11 Days Laikipia & Mt. Kenya Horse Riding Safari
(Destinations: Lewa Downs, Borana, Loldaiga Hills, El Karama Ranch, Sosian)
Day 1: Nairobi / Laikipia / Lewa Downs
Meet and greet at preferred hotel in Nairobi early in the morning and drive for 4hrs to the Lewa Conservancy, which is a world famous nature conservancy on 40,000 acres of pristine country on the Northern slopes of Mount Kenya. It is home to the big five and a host of other species such as Gravy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe and other rare species. Check in or arrival and have lunch in camp then enjoy an evening ride.
Overnight: Private Camp Lewa Downs
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 2: Laikipia / Lewa Downs
Breakfast is followed by full day exploration of the ranch looking for game on horseback with options of game drive or guided nature walks in the company of experienced naturalists. Break for lunch at camp followed by evening ride. This is a spectacular area of Kenya with beautiful views to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya in the south and the rugged mountains of the Mathews Range, Bodich and even Marsabit on the way to the Ethiopian border.
Overnight: Private Camp Lewa Downs
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 3: Borana
Breakfast followed by a long ride across Lewa to the west crossing the Ngare Ndare River and onto Borana Ranch, another cattle ranch turned conservation area. During the ride, you might have close encounters with the black rhino and elephant as well as other species including the reticulated giraffe. We reach camp in a grove of euphorbia trees after a picnic lunch on the Ngare Ndare River.
Overnight: Private Camp Borana
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 4: Borana
Breakfast followed by a full day exploration of the Borana by horseback and vehicle. Borana is a step up from Lewa being on top of an escarpment, we will have climbed the day before and the scenery is still spectacular but different from Lewa. All the species of Lewa are present and a great variety of game is to be seen.
Overnight: Private Camp Borana
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 5: Loldaiga Hills
Breakfast followed by morning break from camp with a picnic lunch (in our saddle bags) to the west again. Cross from Borana onto Ole Naishi ranch and climb the first ridge of the spectacular Loldaiga Hills. These form a northern extension of the Mt Kenya Massive and consist of large rocky kopjes interspersed with cedar forest. Cross Ole Naishi onto Loldaiga Hills a 55,000-acre ranch owned by Robert Wells and probably one of the most beautiful farms in Africa. Reach camp at the head of a beautiful valley surrounded by cedar forest where you stay again for 2 nights.
Overnight: Private Camp Loldaiga Hills
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 6: Loldaiga Hills
Breakfast followed by spectacular rides and a picnic lunch with optional drives by land rover to the northern areas of the ranch. At one point you shall be on the western edge of the Loldaiga Hills with spectacular views of the Laikipia Plateau below, which you will be crossing over the next four days.
Overnight Private Camp Loldaiga Hills
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 7: Loldaiga Hills / El Karama Ranch
Breakfast followed by departure from Loldaiga Hills crossing four ranches on your way to El Karama, home of the Grant Family. You drop down a hidden valley on elephant and buffalo tracks with little dams before crossing Enasoit ranch and then onto the specialist cattle ranch of Mogwooni, home of the Kenyan family. This is one of the few days we see some cattle fencing and will have a picnic lunch here on the banks of the Nanyuki River. After lunch cross onto El Karama ranch 13,000 acres of pristine game country and find our camp on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River.
Overnight: Private Camp El Karama Ranch
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 8: El Karama Ranch
Breakfast followed by full day exploration of the ranch by horse and vehicle and a good chance of a game walk along the river, before lunch. There is a host of game including Gravy’s Zebra, the rare endemic Jackson’s Hartebeest, elephant, giraffe and hippo in the river.
Overnight: Private Camp El Karama Ranch
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 9: Sosian
Early breakfast followed by a long day’s ride to Sosian. Cross the Ewaso Narok River and traverse Segera ranch to the northwest. The route takes you up the spectacular Sugoroi river valley before crossing rather monotonous black cotton plains, covered in whistling thorn (Acacia Drepanolobium) which is home to the Patas monkey, a chestnut colored long limbed primate which is widespread but rare among the northern savannahs of Africa. Reach the Mutara River and follow this pretty valley down before crossing onto Sosian ranch for a late lunch at the edge of the lovely Suguta Swamp. A short ride after lunch brings you to Sosian Ranch House where you exchange tents for the comfort of the lodge.
Overnight: Sosian Lodge
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 10: Sosian
Breakfast followed by full day riding, driving and enjoying this re-habilitated cattle ranch which boasts a wide variety of game including, Jackson’s hartebeest, Gravy’s Zebra, Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Lion, Giraffe and all the other species. From certain points you can look back at the Loldaiga Hills over which you passed and Mt Kenya now appears a good distance away.
Overnight: Sosian Lodge
Meal plan: Lunch, dinner, breakfast
Day 11: Sosian / Nairobi
Breakfast at leisure followed by your last ride then lunch by the pool at Sosian; after lunch, depart from lodge and enjoy road transfers back to Nairobi as you admire beautiful scenery. Arrive in Nairobi in the evening in time for the International return flights. If time allows, enjoy a special farewell dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant giving you an opportunity to meet with some members of staff for tour feedback and general comments
What is included?
– Horseback riding / driving within the parks in 4×4 land rovers / cruisers
– Full board accommodation in selected camps with drinks included (except champagne)
– Evacuation insurance
– Professionally trained English speaking tour guides and horse guides
– Farewell dinner on last day in Nairobi
What is NOT included?
– Local internal flights if desired
– Park entry fees where applicable paid in cash at various entry points
– Any optional activities that require extra payment e.g. night game viewing, e.t.c
– Laundry, visa, and other extras
– International flights
– Tips
– Any other item not mentioned in the above program
Additional notes:
– Extra nights in Nairobi can be organized at discounted rates
– Safari can be extended to other national parks or to the beach
– Safari can be tailor made to suit your schedule with a preferred minimum of 5 nights