Rocky Hollow Lodge Stay

Mornings at Rocky Hollow begin with coffee on the verandah as the first light spills across the valley. Soon after breakfast, riders head to the stables, saddling up for an exhilarating morning exploring the surrounding hills, riverbeds, and acacia plains. Cantering alongside zebra or elephant tracks, it’s the kind of riding that makes time blur. Midday is for rest and riders can enjoy a lazy lunch under the trees or in the dining area, followed by a siesta or a good book in the shade.

Afternoon adventures might mean another ride, a walk through the koppies, or a visit to the baboon project before gathering around the fire for drinks. Evenings are relaxed and social, with dinner under a canopy of stars and stories shared with Charlie and Mouse, a fitting end to a day that feels both wild and wonderfully homely.

Riding at Rocky Hollow is personal, flexible, and full of adventure. Each ride feels different, from fast canters along the old airstrip to winding trails through the bush and sandy riverbeds. The horses, a mix of thoroughbred crosses and Appaloosas, are responsive, sure-footed, and clearly love their work. It’s a great destination for confident riders wanting to explore wild Laikipia on horseback, with wildlife encounters and incredible scenery at every turn.

For those moments when you’d rather take in the scenery on four wheels, guided game drives venture into the neighbouring reserves and nearby conservancies, including the nearby Lolldaigas. In the neighbouring reserves, the bush is quite thick and you’ll often come around the corner to see herds of elephants or towers of giraffe that magically melt into the bushes. Expect classic Laikipia views, rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and open plains and sightings of elephants, zebra, giraffe, and sometimes big cats. It’s a chance to see more of the wildlife-rich region and enjoy sundowners in some truly spectacular spots.

Guided bush walks are the best way to slow down and see the smaller details, tracks, birds, plants, and the rhythms of daily life in the bush. Led by Charlie or one of the team, walks range from gentle strolls around the property to more adventurous routes up into the koppies for panoramic views of Mount Kenya and the valleys below.

Instead of a conventional pool, Rocky Hollow has natural stone pools formed among the koppies, where rainwater collects in clear, cool basins. A swim here is a refreshing treat after a long ride and a bit of an adventure since there may be frogs or even small fish.

Some of the best days at Rocky Hollow end with picnic rides,  long morning rides through the bush, stopping at a scenic spot for a relaxed, home-cooked lunch under an acacia tree. Horses rest in the shade while guests enjoy good food, laughter, and sweeping views before riding back to the lodge in the late afternoon light.

Just a short drive from the lodge, the Baboon Research Project is a fascinating look into the behaviour and social structure of habituated troops of wild baboons. You’ll spend a memorable couple of hours walking with the baboons and the scientists studying them. The team is always happy to answer any questions you might have on these animals and they know each indiviual by name. It’s a unique and educational experience that few travellers ever get to see. Watching their interactions up close gives a whole new appreciation for Laikipia’s wildlife.

For a change of pace, head into the Lolldaiga Hills Conservancy, a stunning landscape of rolling hills and dramatic escarpments. Day trips here include scenic game drives, with the chance to spot elephants, buffalo, lions and the region’s famous Grevy’s zebra. It’s one of the most beautiful corners of northern Kenya and well worth the journey! This is at an extra cost, but you can make a full day out of the adventure.

To the east and north lie large group ranches, and Rocky Hollow is fortunate to be situated among the Laikipia Masai. Traditionally nomadic pastoralists, many now live in permanent homesteads, some made of stone and some still traditional mud houses, raising goats, sheep, and cattle when the grass allows. They are a gentle, welcoming people who maintain their traditions with pride. Weddings are lively celebrations of beadwork, song, and dance. Children walk to school past elephants and other wildlife, and the community works together to manage the land and its resources, living in harmony with the rhythms of the bush. You’ll get a really great sense of the community during your stay as you’ll ride past many of the villages and Charlie will be able to tell you a lot of their history.