Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Arusha
Your Tanzania Tours and safarisbegins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport. A transfer takes you to Arusha Coffee Lodge, where you can unwind after your journey. Here, you’ll meet fellow riders and enjoy sundowners before sitting down to a delicious dinner. This evening sets the tone for an adventurous safari that combines both wildlife and cultural immersion.
Overnight Stay: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Day 2: Arusha to Ngaruka Village – Introduction Ride
After a hearty breakfast, drive for about 4.5 hours to the Lake Natron region. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the safari crew with drinks and a short briefing. After settling into your bell tents, lunch is served before you are introduced to your horses. In the afternoon, enjoy a short ride to get comfortable in the saddle while taking in your first views of this dramatic landscape. End the day with stories around a campfire under the stars.
Overnight Stay: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Day 3: Horse Ride through Maasai Villages and Natron Plains
Wake up to tea or coffee followed by a bush breakfast. Today’s ride takes you through Maasai bomas, where herders lead cattle across the dry plains. This immersive cultural experience is enriched by encounters with local communities. Lunch is served in the bush, either carried in saddlebags or supported by a vehicle. By evening, you’ll arrive at camp after a day of adventure.
Overnight Stay: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Day 4: Scenic Ride toward Gelai Mountain
An early breakfast fuels you for a ride northwards, with the imposing Gelai Mountain as your backdrop. This ride leaves behind the villages and enters the dreamlike landscapes of the Natron basin. The vast open spaces offer chances to see herds of wildebeest and zebras grazing against a backdrop of volcanic hills. A bush lunch provides a welcome break before continuing to camp for the evening.
Overnight Stay: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Day 5: Exploring Oldonyo L’Engai – Mountain of God
Today’s Tanzania Tours and safaris takes you closer to Oldonyo L’Engai, Africa’s only active volcano, revered by the Maasai as the “Mountain of God.” After a morning ride in its shadow, return to camp for lunch and a restful afternoon. The pace slows, allowing both riders and horses time to recover. You may spend the evening simply enjoying the serenity of the wilderness.
Overnight Stay: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Day 6: Long-Distance Ride across Natron Landscapes
This is the most demanding day of the safari, covering around 60 km in intense heat. After breakfast, set off with determination, following riverbeds that provide shade before crossing wide, open plains. Lunch is enjoyed under large acacia trees, giving riders and horses much-needed energy. The journey ends at a camp near the hot springs, with spectacular views of Lake Natron.
Overnight Stay: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Day 7: Springs, Soda Lake, and Evening Ride
Begin the day with a 45-minute walk to the natural hot springs. The contrast of heat and dust with a refreshing dip makes this one of the highlights of the safari. Lunch is served by the springs, after which you return to camp. In the evening, enjoy a shorter ride during the cooler hours, with the chance to spot hyenas and jackals scavenging along the lake’s mudflats.
Overnight Stay: Africa Safari Lake Natron
Day 8: Farewell Ride and Flight to Arusha
After breakfast, bid farewell to the safari crew. A final ride takes you to the airstrip, where a chartered flight awaits to return you to Arusha. Lunch and showers will be available at the lodge, and if needed, a day room can be arranged before your onward journey. This marks the end of your unforgettable Tanzania Tours and safaris through the wild and surreal landscapes of Lake Natron.
