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 such as Sykes monkeys, yellow baboons, duiker, bushbuck, reedbuck and bush pig. 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. This evening after dinner you will have a ride briefing to discuss the next day’s safari. Day 2: Makoa Farm - Kukuletwa Hot Springs After an early morning wake up call followed by breakfast, we start our horseback riding safari, making the most of the cool morning hours. A picnic lunch is served along the way. We reach Kukuletwa Hot Springs in the afternoon. This is an amazing place where a river literally bubbles out of the ground, under the roots of a giant fig tree. The local name for them translates to “Water that boils”, which perhaps explains how they became known as “hot” springs, even though the water is perfectly refreshing. A dip in the springs will wash the dust away and afterwards there is time for relaxing in the shade of huge, ancient fig trees. The Kukuletwa Hot Springs have a history with foreigners going back to around end of 1800. Early explorers were impressed with the incredible bio-diversity of the area which included innumerable numbers of big game. Later the area became a popular hunting ground for wealthy Europeans. During the past few decades much of the game has migrated further south to the Maasai Steppe and the Blue Mountains. However the area is still a haven to animals such as lesser kudu, gazelle, crocodile, baboon, Sykes and Vervet monkeys, banded mongooses, and the shy nocturnal animals like porcupine, aardvark, striped hyens, cerval, genet and civet cats. The variety of colourful birds is also impressive. Possibly the best thing about this place is that it remains largely unknown to most tourists so we usually have it to ourselves! Later, a sumptuous bush meal is served under the stars. Tonight you sleep surrounded by the unforgettable sounds of the African bush! Day 3: Kukuletwa Hot Springs Awake to the gentle cooing of the African dove, and to a cup of steaming tea or coffee served in your tent. Then we head out on horseback for an early-morning ride to explore an area further downstream around the Sanya River. The terrain here is perfect for invigorating long canters. After a late breakfast we take a guided walking tour of this unusual ecosystem, comprised of numerous springs and small streams. As we retrace the footsteps of Dr. Livingstone, keep alert for different types of monkeys, a wide variety of birds, and perfectly camouflaged reptiles up to crocodiles! We return to camp for lunch and for a refreshing plunge into the spring, followed by an afternoon for leisure. Enjoy the warm colours of sunset, with Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru silhouetted in the distance. Day 4: Return to Makoa Farm After a hearty breakfast we turn our horses back towards Makoa-Farm. We will take another route, passing through areas shaded by indigenous palm trees and riverine forest. A picnic lunch is served in the bush under a stand of Euphorbias at a site offering expansive views across Maasai land. We continue on horseback this afternoon, crossing the Kikafu River if the water levels are not too high, or circumventing it to reach Makoa Farm in the late afternoon. Refreshments are served on the veranda. With luck Kilimanjaro will emerge from the cloud to bask in the evening light. 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. You will see people’s daily life and learn about their farming methods. In the afternoon start for another ride towards the Weru-Weru River, passing tobacco and smallholder farms. Day 6: Day trip north-east through lush plantations... Chagga villages and small coffee farms, passing through scenic river valleys to reach a scenic spot on a flower farm with an incredible view over the Masaisteppe. Our picnic lunch will be prepared under old trees. Enjoy the permanent good mood of the village residents we are passing on our way back. Day 7: Day trip to Kibo-Kikafu-Coffee Estate ... We pay a visit to Tom, the 150 year old giant Aldabra tortoise. During our lunch at the farmhouse of the estate you get some more insider information and impressions about life in Tanzania. The ride back home through lush banana and coffee plantations as well as long fields offers possibilities for nice 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 see the day wake up from horseback. Take your last round through our coffee farm where you hopefully will spot some of the game which is on its way back to the places where they dosing spend their day. After breakfast depart for your home going journey. Notes: Price includes: 
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