Top 3 Family Horse Riding Holidays in East Africa

Horse riding holidays in Kenya offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making them an ideal choice for family vacations. From the rolling plains of the Masai Mara to the rugged landscapes of Laikipia, Kenya’s diverse terrain provides endless opportunities for exploration on horseback. Families can embark on scenic rides across vast savannahs, spotting iconic wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and zebras along the way. For more experienced riders, exhilarating gallops across open plains offer a thrilling adrenaline rush. In addition to the incredible wildlife encounters, horse riding holidays in Kenya provide a unique opportunity to connect with local communities and learn about traditional Maasai culture. With family-friendly accommodations, expert guides, and tailored experiences catering to riders of all levels, Kenya’s horse riding holidays promise an unforgettable adventure for families seeking to create lasting memories together in the heart of Africa.

Here Are a Few of Our Favourite Family Horse Riding Holidays in East Africa

Family Adventure Holidays at Borana Lodge

Set amidst the untouched wilderness of Laikipia, Borana Lodge promises an extraordinary family horse riding holiday in Kenya. This luxurious retreat offers a bespoke experience tailored to your preferences, whether you’re seeking a solo adventure, a romantic escape, or a memorable family getaway. With stays typically spanning 5-7 nights, guests have the flexibility to combine their visit with other lodges in Laikipia or the Masai Mara, or extend their adventure with a coastal retreat. For an unforgettable experience under the African sky, indulge in a private fly-camping expedition, where you can ride, cycle, or drive to your own campsite beneath the stars.

Borana Lodge goes above and beyond to ensure a family-friendly atmosphere, with two spacious family cottages featuring multiple bedrooms, shared lounges, and private verandahs—ideal for quality bonding time amidst the breathtaking surroundings. Families receive personalized attention, including their own guides and the option to have private vehicles, allowing for intimate wildlife encounters and tailored adventures.

Riders of all levels are welcome at Borana, with beginner riders and children enjoying gentle rides close to the lodge, while experienced riders can embark on exhilarating excursions lasting up to six hours. Small group rides ensure a private safari experience, with families having the option to explore together. Beyond horseback riding, Borana Lodge offers a varity of activities to delight guests of all ages, from thrilling game drives and guided walks to mountain biking, meeting the Maasai, and farm visits—a perfect opportunity for kids to get hands-on with nature. Guests can also enjoy sundowners at Pride Rock, and experience your own Lion King Moments. Join the anti-poaching team for a guided walk to encounter white rhinos and contribute to conservation efforts firsthand.

While Borana may be more exclusive than the Masai Mara, its diverse terrain hosts an array of rare and endangered species, including black rhinos, painted dogs, and Grevy’s zebras. Exciting big cat sightings are common, while the varied landscape reveals elusive creatures like striped hyenas and gerenuks. Moreover, a significant portion of your stay directly supports the Borana Conservancy, ensuring the protection of wildlife and habitats for generations to come. With its unmatched blend of luxury, adventure, and conservation ethos, Borana Lodge promises an unforgettable family horse riding holiday in the heart of Kenya’s wilderness.

Luxury Family Vacation at Lewa Wilderness

Immerse your family in the untamed beauty of Kenya with a horse riding holiday at Lewa Wilderness, a luxury lodge nestled in Laikipia. Whether you’re seeking a solo sabbatical, a romantic escape, or a family adventure, Lewa Wilderness offers a tailored experience for every guest. Spend three to five nights exploring the vast open plains in the shadow of Mount Kenya, with the option to extend your adventure by combining your stay with other lodges in Laikipia or the Masai Mara.

At Lewa Wilderness, families can unwind in two-bedroom family units with shared lounge areas, providing the perfect retreat after exhilarating days in the saddle. With over 30 horses catering to riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced equestrians, every member of the family can embark on thrilling horseback safaris. Beginners can marvel at the magic of a horse safari as they ride among herds of zebra, antelope, and giraffe, while experienced riders can enjoy thrilling canters along wildlife tracks, exploring the incredible landscape without the rumble of an engine.

Beyond horse riding safaris, Lewa Wilderness offers a variety of activities for the whole family, including game drives, fly-camping, guided walks, and camel trekking. Explore the Ngarendare waterfalls, visit the inspiring Il’ Ngwesi village, or join the anti-poaching team protecting this great wilderness. With endless safari possibilities, you may find it hard to leave the tranquility of Lewa Wilderness behind.

As a lodge-based ride, guests at Lewa Wilderness are not bound to set safari dates, allowing for a tailor-made getaway spanning five to ten nights. For those with more time, combine your stay with 3-5 nights at Borana Lodge, a 7-night Masai Mara expedition horse safari, or opt for a traditional vehicle safari for non-riding partners. Moreover, a percentage of your stay contributes to the Borana/Lewa Conservancy, supporting wildlife protection in this haven for both humans and animals alike.

A Riding Safari in the Heart of the Chyulu Hills

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure with a horse riding holiday at Ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya, one of the country’s most luxurious Relais & Châteaux lodges. Experience the thrill of horseback riding combined with the exquisite luxury of this renowned lodge, nestled in the heart of the Chyulu Hills between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks.

Families can indulge in the ultimate safari experience with a stay in the lodge’s two-bedroom luxury family unit, complete with a spacious lounge, private deck area, and a refreshing swimming pool. Each family is accompanied by their own guide, ensuring a personalized and tailored adventure for all. With a recommended four-night stay, families can take advantage of special offers during the low and shoulder seasons, making this dream safari experience even more accessible. Additionally, there is a special kids club for children aged five and up, offering fun activities for budding conservation enthusiasts and young adventurers.

Riding at Ol Donyo Lodge is only for intermediate plus and advanced riders, offering the opportunity to explore Kenya’s iconic landscapes alongside some of the country’s famous wildlife. Ride along ancient elephant paths, with the majestic silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro as your backdrop. Traverse wide-open grass plains teeming with wildlife, from inquisitive Maasai giraffes to herds of zebra, wildebeest, and antelope. Keep an eye out for cheetahs lazing in the shade and marvel at the diverse array of species that call this region home.

For photography enthusiasts, Ol Donyo Lodge boasts a hidden hide overlooking a waterhole, attracting a plethora of wildlife, including large herds of elephants. Kids particularly love the hide and can often sit there for hours watching for wildlife. The lodge staff will happily put together some snacks and bring blankets to make it super cozy (and ideal for a nap if needed). And when you get back home again, there is a live feed where they can relive their memories. The lodge provides photography studios and binoculars for every guest, ensuring you capture every moment of your safari adventure.

Indulge in five-star dining with decadent meals served in the main dining area, as well as bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, starlight dinners, and private dining experiences next to your pool. After a day of adventure, parents can unwind with soothing massages while children immerse themselves in the wonders of the African bush. With a wealth of activities, luxurious accommodations, and unparalleled hospitality, Ol Donyo Lodge promises an unforgettable horse riding holiday for the whole family.