The key to Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris is the horses themselves (and, Africa, of course!). The Ride Kenya stable of Thoroughbreds, Boerperds and even a Shire mix are doted upon with care and passion. Nicola, Patrick and their professional team have personally selected and trained each horse.
A recent guest put it succinctly, “There was never any unrest or misbehaviour from the horses, and they were not dead planks as they walked behind each other but were well trained and clearly very happy horses. We were able to get up close to giraffe and other plains game which made the whole experience so special”. In fact, rides meander among 38 species of large mammals, including the “Big Five” and does so safely and capably. It is an experience unrivaled in Africa. On return to camp, there is time for a hot shower, a cocktail around the fire and a sumptuous three-course dinner.
Each Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safari itinerary explores true wilderness and unfenced ecosystems - from vast savannah plains, to thick acacia forests, to the 40-mile range of the Chyulu Hills. The volcanic geology makes for a mostly soft and sandy terrain, with some areas over ancient rocky lava flows.
There are two distinct 7-day Ride Kenya mobile safari itineraries: the Chyulu Hills Ride and Amboseli Ride. Each of the horse safaris is offered on a range of guaranteed set departure dates designed for guests to join a group. Custom dates can also be arranged on request for a private departure mobile horse safari, catering for two to ten riders, of any duration.
The Chyulu Hills Ride: This signature horse safari has been popular since the start of Ride Kenya. The range of scenery and terrain are perfect for both horse and rider. The wildlife on this ride is more spread out than that of the Amboseli Ride, but there are great sightings nonetheless. It is an ideal itinerary for families, or less-experienced riders.
The Amboseli Ride: Arguably, one of the world’s most thrilling horse safaris; the itinerary traverses open wildlife filled savannas and swamps filled with elephant, buffalo, lion, hyena and much more. This ride is designed for an advanced rider, who is used to long days in the saddle and riding at speed.
* All itineraries are subject to change on account of weather and the movements of game.
A prerequisite of either of the mobile horse safaris is that riders are of an intermediate level of fitness and riding capability as well as enjoying an adventurous spirit. Riders must be comfortable at a good steady canter at minimum. There are opportunities to gallop and jump, but this is not compulsory. The typical day on the Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris consists of about four to seven hours in the saddle, covering a distance between 15 – 30 miles depending on terrain and sightings. We also offer riders the chance to enjoy game drives, bush walks and night game drives. Many of Ride Kenya’s Mobile Horse Safari guests enjoy a night or two at ol Donyo Lodge before or after their safari. This is an excellent add-on to our safari itineraries.
Please note: There is a weight limit for Ride Kenya’s horses. Novice riders (ol Donyo Lodge rides only) should be no more than 100kg (220lbs) whilst intermediate and advanced riders should be no more than 95kg (209lbs).
Itinerary Details:
The Chyulu Hills Safari
Download 2012 Chyulu Hills Safari Itinerary PDF
Day 1 - Arrival, Introductory Game Drive and Horse Ride
Fly into Ol Donyo Lodge airstrip, and be met by a Ride Kenya guide at the airstrip.
Enjoy a short game drive, en route to the first campsite which is nestled in thick Acacia woodland.
The Chyulu Hills offer some of the most stunning scenery in Africa; rolling volcanic hills, Acacia forests, and grassy plains all under the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.
This first drive serves as an introduction to the area and its inhabitants; there are 38 recorded species of large mammal here and over 300 species of bird.
Arrive into camp. Orientation around camp, meet the horses and staff, before lunch.
After a post-lunch rest, drive to Ride Kenya’s main stables (30 minutes’ drive) to meet the horses.
The Chyulu safari starts close to Ride Kenya’s stables, so that riders can be matched with a horse and then assessed as a group in the fenced arena, before heading out into the bush. Anyone who is not comfortable with their horse has a chance to switch at the stables.
This first ride sets off from the stables, and is designed to introduce the rider to their horse and the local ecosystem. The ride will pass through thick Acacia forest, and out onto the savannah. Expect to ride at a variety of speeds and to see game such as giraffe, impala, elephant, warthog and gazelle.
Arrive into camp at dusk. Enjoy a drink by the fire, a hot shower and a three-course dinner. As the sun goes down, listen to the jackal and hyena calling to commence their nocturnal hunts.
Day 2 - Bush Breakfast Ride and Afternoon Walk
Depart at dawn on horseback for a morning exploration of the forest and savannah around camp.
The forest is thick with umbrella-shaped Acacia tortilis, where giraffe browse and antelope abound. Enjoy the dawn chorus as the horses set off into the first light of the day.
The footing is ideal for horse riding; coarse volcanic soil that is firm yet forgiving under hoof.
This morning’s ride is a chance to enjoy the horses’ schooling and fitness; long trots and canters can be supplemented with some cross-country style jumping over fallen trees and other fences, for those who wish.
As the land here is owned by nomadic Maasai people, there are often villages to ride past.
The traditional Maasai culture is fascinating to see first-hand.
Emerge from the forest, and traverse the wide open Mbirikani plains, dotted with wildlife. The plains stretch for 70 miles before Mt. Kilimanjaro rises up from them on the distant horizon.
Enjoy a full English breakfast under the shade of an Acacia tree before riding back to camp.
Late lunch in camp is followed by a few hours’ rest in the heat of the day.
An evening walk is offered, to stretch out riding muscles, and to learn more about the local flora and fauna. There is even a chance to track and locate some of the forest’s resident bull elephants; several of which are known to be the largest ‘tuskers’ left in Africa today.
Day 3 - Game-drive to Amboseli National Park and Afternoon Horse Ride
Depart by road before dawn to enjoy a half-day game drive in Amboseli National Park.
Amboseli is home to around 1,500 elephant which live in and around the swamps beneath Mt Kilimanjaro. As well as the famous elephant, there are plenty of hippo, buffalo, plains game, predators and birds to enjoy viewing. This is a world-famous ecosystem and the photographic opportunities are endless.
Return to camp for a late lunch.
Enjoy a horse ride in the afternoon, ending up in a scenic spot for sunset and drinks.
Day 4 - Morning ride to Crater Camp and Afternoon Hike
Leave camp early on horseback and proceed through the Acacia forest up towards Chyulu East National Park.
Taking a packed breakfast in the saddle-bags allows the ride to be flexible and to enjoy wandering with the game on its daily movements.
Kicking up wildlife in the forest is thrilling; from small sightings like flocks of guinea-fowl, pairs of dik-dik or packs of jackal, to the huge bulk of a herd of eland, oryx or elephant.
The ride soon leaves the thick acacia forests, and begins to pass through seemingly endless stands of whistling thorn Acacia on the ascent up into the Chyulu Hills. This is a good ecosystem for seeing cheetah, gerenuk, zebra, wildebeest and Coke’s hartebeest.
This morning is a long and fast ride, with plenty of chance to canter, gallop and jump.
Over the course of the morning, the ride ascends about 2,000 feet above the plains with stunning views stretching for 90 miles on a clear day.
Arrive into Crater camp for a late lunch.
This camp is nestled into a forest next to a large volcanic crater. It is situated over looking the quintessential East African plains that lead up to Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Late afternoon, climb the volcanic crater in pursuit of the very rare Verreaux’s Eagle which nests in the nearly inaccessible rocky outcrops at the rim. Or, explore the lava tubes under the crater which lie within walking distance of the camp. These jagged caves stretch for miles as they lead away from the crater and have been used for generations of hunter-gatherers as shelter.
Enjoy sunset in this most spectacular campsite.
Day 5 - Full-Day Ride to the Mist Forest
Depart after breakfast in camp.
Today’s ride ascends another 2,000 feet higher into the Chyulu Hills. A noticeable change in climate and temperature occurs as you reach over 7,000 feet above sea level. The ride is dominated by incredible vistas of the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National park to the east, and Mount Kilimanjaro and Amboseli national park to the west.
Today’s riding traverses steep slopes and valleys and leading the horses may be necessary at times.
Due to the altitude of the area, clouds often sit on the top of the Chyulu Hills. This consistent moisture has created to pockets of mist forest that dot the summits of the hills.
Enjoy a picnic lunch just outside one of the largest mist forests, and then enter the mist forest on foot, in pursuit of buffalo, leopard, Syke’s monkey and giant forest hog that reside within.
Get back on the horses and enjoy the dramatic descent out of the hills, passing a few subsistence farmers’ villages en route. Most of the farmers are Kamba people, who seek a living maize farming on the hillside. Rural school children are likely to spot the horses and follow them for a while, giggling and running along beside.
Arrive in the late afternoon to Olecuto Camp. Enjoy a well-earned drink and rest in stunning scenery.
Day 6 - Full-Day Ride, with a Barbecue Lunch.
After breakfast in camp, depart on horseback to explore the forests of Olecutu. This area is extremely beautiful and remote, with herds of giraffe, gazelle, zebra and wildebeest. Enjoy seeing ostrich and Kori bustard bathing in the red dust.
Leaving the forest, the ride passes by the Inchalai swamps. These are swamps where breeding herds of elephant come to drink at night and if riders are lucky they might catch the elephant returning to the thick lava flow in which they seek refuge during the day.
Maasai herdsmen and women also bring their livestock for water in the swamps.
Enjoy a scenic spot for a barbecue lunch, atop some beautiful rocky outcroppings.
Ride across the vast savannah after lunch and into camp.
Day 7 - Departure
Enjoy breakfast in camp, followed by departure by road, to the Ol Donyo Lodge airstrip. Scheduled flight to Nairobi departs at 0815.
The Amboseli Safari
Day 1 - Arrival, Introductory Game Drive and Horse Ride
Fly into Amboseli National Park, and be met by a Ride Kenya guide at the airstrip.
Enjoy a wonderful morning game drive, en route to the first campsite on the south-west boundary of the Park.
Amboseli is home to around 1,500 elephant which live in and around the swamps beneath Mt Kilimanjaro. This first game drive serves as an introduction to the Park, and its inhabitants. As well as the famous elephant, there are plenty of hippo, buffalo, plains game, predators and birds to enjoy viewing.
Arrive into camp. Orientation around camp, meet the horses and staff, before lunch.
After a post lunch siesta, mount up for a two hour introductory ride through the yellow fever tree forest at the base of Kilimanjaro.
Today’s ride aims to get riders and horses acquainted at a gentle pace. Riders ease into their new surroundings whilst meandering through the woodlands in search of baboon, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, impala, and gazelle. Do expect some trotting and cantering on this ride.
Day 2 - Dawn Ride and Afternoon Bush Walk
Depart at dawn on horseback for a morning exploration of the Kiturua Game Concession.
Timing the ride early in the morning should enable riders to see the large herds of elephant that this area is famous for; the elephant emerge from their night time feeding areas and traverse the open plains en route to water holes on the far side of the concession.
Before heading over to these water holes, the ride meanders along the edge of thick bush, in search of predators such as lion and hyena, as they make their way back to their daytime cover.
Soon the scenery opens up to flat, sandy terrain which in the cool morning air is just perfect for enjoying the first long, fast canters of the safari. The pace of this ride is fast, though there are good stretches of time when horses walk amongst the game animals.
Close to the water holes, large herds of plains game can be seen as they come to drink, in the safety of the bright sunlight.
The ride approaches in attempts to see elephant, and also hippo as they enter the water to protect themselves from the heat of the day.
Enjoy a full English breakfast in the shade of an old Acacia tree close to the water, before returning to camp on horseback.
Late lunch in camp is followed by a few hours’ rest in the heat of the day.
An evening walk is offered, to stretch out riding muscles, and to learn more about the local flora and fauna, and the art of tracking.
Scenic sundowners followed by a three-course dinner in camp.
Day 3 - Forest Ride and Afternoon Game Drive
Breakfast served in camp before the morning ride.
Horses and riders now acquainted, there is a chance to enjoy some jumping, as well as more interaction with game on horseback.
Riding through the thick bush where the majority of the game is likely to be hiding, it is thrilling to kick up a variety of wildlife; from flocks of guinea fowl, to herds of giraffe, or even jackals or hyena in the undergrowth. A common sight is the elephant again, though care is taken when riding with them in very thick cover.
Lunch in camp is followed by an afternoon game drive.
Kiturua is home to a great variety of wildlife. The afternoon light, combined with the animals and scenery creates a good chance to take some phenomenal photographs which may have been difficult to capture on horseback.
Today’s game drive often pauses for drinks at sunset, before heading back to camp with a spotlight, aiming to find predators as they begin their nocturnal hunting.
Day 4 - Full Day Ride through Amboseli to Patrick’s Camp, Olgulului Ranch
Depart camp early morning on horseback, with packed breakfast.
Today’s ride leaves the Kiturua Concession and enters Amboseli National Park.
Riding distance today is about 30 miles, much of which traverses the game dense Enkongo Narok swamp.
Expect to ride with large numbers of elephant, buffalo and plains game and perhaps even predators as the safari navigates through and around the swamplands.
The ride also crosses a vast dry lake bed so there are plenty of chances for galloping and also jumping some of the trees that have been pushed over by elephant.
A Ride Kenya vehicle meets riders with cool drinks, cushions in the shade and a picnic lunch for riders and horses!
The ride today ends on Olgulului Ranch, on the North-western boundary of Amboseli.
After about seven hours riding, enjoy a hot shower and drinks in camp; an oasis of tall trees set in the midst of vast open country, with deep red soil and endless views.
Day 5 - Full Day Ride from Olgulului Ranch to the Chyulu Hills
An early departure from camp, as the ride today is aiming for the northern end of the majestic Chyulu Hills.
Similar in length to yesterday’s ride, with a picnic lunch half way.
Enjoy the scenery as it changes from deep red soil, through black cotton and into volcanic basalt.
Expect to see migratory herds of eland, kudu, oryx, gerenuk, hartebeest, gazelle and giraffe as they too make their way from the swamps of Amboseli to the high country of the Chyulu Hills.
Enjoy meeting groups of nomadic Maasai herdsmen, and passing by their villages. Some Maasai still live a very traditional lifestyle, and experiencing their culture first-hand is fascinating.
Arrive late afternoon into the new campsite.
Day 6 - Morning Hike Lenkiloriti and Afternoon Horse Ride
Whilst the horses rest, set off on foot to climb Lenkiloriti; a massive volcano that offers stunning views of the Chyulu Hills.
Take binoculars to the top and scan the forests below for the black rhino and breeding herds of elephant that reside in the area.
Enjoy lunch in camp today, followed by an afternoon ride through the beautiful volcanic landscape.
This area is a favorite hunting ground for a local leopard. Perhaps opt to do a night game-drive after dinner to try to locate the leopard and other nocturnal animals that inhabit the area.
Day 7 - Long Morning Ride to Crater Camp
Depart camp on horseback and head though thick Acacia forest towards the main base of the Chyulu Hills.
The route winds through seemingly endless stands of whistling thorn acacia as it climbs into the hills.
Ample opportunities to canter, gallop, and jump due to the excellent footing.
The Acacia forest is home to many species of mammal including some of the biggest ‘Tuskers’ left in Africa.
Over the course of the day, the ride ascends about 2,000 feet above the plains, with stunning views stretching for 90 miles on a clear day.
Arrive at Crater Camp for a late lunch.
The camp is nestled into a forest next to a large volcanic crater, and it overlooks the plains that stretch to the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Late afternoon, climb the volcanic crater in pursuit of the very rare Verreaux’s Eagle which nests in the nearly inaccessible rocky outcrops at the rim. Or, explore the lava tubes under the crater which lie within walking distance of the camp. These jagged caves stretch for miles as they lead away from the crater and have been used for generations of hunter-gatherers as shelter.
Enjoy sunset in this most spectacular campsite.
Day 8 - Departure
Enjoy breakfast in camp, followed by departure by road, to the Ol Donyo Wuas airstrip. Scheduled flight to Nairobi departs at 0815.
