Riding Wild at Borana
🐴 Riding Wild at Borana – Horseback Safaris in Laikipia
A Thrilling Safari Experience for Horse Riders of All Abilities
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 savannas, river valleys, and acacia-dotted plains on well-trained, home-bred 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 and 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, giving 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 mesmerizing 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 cozy 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.