Riding covers open country at the pace of the animal rather than an engine. Plains game such as zebra and giraffe tend to be less wary of a horse than a vehicle, so approaches are often closer and considerably quieter.
It takes place outside the national parks, where riding is not permitted — the areas used are the plains and farmland around Arusha, the West Kilimanjaro corridor, and the foothills below the mountain. These are working landscapes with game moving through them, not fenced paddocks.
Rides run from about an hour up to a full day with a packed lunch, with half-day rides the most common choice. Horses are matched to declared ability, and both complete beginners and confident riders are catered for.
Routes deliberately steer clear of elephant and predators, which is part of why riding stays outside the parks. It works best as a change of pace within a safari rather than as a substitute for game drives.
Each of the settings below offers something different — some suit long canters across level ground, others slower rides within sight of the mountain. Availability varies by operator and by season.
Declare your riding experience honestly so horses are matched correctly. Helmets are provided and should be worn throughout; closed shoes with a small heel are required.
Rides stay outside big-game areas, and guides keep groups together at a controlled pace. Tell your guide before the ride about any back, joint or heart condition.
No. Horses are matched to declared ability, and there are quiet horses suitable for complete beginners as well as forward horses for confident riders. Be honest about your experience — overstating it is the most common cause of problems.
Beginners are kept at walking pace on easy ground. Experienced riders can usually ask for longer rides with canter sections over open country.
Outside the national parks, where riding is not permitted. The areas used are the plains and farmland around Arusha, the West Kilimanjaro corridor, and the foothills below the mountain.
These are working landscapes with plains game moving through them rather than fenced paddocks, which is what makes them interesting to ride.
Commonly zebra, giraffe, gazelle and other plains game. Animals tend to be less wary of a horse than a vehicle, so approaches are often closer and quieter than you would manage on a drive.
Big game is deliberately avoided. Routes are chosen to steer clear of elephant and predators, which is part of why riding stays outside the parks.
Long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel. Helmets are provided and should be worn throughout. A light long-sleeved top is worth having against sun and thorn scrub.
Rides run from about an hour up to a full day with a packed lunch. Half-day rides are the most common choice. Mention any back, joint or heart condition before you mount.
