The latest riding safari news
Here’s a round up of what’s been happening in the world of riding safaris, including feedback from Alice on her recent hosted riding safari, great comments from some of our favourite riding guides following their epic ride from desert to sea in Namibia, and details on a new riding safari in Kenya’s Laikipia region.
New set departure ride
Riding Wild Borana safari with Mount Kenya in the background
Riding Wild Borana, the equestrian arm of Borana Lodge, launches its first set departure riding safari in February. Crossing an ecosystem renowned for conservation – recent success stories include five black rhino calves born this year and a burgeoning elephant population – riders will have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of wildlife from horseback. The Big Five are spotted on a regular basis and there will be the option of game drives to find big cats.
The seven night ride combines fly camping and lodge stays and starts from Borana Lodge crossing grassy plains before dropping down in altitude to Il Ngwesi Lodge, where the landscape and wildlife changes to include large herds of reticulated giraffe as well as a strong population of Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk. Further information and a detailed itinerary of the 7-day set departure riding safari.
Hosted riding safari in Kenya
Watching hippos before crossing the river
Alice has just returned from Safaris Unlimited where she hosted a ride across Kenya’s Masai Mara with Gordie Church. Her feedback (you can read her ride report here) reports it as, ‘one of the best riding safaris I’ve experienced, with great horses and incredible wildlife viewing’. Let us know if you would like details of her next hosted riding safaris which are likely to be the Tuli Ride with Limpopo Horse Safaris and one of the itineraries offered by Namibia Horse Safaris – both in 2020.
Namibia – the riding safari guides’ ride
Sundowners on the Namibia guides’ ride
When we asked Africa’s riding safari guides for their bucket list rides in Africa, Namibia kept coming up as somewhere they were keen to explore. A plan was therefore hatched that Aardvark Safaris, together with Namibia Horse Safaris, would arrange a ‘guides’ ride’ from the desert to the sea. We thought it would be fun, but hadn’t predicted how epic it would actually be! Here’s a comment from Nicky Dyer, co-owner of Borana Lodge mentioned above.
Just to say that we had the most incredible time – loved it! Slightly scared that I would not be fit enough but seems I did enough training to prepare for several hours of cantering across the desert and long hours on a horse. Beautiful scenery – amazing horses – comfy beds and delicious food – really inspired by everything.
Here’s the full write up of the Namibia Guides’ Ride 2018.
Any questions on riding safari news in Africa?
If you’ve got this far and not found an answer to a question you have that we should have included, please ask in the comments section below, or pop us an email. We’ll be sure to reply and may amend the article to include our answer.
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 Alice who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.
What age is the youngest child able to go on riding safari?
Dear Debbie,
Thanks for your query. Its more about the ability of the child than the age, some safaris say 12 years old but will accept younger children if they are able to gallop across an open field and ride competitively. The youngest child we have taken on a multi-day ride is 6 but they took the ride as a private ride and went at their own pace. For younger, or less skilful riders, properties with stable can be fantastic – we’ve even had beginner riders led on rides in the bush. Have a look at this blog which is all about beginner riding in Africa suitable for young children and beginner riders. Chat to Alice Gully if you need advice.