October 3-11.2026

Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride

A fully hosted intimate photographic horseback safari across Big Five territory in Northern Tanzania. Ride where elephants roam beneath Kilimanjaro…

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Why This Ride is Special?

SIGNATURE ADVENTURE

This is not a standard riding holiday. It is a curated mobile horseback safari, designed intentionally for a small group of experienced riders who seek depth, beauty, and meaning in their travels.

The journey is shaped by a team of professional travel experts and is hosted alongside a professional photographer Evgeniya Savina , ensuring that the spirit of the ride, the horses, the landscapes, the quiet moments at dusk, are thoughtfully documented. Your memories are preserved with care and artistry.

Unlike commercial riding operations that repeat fixed itineraries, this safari is crafted specifically for this departure. The route, rhythm, and experiences are intentionally designed to create a deeply personal atmosphere, one where riders participate in something unique.

This is a mobile expedition in its purest form: riding across untamed terrain, sharing campfires under vast skies, and building an authentic connection with horse, land, and culture.

WILD&REMOTE TERRITORY

This region of northern Tanzania is known as one of the great elephant landscapes of Africa. Here, riders have the rare privilege of encountering elephant herds from horseback, often at remarkably close proximity, in a place where the animals are accustomed to the presence of horses. You travel as a small, intimate group of like-minded riders, moving quietly through pristine nature where wildlife roams freely. Elephants may appear in the distance. Antelope scatter across the plains. Birdlife fills the morning air. And beyond each bend in the terrain, something unexpected may be waiting.

Each day unfolds according to the rhythm of the land, and its wildlife movements. The unpredictability is the essence of the experience. It is what makes every departure unique and impossible to replicate.

And in that shared remoteness, something else happens: bonds form. Conversations deepen. Connections last far beyond the final campfire….

This is an unfenced wilderness. Wildlife moves freely. The ride unfolds in landscapes that demand awareness and composure. It is precisely this element - the absence of choreography - that makes the experience extraordinary.

The Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride is for riders who are drawn to the kind of travel that carries a degree of uncertainty. You may set out expecting one rhythm and find the land asking for another. That unpredictability is not an add-on; it is the point.

The horses are fit and forward, used to covering distance across savannah and through thorn country. You’re expected to arrive already confident, steady in your seat, able to adjust without fuss, comfortable riding with independence. Some stretches invite long, ground-covering canters. Others demand precision and awareness.

This ride is for travellers who actively want that element of the unknown. Riders who don’t need every moment pre-written, who understand that real adventure includes variables, and who feel most alive when the outcome isn’t entirely choreographed.

DESIGNED FOR EXPERIENCED RIDERS

Riding in Elephant Country

There is a particular quiet that settles over the plains in Northern Tanzania just before sunset. The light softens, the air cools, and the silhouettes of giraffe begin to stretch long across the grass. From horseback, you notice these things differently. You are not passing through the landscape. You are part of its movement.

The plains surrounding Kilimanjaro are home to remarkable populations of African elephants. In this region, elephants move freely across vast landscapes and are surprisingly relaxed in the presence of horses. From the saddle, riders may encounter families of elephants moving quietly through the grasslands, often at close range. Witnessing these animals from horseback, at eye level and without the noise of vehicles, is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences Africa can offer. Encounters are always respectful and guided with great care, but moments like these are what make this journey truly unforgettable.

This expedition traces a route between the foothills of Mount Meru and the vast horizon that leads toward Kilimanjaro. We ride across open savannah where elephants follow ancient migration paths, through acacia woodland where zebra and buffalo graze undisturbed, and across dry lakebeds that invite long, controlled gallops beneath enormous skies. The rhythm of the days is shaped by the horses. Mornings begin early, when the air is still cool and wildlife is most active. Midday offers rest, shade, and conversation in camp. By late afternoon, the light turns golden again and we head back into the landscape, returning at dusk to a private mobile camp set deep in the wilderness.

Evenings unfold slowly. A drink poured as the sun disappears. Stories shared around the fire. The distant sound of hyena calling across the dark. Above, a sky so clear it feels almost theatrical in its brilliance. For riders who have always wondered what Africa feels like beyond the safari vehicle, this is the answer.

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.”
— Ernest Hemingway

GENERAL INFORMATION

Overall trip duration – 9 days / 8 nights
Accommodation – 2 nights in a luxury villa (arrival & departure) and 6 nights in our private mobile camp
Meals & beverages – All meals and beverages included throughout the safari, except lunch and beverages on the first night. Carefully curated two-course lunches and three-course dinners in camp are cooked daily by a private chef considering all the riders’ dietiries and requirements
Riding program:
6 morning rides (approx. 3-4 hours each)
5 afternoon rides (approx. 2 hours each) + 1 afternoon game drive
Photography package: Most riders return from horseback safaris with only a few photographs taken on their phones. On this journey, the experience is professionally documented so you can fully live the adventure while the memories are preserved.

Park & governmental fees – All park fees, government fees and village fees included
Private guiding – Professional private guide throughout the journey
Rider’s experience level: Advanced (you should be comfortable at all paces, must be able to control your horse at all times and follow instructions of the guide)
Type of riding saddles: English
Weight limit: 85 kg
This journey is organized in partnership with two exceptional safari specialists: Tanzania Horse Safaris and Passage to Africa, whose teams oversee the logistics, operations, and safety of the experience on the ground. Evgeniya Savina joins the expedition as photographer and host, accompanying the group throughout the ride and documenting the journey. All travel arrangements, bookings, and safari operations are managed directly by the partner companies.
Find more information in Q&A section here

BOOK A CALL

Ph. Credit: Tanzania Horse Safaris and Francesca Avventi

INVESTMENT & CONDITIONS

TOUR DATES:

October 3 – October 11, 2026

LOCATION: Arusha, Tanzania

Arrival in Arusha is on October 3rd. Departure is on October 11th (international departures may be late on the 11th or early on the 12th depending on flight schedule).

Tour Investment: $9,850 USD per person (sharing)

To reserve your spot:

A 30% deposit ($2,955 USD) is required upon booking and is due no later than May 1st, 2026.
The remaining balance is due 50 days after booking.

Please note: Deposits are non-refundable unless a replacement for your spot is found.

INCLUDED:

• 8 nights accommodation
(2 nights in a luxury villa – arrival & departure – and 6 nights in a private mobile camp)

• All park fees, government fees and village fees

• 6 morning rides (approx. 3 hours each)

• 5 afternoon rides (approx. 2 hours each)

• 5 afternoon game drives (optional)

• A curated gallery of 300+ professionally edited photographs documenting the journey for personal use

• All meals and beverages throughout the safari (except lunch and beverages on the first night)

Includes two-course lunches and three-course dinners in camp

• Private professional guide throughout the journey

NOT INCLUDED:

• International flights

• Lunch and beverages on the first night

• Gratuities
Guideline: $30 USD per guest per day (Total recommended amount: $240 USD per guest for the full safari)

• Visa, medical and travel insurance (to be arranged prior to arrival)

*The safari is organized and operated by our partner companies Tanzania Horse Safaris LTD and Passage to Africa LTD. Travel contracts and payments are handled directly by the operator.

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ACCOMMODATION

Siringit Villa — Arrival & Departure Nights

Your journey begins and ends at Siringit Villa, a private retreat set in the quiet outskirts of Arusha. Designed with clean lines, natural textures, and generous open spaces, the villa offers a sense of calm before the wilderness and comfort after it. Evenings unfold over shared dinners and unhurried conversations; mornings begin with soft light and the anticipation of the days ahead. It is a place to land gently, reset your rhythm, and prepare for what awaits beyond the horizon.

Mobile Canvas Camp — Six Nights in the Wild

For five nights, home becomes a beautifully appointed canvas tent in a fully mobile safari camp. Spacious and thoughtfully arranged, each tent offers proper bedding, solar lighting, and a shaded veranda where you can sit with a book or simply watch the light fade across the plains. A traditional bush toilet and canvas bucket shower keep the experience grounded in authenticity, without sacrificing comfort. You fall asleep to the distant sounds of wildlife and wake to the first light stretching across open savannah.

MEET THE TEAM

Evgeniya Savina

International photographer, Travel Writer, Expedition Curator and Entrepreneur

Evgeniya is a travel, editorial and equestrian photographer and expedition host known for curating intimate horseback journeys across Africa and Patagonia.

Her work blends aesthetic sensitivity with a deep respect for horses and landscape. Each expedition is designed not only as an adventure, but as a shared experience shaped by meaningful connection and visual storytelling.

She will accompany the journey not only as host but also as the expedition’s photographer. With more than a decade of experience documenting equestrian travel around the world, she captures the quiet moments, the movement of horses across vast landscapes, and the unique spirit that unfolds when riders travel together through wild places.

Each participant receives a collection of professionally edited images from the journey - a visual memory of the experience that will last long after the ride ends.

Over the past eight years, she has explored the African continent with a camera in hand and curiosity in her heart, drawn to its wild edges, its quiet stories, and the way time slows in the presence of something greater. Her work has brought her behind the scenes of Africa’s most renowned lodges and camps, from Kenya to Namibia to South Africa, where she’s captured the essence of true hospitality and learned what makes a safari not just luxurious, but truly unforgettable. With her easy energy and keen artistic eye, Zhenya ensures every moment is lived fully, and beautifully captured.

Evgeniya speaks fluent English and German.

Roxanne Boyes

Expedition Curator, Naturalist, Guide

Roxanne is contagiously passionate, interested, and curious about the natural world. She has ventured into some of the planet’s last remaining wildernesses, and her greatest joy lies in sharing their magic and wonder with others.

Born in South Africa and now based in Nairobi, Kenya, Roxanne’s heart is deeply rooted in Africa, which serves as her launching pad for both local and global expeditions.

From the sweeping savannahs of Africa to the pristine ice sheets of Antarctica, she crafts extraordinary journeys of discovery. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and a touch of elegance, Roxanne ensures every adventure is as unique and unforgettable as the landscapes they are in.

The adventure is calling…

WHY IT IS WORTH THE INVESTMENT

Book a call!

If you're unsure whether this journey is right for you, would like to hear more about the itinerary, or simply want to connect and ask Evgeniya anything directly - you're warmly invited

to book a consultation call.

This is a relaxed, no-pressure chat where you can receive all the information you need, dissolve any doubts, and get a real sense of what this experience is all about.

If you don’t see a time slot that suits your schedule, just send us an email - we’ll be happy to find a time that works for you.

How many places in the world still exist where you can ride a horse through untouched, untamed nature, side by side with wild animals, without the hum of engines, without filters, without distraction?

This is one of those rare places.
Where you can sleep under the stars in canvas tents, yet still enjoy the comfort and quiet luxury of a well-curated journey.
Where the rhythm of hooves and the silence of the wild replace noise and routine.
Where you reconnect and not only with nature, but with yourself.

Yes, this is a financial investment.
But more than that, it’s an investment in yourself.

Journeys like this are full of self-discovery.
Out there, something shifts. New meanings rise to the surface.
Epiphanies appear and our minds awaken.
You come back changed….. expanded, grounded, alive.

And what is that worth?

Quite simply, it’s priceless.

FAQ

Accommodation
Your safari experience includes two types of accommodation: a private villa stay in Arusha and a fully mobile canvas safari camp in the wilderness.
Arrival & Departure – Arusha
On the night of arrival and the night of departure, guests stay at a beautiful villa in Arusha with a refined and comfortable atmosphere.
- Check-in: 14:00
- Check-out: 11:00
If you arrive one or two days earlier, or wish to extend your stay after the safari, additional nights can be arranged at an extra cost. You may request either the same villa or a more affordable accommodation option in Arusha.
Mobile Safari Canvas Camp
During the safari, accommodation is in a mobile canvas camp, designed in classic adventure style and moved according to the route and wildlife movements.
The tents are custom-designed, spacious (4 x 4 meters), and equipped with:
- Mosquito-netted doors and windows
- Bed with cotton linen
- Bedside table, carpet, towel rack, water bottle
- Solar light
- Veranda with chairs
- Washstand shared with your tent partner
Each tent has its own traditional short-drop bush toilet and a canvas bucket shower.
Single supplement: 90 USD per person per night. This provides your own sleeping tent; however, toilet and shower facilities are shared with another guest of the same sex due to logistics. Guests of different sexes are never mixed. If numbers are uneven, the supplement may not apply.
Please note that itineraries and camp locations may change depending on wildlife movement and weather conditions.
While horseback riding is at the heart of this journey, there’s a variety of activities to explore beyond the saddle.
Village Visit & Cultural Experience
During the safari, there will be a village visit to gain insight into local culture and meet members of the Maasai tribe. The guiding team has knowledge of Tanzania’s cultural traditions, including medicinal and traditional beliefs related to trees and plants.
Game Drives
In addition to riding, there may be one or more traditional vehicle game drives, depending on guest interest and logistical planning. For those who prefer an alternative to riding on certain days, vehicle safari options are available.
Alternative Activities
For guests who prefer a break from the saddle, alternative activities may include:
- Vehicle safari
- Bicycle safari
- Walking safari
These options also allow non-riding friends or family members to join the safari experience.
Please note that activities and itinerary components are subject to change due to wildlife movement and weather conditions
Children are accepted on safari, but subject to specific conditions.
For group departures, the minimum age is 14 years old.
In all cases, children must:
- Be confident and strong enough to ride a full-sized horse
- Meet the required riding competence level for the safari
As this is a mobile horse safari conducted in open and sometimes challenging terrain, and in areas where wildlife including predators and elephants are present, only experienced riders are accepted on group departures.
Parents or guardians must ensure that their child meets the riding ability requirements and physical demands of the safari before booking.
Riding & Clothing
Safaris take place in a hot climate. Clothing should be practical and nature-coloured.
Recommended:
- 2 x riding trousers (bring ones you have ridden in before to avoid rashes/blisters)
- 2 x t-shirts/shirts for riding
- 2 x long sleeve shirts/jumpers for evenings
- 1 x loose comfortable trousers for evenings
- 1 x pair of shorts (travel days/siesta)
- 1 pair of riding boots (preferably leather)
- Flip-flops or sport sandals (showers/rest time)
- 1 pair of riding socks per day
- 1 pair of underwear per day (washing powder available on request)
- Belt (useful for attaching small items like camera or binoculars)
- Short or long chaps (recommended due to acacia thorns)
- Hat / Helmet (strongly advised — riders must bring their own)
- Light raincoat or poncho (important)
- Scarf or bandana (for dust and sun protection)
Please note: No riding gear is kept in camp. Helmets and chaps must be brought by the rider
Personal Essentials
- 2 x water bottles (750 ml or 1 L)
- Sunglasses (sun and dust protection)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (especially for evenings)
- Small flashlight (head torch recommended)
- Spare prescription glasses (if applicable)
- Swimming suit (for lodge stay)
- A good book (optional, for midday siesta)
- Small bird book (optional)
- A pair of binoculars
Additional Notes
- The African sun is strong - long sleeves and sun protection are important
- Terrain may include thorny acacia forest and dusty areas
- Riders should bring clothing they are already comfortable riding in to avoid discomfort during long hours in the saddle
This packing list is designed to ensure both riding comfort and safety during the Elephant Ride.
Drinks during the safari are locally sourced, and a large variety is brought along on safari.
They are available as part of the safari experience in camp and during meals.
Guests are also asked in advance about their beverage preferences in the safari questionnaire to help with preparation.
If riders have specific requests beyond standard locally sourced options, these should be communicated in advance via the beverage preference section of the questionnaire.
For clarity on any specific exclusions or premium drink requests, this should be confirmed directly prior to the safari.
The safari takes place in some of Tanzania’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, including areas surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. This area is particularly renowned for its elephant populations. Large herds regularly move through the plains and acacia woodlands surrounding the camp. Riding quietly through these landscapes offers a rare opportunity to observe elephants from horseback - something that is almost impossible in most other safari destinations.
Terrain & Ecosystems
The terrain varies significantly and may include:
- Open savannah
- Acacia woodland
- Thick bush vegetation
- Riverbeds and lake shores (depending on rainfall and climate)
Open savannah allows for long gallops, while thicker vegetation requires heightened awareness for wildlife encounters.
Wildlife You May Encounter
The safari operates in areas where elephants and predators are present, and riders must be experienced due to the nature of riding in open and broken country where wildlife is encountered.
Wildlife presence is dynamic, and itineraries may change according to game movement and weather conditions.
Conservation & Responsible Presence
The safari emphasizes:
- Respect for wildlife
- Safety awareness due to the presence of wild animals
- Following guide instructions at all times for rider and wildlife safety
Guides are professionally trained and knowledgeable about Tanzania’s fauna and flora, including both large game and smaller creatures, ensuring an informed and responsible experience in the natural environment.
Please note that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, as safaris take place in open, unfenced natural ecosystems where animals move freely.
There are specific luggage requirements for the safari, particularly because your itinerary includes travel by light aircraft.
Type of Luggage
- No hard suitcases are permitted.
- Please bring soft-sided, waterproof duffel-style bags
This is essential due to space limitations in safari vehicles and small aircraft.
Weight Limits (Light Aircraft)
- Strict limit: 15 kg per person including hand luggage
This weight restriction is strictly enforced.
Hand Luggage (Larger Aircraft)
On bigger aircraft:
- One item of hand baggage only
- Maximum size: 56 x 45 x 25 cm
- No weight restriction, but you must be able to place and retrieve it safely in the overhead locker
- Any item larger than this must be checked in as hold baggage
Guests are advised to confirm with their booking agent which aircraft type applies to their safari.
Excess Luggage
If you are travelling with additional luggage:
- With prior arrangement, Kaskazi can store excess luggage and transfer it to the airport on the day of departure
- Transfer fee: $40 THS SAFARI INFO, PREPERATION, Q…
Additional Considerations
- Bring practical luggage suitable for a mobile safari camp environment
- Pack light and efficiently due to aircraft and camp logistics
These luggage guidelines are important to ensure smooth transfers and safe transport throughout the Elephant Ride safari.
- A visa is required for most nationalities
- The visa can be:
  - Purchased upon arrival at the Tanzanian port of entry (recommended as the easiest option), or
  - Applied for online prior to arrival via the official Tanzanian immigration website
- Visa cost:
  - USD 50 per person
  - USD 100 for U.S. citizens
Yellow Fever Requirement
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from, or transiting through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission
- This includes airport transits or layovers of more than 12 hours in such countries
Guests are advised to verify entry requirements based on their nationality and travel routing prior to departure, as regulations may change.

Food plays an important part in the safari experience, and meals are prepared by professionally trained bush chefs.
What to Expect
The food is cooked at a great standard, with chefs creating delicious and highly entertaining dishes throughout the journey.
- Breakfast – Traditional full English style, served with juice and exotic African fruits
- Lunch – Served alfresco in the wild under a shady tree. It may be vehicle-supported or carried in saddlebags during the ride
- Dinner – A three-course affair, combining local and international cuisine, served with freshly baked bread, salads, and herbs
Meals are designed to nourish riders after several hours in the saddle while maintaining a high standard of quality and variety.
Dietary Requirements
Guests are asked in advance to specify any dietary preferences in the safari questionnaire so that preparations can be made accordingly.
The team prepares meals with consideration for guest requirements, ensuring everyone is comfortably catered for throughout the safari.
Safety and medical preparedness are taken seriously throughout the safari. Below is what guests should know before joining.
Medical Requirements & Disclosure
Guests must:
- Disclose any medical conditions, pregnancies, allergies, or medications that the team should be aware of
- Bring any required personal medication with them on safari
- Be physically and mentally fit to undertake a demanding riding safari
Riders must have good stamina and fitness to ride several hours per day in a hot climate and over varied terrain.
Guests are expected to consult their doctor regarding malaria prevention prior to travel.
Medical Kit & Emergency Preparedness
- A First Aid Kit is always carried in the backup vehicle during safari
- Emergency medical evacuation is covered
If the company is required to pay evacuation or medical expenses on a guest’s behalf, the guest is liable to reimburse those costs.
Communication & Safety in the Field
While on safari:
- The lead guide is armed
- Communication is maintained via radios and cell phones
- A mobile station is present in each vehicle
- A satellite phone is always kept in camp
Safaris operate in areas where elephants and predators are present, and strict adherence to guide instructions is required for safety.
Guide Training & Competence
- All guides are qualified and professionally trained
- Guides have strong knowledge of Tanzania’s fauna and flora
Guests are required to listen to and obey guide instructions at all times while riding.
Insurance
All guests are required to take out:
- Comprehensive medical and travel insurance
- Coverage for cancellation, personal injury, emergency evacuation, and loss or damage to personal property
Most insurance policies only provide coverage if a helmet was worn at the time of injury.
On the official arrival date:
- Guests are picked up at any time at Kilimanjaro International Airport
If arriving one or two days earlier than the official start date:
- An additional transfer cost of $80 per vehicle (maximum 4 passengers) applies
On departure day:
- Guests are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Flights must not depart before 14:30 (2:30 PM)
For later departures, a day room at a nearby airport lodge is suggested as an optional convenience
What Guests Should Consider
- Ensure passport validity (minimum 6 months)
- Arrange visa in advance or plan to obtain it upon arrival
- Allow sufficient connection time if transiting internationally
- Plan arrival on the official safari start date unless extra nights are arranged
Once guests arrive and are transferred from the airport or villa area, the safari experience officially begins.
Safety is a top priority, and clear insurance requirements apply to all guests.
Guest Insurance
All guests are required to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to arrival.
Insurance must cover:
- Safari cancellation
- Personal injury (fatal or otherwise)
- Medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation
- Loss of cash
- Loss of or damage to personal property
Insurance details (including company name and policy number) must be submitted prior to arrival.
Please note:
- Most insurance policies only provide coverage for riding-related injuries if a helmet was worn
- Guests are expected to have taken appropriate medical advice and vaccinations before travel
Emergency Medical Evacuation
The company covers emergency medical evacuation - RESCUE.
If the company is required to pay evacuation, medical, accommodation, or other related expenses on behalf of a guest, the guest is liable to reimburse the company for those costs.
Company Insurance & Liability
The company is insured, as required under Tanzanian law, with limited liability insurance covering:
- Injuries sustained by passengers in its vehicles
- Riders on horseback
- Visitors to its camps
However:
- Liability does not extend beyond the statutory requirements of Tanzanian law
- Participation involves inherent risks, including wildlife, terrain, weather, and remote conditions
- All guests are required to sign a Waiver, Release and Assumption of Risk prior to participation
Important Clarification on RESCUE & Evacuation
Emergency evacuation support is covered by the company.
Guests must still carry their own comprehensive insurance policy covering evacuation and medical costs, as outlined above.
For full clarity on specific rescue mechanisms (e.g., helicopter evacuation), guests should ensure their personal insurance policy includes appropriate evacuation coverage prior to travel.
Time in the Saddle
Guests should expect to spend approximately 4–6 hours per day in the saddle.
During the riding day:
- There are regular stops for drinks and refreshments
- A longer lunch break of approximately three hours is scheduled, often allowing time for a rest or siesta
- Some sections of terrain may need to be negotiated on foot, both for safety and to rest the horses’ backs and loosen riders’ muscles
The terrain varies and may include open savannah, thorn bush, riverbanks, ditches, and broken country
Required Fitness & Riding Level
Riders must:
- Have good stamina and overall fitness
- Be confident controlling fit horses (often thoroughbred crosses) at all paces
- Be able to ride one-handed
- Rise/post to the trot
- Maintain a secure, balanced two-point (light seat) position during longer canters or gallops
Power in Camp
Each mobile safari tent is equipped with a solar light.
Guests should therefore plan conservatively and assume limited access to charging facilities while in the mobile camp.
Communication & Connectivity
During the safari:
- Communication is maintained via radios and cell phones
- A mobile communication station is present in each vehicle
- A satellite phone is always kept in camp
This communication system is primarily for operational and safety purposes.
Wi-Fi & Internet Access
Guests should not expect reliable Wi-Fi connectivity while on safari.
SIM Cards & Mobile Coverage
Coverage exists in certain areas; however, guests should be prepared for limited or inconsistent signal depending on location and terrain.
What to Expect
The safari is a mobile, remote wilderness experience. While safety communication systems are in place (including satellite phone access), guests should expect limited connectivity and prepare accordingly.
Type of Horses
The horses used on safari are specially trained, all-purpose safari horses selected for strength, reliability, and suitability for varied terrain.
Breeds & Background
The herd consists of a mix of:
- Local breeds
- Cross breeds
- Thoroughbreds
Most of the horses also play polo and are accustomed to being ridden one-handed (neck reined), which allows riders to handle cameras or access saddlebags while riding.
Fitness & Training
The horses are trained safari horses used to covering varied terrain, including open savannah, thorn bush, riverbanks, and broken country.
They are accustomed to being ridden for extended periods during multi-day mobile safaris and are matched to riders according to ability and experience.
All horses receive consistent care, love, and attention, which contributes to their good condition and strong personalities.
Temperament & Matching Process
Each horse has its own temperament and character.
Before the safari, every rider completes a detailed riding questionnaire covering experience level, riding background, confidence at different paces, and preferred horse temperament.
This information allows the team to carefully match each rider with a suitable horse companion for the duration of the safari.
Weather in October - Arusha & Northern Tanzania
October falls within the dry season in northern Tanzania and is generally considered one of the most pleasant months for riding.
What to Expect in October
Daytime temperatures
- Typically warm and comfortable
- Around 24–30°C during the day
- Strong equatorial sun, especially in open savannah
Evenings & Early Mornings
- Noticeably cooler
- Around 12–17°C in Arusha and higher elevations
- A light jumper or long sleeves are recommended for evenings and early rides
Rainfall
- October is usually dry
- The short rainy season (Mvuli) generally begins later, from November onwards
- However, weather in Africa can be unpredictable, so a light rain jacket is recommended
Sunshine Hours
- Expect long, bright days with approximately 10–12 hours of daylight
- Sunrise around 6:30 AM
- Sunset around 6:30 PM
Riding Conditions in October
- Dry terrain with dust in certain areas (sunglasses and scarf recommended)
- Clear skies ideal for wildlife viewing
- Comfortable temperatures for extended hours in the saddle
Overall, October offers warm days, cool evenings, and excellent riding conditions - one of the most favorable times of year for a mobile horseback safari in northern Tanzania.

Saddles
- Most horses are equipped with all-round English saddles (without knee pads)
- Each horse comes with its own individual tack
Bridles & Bits
- Each horse has its own headcollar, bridle, and bit
Riding Style & Reins
- Most horses play polo and are accustomed to being ridden one-handed (neck reined)
This setup allows riders to:
- Carry a small camera
- Access items from their saddlebag while riding
Saddlebags
- Each rider/saddle carries a saddlebag with essentials during the safari
Tipping & Gratuities
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is part of Tanzanian culture and is welcomed as a gesture of appreciation for the crew and guides.
Shared / Communal Tip
The recommended guideline is:
- USD 30 per guest per night
- For a full safari, this totals USD 240 per person
This amount goes into a shared tip for the crew.
At the end of the safari, one crew member typically introduces the team and a thank-you and farewell takes place on departure day.
Tipping is considered a meaningful way to recognize the effort of the team who support the safari experience.
Each rider must complete a detailed questionnaire providing accurate information including weight (maximum 85 kg), height, passport details, insurance information, medical conditions or allergies, dietary and beverage preferences, riding experience, years of riding, confidence level at all paces, preferred horse temperament, and emergency contact details.
The Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride requires riders to fall into the “Experienced” category.
An experienced rider is defined as someone who is:
- Confident at all paces on almost any horse
- Able to mount from the ground
Riders must be able to control fit horses (often thoroughbred crosses) at varying speeds over diverse and open terrain.
You must be comfortable riding one-handed, rising to the trot, maintaining a secure and balanced two-point (light seat), and galloping for longer distances if required.
This safari takes place in open and broken country where wildlife, including elephants and predators, may be present. For safety reasons, only riders who meet this experienced standard are accepted on group departures.
Riders are required to bring their own riding gear, as no riding equipment is kept in camp.
The following gear is required or strongly advised:
- Helmet (strongly recommended; most insurance policies only cover you if a helmet was worn)
- Riding boots (preferably leather)
- Riding trousers (bring ones you have ridden in before to avoid rashes and blisters)
- Short or long chaps (recommended due to thorny acacia terrain)
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Scarf or bandana
All riders must ensure their equipment is suitable for long hours in the saddle, varied terrain, and a hot climate.
A single supplement is available for guests traveling solo who prefer not to share accommodation.
(All prices listed are based on per person sharing.)
If you wish to have a private tent or room throughout the trip, the total cost for a single supplement stay is $10,500 USD.
Guests are expected to take medical advice prior to travel and ensure they have received appropriate vaccinations for East Africa.
Yellow Fever
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if you are arriving from, or transiting through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
This requirement also applies if you have had an airport transit or layover of more than 12 hours in such a country.
Medical Advice
Guests are advised to consult their doctor regarding recommended vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis prior to travel.
It is each guest’s responsibility to ensure they meet all health and vaccination requirements before entering Tanzania.
The Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride experience presented on this page is organized and operated in partnership with independent travel companies.
Evgeniya Savina / Zhenya Swan Studio operates solely as a photographer, host, and creative curator of the experience. She is not acting as a tour operator or travel agent within the meaning of applicable travel law.
All travel arrangements, bookings, payments, and contractual obligations related to the safari are handled exclusively by the official travel operators.
The travel contract is concluded directly between the guest and the respective tour operator.
For this experience, operational and logistical responsibility lies with the following companies:
Tanzania Horse Safaris
Dolly Wildlife Estate | JV9R+WF Maji Chai, Tanzania
and
Passage to Africa
FOBC4183 |Compass Building
Al Shohada Road | Al Hamra Industrial Zone | Ras Al Khaimah | UAE
These companies are responsible for:
• safari operations
• accommodation and logistics
• safety management and guiding
• insurance arrangements related to the safari
• booking contracts and payment processing
Evgeniya Savina participates in the experience exclusively as a photographer and host, providing photographic guidance and documentation of the journey.
Any travel booking will therefore be governed by the terms and conditions of the respective tour operator.
Guests will enter into a separate contract with the operator prior to confirmation of participation.
For any questions regarding bookings, travel conditions, or payment terms, guests will be referred directly to the responsible travel operator.

ARE YOU JOINING?

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Still have any questions left? Feel free to send an email to zhenyaswan@gmail.com or fill out the form above! We will get back you within the next 24 hours!