On the southwestern slopes of Kilimanjaro lies Makoa Farm, an old coffee farm that has been lovingly resurrected over the past four years after it was nationalized in the 1960’s and then abandoned.
The owners are as passionate about wildlife and wilderness as they are about running a successful coffee farm. Therefore much of the farmland is devoted to conservation. Though you won’t find big game here, the birdlife is phenomenal, monkeys abound, and there is no shortage of bush pig and small antelopes. The farm is bordered by two rivers, each filled with towering trees, a habitat the owners are committed to preserve. In addition to horses, they raise cattle and pigs. Their produce comes from their own garden (the bounty of which they happily share with monkeys, bush duikers and a myriad of other small creatures). As if that weren’t enough, they run one of the only large animal veterinary practices in northern Tanzania.
The Farm is near Kilimanjaro’s Machame Gate with access to the spectacular rainforest on the mountain’s lower slopes. The area is home to the Chagga people, whose small villages dot the hillsides. On the high plateau to the south, Maasai graze their cattle. The area is rich in diversity and surprisingly untouristed.
Tou Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Makoa Farm
Arrive at Makoa 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, noisy ones such as Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, and vervet monkeys and secret ones as leopard, duiker, bushbuck, striped hyena, side striped jackal, aardvark and bush pig.
Day 2: Dayride into Masailand
This horseback trail leads through farmland and bush deep into Masasiland. We pass a historical bridge and move far down inside a fertile valley. Our crew prepared a delicious lunch at a scenic point. Later on we return on another way to the farm, crossing the steep gorge of the Kikafu river.When we reach the Kikafu River Gorge, we’ll dismount and lead the horses into this enchanting area to explore. After a small break or some exploring of the riverbanks on foot we make our way further through bush- and farmland, passing flower and coffee plantations.
Day 3: Excursions to the Hot Springs
Wake up early in the morning for an early morning ride. The ride leads you through Makoa-Farm and you have a good chance to meet some of the wildlife who shares the farm with us. After breakfast we depart by 4xvehicle to the Hot Springs to see more of this unusual ecosystem. After arrival a guided walking tour will lead us through the 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 the springs for lunch and for a refreshing plunge into the spring, followed by an afternoon for leisure. Late afternoon we drive back to Makoa-Farm, arriving there just after sunset.
Day 4: Masailand and local market
Late morning you have the chance to visit a local Masai market. You will be surprised what items Masai trade in and what they will take home, often multiple day-journeys away, carried on their donkeys back.
After lunch we depart for another ride towards the Masailand. We will find another place to reach the deep Kikafu river gorge and anyone who wants to join the horses for refreshing splashes or a plunge in the water is welcome. On our way back for sure you will experience one more of the unforgettable sunsets of Africa.
Day 5: Experience Makoa-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. See people’s daily life, admire their permanent good mood and learn about their farming methods.
In the afternoon start for another ride towards the Weru-Weru River, passing tobacco and smallholder farms.
We stop for a walk to the Makoa-River waterfall for an unusual wildlife viewing –a colony of rare mountain fruit bats in a cave below the waterfall. You may also see one of the shy, very impressive monitor lizards that live nearby.
Day 6 : Day trip north-east through lush plantations...
Chagga villages and small coffee farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a beautiful spot on a flower farm with an incredible view over the Masaisteppe. Our picnic lunch will be prepared under old trees. Later in the afternoon we will make our way back, taking a slightly different route. What will not change is the permanent good mood of all local people we meet.
Day 7: Trip to Kibo-Kikafu-Coffee Estate...
We pay a visit to Tom, the 150 year old giant Aldabra tortoise. During our lunch on the neighbours farmhouse veranda we again enjoy breathtaking views. The ride back home through lush banana and coffee plantations as well as long fields offers possibilities for good canters. The day ends with sunset on horseback and, weather permitting, the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the evening sun.
Day 8: Ride and departure
After an early morning tea or coffee enjoy the day waking up from horseback. Take your last round through our coffee farm where you hopefully will spot some of the game which is on their way back to the places where they spend dozing their day away. After breakfast depart for your on- or home-going journey.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- horse and all equipment;
- English speaking guide;
- non-alcoholic drinks and snacks during the day;
- luggage translations where necessary;
- full board accommodation at the farm;
- transfers to and from Makoa Farm.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Tanzania
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Horse Riding
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