Kenya

Kenya is the most beautiful country and without doubt offers some of the best big game viewing in Africa. Encompassing areas that are geographically and culturally diverse, Kenya offers riding visitors the experience of a lifetime.

Riding, staying overnight in a combination of tented or lodge type accommodation, allows you to venture off the beaten track. The options range from the endless Masai Mara with its seasonal migration of wildebeest and zebra to the northern hills of Laikipia overlooked by Mount Kenya. Alternatively choose to ride on a mobile safari covering the area between the vast dry lake beds of Amboseli to the majestic Chyulu Hills to the West, with Mt Kilimanjaro as the back drop.

In order to discuss the options call DD at Outposts Ltd. She was born, raised and first sat on a horse in Kenya; she is well qualified to advise! Outposts Ltd favours the more remote, unusual, friendly relaxed locations, that still have the real feel of old Africa and do not cater for large numbers.

Outposts Ltds favorites are:

Borana Lodge:
For both experienced and novice riders and fabulous for families, Borana is a small luxurious lodge, imaginatively designed, situated on the working farm of the historic Dyer family who are 3rd generation Kenyan. Borana is set in a stunning location with panoramic views of Mount Kenya and Kenyas Northern Frontier in the wonderfully remote Laikipia District.

Experienced riders
The horses at Borana are suitable for the more experienced rider. Guests can explore the ranch with guides searching for the big game that abounds there. Picnic lunches and sundowners are organised for those wanting a day's ride; similarly, a hack before breakfast is just as easy to arrange. Flexibility is the key at Borana; one can ride all day; go on a mobile tented safari down into the remote Seiko Valley, or, combine riding with guided bush walks, mountain biking, game viewing, farm visits whilst enjoying this sensational location.

Novice Riders
Not far from Borana lodge, at the foot of the escarpment is the Ngare Ndare River. Here Rose Dyer keeps a stable of horses and ponies home bred especially for their temperament so they are suitable for novices. This is an old Kenya working farm which embodies the character of a Kenya settlers life. Having a meeting with Rose and Tony Dyer, who are part of the local history is worth a visit in itself.

Ride Kenya:
Ride Kenya has access to over 1.4 million acres, including two national parks, their mobile horse safaris offer an unforgettable experience. With Mount Kilimanjaro as the back drop, rides traverse from the vast dry lake beds of Amboseli to the majestic Chyulu Hills through a variety of fascinating eco systems where over 38 species of large mammals, including the Big Five roam freely; no tourists in mini buses are to be seen.

All of the riding with Ride Kenya is managed and guided by Patrick Stanton and Nicola Young, both enthusiastic and experienced; they produce their horses beautifully and are excellent hosts. They are closely linked with the lodge at Ol Donyo Waus which is one of the most luxurious small lodges in East Africa.

Experienced riders
The luxury tented mobile safaris are for small groups running for 6 nights/7 days to set dates or tailor made on request throughout most of the year. The horses are of course used to the wildlife and terrain but riders must be competent; comfortable at all paces, able to sit on a horse if it should shy.

Whilst you ride between 15 to 30 miles per day, the luxury camp is moved ahead to the next destination. The tented camps are very comfortable, with beds, sheets, en suite bathrooms, a central dining tent and a high standard of food and drinks. Supported by a crew of grooms, chefs, waiters and general helpers you are ensured comfort reminiscent of the safaris of old.
To add the icing on the cake you can choose to start / finish your riding safari at Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge.

Novice Riders
Stay at Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge in great comfort riding out from there each day. Horses and rides are suitable for any standard from a novice child to an experienced adult. Imagine riding all day and coming home to a hot bath or shower, a private swimming pool, great food, charming hosts and world class service. Guests can also enjoy game drives, bush walks and night game drives.

Offbeat Safaris:
Fast, thrilling, comfortable and fun, with 20 years of experience of mobile riding safaris; Offbeat Safaris offer Africa's most exciting mobile riding safaris with reason. There is a choice of riding safaris, running to set dates, taking you far off the beaten track staying in a choice of stunning mobile camps and beautiful private lodges. Choose from the Masai Mara, Meru National Park, the Great Rift Valley or the Laikipia region of Northern Kenya.

Founder Tristan Voorspoy has led safaris in Africa since the early 1980's; it is no surprise that he has been recognised as one of the top safari guides in Africa and has been made an honorary Kenya Game Warden. His good reputation has been built on his charismatic guides, his passion & respect for Africa's wildlife and his high standards of comfort & service offered throughout. When sitting around the fire full of a delicious bush dinner after a glorious day in the saddle, there are few better story tellers in Africa.

Experienced riders
These safaris are for experienced riders only. Guests should be comfortable at all paces, be able to gallop and react quickly and safely. Riding is off the beaten track in areas where big game wildlife is abundant and riders should be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours a day.

Please call us so we can discuss which safari is best for you.