As the original home of the African horse safari, Kenya offers unrivaled opportunities when it comes to horse riding. The country boasts a variety of safari experiences; from luxury high-end lodge-stays to fly-camping and nights spent dining and sleeping under the stars. Choose to ride through the great open plains of the Masai Mara or scale the steep rocky outcrops in Laikipia’s high country. Perhaps even combine the two for the ultimate safari experience! A Kenyan riding safari is most famous for offering the chance to ride alongside the world-renowned wildebeest migration, Picture cantering alongside and weaving through vast herds of wildebeest and zebra as they migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. Long and rolling savannah filled with the whole cast of the Lion King – wildlife everywhere you look!

However, horse riding in Kenya goes beyond simply the Masai Mara. Smile at the flourishing population of wild dog and their pups in Laikipia, and gasp as Mt Kilimanjaro breaks through the clouds in the Chyulu Hills. From the vast plains of the Mara to mountainous regions further North, Kenya offers a huge variety of experiences. Riders and non-riders, families, couples, groups, and solo adventurers alike, there is something for everyone. Intermediate riders and families can be catered for here as the landscapes are more open, meaning you are far less likely to come across any wildlife by surprise. On horseback safaris in Kenya, you will experience the best the country has to offer, and from the best seat available!

Where to go Horse Riding in Kenya

There is no other best way to experience Kenya’s zebras other than from the back of a horse. Travelers can gallop alongside the stripey beasts in the Masai Mara, covering up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) in a week.

Horse riding in Masai mara

The Masai Mara, in South-West Kenya, is quintessential Africa most people dream of.  Together with the Serengeti National Park, it is a sanctuary for some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife and the awe-inspiring annual wildebeest migration.  Being one of the most diverse eco-systems in Africa, and home to over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds, Mara’s magic is almost impossible to rival.  This true African bush, with its wide-open plains teeming with wildlife, forms the idyllic setting for the ride-of-a-lifetime.

Horse riding Chyulu hills: Ol Donyo lodge

Forming a corridor between Tsavo West and Amboseli, Chyulu Hills boasts striking and diverse landscapes in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.  This is a place where time stands still, and you are more likely to come across the paw print of a lion than a human footprint!  Unrestricted by roads, ride along ancient elephant paths, canter through endless plains of golden grass, or take time out to explore the rugged jumble of extinct volcanic craters. Here you will find the rare Gerenuk, endangered Black Rhino, and some of the world’s most magnificent “big tusker” elephants.

Horse riding Laikipia: Borana lodge + Sosian lodge

Stretching from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift Valley, the Laikipia Plateau is increasingly being recognized as one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets. A mosaic of farmland and conservancies, some of Kenya’s best conservation success stories are unfolding here. Vast open plains create a haven for wildlife, and you will find yourself riding with endangered species such as black rhino, Grevy’s zebra, and wild dogs. This area is made for adventurous travelers with unusual activities like scaling Mount Kenya, visits to chimpanzee sanctuaries, and some sensational rhino sightings!

Age restrictions for Horse riding safaris in Kenya

Depending on where you ride the horses from usually a Minimum age of 12 is required for horse riding safaris in Kenya and must be of intermediate to advanced riding level. Children who are younger than these ages should rather stay at Lodge.

Weight Restrictions for Horse riding safaris in Kenya

This is quite a tricky one to take on but most horse riding companies will do 90 kgs and below for you to qualify for horse riding safaris in Kenya.

When to go Horse Riding in Kenya

The best time for Horse riding in Kenya is during the Dry season from late June to October (these are the best wildlife viewing months). The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in August and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania.