How to Choose the Best Horse Riding Safari in Kenya

Origin of horse riding safaris in Kenya

Horse riding safaris in Kenya trace their origins to the colonial era when British settlers, enamoured by the vast landscapes and wildlife, sought novel ways to explore East Africa’s wilderness. In the early 20th century, European settlers, including military officers and hunters, utilized horses to traverse Kenya’s rugged terrain for game viewing and exploration. Pioneering figures like Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen, depicted in “Out of Africa,” popularized the notion of exploring the East African wilderness on horseback. Their adventurous spirit inspired locals and tourists alike to experience the savannah from a different perspective. Over time, this novel approach to safari tourism gained popularity, and outfitters and lodges began offering horseback safaris as a unique way to encounter Kenya’s diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. Today, horse riding safaris remain a cherished tradition, blending adventure, elegance, and the spirit of exploration in Kenya’s untamed wilderness. The horseback safaris stand as a testament to Kenya’s rich heritage and enduring fascination with its natural wonders.

6 things you must know before going on a horse-riding safari in Kenya

Age: For horse riding excursions in conservancies or natural areas with potential encounters with wild animals, many horse safari providers implement safety measures. They typically enforce an age limit of ten years to ensure riders possess the necessary maturity and physical capability. Moreover, for children aged 10 to 14 years, a guardian’s presence is mandatory during the safari. These precautions prioritize safety and guarantee that participants, especially young riders, can enjoy the experience responsibly under proper supervision.
Kindly consult your Horse safari provider for clear guidelines on age limits.
Breeds: The breeds commonly employed in Kenyan horse safari expeditions predominantly consist of Thoroughbred or warmblood horses, renowned for their athleticism and endurance in traversing diverse terrains. Typically, these horses exhibit heights ranging from 14.3 hands to 16.2 hands, ensuring a suitable stature for riders of various skill levels and preferences. Thoroughbreds are celebrated for their speed and agility, while warmbloods offer a blend of strength and adaptability, collectively enhancing the safari experience amidst Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes
Levels of riding: Previous riding experience is required, and riders should demonstrate the skills to mount, dismount, stop, and turn their horses effectively to ensure a safe and enjoyable equestrian experience. Riders must possess confidence and comfort while maintaining a secure posture at all speeds. Proficiency in controlling horses during a canter and the ability to handle unexpected spooks are essential. Please be aware that Horse safari stables provide shooter rides specifically tailored for pre-novice riders, aiming to enhance their equestrian skills before embarking on a complete horse riding excursion in natural settings inhabited by wild animals. These introductory rides offer a controlled environment where riders can build confidence and competence, ensuring a gradual and safe progression towards more extensive adventures in the captivating landscapes where encounters with wildlife add an extra layer of excitement to the overall experience.
Equipment: When embarking on a Kenyan horse riding safari, your service provider typically supplies riding helmets for safety during the excursion. While helmets are provided, participants should bring their trousers and riding boots tailored for comfort and suitability during horseback riding adventures. This ensures that riders are properly attired and equipped for the journey, enhancing both comfort and safety throughout the experience amidst Kenya’s diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats.
Horse Standard and Tack: Many Kenyan horse riding safaris adhere to English training and gait standards, meaning the horses predominantly follow controlled and precise movements rather than loping or jogging. These safari horses are not only well-schooled but also boast extensive experience navigating the diverse terrains of the Kenyan wilderness. To enhance riders’ comfort and control, reputable service providers typically utilize high-quality imported tack and predominantly offer English-style saddles and stirrups, ensuring a seamless blend of tradition, safety, and an authentic equestrian adventure.
Weight: It’s important to be aware that the majority of Kenyan horse safari service providers have a weight restriction, typically not permitting riders to exceed 90 kilograms (198 pounds). This consideration is based on both the well-being of the horses and safety standards. Exceeding the weight limit may compromise the comfort and health of the horses, as well as affect the overall experience for the rider. Potential participants should adhere to these guidelines to ensure a responsible and enjoyable horse-riding safari in Kenya.

Top 10 best horse-riding safaris in Kenya

Serenity in Motion: Galloping through Olerai's Wildlife Wonderland

Olerai Conservancy offers a captivating horse riding safari experience amidst its diverse landscape. Riders traverse rolling plains adorned with acacia trees, witnessing the dynamic interplay of grasslands and scattered bushes. The terrain presents a blend of open spaces and intimate trails, providing an immersive encounter with the region’s rich biodiversity. Vibrant vegetation, including native grasses and thorny shrubs, adds to the picturesque scenery. Exploring Olerai on horseback allows riders to intimately connect with nature, creating a unique and memorable safari adventure. Expect to see a plethora of wildlife including giraffes gracefully browsing treetops, herds of zebra and wildebeest roaming freely, and perhaps even elephants lumbering through the bush, all against the stunning backdrop of Maasai Mara.

Riding with Rhinos: Ol Pejeta Conservancy Horse Trek

Embarking on a horse-riding safari in Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers a unique and immersive way to experience Kenya’s diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. As you traverse the conservancy on horseback, you’ll witness vast plains dotted with acacia trees and framed by distant mountains. Encounter iconic African wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and more, all while enjoying the tranquillity and intimacy that only a horseback adventure can provide. Top of Form Engage with conservation efforts firsthand and create timeless memories amidst the untamed beauty of Ol Pejeta’s wilderness.

Saddle Up: Exploring Namunyak's Wild Heart from Sarara Camp

Nestled in the heart of northern Kenya’s Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Sarara Camp offers a mesmerizing blend of rugged landscapes, vibrant communities, and diverse wildlife. Towering mountains, arid plains, and lush river valleys form its backdrop, inhabited by the Samburu people, renowned for their rich cultural heritage. As dawn or dusk unfolds during a horse riding safari, the golden sunlight bathes the landscape. Riders witness the magic of elephants, reticulated giraffes, and Grevy’s zebras against the backdrop of acacia trees. Interacting with Samburu communities, the experience becomes a cultural immersion, complemented by pleasant weather, creating a truly unforgettable equine adventure.

Lewa's Canter Chronicles: Horseback Thrills in the Wild

Lewa Conservancy, nestled in the heart of Kenya, unveils a mesmerizing tapestry of landscapes—rolling grasslands, acacia-dotted plains, and meandering rivers. Lush vegetation provides a picturesque backdrop, and riders witness an abundance of wildlife, from graceful giraffes to powerful rhinos. The horizon unfolds dramatic vistas of Mount Kenya. Horse riding safaris at Lewa offer an intimate connection with nature, allowing explorers to traverse diverse terrain, encounter wildlife up-close, and revel in breathtaking panoramas, creating an unforgettable equestrian adventure in this pristine conservation haven.

Trailblazing through Kenya: Borana Lodge Horse Adventures

Galu Beach at Kinondo Kwetu offers a mesmerizing horse riding experience, where the azure expanse of the Indian Ocean meets the pristine white sands. The tropical weather, with gentle sea breezes, creates an idyllic setting for riders. Towering palms sway along the shoreline, casting dappled shadows on the golden beach. Riding through Kaya forests adds a touch of enchantment, immersing equestrians in the natural beauty. The rhythmic sound of hooves blends with the ocean’s melody, providing a harmonious and unforgettable exploration of this coastal paradise

Hoofbeats & Wilderness: Karama Lodge Horse Safari Ride

At Karama Ranch, nestled in the heart of Kenya’s scenic landscapes, horse riding safaris offer an immersive adventure into diverse wildlife habitats. As riders traverse the terrain, they encounter an array of wildlife, from graceful giraffes and majestic zebras to elusive antelopes. The ranch’s birdlife enchants with melodious calls and vibrant plumage, featuring species like the lilac-breasted roller and the African fish eagle. Against the backdrop of sweeping savannahs and acacia-dotted plains, riders experience a tranquil yet exhilarating journey, connecting intimately with nature’s rhythms and discovering the untamed beauty of Kenya’s wilderness.

Canter through the Clouds: Aberdare National Park Safari

A horse-riding safari in Aberdare National Park offers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to open savannahs, set against the backdrop of mist-covered mountains. The weather varies, with cool temperatures prevailing due to the park’s high altitude. Riders traverse through thick forests of bamboo and cedar, encountering wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and even the elusive bongo. The park boasts a rich avian population, with sightings of vibrant bird species against panoramic views of rolling hills and distant horizons.

Trot through the Wild: Sosian ranch Horseback Expedition

Located in Laikipia, Kenya, Sosian Ranch offers an enchanting backdrop for horse riding safaris. The landscape boasts acacia-dotted plains merging with rolling hills, and meandering riverbanks. Riders traverse diverse terrain, encountering wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Bird enthusiasts delight in spotting vibrant avian species like kingfishers and eagles. The horizon unveils panoramic vistas of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range, painting a breathtaking canvas against the African sky, enriching the safari experience.