Horse Riding Safaris in Kenya

The Masai Mara, in South-West Kenya, is the quintessential Africa most people dream of. Together with the Serengeti National Park, it is a sanctuary for some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife and the awe-inspiring annual wildebeest migration. Being one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa, and home to over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds, the Mara’s magic is almost impossible to rival. With its wide-open plains teeming with wildlife, this true African bush forms the idyllic setting for the ride of a lifetime

LAIKIPIA: BORANA LODGE + LEWA WILDERNESS + SOSIAN LODGE

Stretching from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift Valley, the Laikipia Plateau is increasingly being recognised as one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets. A mosaic of farmland and conservancies, some of Kenya’s best conservation success stories are unfolding here. Vast open plains create a haven for wildlife, and you will find yourself riding with endangered species such as black rhino, Grevy’s zebra and wild dogs. This area is made for adventurous travellers with unusual activities like scaling Mount Kenya, visits to chimpanzee sanctuaries and some sensational rhino sightings

Safari Highlights

Activities

RIDE FOR A PURPOSE
Be inspired by passionate antipoaching teams who protect their treasured and increasingly threatened black and white rhino. Riding safaris in Kenya helps fund these programmes and acts as a reason to keep fighting for their conservation

GAME DRIVES
Game drives are the quintessential safari activity. You’ll embark on guided drives in specially equipped vehicles to explore Kenya’s national parks and wildlife reserves. This is an excellent opportunity to spot the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) and many other wildlife species

WALKING SAFARIS
For a more intimate wildlife experience, you can go on guided walking safaris. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll have the chance to track animals on foot, learn about local flora and fauna, and appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS
If photography interests you, many lodges offer specialised photographic safaris. You’ll be accompanied by a professional wildlife photographer who can provide tips and guidance for capturing the best shots of Kenya’s incredible wildlife and landscapes

CONSERVATION EXPERIENCES
Participate in conservation activities such as joining the antipoaching team on their walks, learning about the training of the antipoaching dogs and doing a snare sweep on horseback

HOT AIR BALLOONING
Experience the African sunrise from a hot air balloon as it floats over the plains. This offers a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes (Can be booked in the Masai Mara)

SCENIC FLIGHTS
Take a scenic flight over the Lakipia wilderness in a unique bi-plane! Giving you a bird’s eye view of the open plains below and an adrenaline rush as you spot journeys of giraffe, or huge herds of elephants below

FLY CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Spend a night under the stars with a fly camp set up just for you. Sleep in comfortable tents, surrounded by the sounds of the African night, and wake up to the beauty of the sunrise with your horses tethered nearby

VILLAGE VISIT
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Kenya by chatting with your local guides or visiting a traditional village. Learn about traditional customs, dances, and crafts, giving you a deeper understanding of the people who call this land home

Accommodation

When it comes to where you lay your head after a day of horse riding, there really is an accommodation to suit everyone. Recline in luxury after many hours in the saddle at one of our lodge-based horse riding holidays. Kenya offers a range of luxury safari lodges located in prime wildlife areas. These lodges often feature spacious and beautifully decorated rooms with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and all the amenities you’d expect from a high-end accommodation. Some lodges even have private plunge pools and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

Or, for a more immersive experience, head out on a mobile safari where the camps move with your equestrian journey. These camps are set up in the wild and provide comfortable tents with all the necessary facilities, allowing you to explore remote areas. And for pure indulgence, choose the ‘Out of Africa’ experience of riding with Gordie and Felicia Church. Despite being a mobile camp stay, you will have comfortably furnished tents and food you would’ve expected to be cooked in a five-star hotel, not over a simple wood fire. Whichever you choose, you can expect excellent dining options featuring a blend of local and international cuisine, knowledgeable guides for game drives and wildlife viewing, and incredible horse riding.

Kenyan Culture

Kenya’s vibrant, colourful and fascinating culture is a joy to experience whilst on safari. Relish combining some of the most outstanding game-viewing opportunities that Africa has to offer with the fascinating traditional culture of the Maasai tribe. As a break from the saddle, visit a Maasai Boma and learn from the famous Maasai warriors. They will proudly show you the traditions of their people and how they manage living and herding cattle in a Big 5 landscape!