Horseback Riding Vacations in Kenya

Kenya: “The King of all Safaris”

Kenya is an East African country that rises from the low coastal plains on the Indian Ocean to the mountains and high plateaus at the centre. It is famous for its breath-taking scenery and gigantic wildlife reserves.

The country is named after Mount Kenya, the highest peak in the country and the second highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro.

Its capital, Nairobi, is located at an altitude of 1,700 meters. Other cities of interest include Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru.

The Great Rift Valley runs through Kenya from north to south. Lake Turkana is located to the north and the Rift depression to the south. This valley splits the highland region into two large mountainous sections: the Mau Escarpment and the Aberdare Range.

Between the mountains of the east and the coastal strip, lie the wide plains of the Nyika plateau. Arid and semi-arid regions cover most of northern Kenya.

But Kenya's true wealth is undoubtedly its incredible wildlife.

Amboseli, Tsavo or Masai Mara are famed nature reserves where you can see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, cheetahs, herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, antelope or giraffe, and many more.

Equestrian tourism in Kenya

Although most tours are meant for experienced riders, there is room for riders with less level of horsemanship.

Every night, there is always a hot shower to wash the African dust away, a delicious dinner and an incredible sunset to crown a perfect day.

Horseback safaris in Masai Mara

This is probably the most famous national reserve in Kenia and it is named after its people, the Masai tribe, and its river, the Mara. Located in the south-eastern part of the country, it is practically an extension of the Serengeti in Tanzania.

It is world-famous for both its trails and people. These tall and elegant people, with extraordinary jumping abilities, wear colourful tunics and are the best trackers. They live in total harmony with their surroundings.

Besides the big five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino - you can see giraffe, hippo, antelope, hyenas, etc. The bird variety is also considerable – crested eagles, vultures, hornbills, marabou storks, cranes and pygmy falcons.

The landscape is one of rolling savannah and acacia woodland, intersected by dark green veins of riverine forests on the banks of the Mara and Olare Orok rivers.

Carnivores, antelopes, primates and rodents are some of the mammals to be found.

The annual migration of up to one million wildebeest is considered one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world and in this itinerary, you can see it.

Horseback safaris in Amboseli

Amboseli National Park is inside an ecosystem that spreads across the border between Kenya and Tanzania.

There is little rainfall and it has 5 main swamps. Two of them are protected so they are a great opportunity to watch wildlife like in a few other places in the World.

You can get really close to elephants, closer than in other places in Africa. Wildlife also includes buffalo, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, lions, hyenas and cheetah.

Another advantage is the panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, patiently waiting to be climbed.

Horse riding holiday proposals in Kenya

Ampascachi offers free advice to help you choose the right operator and the best ride. Safari Unlimited and Offbeat Safari are two companies that offer several routes and we recommend taking a look at them.

Safari Unlimited

Located near Masai Mara National Reserve.

They are two generations and 45 years of experience offering their guests an intense experience to understand the wildlife and scenery of this place together with Africa’s native people.

Most have been with them for over a decade and some are second-generation employees. Their smiles and warm spirits will make you feel instantly at home, in a truly Kenyan atmosphere.

Their Rides in Kenya are all incredible and are operated in lost trails, in the most game-rich wilderness locations on the continent, in some of the largest unfenced expanses in Africa.

Far from civilization, the sense of space and freedom is overwhelming. These areas offer great diversity in wildlife species, birdlife and scenery.

They are also home to the Masai and Samburu people, who roam the plains with their herds of livestock.

Horseback tours in Masai Mara National Reserve

This wilderness is an extension of the Serengeti (Tanzania) ecosystem and is considered to be Kenya´s best wildlife sanctuary, where animals can still be seen in vast numbers.

The Mara is also home to the colourful and handsome Maasai people who, with their herds of livestock, are synonymous with the region.

Its most popular riding safaris are:

• Masai Mara Ride - 8 nights on horseback in the Masai Mara savannah.
• Masai Mara Short Ride - 6 nights on horseback in the Masai Mara savannah.
• Lollboran Ride - 6 nights in Laikipia County.
• “The trip is the destination” - 9 nights in Masai Mara and Laikipia.

There is so much more to take into consideration when assessing their Equestrian Tourism offer. Visit their web site: safarisunlimited.com.

Offbeat Safari

Located near Amboseli National Park, Offbeat Safaris have become well known for offering exceptionally high standards.

Offbeat Riding Safaris was established in 1990, beginning with star-style horseback safaris: they start at the hotel and return to it daily to spend the night.

They then expanded their offerings to include traditional safari camps and lodges in Kenya's prime game viewing areas.

Experiencing this raw wilderness is what makes their safaris so special.

They have several routes available for their guests, but we will describe only one of them for illustrative purposes.

Amboseli Ride - “Riding under the shadow of Kilimanjaro”

Everything you imagine riding in Africa to be. This ride epitomizes the aromas, scenery, and wildlife of Kenya.

This ride begins close to the border town of Namanga, and crosses through Amboseli national park en route to the Chyulu Hills away to the east, with Africa’s highest mountain, the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, as a constant backdrop to your adventures.

It is an eight-night ride in Amboseli National Park, with six-hour rides each day.

Accommodation is in tents, but not the traditional ones for expeditionary adventures.

Offbeat Mara maintains its private homely feel even in the middle of Kenya’s incredible wilderness. The heart of the camp is the main 'mess' tent with its bar, dining area, sitting room, fireplace and forest deck.

All the accommodation tents are en suite with flush loos and traditional hot safari showers.

Each tent has its own veranda and is carefully positioned to offer wonderful views as well as privacy.

For a detailed please go to their web site: www.offbeatsafaris.com.

Kenya, the land of the Masai Mara, of wildebeest and zebra that migrate followed by predators; of rhino; of Amboseli elephants in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. If you live all these experiences on horseback, it will be the adventure of a lifetime.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Kenya on horseback?

Kenya is the perfect destination for an African wildlife experience. Unforgettable memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Download our free eBook Horseback riding in wild Africa and discover all the equestrian destinations of the African continent.