Natron Flamingo Ride

8 nights from €6330

Embark on a 9-day horse safari along Lake Natron, where millions of nesting flamingos create a breathtaking spectacle. Traverse Maasai land, witness diverse avian life, and experience the heart of Africa atop seasoned safari horses with Kaskazi Horse Safari.

Tanzania, Lake Natron
Set arrivals
8 nights
2-4 hours of riding per day
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Group size: 8 max

On our horse safari along Lake Natron, we are treated to a breathtaking spectacle featuring millions of nesting flamingos! Situated in the eastern part of the East African Rift, at the base of Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, Lake Natron is a highly alkaline lake nourished by some invigorating hot springs.

As we traverse the Natron Lake on horseback, we bear witness to the extraordinary array of birds that consider this unique ecosystem their home. Among them, the lesser flamingos, numbering up to an impressive 2.5 million individuals, stand out as one of the bird species with the highest population.

The lake is nestled in the heart of Maasai land, ensuring that our journey brings us into frequent encounters with this proud community and their majestic herds of cattle.

In the northern region of Tanzania, our esteemed partner, Kaskazi Horse Safari, operates. The stables for our safari horses are strategically located just outside of Arusha, providing a breathtaking view of Mount Meru, and on clear days, even Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kaskazi thrives on a profound passion for horses, Africa, and its diverse cultures. Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the undiscovered and serene corners of Tanzania—the most enchanting way to explore Africa, astride a seasoned safari horse.

In a nutshell:

Traverse the trails along Lake Natron in the heart of Maasai land on horseback
Discover East Africa’s sole regular breeding ground for 2.5 million lesser flamingos, all from the vantage point of your horse
Enjoy a night at a boutique hotel within a lodge’s grounds, with subsequent nights in mobile safari tents
Suitable for riders with advanced to expert skills
Families with older children and non-riding companions are warmly welcomed.

Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary – subject to change at any time.

Day 1

Arrival

Upon your arrival, the Kaskazi team will greet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After a pleasant half-hour drive, you’ll reach the Polo and Golf Club grounds. Spend the night at a boutique hotel on-site, where you can meet fellow safari participants. Enjoy a sundowner and dinner served at the lodge. If there’s a polo match, grab your drink at the clubhouse before heading to the lodge for dinner.

Day 2

Into the North

The next morning begins with a typical English breakfast, followed by a 4 ½ hour drive to the “Kaskazi Fly Camp” north of the N´garuka village. Upon arrival, a warm welcome awaits, along with welcome drinks from the crew. After a tour of the tents, a meal is served, and an introduction to the upcoming safari follows. Each guest is then assigned a suitable horse, and in the afternoon, we embark on a short ride to allow riders to acclimate to their horses. The day concludes around the campfire.

Day 3

Maasai Villages and Cultural Riches

Wake up to a cup of tea or coffee, with breakfast already waiting. Today’s ride is picturesque and culturally rich, taking us through Maasai villages where we encounter Maasai men tending to their grazing herds. A midday break under a shady tree provides refreshments, with lunch brought by vehicles or carried in saddlebags. We continue riding briskly to reach our night camp before sunset.

Day 4

Towards the Natron Region

After the morning wake-up call, enjoy a hearty English breakfast before mounting your horse. The day takes us northward, with the imposing Gelai Mountain looking down from the east. Leaving Maasai villages behind, we enter the stunning Natron region. With luck, we may ride past vast herds of zebras and wildebeests roaming the open landscape. Lunch is enjoyed amidst the bush before riding to our overnight camp.

Day 5

Exploring Oldonyo L´Engai

Awaken to coffee or tea, followed by a bush breakfast. Today, we explore the area around Africa’s only active volcano, “Oldonyo L´Engai” (Mountain of God). After reaching the camp, a late lunch and siesta await. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxing the muscles of both riders and horses.

Day 6

The Long Ride

After an early English breakfast, we face the longest and most demanding ride of our safari—approximately 60 km in temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius. The volcano is behind us as we enter a riverbed, providing some shade before riding through the open landscape to our lunch break. We pause under several large acacia trees near a riverbed to gather strength for the final stretch. The night is spent near hot springs with a good view of the lake.

Day 7

Lake Natron’s Beauty

Following breakfast, we walk about 45 minutes to the point where the springs flow into Lake Natron on the eastern shore. After the intense heat and dust, it’s worth taking a dip. Lunch is enjoyed at the springs, followed by a walk or drive back to the camp. The day concludes with a late evening ride in cooler temperatures, offering good chances to observe hyenas or jackals searching for food in the muddy shallow areas of the lake.

Day 8

Journey Back to Green Grasslands

We depart from our camp very early, leaving the desolate yet hauntingly beautiful lake behind, and follow the riverbed back to the lush green grasslands at the foot of Oldonyo L´Engai. Spend the night at a familiar location.

Day 9

Departure

After a restful night, the inevitable farewell approaches. It’s time to pack your belongings and, for the last time on this journey, saddle up. Together, we ride to the airstrip, where a chartered plane awaits to fly us back to Arusha. If you desire a day room before your return flight and lunch, these can be arranged in advance.

Here concludes your personal adventure in the saddle, at least for this journey!

PRICES

INCLUDED

Accommodation in a double room/tent (overnight stay in a boutique hotel or mobile camps)
Dinner on the arrival day/Breakfast on the departure day
All meals and local drinks during the ride
Experienced guide
Horses and riding program as described
WD (Wildlife Department) fees
WMA (Wildlife Management Area) fees
Fees for the villages
“Flying Doctor” membership
Charter flight from Natron to Arusha
Transfer to and from the airport at specified times

NOT INCLUDED

International flights
Lunch on the arrival day
Drinks at the lodge
Tips (approximately 25 – 40 USD per person/day recommended)
Other personal expenses
Visa
Travel insurance

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Single room supplement per person: 580.00 € for the 9 days/8 nights stay
National park fees per person: 980.00 €
- Pferdesafari reserves the right to change this price at short notice if Tanzania increases fees.
Domestic flight per person: 650.00 €
- This flight is organized by Kaskazi Horse Safari and cannot be booked independently.

NEAREST AIRPORT

Kilimanjaro International Airport

ENQUIRE NOW

The accommodation

e02b6ec5b4e25cd80a4a365837a55049__640_400_crop

0aa326f4b8129f0f93afdf8c91eb5941__640_400_crop

c242f43bd5e2d1b5eda0b1e24223e792__640_400_crop

dd2ce6fb2726cec26c1535335755306a__640_400_crop

126d4766ca54090734e00535666dba00__640_400_crop

Lodge

On the first night, you’ll reside in a boutique hotel nestled within the Polo Club grounds, offering splendid views of Mount Meru, and on clear days, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The “Golf Safari House” boasts 10 rooms and is a brief buggy ride from the renowned Kilimanjaro Golf Club. Stylishly appointed, each room features a private bathroom, a standing fan, a safe, and coffee/tea-making facilities. The décor seamlessly blends modern bright colors with traditional Dhow wood sourced from the African coast.

Enjoy access to WIFI in the clubhouse and make use of the inviting swimming pool. Should you desire, SPA treatments can be arranged upon request. Alluring libations and delectable homemade meals are served at the clubhouse, though please note that beverages are not included in the lodge price.

Mobile Camps

The “mobile camp” comprises purpose-designed tents, ensuring both comfort and spaciousness with dimensions of 3 by 3 meters. Mosquito nets adorn the doors and windows, facilitating excellent air circulation while providing protection against insects. Each tent is thoughtfully equipped with a carpet, towel holder, bedside table, water bottle, bed donned with crisp cotton bedding, and a solar light. Adorning the front of each tent is a veranda featuring chairs and a shared washstand with your tent partner. Additionally, each tent boasts its own bush toilet and a refreshing bucket shower.

Meals, orchestrated by the culinary expertise of Mark English, a seasoned gourmet chef from South Africa, are a delightful affair. Breakfast is a nod to traditional cowboy style, offering freshly squeezed juices and exotic African fruits. Lunch is served al fresco beneath the shade of a tree, either transported by accompanying vehicles or carried in our trusty saddlebags. As the sun sets, dinner unfolds as a sophisticated 3-course menu, skillfully melding regional and international flavors, accompanied by freshly baked bread, crisp salads, and aromatic herbs. The accompanying beverages are thoughtfully sourced from the region.