetahs, and sometimes but rarely even lions. Each day brings a new adventure: galloping across dried lakebeds, tracking wildlife through acacia woodlands, visiting traditional Masai bomas, and camping under vast African skies. Evenings are spent in private mobile camps with sundowners, fireside dinners, and the sounds of the bush all around you. This is a journey for those who seek freedom and adventure, connection with nature, and the rhythm of the land — all from the back of a horse.
Terrain / Areas we cover on the safari
Arusha National Park is a hidden gem in northern Tanzania, nestled in the shadow of majestic Mount Meru. Unlike the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, this park offers a more intimate, enchanting wilderness — a mosaic of misty forests, sparkling lakes, rolling hills, and ancient craters. Here, giraffes move gracefully through highland clearings, colobus monkeys swing from fig trees, and flamingoes gather like blushing petals along the shores of the Momella Lakes. It’s a place where the air is cool and fresh, where the clouds of Mount Meru roll in and out like a breathing sky, and where every turn of the trail whispers a story of wild beauty and quiet magic.
The Wildlife Management Area offers a stunning mix of open savannah, acacia woodlands, dry lakebeds, and seasonal floodplains — ideal for both wildlife viewing and exciting riding. You’ll ride through vast, open plains perfect for long gallops, shaded woodlands home to giraffes and antelope, and rugged areas of volcanic rock. The land is crossed by wildlife migration routes, including those of elephants. All this unfolds beneath the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Mount Longido — a truly iconic African landscape.
KILIMANJARO ELEPHANT RIDE | DAY 1,
On arrival in the late afternoon, guests are welcomed to the lodge and invited to unwind in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Time is yours to relax—whether by the pool, on the verandah, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the bush. As the sun dips low, your guide joins you for sundowners, sharing stories and insight into the days ahead. If a polo match is taking place, you may also have the chance to watch this elegant sport in action with a drink in hand. Dinner follows at the lodge, accompanied by a gentle safari briefing. Afterwards, you retire to your room, night sounds easing you into a restful night’s sleep.
For everyone including early arrivals, golf, relaxing spa treatments, or a scenic horse ride can be arranged before the safari begins—and if possible, let us know in advance so we can plan everything perfectly for you.
KILIMANJARO ELEPHANT RIDE | DAY 2,
The day begins with a refreshing wake-up and a hearty breakfast at the lodge, preparing guests for the adventure ahead. After breakfast, at 10:30am, there’s a scenic 30-minute drive to the edge of the park where the safari horses await. Once mounted, the journey into the heart of the park begins, riding alongside buffaloes, giraffes, and other wildlife that roam freely along the narrow game trails skirting the eastern slopes of Mount Meru. The ride weaves through canopy forests and open glades, offering ever-changing views and thrilling wildlife encounters. Midway through the day, there’s a pause for a relaxed lunch beneath the shade of a lone tree—an idyllic break in the wild. The afternoon ride continues deeper into the park, with the light softening and the landscape growing quieter. As evening approaches, the group arrives at the mobile camp, an exclusive and comfortable setup in the wilderness. The day ends with sundowners, followed by a delicious dinner under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
KILIMANJARO ELEPHANT RIDE | DAY 3,
Wake up to the distinctive calls of colobus monkeys echoing through the trees. After breakfast, ride out into the scenic landscape where the classic film Hatari!, starring John Wayne, was shot.
Follow the trails first traveled by the legendary Margaret Trappe, the Iron Lady of Africa. She spent years exploring these wilds, and her footsteps still guide many today. Ride through habitats rich with wildlife — giraffes gliding across the glades, bushbucks and waterbucks grazing in the undergrowth, and tiny dik-diks darting through the brush. Later in the morning, return to camp for a leisurely lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, climb into safari jeeps for an exciting drive to Lake Momella. Keep an eye out for hippos lazing in the water, flamingoes painting the shoreline pink, and a variety of water birds skimming the surface. Enjoy a beautiful sundowner by the lake before heading back to camp at dusk. After dinner, drift off to sleep with the sounds of the wilderness around you — and if you’re lucky, the elusive call of a leopard in the night.
KILIMANJARO ELEPHANT RIDE | DAY 4,
After breakfast, it’s time to move on. Jump into safari cars for a drive of approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. This part of the journey isn’t suited for riding, so you’ll relax and absorb the Tanzanian countryside until you meet the horses at your new destination.
The ride begins across the dry and harsh Masai Steppe, a land filled with new wildlife sightings. You’ll hopefully encounter Grant’s gazelles, Thompson’s gazelles, zebras, and wildebeests scattered across the open plains. As you ride, the landscape transitions into acacia shrubland and woodlands. The early hours of riding can be tough, as the ground is rocky and unsuitable for fast riding. However, by later in the morning, the terrain softens and allows for a faster pace. You’ll ride through Masai country, a land that feels both timeless and wild, although the game becomes less abundant here.
By midday, it’s time for a lunch break under the shade to escape the heat of the day. This gives both riders and horses a much-needed recharge, a full 3 hours to relax and rest. After lunch, ride on into the cooler afternoon hours, making your way to your night stop. Your destination is a beautiful spot overlooking the magnificent mountains: Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Mount Longido. A stunning view to end the day.
KILIMANJARO ELEPHANT RIDE | DAY 5,
After breakfast, it’s time to move on once again. Find your horse and set off in a northeastern direction toward the mysterious formations known as the Seven Sisters. Although elephants may have eluded you so far, this afternoon you enter prime elephant territory — you’ve been riding along their migration routes for days, and while nothing is guaranteed in the wild, today brings your best chance yet to encounter these majestic giants.
The morning ride feels like a journey back in time, crossing dried-out floodplains and passing near traditional Masai bomas. You may even cross paths with Masai warriors moving through the landscape as they have for centuries. If luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of the very rare and endangered antelope called a gerenuk — a treasured sight in these parts. Lunch is enjoyed somewhere along the route, followed by a peaceful break to escape the heat of the day.
In the afternoon, ride into dried-out lakebeds, perfect terrain for exhilarating, fast-paced gallops. The land opens up into vast wilderness, and you finally reach your camp, now set in a new location under a canopy of trees, out in the open. Settle in for the evening with views that stir the soul — majestic Kilimanjaro to the north, Longido to the west, Meru to the south, and the hazy outline of Namanga in the distance.
KILIMANJARO ELEPHANT RIDE | DAY 6,
At first light, your tent steward arrives quietly, pouring hot water into your basin as birdsong begins to filter through the canvas walls. Outside, the world is waking, and the air is filled with the gentle promise of a new adventure. Enjoy a warm breakfast as the early sun spills gold across the landscape. Today’s ride takes you deeper into the wilderness — a place where the chances of seeing elephants, cheetahs, and hyenas are high, and the rolling terrain invites you to pick up the pace. The wind in your face, the rhythm of the horse — it feels like flying across timeless earth. By midday, return to camp, where shade, comfort, and a freshly prepared lunch await. Indulge in a siesta as the heat of the day settles, listening to the soft whispers of nature around you.
In the late afternoon, ride out, bathe in the golden light of the African sunset, and let the land speak to you in silence and shadow. As night falls, gather around the fire with a gin and tonic in hand. Then, dine under a ceiling of stars — a three-course feast shared in the heart of the wild. The air is filled with stories, laughter, and the magic of Africa — a night to be remembered forever.
KILIMANJARO ELEPHANT RIDE | DAY 7,
After breakfast, you mount up once more for a morning ride through the soft light of early day. Today’s journey takes you to a traditional, genuine Masai boma — a chance to step into a culture as rich and enduring as the land it calls home. Ride through the grasslands to find the circle of mud huts, hand-shaped from earth and time. Here, you’re welcomed by the Masai, known for their dignity, warmth, and brightly coloured shukas. Watch the warriors as they go about their day, and if you dare, sample the traditional mix of goat milk and blood — a rite of strength and survival. Browse handmade jewellery, each piece carrying stories woven from generations. Return to camp for a leisurely lunch and a moment of rest, knowing that the final ride still awaits.
In the cool of the afternoon, saddle up for one last time. This ride isn’t about distance — it’s about feeling the wind in your hair, the power of the horse beneath you, and the freedom that only the wilderness can give. The land rushes past, batiked in golden light. Back at camp, the evening unfolds with a farewell feast beneath the stars. Laughter and stories are shared around the fire. And as night deepens, you tuck into bed, hoping to fall asleep to the most primal song of Africa — the low, distant roar of a lion.
KILIMANJARO ELEPHANT RIDE | DAY 8,
After a final breakfast in camp, it’s time to say goodbye to the bush. This morning, you’ll climb into safari vehicles instead of the saddle, leaving the horses behind as you begin the journey back.
The three-hour drive takes you out of the wilderness and toward modern life once more. You’ll arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport around 11 a.m., in time for your onward flight.
Your adventure ends here — for now.
Please note that this itinerary serves as a guideline. Changes may occur due to the movement of game, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Any adjustments made will always be with the safety and best interests of the safari experience in mind.