Kenya is widely known for its spectacular wildlife and iconic safaris, but a more intimate and adventurous way to explore Kenya is through a horseback safari. Unlike a safari by vehicle, a horseback safari moves quietly and gracefully through the open savannahs, woodlands, and valleys, making it one of the most unique ways to explore Kenya. Horseback safari brings you closer to wildlife, access to remote areas and a deeper connection with Kenya’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Whether cantering herds of zebras and wildebeests in Masai Mara or tracking endangered rhinos in the rolling hills of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a horseback safari provides an exhilarating and unforgettable connection. Below is a guide about horseback safaris in Kenya.
Top destinations for Horseback Safaris in Kenya
Kenya is one of the best places in the world for horseback safaris. Below are some of the best destinations for horseback safaris in Kenya.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, located in Northern Kenya, offers horseback riding. Horseback riding offers a chance to see rare animals like Grevy’s zebra and black rhinos up close. The land has rolling hills, open grasslands and acacia trees, making every ride amazing.
Horseback riding at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a special way to enjoy Kenya’s wild beauty. It offers an unforgettable adventure for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience it up close.
Horseback Safaris in Masai Mara
Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations, known for its incredible variety of animals and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Horseback safaris offer an exciting and unique way to explore the vast plains, giving riders a chance to move quietly and get closer to wildlife than on safaris.
Whether galloping beside herds of wildebeest, watching lions and cheetahs in action, horseback safaris in Masai Mara provide a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
What to Expect on a Horseback Safari?
A horseback safari is a fun and different way to see wildlife up close. Instead of safari game drives in a vehicle, you explore nature quietly and get closer to animals without scaring them. Most safaris have calm horses and guides who help beginners feel safe.
Horseback rides last for a couple of hours. You should wear long pants, closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
How much do Horseback Safaris cost in Kenya?
Horseback safaris are a unique way to experience Kenya’s wildlife, offering close encounters with nature in an exciting setting. It is important to understand the costs involved and prices vary depending on location and length of ride.
Masai Mara for horseback safaris costs between 150 USD and 400 USD per person for a day to full-day ride. Multi-day horseback safaris cost upwards of 700 USD per day.
In Lewa wildlife conservancy horseback riding experiences range from 100 USD to 300 USD per person for shorter rides.
Why is a Horseback Safari a unique experience?
Horseback safaris place you directly in the environment, fostering encounters with animals without disturbance. Horses access remote areas inaccessible to safari vehicles, making the experience more personal, exciting and unforgettable. Below is why a horseback safari stands out:
- Close wildlife encounters: Animals are less likely to perceive horses as a threat, allowing remarkably closer and calmer views.
- No barriers: One of the mediated ways to view nature, with no vehicle or window between you and nature, you experience the environment and its inhabitants directly.
- Personal connection: Horseback safaris cultivate a deeper bond with the environment, allowing you to feel truly integrated with it.
- A Horseback safari is an adventure element: riding adds an exciting and physically engaging dimension to your safari.
- Access to remote areas: Horses navigate challenging terrain that vehicles cannot, opening up exclusive areas for exploration and offering unique encounters with wildlife.
- Combines riding and safari: This unique format offers the exhilarating thrill of horse riding alongside exceptional wildlife watching opportunities.
- Offers a memorable experience: The seamless adventure inherent in a horseback safari creates vivid and lasting memories that few experiences can match.
Horseback safaris in Kenya are an unparalleled blend of adventure that provides a distinctive way to experience Kenya’s wildlife. Horseback safari is beyond exhilarating rides, contributing to conservation efforts, making horseback safari in Kenya an enriching and unforgettable journey for seasoned riders and nature enthusiasts.