Horseback Riding in Kenya

Custom Kenya Safari

Overview

A custom Kenya safari with Equitours provided you with something beyond the ordinary; the ability to avoid the mini bus routes and get under the skin of the country. These trips are ideal for families that have some members interested in riding and others interested in experiencing the country in other ways. The personal connections with the people, the flora and the fauna truly make for the trip of a lifetime.

The custom Kenya safari can be arranged for any length and combination of destinations but we suggest a 12 to 14 day trip that includes visits to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Meru National Park, Sosian Ranch and Deloraine House. This itinerary will take you to two of the world’s finest game sanctuaries, one of Kenya’s most attractive colonial homes and a visit to a large cattle and game ranch. These contrasting experiences give the traveler a good insight into the fascinating, many faceted life of this dynamic country so famous for its huge herds of game and the richness of its bird life. The trip completely avoids the city of Nairobi and offers you easy and quick air service between destinations to save tedious road travel. Any equestrians in the group will be very satisfied with exhilarating rides at Sosian and Deloraine but non-riding members of the group will not be disappointed by the variety of other available activities. It is an ideal safari to keep the whole family interested.

The Masai Mara is undoubtedly one of the prime game viewing areas not only of Kenya but the world. It is particularly famous for the wildebeest migration which comes up from the Serengeti Plains from July through September. The luxurious tented camp where you will be staying is the perfect complement to the magnificent wildlife. Besides outstanding game viewing opportunities, you can go on guided walks with the Masai, visit their villages and learn more about their strong culture which revolves around their herds of cattle. These picturesque people, who were formerly fearsome warriors, have clung tenaciously to many of their traditions.

Deloraine was built by Lord Francis Scott who, with Lord Delamere, was instrumental in developing farming and ranching in Kenya. It is an imposing mansion with a four acre garden and lovely swimming pool surrounded by farmland and forest reserve. Your time here will reflect the elegant lifestyle of a bygone era. From Deloraine you can watch birds, ride horses or visit Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its vast flocks of flamingoes and rhino preserve.

Sosian Ranch is a privately owned ranch located on the Laikipia Plateau, an area well known for its abundant wildlife and strong ranching traditions. Many of the large ranches in this area have been in the same family for generations. In addition to domestic livestock, Sosian hosts a vibrant and diverse amount of wildlife. The lovely old ranch house has recently been remodeled to a high standard. There are opportunities here for game drives, guided hikes and horse or camel rides all in the shadow of Mt. Kenya.

Meru National Park is on the edge of Kenya’s Northern Frontier District and presents totally different terrain, animals and birds. Meru is a hidden jewel, with little tourist pressure but interesting wildlife and beautiful scenery. Here again you will be staying in an elegantly appointed camp and can participate in fascinating game drives, hikes and camel safaris far away from other tourists.

  • Horse Breeds:
    Somali/Thoroughbred Cross
  • Trip Pace:
    moderate to fast
  • Tack:
    English
  • Weight limit:
    200 lbs

Trip Itinerary

*Note: Safaris are entirely customizable and can be arranged for groups of up to twelve people with any combination of destinations.

Day 1

Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to the lovely Macushla House.

Day 2

Transfer by air from Nairobi’s local Wilson airport to your luxurious camp set above the Bisanadi River, just outside Meru National Park. This will be your base for morning and afternoon game viewing drives, guided walks and camel safaris.

Day 3

Days 3 and 4:
Meru is a land of magnificent scenery, with horizons of mountain ranges disappearing into the distance. There are extensive grasslands intersected by small watercourses and a wonderful variety of acacia and palm trees. Some of the unusual species of game include Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu. The abundance of birds (280 species) is stunning and waking to the sound of the dawn chorus is a memorable experience.

Day 5

Days 5, 6, and 7:
Transfer by air to Sosian Ranch. Set amidst stunning scenery and overlooked by snowcapped Mt. Kenya, the beautifully appointed house is located on a 24,000 acre working ranch with abundant wildlife. Activities include horse riding, camel safaris, day and night game drives, guiding bird watching and fishing. There is a lovely swimming pool at the house, as well as at the base of a waterfall on the Euaso Narok River.

Day 8

Fly to Deloraine and relax enveloped in colonial splendor.

Day 9

Enjoy Deloraine and visit Lake Nakuru Park en route. The shore of this spectacular Rift Valley Lake is pink with thousands of flamingoes. There are great herds of buffalo and waterbuck, baboons and vervet monkeys are common, and this is also a sanctuary for black and white rhino.

Day 10

Transfer by air to your luxurious camp on the Olare Orok water course in the Masai Mara. This will be your base for fascinating morning and afternoon game viewing drives.

Day 11

Days 11, 12, and 13:
The Masai Mara is an area of vast rolling plains intersected by the Mara, one of the great rivers of Kenya, which is full of hippo and crocodile. There are many prides of lion, cheetah sightings are common and hyena and jackal are abundant. Large herds of wildebeest, zebra, topi, impala, and Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle support this wealth of predators. It is also possible to go on night drives from camp to view some of the more unusual species such as bushbabies and spring hares. Walking out with the Masai, visiting their homes, and learning about their culture is a very special experience which can be easily arranged.

Day 14

Transfer by air to Wilson airport in Nairobi. Drive to the international airport in time for your departing flight.

Itinerary Addendum

THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

The trip can be arranged throughout the year but it is best to avoid the months of May and November.
Additional Pricing Information:
Price depends on group size, trip duration, and included options. Insurance Required Trip price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.


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Do you have questions about this ride itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right ride for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the ride consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have

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Contact Megan Barrett

My time on safari with Equitours in Kenya was unlike anything I had ever experienced and surpassed my wildest expectations. It was truly the most exquisitely planned and wonderful introduction to Africa that I could have hoped for and is something that I will, and must, do again.

James Strohacker 2007