Kenya ~ Offbeat Safaris

Horse riding holidays in Kenya

Without doubt some of Africa's best big game country, the rolling Loita Hills to the vast Masai Mara. Any safari here is memorable but on a horse it is the experience of a lifetime. The Mara safaris take you to remote Masailand, far off the beaten track where there are no fences and only huge herds of game disturb the endless view. To ride with the seasonal migration across these plains is unimaginable; the good going never ends and animals... wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, gazelle, elephant... are everywhere. Further north, safaris in Laikipia cross private land that was once part of some of Kenya's biggest family owned ranches. This untouristed, wild country with fabulous views of Mount Kenya, boasts large numbers of elephant, elegant, beautifully marked reticulated giraffe and many unusual species of game. After riding, evenings on both safaris are spent glowing with exhilaration around a roaring log fire and an iced drink, a relaxing dinner served in style under the stars and a comfortable night in a beautifully situated and secluded camp, expertly prepared and set up for you provide the perfect end to exciting days.

Safaris are run from set dates for 7 and 10 nights and private group safaris (usually for a minimum of 6 nights) are available on request.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 5-6 hours a day.

Horses: polo ponies, TB and Arab crosses.

Pace: moderate to fast with plenty of long canters in open country.

Riding ability: confident intermediate to experienced riders.

Weight limit: although, depending on ability heavier riders can sometimes be accommodated - contact us to discuss.

Accommodation: 5∆ camping.

Group size: max 12.

For Offbeat Safari testimonilas click here

The horses include a mixture of breeds with several pure thoroughbreds, thoroughbred and Arab crosses and polo ponies. They are between about 14.2hh and 16.2hh, are responsive, forward going and thoroughly enjoyable to ride. Many are polo schooled to a high standard. They are also sensible to handle, used to game and at home in the bush. Grooms look after the horses on safari and prepare them for rides. Tack is English style. Groups are a maximum of 12 guests.

Hours: There is usually about 5 to 6 hours riding a day, moving from camp to camp or riding out from camp with breaks to rest, for lunch and game viewing.

Pace and experience required: To join a safari you must be a fairly experienced rider who is comfortable on a horse at all paces from a walk to fast canter in open country. You will be riding in a varied, open area where there is big game including elephant and lion. The going on the safaris is good and the pace is often fast, with long canters on open plains and riders encouraged to spread out. You are expected to cope, to keep up and stop when necessary, so need to be confident and fit. If in doubt about ability please contact us.

Accommodation on these safaris is in private tented camps set up especially for you along the route. Spacious, walk in double safari tents are used with comfortable beds, tables, chairs and linen provided. There are hot showers in camp and each tent has a private long drop loo. There are plenty of staff and service is very good. Most safaris also include a night or two either at Deloraine House or at Sosian Ranch. Deloraine, one of Kenya's loveliest colonial houses. was built in the 1920's by Lord Francis Scott and is set in the middle of a 5,000 acre estate with magnificent colourful gardens. Sosian is a 24,000acre ranch on the Laikipia Plateau. The ranch homestead and land surrounding have been carefully restored and with its wide verandas, open lawns and swimming pool, it is a lovely, very relaxing place to stay.

Rates 2010	10 night safaris January to March £3960; June to October £4200 7 night safaris January to March £2775; June to October £3040 Rates 2011 10 night safaris: £4600 7 night safaris: £3475 Single supplement - to guarantee a single tent, the supplement is £60 per night; this is not charged if you are prepared to share a tent with another guest if necessary. Contact us for rates for private group safaris (these depend on group size).
	Rates include - collection from & return to Nairobi at set times with the group on the first / last day, all riding, guiding and equipmen, accommodation (based on two sharing), all meals and some drinks.
	Rates exclude - flights to Nairobi, transfers from / to Nairobi at other times, personal medical insurance (compulsory), visa fees, some alcohol and personal items such as tips; a single supplement of £45 per night is charged if you wish to guarantee a single tent and are not prepared to share a twin tent if necessary.
Dates 2010	Mara Safari 2nd to 12th January 5th to 12th February (7 nights) 12th to 19th February (7 nights) 2nd to 12th March 18th to 28th June 3rd to 10th July (7 nights) 10th to 17thJuly (7 nights) 6th to 16th August 20th to 30th August 3rd to 10th September (7 nights) 10th to 17th September (7 nights) 18th to 28th September Laikipia Safari 8th to 18th October Amboseli Safari 4th to 14th June Please contact us for 2011 dates Also private group safaris arranged on request
Season	late December to March, June to October

The meeting place for the safaris is Nairobi, Kenya's capital. There are several flights from London to Nairobi each day - British Airways and Air Kenya have direct, overnight flights. Several other airlines such as Air France and KLM have flights via Europe. For an economy return flight from London budget around £550 to £700.

	Sample itinerary - Mara ride (please enquire for Laikipia itinerary)
Day 1	Met at Nairobi International and transfer to Wilson airport for a short flight to the Mara. On arrival at the Mara airstrip transfer about an hour to Olare Lamun, the first night’s camp. Lunch in camp and a short afternoon ride to try the horses before dinner. Night in camp.
Day 2	Set off on an early morning ride to explore this remote area. Lunch in camp followed by an evening ride. Overnight Olare Lamun.
Day 3	A long ride towards the Mara Game Reserve, stopping for lunch by some rock pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip. Overnight in a new camp at Olare Oruk.
Days 4-5	Two days riding out from Olare Oruk, perhaps with a game drive into the Mara Reserve for close up viewing of elephant and lion. Two nights Olare Oruk.
Day 6	A long ride upstream along the Olare Oruk River and across plains of the Siria escarpment. Ford the Mara river and ride south-west across the Mara Triangle. Night at Soit Olololol camp.
Day 7	A lovely ride along the escarpment, overlooking the whole Mara ecosystem. Return to Soit Olololol for a second night.
Day 8	Today's ride takes you to the final Mara River camp. Ford the river again and ride on to reach the camp where dinner is accompanied by the grunting of hippo in neighbouring pools.
Days 9-10	Breakfast, then a charter flight north to Deloraine house, a lovely colonial property close to Nakuru. The next two days are spent here with time to relax, ride on the estate, enjoy the wonderful gardens, swim in the pool and for a day trip to see the flamingos at Lake Nakuru. Two nights at Deloraine.
Day 11	An early morning ride followed by lunch, then transfer back to Nairobi for your onward flight.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions