Special Kenya Safari

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Premium

Weight limit

Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure in Kenya. Experience exhilarating morning rides and guided game drives through stunning landscapes, encountering diverse wildlife and enjoying delightful bush breakfasts. Explore the local culture with a visit to a Samburu village and the Great Rift Valley on horseback and foot. Conclude your journey in the iconic Maasai Mara, where morning game drives and picturesque picnics offer breathtaking views and memorable wildlife encounters. This tour promises a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and cultural experiences amidst Africa's natural beauty.

2025 Rates: US$ 13,700 per person sharing.

Kenya Professional Safari Guide: + US$ 3050 in 2024; + US$ 3295 in 2025.

Gordie C. is the provider of this trip

5.0 6 reviews

The provider speaks: English

I was initiated into the safari world as a youngster. Born in Kenya and raised with the promise of adventure during every school holiday, I mastered the idiosyncratic skills of safari as a boy, helping the camp crew put up tents, pack trucks and saddle horses. I guided my first safari aged eighteen and now have over thirty years of experience in the bush. My untamed love of all things wild and my passion and respect for Africa's people and wildlife, makes me a fascinating and inspiring character. I am completely immersed in Africa.

Tour highlights

Extra Luxury Accommodation

You will be staying in top class lodges and camps with swimming pools and luxurious rooms

In the Land of Wildlife

Watch elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, hippos and other wild species

Flexible Conditions

This is a private ride, so feel free to choose the time and activities that are perfect to you

Route details

After breakfast and a briefing with your professional safari guide, we transfer to Wilson Airport for our flight to the bush. Take in the spectacular bird's eye views over the Kenyan Highlands, past Mount Kenya and across the equator to Lewa Downs.

On arrival we will be met and driven to Borana Conservancy. Game drive to the lodge arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon relaxing by the pool or have a siesta, followed by a glorious evening ride, game drive or walk.

Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner at Borana.

Overnight: Borana Lodge - Borana Conservancy.

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour provider's comments

4-6 hours riding every day. Riders at an intermediate level or higher in English-style riding should feel comfortable riding at various speeds, be able to rise or post to the trot for extended periods, and have the ability to gallop when necessary. It is advantageous to be physically fit and skilled in riding. The guide will evaluate each participant's abilities, and if he deems a rider insufficiently skilled and potentially risky to themselves and others, they may be asked to continue the safari in a vehicle instead of on horseback.

The riding style involves English General Purpose (GP) and French cavalry saddles, with most horses using snaffle bridles. Double-sided saddlebags are provided for carrying water bottles, cameras and rain gear.

Children are welcome but must demonstrate strength and proficiency in riding, being able to ride comfortably at all speeds, trot for extended periods, endure long hours in the saddle and gallop when needed. Therefore, these rides are not recommended for children under 12 years old.

Horses: Mix of Somali-Arab Crosses and Thoroughbreds.

Accommodation

Comfort

Premium

Camp Site

9 nights

Single Supplement can be arranged, please request the rates.

With panoramic views of the Samangua Valley, the enchanting Borana Lodge is situated on a wilderness ranch on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, just twenty kilometres from the equator. Home to a family for three generations, Borana takes its name from the native Boran cattle farmed on these arid grasslands. The privately owned ranch sits within a vast conservation area on the Laikipia Plateau and shares a joint conservation management policy with its neighbours, all of whom are dedicated to protecting this incredible area of Africa's awe-inspiring natural landscape.

The unique geographical location makes it a haven for a wide diversity of wildlife: lion, elephant, rhino, oryx, Jackson's hartebeest, buffalo and herds of antelope roam the plains, while the cooler forest shelters bushbuck, colobus monkeys and leopard. Borana's combination of privacy, natural beauty and abundant wildlife has won it acclaim all over the world. One of the key objectives is the protection of the rhino and visitors are afforded the unique opportunity to accompany the security team who go out to track and monitor each rhino on the ranch every day. Game is free to roam between surrounding conservancies, resulting in a vast area of protected wilderness teeming with wildlife. With the snow-tipped peaks and glaciers of Mount Kenya to the south and a panorama of mountains and deserts to the north, this wildlife area provides an idyllic setting for any African experience.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Nairobi

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

accommodation (9 nights);
all meals;
all drinks;
riding and other safari activities;
guides;
Nairobi airport transfers;
Flying Doctors' membership;
conservation fees;
laundry;
taxes.

Extras

international flights;
local internal flights;
Nairobi hotel on first night;
visas;
champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines;
insurance;
tips;
additional services;
activities not mentioned.

Group size

up to 12 tourists

Duration

10 days

9 nights

It's important to know

Khaki riding clothes are recommended. Also bring your required medication and malarial prophylaxis.

1 half chaps and riding gloves
1 pair short riding boots
1 pair shoes and flip-flops
1 light rain jacket (essential)
1 warm jumper / fleece
1 jeans / long trousers / slacks
1 shorts
2 riding breeches / jodhpurs
4 long sleeved shirts
underwear, socks & pajamas
riding helmet, brimmed hat and dark glasses
lightweight binoculars
digital camera, memory cards, 300 x zoom and wide-angle lenses, power-bank
mini first aid kit to include: insect repellent, eye drops, lip balm and sun cream (high protection factor)

PROVIDED

Shampoo, conditioner and soap
Safari baseball cap and 750 ml water bottle as a gift

Personal effects should be packed into a soft duffle bag with a maximum luggage weight limit of 15 kg per person, including carry-on luggage. Dinners are smart-casual, please bring appropriate clothing as temperatures can drop to 10C.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 6 reviews

M
Mary

21 Jan, 2024

about provider

Exploring the wild with Gordie and Felicia on safari is a top-notch adventure. The horses are not only safe but also well-trained, and there are many opportunities to engage with wildlife in the exclusive and untouched Mara North Conservancy. The team members are truly amazing, offering freshly prepared organic meals, including freshly baked bread, served with grace and a warm smile three times a day. The horses are well-cared for and protected at night. The campsite along the Mara River is breathtaking, and Gordie and Felicia are charming and welcoming hosts, treating everyone like cherished family members. Their extensive knowledge of the Mara and its wildlife is impressive, and they effortlessly oversee a staff of 25 while accommodating up to a dozen riders and their guests. Riding among giraffes, zebras, antelopes, elephants, lions, eagles and cape buffaloes is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's an opportunity not to be missed!

21 Jan, 2024

4 more photos
P
philippa

12 Dec, 2023

about provider

Website limits me to giving only 5 stars? What do you do when this experience is more than that?! Gordie, Felicia, their amazing team and the lovely horses truly deserve more than just stars! September 2023 was my third safari with this incredible team. It was an authentic safari experience, where we moved camp without leaving a trace. Riding through the bush, enjoying luxurious camping under the full moon (glamping!!), gathering around the fire in the evening to share stories of our game viewing adventures...all while receiving top-notch hospitality and having every need attended to. Why go anywhere else?

12 Dec, 2023
M
Martin

6 Oct, 2023

about provider

The expectations were incredibly high for the trip, envisioned as a dream holiday involving horses and exceptional riding in a setting reminiscent of Out of Africa. These expectations were not only met but exceeded. Gordie and his team personalized the experience, fostering friendships among all participants. The mobile tents provided unparalleled comfort in the wilderness, with meticulous attention to detail and style that even Marylin Streep from Out of Africa would have appreciated. Despite the lack of shopping opportunities, the food was outstanding. The team not only offered constant support and assistance but also ensured that each day was not just a remarkable holiday but a life-changing experience. The well-trained horses were in superb condition, carefully matched to each rider, eliminating the need for any changes during the ride. They were easy to control even during challenging situations, with excellent cantering abilities. While some guests desired longer gallops, the multiple canters each day, including small jumps over obstacles, provided an exciting challenge. Safety was a top priority, surpassing other African rides we had experienced. Although we missed witnessing the big migration and crossing the Mara River due to high water levels, Gordie and his team arranged alternative activities, such as a game drive in the Mara Triangle. We encountered an abundance of wildlife, surpassing even the Okavango Delta in game sightings, except for leopards and rhinos. The lion sightings were particularly memorable, showcasing various behaviors like family interactions, mating rituals and hunting. Gordie and his team's expertise and knowledge make them exceptional guides in Africa. The encounters with zebras cantering alongside us, close-up views of giraffe herds and observing lions interacting with elephants will forever remain in our memories. Their cautious approach around elephants and buffalos stood out compared to other safaris. This once-in-a-lifetime experience was truly remarkable, and we look forward to returning in 2025.

6 Oct, 2023

5 more photos