Nature hike at Makoa-Farm

You want to hike, swim and just enjoy the day away from the tourist attractions on Kilimanjaro? Then you are exactly right on this small tour to the Makoa-Farm.

Founded in 1901, the farm is located at an altitude of 1,070 meters on the southern slope of Kilimanjaro, not far from the mountain village of Machame. The old, charming farmhouse still bears witness to the colonial history, originally the 143-hectare site was a coffee farm.

Since 1999, the property has been run by the German-Hungarian veterinarian couple Elisabeth and Laszlo. It doesn't get boring here, the farm is a base for excursions into the surrounding area and offers beautiful paths through bush and forest for exciting rides or hikes. The four luxurious cottages (with great views of Kilimanjaro) and the renovated maisonette-style guest house are definitely worth a stay for a few days. The two vets also work with wildlife authorities and private reserve operators, occasionally hosting different wild animals for treatment or rearing.

Our hike starts at 10 am and leads through bushland to the Makoa River. During the hike you will usually be accompanied by two black-headed sheep (Suzi and Lieve) and the two donkeys Pina and Fridolin. The four are professional caretakers for wild animals, but also people and are happy about a lot of pats and attention.

During the hike over the farm area you can enjoy the panorama of Kilimanjaro, the view of Mount Meru and the view over the Maasai steppe to the Blue Mountains on a clear day. On the way you will also visit a small waterfall with a fruit bat cave. Here is one of the two known colonies of "Mountain Fruit Bats" on Kilimanjaro. Along the way you will often see various species of birds and monkeys performing acrobatic jumps in the trees.

Around noon we take a rest at the Makoa River. Not just anywhere, of course, but at an idyllic waterfall with a naturally formed pool that invites you to swim. The water is refreshingly cool after the hike, but not too cold. Here we also have a small picnic, there are delicious, vegetarian mini-pizzas, fresh vegetables with dip and homemade Rosella juice, what more could you want.

The hike takes about 3-4 hours including breaks, swimming and picnic. The descent and ascent at the waterfall with the swimming place requires sure-footedness and some fitness. The tour is not suitable for small children and those who are already afraid of heights when climbing a ladder.

We will pick you up at your accommodation in Moshi before the tour and of course we will also bring you back (transfer is included in the price). We will inform you of the exact pick-up time when you make your booking. Of course you can also do the tour with us from Arusha, on request we will tell you the price for the additional transfer.

Please bring bathing suits, a cap or other sun protection and non-slip shoes for the tour.

All prices are based on USD and include: Guided tour (in Englisch) by a Makoa-Farm employee, private transfer with English speaking driver from/to Moshi, picnic lunch, bottled drinking water.

The above mentioned rates are only valid for a group that has booked together and are independent of the total number of participants in the tour.

You may pay for this tour in USD or equivalent in TZS (Tanzanian Shillings) on the date of the tour in cash. Please be aware that USD minted in 2006 or prior will not be accepted.