the

kitulo ride

saddle up with kwandala

High above the clouds where the air is thin and the horizon stretches endlessly lies the Garden of God, locally known as the Bustani ya Mungu. Vast rolling grasslands scattered with wild flowers and dramatic escarpments define this plateau. Move freely across plains, ride along ridge-lines, descend into hidden valleys, and follow old routes towards the shores of Lake Nyasa. This experience is immersive and deeply rewarding. Designed for riders who seek something beyond the expected.

Map of Tanzania displaying a route for the Kitulo Ride including locations like Land in Mbeya, Kitulo National Park, Mount Rungwe, Shamba ya Mifugo, Makete, and Lake Malawi Beach. The map also highlights water bodies, roads, parks, and reserves with illustrations of a monkey, zebra, bird, and hikers.

where are we riding?

Hidden in the southern highlands of Tanzania, Kitulo National Park lies just north of Lake Nyasa. Rising over 3000 meters above sea level, Kitulo is defined not by big game, but by space, silence, and extraordinary natural beauty. During the months of December to March the plateau transforms into one of Africa’s most remarkable floral displays, with wildflowers and orchids carpeting the floor. An eco-system deserving to be explored on horseback.

A group of people riding horses in a grassy field with rolling green hills and a cloudy sky in the background.

rider requirements

The Kitulo Ride welcome riders of varying abilities, depending on the safari selected.

Tailor-Made Safaris are open to all riding levels, including complete beginners. Whether you are taking your first ride or are an experienced horse person, each safari is tailored to your confidence, ability, and interests. Our horses are carefully selected, and the pace and duration of rides are adapted to suit each group.

Exploratory Safaris are designed for intermediate to advanced riders. Guests should be comfortable and balanced in walk, trot, and canter across varied and often uneven terrain. Days can involve long hours in the saddle, changing weather conditions, and remote landscapes where flexibility and a sense of adventure are essential.

Our priority is creating an enjoyable, safe, and rewarding experience for both horse and rider. If you are unsure whether a safari is suitable for your riding ability, we encourage you to contact us to discuss the best option for you.

Kindly note that our weight limit is strictly 95Kg

Stylized illustration of a large tree with a thick trunk and sprawling branches, with orange foliage, depicted on a transparent background.

life on safari

arrival day

Your journey begins on arrival in Dar es Salaam, where a driver will meet you and transfer you to a carefully selected boutique hotel for an overnight stay. The following morning, an early start takes you to the airport to board your private charter flight. After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will land at one of two airstrips in the Mbeya region, depending on logistics. From here, your guide will meet you for a spectacular two-hour drive up onto the Kitulo Plateau.

On arrival, join the Kwandala crew for a light lunch before a short briefing and meeting the horses in preparation of saddling up for your first ride across the plateau, taking in the endless views and crisp mountain air before arriving into camp for sundowners as the sun sets over the Southern Highlands.

a day on safari

Illustration of a picnic setup with a basket, two glasses, a bottle, and some grapes on a checkered cloth underneath a large tree.

A red line drawing of an alarm clock with two bells on top, a bell hammer, and two legs. The clock shows the time as about 7:05. To the right of the clock, there is an orange sun rising over a horizon with radiating lines indicating sunlight.

Red neon outline of a person riding a horse against a black background.

Red neon outline of a woman wearing a hat riding a horse against a black background.

Illustration of an outdoor patio at sunset with a campfire and four lounge chairs arranged around it, overlooking a body of water with mountains in the background.

Your next few days follow a natural, unhurried routine. You will ride approximately 6 hours per day, broken into longer mornings and shorter afternoon rides, with a well deserved rest during the midday sun.

departure day

Your final morning is slow and unrushed. After breakfast and farewells to both the team and the horses, a driver takes you to the nearest appropriate airstrip for your charter flight back to Dar es Salaam. Onward hotel bookings and further arrangements can be organised upon request at the guest’s own expense.

Several horses grazing in a grassy field, some tied with ropes, and trees in the background.

Exploratory safaris

7 nights on horseback across The Kitulo Plateau. Journey across the flower filled rolling plains before descending over 1500 m onto the shores of Lake Nyasa.

A group of people riding horses across a green open field under a cloudy sky with rolling hills in the background. Tanzania at its finest.

Tailor-made safaris

Tailor-made safaris offer a more flexible structure. The safari caters to private groups or families and friends with specific interests and can be adapted to suit the needs of the individual group. The riding remains adventurous, but the structure is more personalised.

- Professionally trained guides and equestrian specialists
- A full team including grooms, tent stewards, chefs, waiters, and rangers
- The safari horses with all their necessary tack and equipment
- Accommodation for the duration of the safari
- All meals and beverages
- Scheduled chartered flights to and from Dar es Salaam to the closest airstrip
- Airport transfers, including to the hotel on arrival, and all other transfers within the safari period.
- Conservation and park fees
- Emergency evacuation, providing rapid air or ground extraction to the nearest appropriate medical facility for medical assessment and initial treatment. All medical care and costs after evacuation are the responsibility of the guest’s personal travel insurance
- International flights
- Medical vaccine costs (please discuss with your doctor regarding the recommended vaccines for travel to Tanzania).
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs)
- Personal riding gear (appropriate clothing, boots, helmet, gloves etc).
- Emergency evacuation beyond the standard plan
- Optional additional activities not included in the itinerary

FAQ’s
on kitulo

Kitulo is unlike anywhere else in Tanzania. Rather than being known for large concentrations of big game, it is famous for its remarkable high-altitude grasslands and extraordinary diversity of wildflowers. During the flowering season, the plateau comes alive with hundreds of species, including many orchids and several plants found nowhere else in the world. It's no surprise Kitulo has earned the nickname "The Garden of God."
Along the journey, you may also encounter zebra, eland, reedbuck, duiker, jackal, monkeys and an impressive variety of birdlife. While wildlife sightings are always a bonus, this safari is truly about the landscapes; the sweeping plains, dramatic escarpments, waterfalls and the descent to the shores of Lake Malawi.
Few riding safaris offer such a diverse journey. In just a few days, you'll ride from the vast montane grasslands of Kitulo National Park, through remote valleys and forests, descend dramatic escarpments and finish on the shores of Lake Malawi.
Yes. The standard weight limit for our safaris is 95kg. This is for the welfare of the horses and to ensure they remain comfortable and capable over long days in demanding conditions.
In some cases, exceptions may be possible depending on the riders experience, balance and fitness. For heavier riders there is an option for a second horse is subject to availability of horses and must be discussed in advance before booking.
What is the riding like?
The riding depends on the safari you choose.
Our Exploratory Expedition is designed for experienced riders looking for a genuine adventure. Expect long days in the saddle, varied terrain, river crossings, mountain trails and rewarding climbs and descents through some of Tanzania's most remote landscapes. It can be physically demanding, but the scenery and sense of achievement make every mile worthwhile.
Our Tailor-made Safaris are completely flexible. Whether you're looking for a gentle half-day ride through the flower-filled plains, a full day's adventure or a multi-day journey, we tailor the pace, distance and terrain to suit your experience, confidence and interests. The emphasis is on enjoying the horses, the landscape and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
All Kwandala safaris operate in remote parts of Tanzania where medical facilities are not immediately accessible. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory for all riders.
We are registered through rescue.co, ensuring every rider has emergency medical evacuation if the situation should ever occur where it may be necessary.
All guides carry emergency communication equipment, and evacuation procedures are in place should they ever be required.
Guests are fully briefed before the safari begins.
4-6 hours
Our rides are normally structured with longer mornings and shorter afternoons.
This is an active safari and riders should arrive with a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.
Soft safari-style luggage is preferred due to charter flights and the mobile nature of the safari. Minimal packing is essential; neutral-coloured riding clothes, comfortable riding boots and chaps, riding helmet, lightweight layers, sun protection, waterproof jacket and a warm layer for the cooler mornings and evenings are all recommended.
A full packing list will be sent to each guest upon booking a safari with all the essentials needed for riding, camp life and internal travel within Tanzania.
No. Particularly on exploratory rides, routes are intentially flexible. Weather, wildlife movement, ground conditions and access all influence the journey.
Some days involve covering significant distance, while others slow down to spend more time within a particular area. Our safaris are designed around the landscape and the wildlife, not a fixed route.