A2A Safaris - equestrian safarishttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/equestrian-safarisenDaily Diary: Singita Grumeti Horseback Safarihttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/daily-diary-singita-grumeti-horseback-safari<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_10.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10749" alt="Horsback Safari at Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_10.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The rumble of hooves across the Serengeti isn’t always the result of millions of animals moving across the plains during the annual migration; often it is our guests enjoying an outride from the stables at <a href="http://singita.com/sasakwa-lodge/lodge-details/equestrian/#equestrian" target="_blank">The Singita Equestrian Centre</a>. The horseback safari at Singita Grumeti is an unrivalled adventure that combines long rides exploring remote areas of more than 350,000 acres of exclusive use concession with wonderfully relaxing afternoons. In this series of diary entries, Equestrian Manager Alison Mundy documents a few days taking guests on a journey of exploration to some of the Reserve’s most remote and romantic sites.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_3.jpg"><img src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_3.jpg" alt="Horsback Safari at Singita Grumeti" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10742" /></a></p>
<p><strong>DAY ONE</strong><br />
We headed out from <a href="http://singita.com/sasakwa-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Sasakwa Lodge</a> across the wide open plains that were teeming with wildlife after the early rains. Cantering with thousand of wildebeest and zebra was one of the highlights of today’s ride; the thrill of being at one with the herds is almost indescribable. Animals racing all around you, the thundering of thousands of hooves, the barking of the zebras and the “gnuuing” of the wildebeest rang in our ears.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10744" alt="Horsback Safari at Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_5.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Twenty minutes from camp we heard the ominous growl of an approaching thunder storm as the big, black clouds rolled in over the Serengeti. The clouds burst a short time later and the brief but torrential downpour left us all drenched but thankfully much cooler. A light rain continued though the afternoon and pre-dinner drinks were much enjoyed sitting around the camp fire under umbrellas while retelling the day’s adventures.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10747" alt="Singita Grumeti, Tanzania" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_8.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>DAY TWO</strong><br />
What a start to the day! The morning was heralded with a spectacular sunrise behind Bangwezi Hill while we had our breakfast, but it was soon interrupted by the spotting of what appeared to be some cheetah playing on the edge of the camp. Upon closer inspection we saw that it was a mother with her three cubs in the process of stalking a male reedbuck. After that bit of excitement we headed off on the horses to see what other adventures we could find.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10745" alt="Singita Grumeti, Tanzania" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_6.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Not long after leaving camp we came across a journey of approximately 20 giraffes, some eland and a small herd of zebra. With the wide open plains stretching out all around us we started to canter alongside the giraffe. They were very obliging and started to run alongside the horses for about 500m – what a magical memory to take away of these gentle giants running in slow motion meters away from your horse! Other game spotting throughout the day included a close encounter with a hyena and a herd of over a hundred elephants.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_2.jpg"><img src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_2.jpg" alt="Horsback Safari at Singita Grumeti" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10741" /></a></p>
<p><strong>DAY THREE</strong><br />
After exploring the Lion Rocks yesterday, we headed off towards Monchuli Hill this morning, mingling with more herds of zebra and giraffe along the way. The terrain today was more varied with open plains leading into areas that looked like large manicured parks dotted with with marula and apple leaf trees, following into acacia woodland and then onto more open plains.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10740" alt="Horsback Safari at Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Some mountaineering was required to cross a saddle between two hills while being watched by a troop of baboons. Manyara and Koroya had a couple of races on the open plains to see who was the fastest with Manyara surprising us all with a real burst of speed to beat Koroya by a length! Returning to camp we came across a large herd of curious buffalo who entertained us for some time, coming closer to the horses and then running away. Another delicious lunch accompanied by some hilarious stories and much laughter took up a couple of hours, followed by an afternoon wildlife walk.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10743" alt="Horsback Safari at Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/equestrian_4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em>Combine <a href="http://singita.com/explore-mobile-tented-camp/" target="_blank">Singita Explore</a> for a truly immersive bush adventure with a stay at <a href="http://singita.com/sasakwa-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Sasakwa Lodge</a> or <a href="http://singita.com/faru-faru-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Faru Faru Lodge</a> for the ultimate Serengeti horseback experience. Non-riders in a party are welcome and will be offered game drives plus all the facilities of the lodges. Equestrian safaris are available from 01 June – 31 October. <a href="http://singita.com/contact-singita/" target="_blank">Get in touch</a> with our Reservations team to find out more. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/daily-diary-singita-grumeti-horseback-safari/">Daily Diary: Singita Grumeti Horseback Safari</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-faru-faru-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Faru Faru Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-sasakwa-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Sasakwa Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/equestrian-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">equestrian safaris</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/horseback-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">horseback safaris</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-equestrian-centre" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Equestrian Centre</a></div></div>Mon, 09 Feb 2015 13:25:29 +0000Anonymous1118 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/daily-diary-singita-grumeti-horseback-safari#commentsAn Update from the Singita Equestrian Centrehttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/an-update-the-singita-equestrian-centre<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7891" alt="Horseback Safaris in the Serengeti | Singita" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_6.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>A horseback ride over the vast plains of the Serengeti is an exhilarating experience transporting you to the charm and nostalgia of days gone by. <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">Singita Grumeti</a> offers Africa’s most exclusive horseback safari experience, where guests can roam over 350 000 acres of exclusive-use concession in Tanzania’s magnificent Serengeti. Equestrian safaris are ideally suited to more experienced riders and take guests on a journey of exploration to some of the Reserve’s most remote and romantic sites.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7892" alt="Horseback Safaris in the Serengeti | Singita" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_7.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7887" alt="Horseback Safaris in the Serengeti | Singita" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Martin Dodwell, a member of our dedicated team who run the Singita Equestrian Centre at <a href="http://singita.com/sasakwa-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Sasakwa Lodge</a>, has sent us an update on the recent migration activity in the Serengeti and the game they have spotted on their regular outrides with guests:</p>
<p>“The month of July provided us with perfect riding conditions as the wildebeest arrived, grazing across the plains and clipping the grass, allowing for faster-paced riding. Our first guest ride to <a href="http://singita.com/faru-faru-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Faru Faru Lodge</a> was particularly spectacular, as we rode across Sasakwa Plain with herds of antelope and giraffe, before crossing the Grumeti River and viewing elephant, buffalo and lion all in one ride!</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7890" alt="Horseback Safaris in the Serengeti | Singita" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_5.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>In early September, we took a four-night safari to <a href="http://singita.com/explore-mobile-tented-camp/" target="_blank">Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp</a> in the Maji region, where the grass is fresh and short, offering excellent ground conditions for riding. Our group comprised four guests from Ireland who have ridden in Kenya and Botswana, and were happy to report that our horseback safari is the best they had ever experienced.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7889" alt="Horseback Safaris in the Serengeti | Singita" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Later in the month, we took some guests to explore the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikorongo_Game_Reserve" target="_blank">Ikorongo Game Reserve</a> while based at another Singita Explore camp near Lion Rocks. We rode across the main road near to Muchuli Hills and out onto open plains with short, green grass. We traveled more than 10km into the Reserve and were lucky enough to ride alongside huge herds of zebra and buffalo. The guests were so impressed with the riding terrain that they have booked a return safari with friends for next year.”</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7888" alt="Horseback Safaris in the Serengeti | Singita" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_3.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7886" alt="Horseback Safaris in the Serengeti | Singita" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/equestrian_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em>The <a href="http://singita.com/sasakwa-lodge/lodge-details/equestrian/#equestrian" target="_blank">Singita Equestrian Centre</a> is located at the top of Sasakwa hill, very close to <a href="http://singita.com/sasakwa-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Sasakwa Lodge</a> overlooking the endless plains of the Serengeti. The stables are home to 18 magnificent horses, ranging from 15.1 to 16.3 hands in height. The stables are superbly well maintained and the horses all in excellent condition. All the horses have been carefully selected for temperament and pace and include South African Boerperd, an indigenous African breed, Thoroughbreds, and a variety of cross breeds.</em></p>
<p><em>To find out more, please visit our website or email <a href="mailto:enquiries@singita.com" target="_blank">enquiries@singita.com</a> to get further details from our Equestrian Manager.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/an-update-from-the-singita-equestrian-centre/">An Update from the Singita Equestrian Centre</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-explore-mobile-tented-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Explore Mobile Tented Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-faru-faru-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Faru Faru Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-sasakwa-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Sasakwa Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/equestrian-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">equestrian safaris</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/horseback-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">horseback safaris</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-equestrian-centre" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Equestrian Centre</a></div></div>Wed, 30 Oct 2013 15:04:53 +0000Anonymous388 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/an-update-the-singita-equestrian-centre#comments