At the foot of Kilimanjaro – A Tanzania horseback safari for the adventurous

An interview with Jo Westermark – founder, guide, and the heart & soul behind the Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride.

Few rides capture the spirit of freedom quite like the Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride.

We caught up with Jo Westermark; Swedish-born guide, founder, and the brilliant mind behind this unforgettable adventure — to talk about what makes the ride so special, and why the view of Africa from the saddle is like nowhere else on earth.

What characterizes the Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride?

We've been running for about ten years now. It’s known as a quite untamed, fast-paced horseback safari — not too many rules, and good riders. For that reason, we’re able to allow people to do a little bit of whatever they want, while still keeping it very safe — as safe as you possibly can keep a safari. Summarizing that: good pace, good horses, and a lot of freedom during our safaris.

Have you had a moment on horseback where you thought, this is why I do this?

To be honest with you, Liza, I just love everything that involves horses, and I very much enjoy people as well. A job is always a job, but I think it’s the freedom that I get from the combination of the two — and from meeting these amazing, interesting people from literally all over the world, who all come with an adventurous mind and want to be able to gallop across open plains, savannas, or Africa.

I think that’s why I do this.

What do the riders usually say when they first see Kilimanjaro from the side? Your most memorable guest reaction on a ride?

I think it’s just very overwhelming when you see that mountain, because what very few people know is that it’s the highest single-standing mountain in the world. You normally look too low, and when you finally look up, you see this most amazing, majestic mountain that’s often quite shy — you usually only see her really getting undressed early in the morning or late in the evening.

I think their first impression of this mountain is always the same: oh my gosh, this thing is absolutely humongous.

Why can’t you miss out on this safari? Why is now the right time to go to Kilimanjaro for a ride?

I think the world has become quite complicated, because it’s pushing us to follow so many rules and regulations. You’re constantly told to follow the line, go head-to-tail, wear a helmet… So far, we’re still managing to offer people a truly free experience out there. Of course, fit and experienced riders are a must. We’re going to aim to keep it this way — taking on good, balanced, and adventurous riders, and retaining a ride in Africa that feels like freedom.

The sense of freedom on the Kilimanjaro Elephant Ride is unmistakable, and the pace turns the adventure into a horseback safari as vibrant and free as Africa itself.

Ready to experience Kilimanjaro from the saddle? Read more here.