Luxury Horse Safari at Ol Donyo Lodge

Wake up on a stunning African morning, with the smell of coffee and the sound of birdsong. Delight in a wonderful breakfast, before setting out on horseback, travelling in and around these diverse landscapes. Riding in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya is what dreams are made of. Unrestricted by roads and vehicles, you will forge your path through the diverse landscapes that Kenya has to offer. Tuning yourself to the rhythm of your horse and the surrounding bush, taking in its awe-inspiring natural beauty. You will be more likely to cross the tracks of a pride of lion than that of a human! This wonderful adventure is set against the backdrop of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Horse rides take place across beautiful and unspoilt scenery, ranging from forests and deep savannah plains to dense bush woodlands, and clear springs. Ride up into the hills that form the backdrop to this stunning lodge, with the hills offering spectacular panoramic views of the plains below. Follow the ancient elephant trails through the woodlands before reaching the open savannas again, where you can enjoy some faster riding. The morning ride is a longer ride, usually, 3- 4 hours in the saddle. On these mornings, a packed breakfast or lunch will be carried in saddlebags. While you’re riding, keep your eyes peeled for the elephants, giraffe, eland and antelope which dot the landscape.

Ride back to the lodge for lunch and then indulge in an afternoon nap, swim in the pool or luxurious massage. This might be a good time to head down to the lodge waterhole, where you can sit in the underground hide and watch the wildlife come to the waterhole to drink. The elephants love coming down for an afternoon drink and often provide hours of entertainment.

In the afternoon, saddle up for another adventure. This is often a quieter ride as you head off into the warm afternoon light, who knows what you might see! Or if you want a break from the saddle, head out on foot or enjoy a game drive vehicle instead. Enjoy sundowner drinks from one of the hills, transforming the landscape from shades of green, to deep golds and fiery reds. Tuck into a wonderful dinner and before falling into your fluffy white sheets or for the more adventurous, head out on a night drive to search for nocturnal animals. How about taking the time to have a bubby bath or sleep on the roof under the stars?

While the “Big Five” are here, this area is well known for more elusive wildlife such as cheetah, fringe-eared oryx and the long-necked gerenuk. This area also boasts huge herds of giraffe, antelope, wildebeest and other plains game as well as herds of elephants and a resident pride of lions. Game drives head out at first light or as the light is fading, offering the best game viewing as well as incredible light for wildlife photography. After dinner, you might be tempted to head out on a night drive, to discover a range of unusual and nocturnal animals and view the breathtaking African stars.

Another huge benefit of staying outside national parks is that you are allowed to appreciate the stunning landscape around you on foot, peacefully without the noise of engines. The Chyulu Hills were designed for walking and hiking. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. Your guide and the lodge managers will be able to suggest different walks depending on fitness and your interests, such as birding, spelunking, or exploring the plains. Each is a voyage of discovery unveiling secrets of the bush, wildlife movements, medicinal plants and uniquely adapted flora and fauna. Wear good walking shoes, a hat and natural-coloured clothing and grab your binoculars. Your guide will have water for you and a snack in case you get peckish.

For those who like a different type of saddle, mountain biking is a great option. This is a good opportunity to exercise but also another way of viewing the landscape and wildlife in the area. We recommend cycling during the cooler hours of the day, either in the early morning or late afternoon. Cycling usually takes place on the plains heading toward the kopje or el Mau.

Just below the lodge’s main area is the famous ‘log-pile’ hide named as such because of its elaborate and impressive interwoven construction. A short walk with a cool drink in hand, and you’ve arrived at a secret shaded spot from which to view the many birds and animals that come in for a drink, splash or wallow. This is a tremendous experience, especially during the midday siesta and a favourite for photographers.

The Maasai of the Mbirikani Group Ranch are as natural a part of the area as the wildlife and have a close partnership with the lodge. Many of the staff and guides are from this community, a 90-minute game drive away. Guests are able to visit the Maasai villages on the ranch. This is an authentic experience, where you will be shown the traditional lives of those living here and get an insight into the culture and traditions of the Maasai. There will be plenty of traditionally crafted jewellery items for sale during your visit to the village, all of which are made by the women who live there. The men also love showing off their traditional tools and games. There is a small donation, which goes towards the local school. Note, that sometimes the villagers might not be up for visitors.

• Guided bush walks
• Hill hikes and exploration of extinct volcanoic lava tubes
• Mountain biking
• Game viewing drives
• Night game viewing drives
• Lion tracking
• Cultural villages visits (additional charge)
• Anti-poaching tracker dog experience (additional charge)
• Amboseli day trip (additional charge)
• Scenic Kilimanjaro flight (additional charge)