Borana Lodge
Luxury Safari and Rhino Conservation in Laikipia, Kenya
Borana Lodge, Kenya – Luxury Safari & Conservation in Laikipia
Borana Lodge is an award-winning luxury safari lodge set within the heart of the Borana Conservancy, a pioneering private wildlife sanctuary on the Laikipia Plateau of northern Kenya. With sweeping views toward Mount Kenya, Borana Lodge blends refined comfort, authentic safari experiences, and world-class conservation in one of Kenya’s most exclusive wilderness areas.
Privately owned and deeply committed to sustainability, Borana Lodge offers travelers a rare opportunity to enjoy a high-end safari while directly supporting wildlife protection, community development, and habitat restoration.
Location & Setting
Borana Lodge is located on a scenic ridge within Borana Conservancy, covering over 32,000 acres of pristine wilderness in Laikipia, Kenya. The lodge’s elevated position provides uninterrupted views across rolling savannahs, forested valleys, and distant mountain peaks, creating one of the most dramatic backdrops of any safari lodge in East Africa.
Laikipia is renowned for its low visitor numbers, diverse landscapes, and exceptional wildlife density, making Borana Lodge ideal for travelers seeking privacy, exclusivity, and meaningful safari encounters away from the crowds of the Maasai Mara.
Accommodation at Borana Lodge
Borana Lodge features a small collection of beautifully designed cottages, each crafted from local stone and timber to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
Highlights of the Cottages
- Spacious en-suite bedrooms with fireplaces
- Private verandas overlooking waterholes or valleys
- Elegant furnishings blending classic safari style with modern comfort
- Eco-friendly design using solar power and rainwater harvesting
Each cottage offers exceptional privacy, making Borana Lodge suitable for couples, families, and small groups seeking a tranquil luxury safari retreat.
Safari Experiences & Activities
Safari Activities
Borana Lodge is renowned for offering some of the most diverse and immersive safari activities in Kenya.
Game Drives
Explore Borana Conservancy in custom 4×4 safari vehicles, encountering elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and an impressive variety of plains game.
Rhino Tracking
Borana Conservancy is a leading rhino sanctuary, protecting both black and white rhinos. Guests can join guided rhino tracking experiences, learning firsthand about conservation efforts and monitoring programs.
Horseback Safaris
Borana Lodge is famous for its horseback safaris—an exhilarating way to explore the conservancy and approach wildlife quietly and naturally, suitable for both experienced riders and beginners.
Walking Safaris & Mountain Biking
Guided bush walks and mountain biking safaris offer an intimate perspective of the landscape, flora, and smaller wildlife often missed on vehicle-based game drives.
Cultural & Community Visits
Guests may also visit local communities to learn about traditional lifestyles and Borana’s community-focused conservation initiatives.
Conservation & Sustainability
Conservation is at the heart of Borana Lodge. As part of Borana Conservancy, the lodge plays a critical role in protecting endangered species, restoring habitats, and supporting local livelihoods.
Key conservation initiatives include:
- Rhino and predator protection programs
- Anti-poaching patrols and ranger training
- Reforestation and grassland restoration
- Education and healthcare support for surrounding communities
Every stay at Borana Lodge directly contributes to these long-term conservation efforts.
Dining at Borana Lodge
Dining at Borana Lodge is a refined yet relaxed experience. Meals are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including produce from the lodge’s own gardens.
Guests enjoy:
- Gourmet breakfasts with panoramic views
- Al fresco lunches and picnic bush meals
- Elegant candlelit dinners paired with fine wines
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Best Time to Visit Borana Lodge
Borana Lodge is a year-round safari destination.
- Dry Season (June – October): Excellent wildlife viewing and ideal conditions for horseback safaris
- Green Season (November – May): Lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and superb birdwatching
Laikipia’s climate is generally mild, making Borana Lodge a comfortable safari choice throughout the year.
How to Get to Borana Lodge
Borana Lodge is easily accessible:
- By Air: Scheduled or charter flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Lewa or Borana airstrips, followed by a short game drive
- By Road: Approximately 4.5–5 hours’ drive from Nairobi in a 4×4 vehicle
Why Choose Borana Lodge?
Borana Lodge stands out as one of Kenya’s finest safari lodges for travelers who value:
- Exclusive luxury in a private conservancy
- Authentic, low-impact safari experiences
- Strong conservation and community engagement
- Diverse activities beyond traditional game drives
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family safari, or conservation-focused adventure, Borana Lodge offers a deeply rewarding and unforgettable African safari experience.
- Stone and thatch cottages – Individually designed with large fireplaces, private verandas, and sweeping views across the conservancy.
- Family cottages – Spacious, with interconnecting rooms and communal lounges, ideal for families or groups.
Each cottage offers a sense of privacy while keeping guests close to the rhythms of the wilderness.
Nearby & Similar Lodges
- Sirikoi Lodge (Lewa Conservancy) – Award-winning luxury lodge with villas and waterhole views.
- Lewa House (Lewa Conservancy) – Intimate family-run safari home.
- Loisaba Tented Camp (Laikipia) – Stylish camp with panoramic views.
- Segera Retreat (Laikipia) – High-end retreat blending art, wellness, and safari.
Explore Adventure and Serenity at Borana Lodge
Borana has an in-house masseuse and beauty therapist who will work to help you relax and unwind after the day’s adventure. There are a variety of treatments designed specifically to soothe, refresh and revitalise you after a day in the bush. These use organic and natural products which are locally sourced and developed by Cinnebar Green.
Borana Lodge Rates Per Night
| Adult | Single | Child | |
| Peak | $ 1,320 | $ 1,716 | $ 660 |
| Standard | $ 1,025 | $ 1,333 | $ 513 |
As Borana Conservancy’s wildlife numbers & conservation stories go from strength to strength, the conservation fees are increasing to $235USD per adult per night. All conservation fees are invested into the core operational costs of Borana Conservancy which includes wildlife security & protection, a healthcare programme, an education programme and much more.
Notes
- Valid:6th January 2026 to 5th January 2027
- All rates are inclusive of a 24% contribution to Borana Conservancy’s environmental and social responsibilities, replacing the traditional ‘conservation fee’.
- * Inclusive rate accounts for full board accommodation cost and a 24% contribution to conservation. All prices in USD
- Minimum two night stay in standard season, minimum three night stay in peak season.
- Peak stays: 15th June -30th September 2026, 20th December 2026 – 5th January 2027 Standard stays: 6th January -14th June 2026, 1st October -19th December 2026
- Child rate applies to those from 5 to 15 years at the time of travel.
- Children under 5 years stay free of charge.
Includes:
- Mandatory 24% per person donation to conservation Mandatory emergency flying doctors cover
- Full board accommodation with soft drinks, beers, house wines & spirits Local airstrip transfers (Borana Conservancy & Lewa Downs)
- All Borana Conservancy based activities; shared day & night game drives, horse riding, mountain biking, eBiking, bush walks, rhino tracking, ‘behind the scenes of conservation’ activities, tours of Waitabit Farm and sundowner excursions.
Excludes:
- Gratuities
- Premium spirits, cellar wines and champagne Adventures beyond Borana Conservancy Travel & medical insurance
- Spa treatments at The Wallow
Additional costs per person:
- Afternoon departure with lunch – $90 (room check out 10am) Exclusive use of a vehicle (subject to availability) – $350 per vehicle per day
- Guide / pilot accommodation (excluding conservation fee) – $330 Visit to Ngare Ndare Forest – $60 per adult, $30 per child
- Visit to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – $183 per adult, $92 per child Fly Camping set up fee – $660 per group (two guests minimum) Adventures across Northern Kenya on horseback, e-bike, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft can be arranged – price on request
Plan Your Stay
Borana Lodge not only promises an unrivaled safari experience but also directly supports the preservation of the region’s rich heritage. For a personalized journey, contact our expert travel specialists to tailor your visit to this enchanting part of Kenya.
Have Any Questions?
Contact us for information on availability or any inquiries regarding your stay at Borana Lodge.
Phone: +254 785 639 497
Email: sales@beyondkenyasafaris.com
Gallery
Riding Wild at Borana – Horseback Safaris in Laikipia, Kenya!
A thrilling safari experience for horse riders of all abilities
Overview
Imagine cantering alongside a herd of giraffes, crossing open plains where elephants graze, or quietly approaching a black rhino on horseback. Riding Wild at Borana is one of Kenya’s most extraordinary safari experiences, offering a sense of freedom and connection that game drives cannot match. Set within the stunning Borana Conservancy in Laikipia, this horseback safari combines adventure, conservation, and luxury in equal measure. For riders seeking to experience Africa as the early explorers once did – in rhythm with nature – Riding Wild is an unforgettable journey.
Location
Riding Wild is based in the Borana Conservancy, a 32,000-acre private reserve in Laikipia, northern Kenya. Bordering Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, this protected wilderness is home to thriving populations of black and white rhino, elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, and rare species such as Grevy’s zebra.
The Riding Experience
Guests ride across rolling savannahs, river valleys, and acacia-dotted plains on well-trained, homebred safari horses. Safari rides are led by experienced guides with an intimate knowledge of the land and wildlife.
- Horseback safaris range from short rides from the lodge to multi-day horseback adventures with mobile camps set deep in the bush.
- Wildlife encounters on horseback are quiet and unobtrusive, allowing for closer approaches and a deeper sense of connection.
- Rides cater to different levels, but experienced riders will enjoy the thrill of gallops across open plains and close wildlife sightings.
Accommodation
Riding Wild can be combined with a stay at Borana Lodge, offering luxury stone-and-thatch cottages with private verandas and sweeping views. For multi-day horseback safaris, riders overnight in fly camps – lightweight mobile tents set up in pristine wilderness locations, creating a true adventure under the stars.
Rates
Horseback safari rates vary depending on ride length and accommodation:
- Day rides are often included for Borana Lodge guests.
- Multi-day riding safaris (with fly camps) typically range from USD 950 – 1,200 per person per night, inclusive of accommodation, horses, guides, meals, and conservancy fees.
Recommended For & Length of Stay
- Best For: Experienced riders, adventurous travelers, photographers, and those seeking a unique, conservation-focused safari.
- Recommended Stay: 3–5 nights for multi-day horseback safaris, or add shorter rides during a stay at Borana Lodge.
All advanced riders must be comfortable at a walk, trot and canter in an English saddle.
Non-riders and beginners are welcome at any level.
There is a strict weight limit of 15 stone/210 lbs/95 kg.
itineraries
The itineraries below will give you the opportunity to traverse some of Kenya’s most breathtaking landscapes. Along these journeys, you will be given the chance to ride with wildlife, learn about various conservation models, and sleep under canvas in the comfortable Riding Wild fly camp.
- Half-Day ride:-This is our most popular ride, this gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a morning or afternoon riding safari out of the Borana Head Quarters. You will set off from the stables with a team of experienced guides who will show you the best of what the conservancy has to offer, based on your experience and the location of the wildlife
- Full Day ride:-Experienced riders can spend an entire day on horseback, meeting at the stables after an early breakfast and heading into the Ngare Ndare Forest. This is an indigenous forest to the south of Borana Conservancy which gives guests the opportunity to explore a completely different ecosystem. This ancient indigenous forest acts as a wildlife corridor and elephant migratory route to Mt Kenya. It is also home to the mesmerising Blue Pools, a secluded swimming spot with turquoise water fed by glacial meltwater from the mountain.In the forest, you will be met by your Borana Lodge guide and enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch you can explore the canopy walk, a walkway suspended 40ft above the ground, meandering through the treetops of the Forest where your guide will give you information on the trees, monkeys and butterflies.
- OVERNIGHT RIDE:For guests staying three or more nights, riding Wild Borana offers overnight horse rides and fly camp adventures on Borana Conservancy. Traverse the diverse landscape of the conservancy on an exciting horseback adventure, guided by our team of expert riding guides who will share their knowledge of this ecosystem. As the sun begins to set, you will ride into a fly camp, nestled in a glade of yellow fever trees or by a dam, no two nights are ever the same. The fly camp is extremely comfortable with full linens, pillows, duvets, bed frames and a mess tent including a fully stocked bar and sitting room.The camp is accessible via a game drive, on foot, on horseback or on a mountain or eBike, giving those who do not ride the opportunity to take part in this enchanting experience.Sleeping a maximum of twelve on an exclusive basis. Set up fee is $600 USD per night, on top of our standard lodge rates.
Borana -Lewa Ride – 6 nights
Borana Lodge have partnered with Lewa Wilderness Lodge to offer a thrilling horse riding adventure across the Lewa-Borana Landscape. This itinerary combines the best of what both safari lodges have to offer with a night fly camping under canvas with horses on a picket line.
DAY 1
Arrival at Borana Lodge – Upon arrival at Borana Lodge, settle into your rooms and take some time to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Borana Conservancy.
Head to the stables after lunch to meet our expert guides and set off on horseback to explore Borana Conservancy.
DAY 2
Borana Lodge Exploration – Start your horse riding safari with a full day of exploring the Borana Conservancy. Ride through diverse terrain, including rolling hills, open plains, and wooded areas, while encountering an abundance of wildlife along the way. Enjoy a picnic breakfast amidst the breathtaking scenery before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and lunch at the lodge pool.
Spend the evening game driving on the hunt for big cats.
Dinner and night at Borana Lodge
DAY 3
Experience Behind the Scenes of Conservation – Head out at first light to join the team of Borana Conservancy rangers as they track rhino on foot. This is a wonderful experience which gives a true ‘behind the scenes’ view into how a successful rhino conservancy is run.
Return to Borana Lodge for a relaxing lunch and massage before you head out on your riding adventure.
Spend the afternoon on horseback, cantering alongside herds of zebra or jumping fallen logs in a glade of yellow fever trees.
Return to Borana Lodge for a bush dinner at The Hide, enjoying a locally sourced Swahili inspired menu under a blanket of stars.
Dinner and night at Borana Lodge.
DAY 4
Horse Riding to Fly Camp – Set off on an adventurous horse ride towards the fly camp, head into the Ngare Ndare Forest for a saddle bag lunch and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wilderness as you journey through varied ecosystems. Arrive at the fly camp on Borana Conservancy in the evening, where a cosy campfire and delicious dinner await you.
Experience an unforgettable night under the starlit African sky.
DAY 5
Horse Riding to Lewa Wilderness – After an early breakfast, resume your horse riding safari towards Lewa Wilderness. You will leave Borana Conservancy as you cross the Ngare Ndare River and traverse the scenic landscape, encountering diverse wildlife and enjoying the thrill of riding through untouched wilderness. Arrive at Lewa Wilderness in time for a late lunch and settle into your comfortable accommodation.
After a long day in the saddle, you may opt for a relaxed afternoon at the lodge or head out on an evening game drive to discover your new surroundings and look back across the route which you rode from Borana.
DAY 6
Lewa Wilderness Exploration – Take advantage of the lodge’s offerings and spend the day exploring Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Choose from activities such as game drives, guided bush walks, or head out for another horse ride. Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity and conservation efforts of the area, appreciating the unique beauty of the Lewa-Borana landscape.
DAY 7
Final Horse Ride and Departure – Enjoy a final morning horse ride through the stunning Lewa Wilderness. Bid farewell to the incredible landscapes and wildlife you encountered during your safari. Return to the lodge for breakfast before departing for your onward journey.
Kenyan Coast – Idyllic Beachfront Serenity
Alfajiri Villas
“Your Private Cliff-top Paradise”
Features:
- A collection of exclusive villas with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean
- Personal butler service and private swimming pools
- Spa treatments and water sports options, including scuba diving
- Fresh seafood and Swahili cuisine with an Italian twist
Peponi Hotel
“A Coastal Sanctuary in Lamu”
Features:
- A family-owned boutique hotel on the Shela beachfront in Lamu
- Rooms with verandas facing the sea, accentuated by Swahili architecture
- Fresh daily catches and a renowned bar
- Dhow sailing trips and cultural tours within this UNESCO heritage site
WaterLovers Beach Resort
“Oceanfront Elegance and Comfort”
Features:
- Eight spacious suites and one villa with ocean views
- Eco-friendly practices in paradise, with a turtle protection program
- Infinity pool, excellent Italian-Kenyan cuisine, and wellness center
- Close to Diani’s vibrantly active coral reef, ideal for snorkeling and diving
Whether it’s embarking on another exhilarating safari in the Masai Mara or unwinding along the pristine shores of the Kenyan Coast, these accommodations offer the perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and relaxation to complement your East African exploration. Each location provides a distinctive experience that reflects the unique charm of the surroundings, much like the unforgettable stay at Borana Lodge.
Customer Reviews for Borana Lodge
John K. – ★★★★★
“My family and I had an absolutely marvelous time at Borana Lodge! The guided conservancy safaris were exceptional, as the wildlife was abundant and our guide was both knowledgeable and patient with our many questions. The evenings were just as special, with bush dinners under the stars and the sounds of the wild surrounding us. A true 5-star experience, we’re already planning our return trip!”
Samantha R. – ★★★★★
“Borana Lodge redefined luxury for me. The balance of comfort and sustainability is impeccable. The cottages are private, with stunning views, and the outdoor showers are heavenly. What touched my heart the most was the conservation ethos of the lodge and their engagement with local communities. It’s not often you find such a gem that allows you to indulge while also contributing positively to the environment and the locals.”
Peter and Anne G. – ★★★★☆
“The serenity of Borana Lodge is unparalleled. We spent our honeymoon here and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. The cottages provided an intimate setting, and the staff’s attention to detail was outstanding. The night drives brought a thrilling new dimension to our safari experience. We did feel that the dining options could offer a little more variety, but overall, a highly recommendable lodge with a commendable commitment to conservation.”