A riding safari of a lifetime, across an ecosystem which is renowned for wildlife conservation. Spend your days exploring the valleys and hills which form some of the best riding country in Africa.

Riding at Borana with black rhinos

With Mt. Kenya looming on the horizon, you will weave between elephant and rhino, crossing valleys and hills; all the while staying in luxurious camps under the stars and 5* lodges.

Riders with eland, Mount Kenya

Black rhino at Borana

7-day Hosted Riding Safari

This trip takes place on Borana Conservancy and Il Ngwesi Group Ranch; which has white rhino. It starts on 1st February 2019 and features a mix of luxury fly-camping and 5* lodges. Each day will include at least 6 hours of riding and will be fully hosted and guided by Borana local and expert safari rider; Eloise Best.

Riding safari guide Eloise Best with grey horse ‘PunchesTown’

Riding Safari Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, fly to Lewa Downs airstrip. First night at Borana Lodge. Option to go on rhino conservation activities early evening.
• Day 2: Begin your adventure with a day on Borana Conservancy, and a night at Borana Lodge. Spend the day riding, on safari or relaxing by the pool. Option to go on rhino conservation activities in the morning or evening.
• Day 3: Enjoy your first full day day riding across Borana Conservancy to your first night of fly camping.
• Day 4 & 5: Leave Borana Conservancy and ride across to Il Ngwesi Group Ranch, where you will end the day at Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge. You will stay here for two nights and enjoy horse riding and walking safaris. Il Ngwesi is an eco-lodge which is owned and run by the local Maasai community. It is at the heart of an incredibly important eco-system which borders Borana Conservancy.
• Day 6: Leave Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge to cross back into Borana Conservancy. Spend the day riding through the Mukogodo Forest, where the elusive forest elephant live, and another night under the stars in a fly camp.
• Day 7: Leave the fly camp for a final day’s riding, ending at Borana Lodge where you can rest, ride, go for game drives, and walk. Option to go on rhino conservation activities early evening.
• Day 8: Fly back to Nairobi. Feeling like a day or two out of the saddle? Head off to other private conservancies in the Masai Mara for a safari or a Kenyan beach optional extension.

Cosy double twin bedroom with open fire and views over the Borana Conservancy

Private lunch dining by the infinity pool at Borana Lodge

Beautiful views of Mount Kenya on a game drive

Roll top bath with views over Borana Conservancy

Sundowners overlooking the stunning Borana Conservancy

Spot wildlife from the Borana Lodge pool house

Stunning Borana Lodge private accommodation – rooms 7 & 8

Fireside dining at Borana Lodge

Rhino conservation activities – included with your stay

The Lewa Borana landscape is proud to report zero poaching incidents in almost five years. This is in huge part due to the efforts of the one hundred strong ranger team who work tirelessly to keep Borana and its wildlife safe.

Guests can participate hands on accompanying rangers on their evening deployments, these activities give guests a unique insights conservation “behind the scenes” and how the Borana and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy takes care of over nine endangered species including 150 black and white rhino.

Rhino tracking with Borana rangers – early morning

Guests can join the rhino team of scouts on their daily morning rhino tracking safari, encountering elephant, giraffe and other wildlife. Learn about “behind the scenes” work that goes into the conservancy, how Borana tracks and identifies individual rhinos and meet the ranger team. Guests will be at the Ranger Headquarters for 7:30 am and either take a picnic breakfast depending on how far away the rhinos are from the lodge or return for breakfast at the lodge.

Volunteer drivers for the Borana rangers – early evening

Guests can join the rangers to visit various vantage points across Borana Conservancy to survey and monitor the wildlife, the land and the perimeter. The guests will be with a Borana guide who will drive the rangers on their deployments, dropping them off where they will then spend the night. These rangers are out all night, every night, regardless of the weather or the time of year.  This gives guests unique opportunities to learn about the training, day-to-day lives of our anti-poaching team and generally spend time with our unsung heroes, the boots on the ground in conservation. Guests will be transferred to the Ranger Headquarters for 5 pm, take sundowners on route with the rangers and then return to the lodge for dinner at 7:30 pm.

Video of a riding safari at Riding Wild Borana

Riding for Conservation FAQ’s

• Q – What is the maximum number of guests on this trip? A – this trip is limited to 8 guests.
• Q – Can I come alone? A – of course, this trip will be made up of a number of different people from all over the world.
• Q – Is there a single supplement? A – no the price is per person, during the mobile riding safari (days 3, 4 & 5) depending on numbers some guests may have to share with a member of the same sex.
• Q – What is the minimum age? A – no guests under the age of 15.
• Q – What will the weather be like? A – in February the daytime average is 26 C, and it is during the dry season.
• Q – What are the Borana horses like? A – the horses are excellent quality and have been used for safaris on Borana Conservancy for most of their lives. They are thoroughbred- crosses which are strong, sure footed and used to wildlife. They are not ‘plods’ or ‘happy hackers’ and will provide a truly exciting ride.
• Q – How good at riding do I have to be? A – you need to be a confident rider. You will be in the saddle for around 6 hours in the day and should be confident at a gallop with an ability to take small jumps and ride across different terrains.
• Q – What do I need to bring with me? A – we suggest you bring your own riding wear, including hard hat, jodhpurs, boots and long sleeved shirt for you own comfort. We insist on riding hats for guests under the age of 21. Alice has ridden at Borana and shares her riding safari packing list.
• Q – What type of tack do the horses use? A – Borana’s horses are ridden, mostly, in Wintec saddles in the English style. Borana has two Australian stock saddles, please let us know if you would prefer this option. Most of the horses are ridden in snaffle bridles.
• Q – What is the price? A – the price is $7,800. This includes all transfers, AMREF flying doctors, Meet & Assist, accommodation, meals, drinks, horses and guide. Excluded from the cost is international flights, internal flights, Kenyan visa, tips & items of a personal nature.
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What next?

We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris.  If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.

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