Horseback Riding in Kenya

Laikipia Safari

Overview

This trip along the base of Mt. Kenya presents a unique perspective of Kenya, since most of the ride is on vast private ranches up to 100,000 acres. It affords fascinating insights into the conflicts between wild game and cattle as well as into the life of the Kenya ranchers who pioneered this wilderness soon after the turn of the century.

Spacious 10ft x 9ft sleeping tents with camp beds (double on request), mattresses, sheets and blankets. Towels, soap and torches provided. There is a gas lamp and hurricane lamp in each tent. There is a loo tent for each double tent and hot showers always available.

All food is fresh. Dry ice and cubes are carried and the camp is self sufficient for one week. Bread is baked daily on open fires and our chefs are extremely good. You will again be pleasantly surprised.

  • Overview:
    The horses are Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred cross that have been bred and raised on local ranches. They are accustomed to the wildlife and riding in the bush, are well trained and fit, and are used for polo when not on safari. Traditional English saddles and snaffle bridles are utilized, although many of the horses neck rein. Some McClellan saddles are available. Saddlebags are attached to carry raincoats, water bottles, cameras, binoculars and a picnic lunch on moving days. Some seat savers are available, but riders are welcome to bring their own.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Somali/Thoroughbred Cross
  • Trip Pace:
    Moderate to fast with opportunities for lengthy canters and gallops
  • Tack:
    English
  • Weight limit:
    200 lbs

Non-riders are welcome to join and take part in game drives and all other non-riding activities as described in the itinerary.

Nairobi

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Private Camp Borana

Arrive Borana either by private charter or scheduled flight. Borana is a cattle ranch turned conservation area in pristine countryside on the Northern slopes of Mount Kenya with beautiful views to the snowcapped peaks of the Mountain in the south and the rugged mountains of the Mathews Range, Bodich and even Marsabit on the way to the Ethiopian border. It is home to the big five and a host of other species such as Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe and Black Rhino. Have lunch in Camp in a grove of euphorbia trees.

Day 2

Private Camp Borana

A full day exploring Borana by horseback and vehicle, and a picnic lunch on the Ngare Ndare River. Borana is on top of an escarpment and the scenery is spectacular. A great variety of species is to be seen. Borana is home to hosts Nicky and Michael Dyer, who own and run Borana Lodge.

Day 3

Private Camp Loldaiga Hills

Our first moving day takes us with a picnic lunch (in our saddle bags) to the west. Cross from Borana onto Ole Naishu ranch and climb the first ridge of the spectacular Loldaiga Hills. These form a northern extension of the Mt Kenya Massive and consist of large rocky Kopje’s interspersed with Cedar forest. We cross Ole Naishu onto Loldaiga Hills a 55,000-acre ranch and probably one of the most beautiful farms in Africa. Reach camp at the head of a beautiful valley surrounded by cedar forest where you stay again for 2 nights.

Day 4

Private Camp Loldaiga Hills

Some spectacular rides and a picnic lunch by land rover to the northern areas of the ranch will fill today’s program amply. At one point you’ll be on the western edge of the Loldaiga Hills with spectacular views of the Laikipia Plateau below, which you will be crossing over the next four days.

Day 5

Private Camp El Karama Ranch

Leave Loldaiga Hills and today cross four ranches on the way to El Karama, home of the Grant Family. Drop down a hidden valley on elephant and buffalo tracks with little dams before crossing Enasoit ranch and then onto the specialist cattle ranch of Mogwooni, home of the Kenyon family. This is one of the few days you see some cattle fencing and you will have a picnic lunch here on the banks of the Nanyuki River. After lunch cross onto El Karama ranch 13,000 acres of pristine game country and find the camp on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Day 6

Private Camp El Karama Ranch

A full day exploring this ranch by horse and vehicle and a good chance of a game walk along the river before lunch. There is a host of game including Grevy’s Zebra, the rare endemic Jackson’s Hartebeest, elephant, giraffe and hippo in the river.

Day 7

Private Camp Sosian

Sosian A long day’s ride to Sosian. Cross the Ewaso Narok River and traverse Segera ranch to the Northwest. The route takes you up the spectacular Sugoroi river valley before crossing rather monotonous black cotton plains, covered in whistling thorn (acacia Drepanolobium) which is home to the Patas monkey, a chestnut colored long limbed primate which is widespread but rare among the northern savannahs of Africa. We reach the Mutara River and follow this pretty valley down before crossing onto Sosian ranch for a late lunch at the edge of the lovely Suguta Swamp. A short ride after lunch brings you to camp by the Ewaso Narok River, below Sosian’s waterfalls.

Day 8

Private Camp Sosian

A full day riding, driving and enjoying this re-habilitated cattle ranch which boasts a wide variety of game including, Jackson’s hartebeest, Grevy’s Zebra, Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Lion, Giraffe and all the other species. From certain points we can look back at the Loldaiga Hills over which we passed and Mt Kenya now appears a good distance away.

Day 9

Departure

A last ride followed before breakfast at Sosian and our transfer back to Nairobi in time for the International return flights.

Itinerary Addendum

**This itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.**

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Mar 23, 2024
Mar 31, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $11,130

  • Single Supplement
  • $920Not required if willing to share
Additional Pricing Information:
Insurance Required. Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.


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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