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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Kenya
Intro to Kenya
Africa Overview
Tanzania
Uganda
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Chyulu Hills Riding Safari in Kenya
Chyulu
Kenya
Enjoy riding through a great variety of truly wild, unfenced ecosystems; from the vast savannah plains of the lowlands, through thick acacia forests, to the famous Chyulu Hills. The range of scenery and terrain are perfect for both horse and rider. The wildlife on this ride is more spread out than that of the Amboseli Ride, but there are great sightings nonetheless. It is an ideal itinerary for families, or less-experienced riders. The ride starts at the Ol Donyo Lodge, nestled in thick Acacia woodland. The Chyulu Hills offer some of the most stunning scenery in Africa; rolling extinct volcanic hills, Acacia forests, and grassy plains all under the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. The first day (Day 2) we explore the forest and savannah around camp with thick with umbrella-shaped Acacia tortilis, where giraffe browse and antelope abound. Then we depart by road before dawn to enjoy a half-day game drive in Amboseli National Park. The Amboseli is home to around 1,500 elephant, which live in and around the swamps beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.
As well as the famous elephant, there are plenty of hippo, buffalo, plains game, predators and birds to enjoy viewing followed by a ride in the afternoon, ending up in a scenic spot for sunset and drinks. The next day we ride to the Chyulu East National Park to enjoy wandering with the game on their daily movements. Kicking up wildlife in the forest is thrilling; from small sightings like flocks of guinea-fowl, pairs of dik-dik or packs of jackal, to the huge bulk of a herd of eland, oryx or elephant. In the later afternoon, take the opportunity to climb the volcanic crater in pursuit of the very rare Verreaux’s Eagle which nests in the nearly inaccessible rocky outcrops at the rim. Then we ascends another 2,000 feet higher into the Chyulu Hills with a noticeable change in climate and temperature as you reach over 7,000 feet above sea level.
The ride is dominated by incredible vistas of the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park to the east, and Mount Kilimanjaro and Amboseli National Park to the west. Our final riding day is a full day ride to explore the forests of Olecutu. This area is extremely beautiful and remote with herds of giraffe, gazelle, zebra and wildebeest. Enjoy seeing ostrich and Kori bustard bathing in the red dust. Maasai herdsmen and women also bring their livestock for water in the swamps. Enjoy a scenic spot for a barbecue lunch, atop some beautiful rocky outcroppings. Ride across the vast savannah after lunch and into camp.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Safari Ride
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Meeting:
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Donyo Lodge
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Airport:
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Nairobi
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Transfer:
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Wilson Airport in Nairobi
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Full board luxury tented accommodation, laundry, all meals, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
| A | 2013 | 7 day Safari, AP | 7d / 6n | $3900 |
| Conservation Fees | $600 |
| Single supplement (requested) | $975 |
| Flying Doctors membership | $15 |
| For 1 or2 riders only - modified itinerary | $0 |
| Short 2 night Getaway each of 4 riders - on request - from | $735 |
| per night Park Fees | $100 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Nairobi Wilson airport - rt pp ~
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$425
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Rates do not include:
Champagnes and imported premium spirits, Massage treatments; tips.
Day 1: Arrival, Introductory Game Drive and Horse Ride
Fly into Ol Donyo Lodge airstrip, and be met by a guide at the airstrip before enjoying a short game drive to the first campsite that is nestled in thick Acacia woodland. The Chyulu Hills offer some of the most stunning scenery in Africa; rolling extinct volcanic hills, Acacia forests, and grassy plains all under the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. This first game drive serves as an introduction to the area and its inhabitants; there are 38-recorded species of large mammal here and over 300 species of bird. Upon arrival into camp, you will have a brief camp orientation and introduction to the overall safari itinerary before enjoying lunch. After a post-lunch rest, drive to Ride Kenya’s main stables to meet the horses and staff. The Safari starts close to the horse stables, so that riders can be matched with a horse and then assessed as a group in the fenced arena, before heading out into the bush. Anyone who is not comfortable with their horse has a chance to switch at the stables. The first afternoon ride then sets off from the stables, and is designed to introduce the rider to their horse and the local ecosystem. You will pass through thick Acacia forest, and out onto the savannah. Expect to ride at a variety of speeds and to see game such as giraffe, impala, elephant, warthog and gazelle. Arrive into your mobile camp at dusk. Enjoy a drink by the fire, a hot shower and a three-course dinner. As the sun goes down, listen to the jackal and hyena calling as they commence their nocturnal hunts.
Day 2: Bush Breakfast Ride and Afternoon Walk
Depart at dawn on horseback for a morning exploration of the forest and savannah around camp. The forest is thick with umbrella-shaped Acacia tortilis, where giraffe browse and antelope abound. Enjoy the dawn chorus as the horses set off into the first light of the new day. The footing is ideal for horse riding; coarse volcanic soil that is firm yet forgiving under hoof, allowing riders an opportunity to enjoy the horses’ schooling and fitness; long trots and canters can be supplemented with some cross-country style jumping over fallen trees and other fences, for those who wish. As nomadic Maasai people own the land here, there are often villages we ride past. The traditional Maasai culture is fascinating to see first-hand. of the day follows a late lunch in camp. An evening walk is offered, to stretch out riding muscles, and to learn more about the local flora and fauna. There is even a chance to track and locate some of the forest’s resident bull elephants; several of which are known to be the largest elephant ‘tuskers’ left in Africa today.
Day 3: Game-drive to Amboseli National Park and Afternoon Horse Ride
Depart by road before dawn to enjoy a half-day game drive in Amboseli National Park. The Amboseli is home to around 1,500 elephant, which live in and around the swamps beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. As well as the famous elephant, there are plenty of hippo, buffalo, plains game, predators and birds to enjoy viewing. This is a world-famous ecosystem and the photographic opportunities are endless. Return to camp for lunch.
Enjoy a horse ride in the afternoon, ending up in a scenic spot for sunset and drinks.
Day 4 Morning ride to Crater Camp and Afternoon Hike
Leave camp early on horseback and proceed through the Acacia forest up towards Chyulu East National Park. Taking a packed breakfast in the saddlebags allows the ride to be flexible and to enjoy wandering with the game on their daily movements. Kicking up wildlife in the forest is thrilling; from small sightings like flocks of guinea-fowl, pairs of dik-dik or packs of jackal, to the huge bulk of a herd of eland, oryx or elephant. The ride soon leaves the thick acacia forests, and begins to pass through seemingly endless stands of whistling thorn Acacia on the ascent up into the Chyulu Hills. This is a good ecosystem for seeing cheetah, gerenuk, zebra, wildebeest and Coke’s hartebeest. This morning is a long, exciting and fast ride, with plenty of chance to canter, gallop and jump. Over the course of the morning, the ride ascends about 2,000 feet above the plains with stunning views stretching for 90 miles on a clear day. Arrive into Crater camp for a late lunch. This camp is nestled into a forest next to a large extinct volcanic crater. It is situated over looking the quintessential East African plains that lead up to Mount Kilimanjaro.
In the later afternoon, take the opportunity to climb the volcanic crater in pursuit of the very rare Verreaux’s Eagle which nests in the nearly inaccessible rocky outcrops at the rim. Or, explore the lava tubes under the crater, which lie within walking distance of the camp. These jagged caves stretch for miles as they lead away from the crater and have been used for generations of hunter-gatherers as shelter. Enjoy sunset in this most spectacular campsite.
Day 5: Full-Day Ride to the Mist Forest
Depart after breakfast in camp. Today’s ride ascends another 2,000 feet higher into the Chyulu Hills with a noticeable change in climate and temperature as you reach over 7,000 feet above sea level. The ride is dominated by incredible vistas of the vast wilderness of Tsavo East National Park to the east, and Mount Kilimanjaro and Amboseli National Park to the west. Today’s riding traverses steep slopes and valleys and leading the horses may be necessary at times. Due to the altitude of the area, clouds often sit on the top of the Chyulu Hills. This consistent moisture has created to pockets of mist forest that dot the summits of the hills. Enjoy a picnic lunch just outside one of the largest mist forests, and then enter the mist forest on foot, in search of buffalo, leopard, Syke’s monkey and giant forest hog that reside within.
Get back on the horses and enjoy the dramatic descent out of the hills, passing a few subsistence farmers’ villages en route. Most of the farmers are Kamba people, who make a living with maize farming on the hillside. Rural school children are likely to spot the horses and follow them for a while, giggling and running along beside. Arrive in the late afternoon to Olecuto Camp. Enjoy a well-earned drink and rest in stunning scenery.
Day 6: Full-Day Ride, with a Barbecue Lunch
After breakfast in camp, depart on horseback to explore the forests of Olecutu. This area is extremely beautiful and remote, with herds of giraffe, gazelle, zebra and wildebeest. Enjoy seeing ostrich and Kori bustard bathing in the red dust. Leaving the forest, the ride passes by the Inchalai swamps. These are swamps where breeding herds of elephant come to drink at night and if riders are lucky they might catch the elephant returning to the thick lava flow in which they seek refuge during the day. Maasai herdsmen and women also bring their livestock for water in the swamps. Enjoy a scenic spot for a barbecue lunch, atop some beautiful rocky outcroppings. Ride across the vast savannah after lunch and into camp.
Day 7: Departure
Enjoy breakfast in camp, followed by your transfer to the Ol Donyo Lodge airstrip. Scheduled flight to Nairobi departs at 08h15.
In the case that less than 3 riders (1 or 2) sign up (in total), the trip will go ahead with no surcharge, but with a slight itinerary modification - only 1 camp move.
--Subject to changes.
Meeting:
Donyo Lodge
Airport:
Nairobi
Transfer:
Wilson Airport in Nairobi
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Tack:
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English trekking saddles
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Horses:
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Thoroughbreds, Somali Cross Ponies,Boerpeds
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Pace:
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Riding at all paces, but suitable for the less experienced rider or families
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
209 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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To join any mobile safari you should be a fairly competent rider, fit and secure in the saddle at all paces.
The Chyulu Ride is less demanding than the Amboseli Safari and therefore also suited for the little less experienced rider or families. An intermediate riding level is requested.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for three months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart with at least one blank page.Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the f. more
The weather in Kenya is fine all
year round with little seasonal variation. During the day it will get
hot while at night temperatures can drop quite sharply and it can feel
cold. The long rains fall in April and May and the short rains in
November.
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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2 Riding Breeches / Jodhpurs
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Half Chaps and riding boots
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Brimmed Hat & Riding Helmet
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Riding gloves
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1 Light Rain-Gear (Gore-Tex)
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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1 Warm Wind-Proof Garment
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1 Woollen Jersey
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Jeans / Long Trousers / Slacks
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2 Shorts
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2 Polo Shirts
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Pyjamas & Shower Gown
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4 Long Sleeved Shirts
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Leather Boots / Tennis Shoes & Flip-Flops
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Toilet Requisites & First Aid Kit (including insect repellent)
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Water Bottle (two litre)
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Digital Video Camera
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Camera / Polaroid / 300 Zoom & Wide Angle Lenses
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Torch / Flashlight
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Spare Batteries
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Lightweight Binoculars & Dark Glasses
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Personal Favourite Travel Snacks
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Sun Cream & Lip Ice (high protection factor)
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All these personal effects should be packed into a duffle bag or soft bag. Clothing should be in safari khaki / neutral colours.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
These mobile safaris are reminiscent of the safaris of old.
The tented camps are very comfortable, with wrought iron twin or double
beds, fine linen, en suite bathrooms, a central dining tent and a high
standard of food and drinks.
You are supported by a crew of grooms, chefs, waiters and general helpers to ensure your maximum comfort.
Camp is usually moved ahead each day.
The skilled cooks provide tasty meals which you will greatly appreciate after a day in the saddle.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English trekking saddles
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Horses:
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Thoroughbreds, Somali Cross Ponies,Boerpeds
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|
Pace:
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Riding at all paces, but suitable for the less experienced rider or families
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
209 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
3 riders
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Max
10 riders
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To join any mobile safari you should be a fairly competent rider, fit and secure in the saddle at all paces.
The Chyulu Ride is less demanding than the Amboseli Safari and therefore also suited for the little less experienced rider or families. An intermediate riding level is requested.
Passports
Passport valid for three months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart with at least one blank page.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) all holders of a re-entry pass to Kenya.
(b) 1. Nationals of Cyprus.
Visa Note
(a) All nationals referred to in the chart above may obtain a visa on entry in Kenya. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (c) Multiple-entry visas may only be issued to nationals of the United Kingdom.
Types of Visa and Cost
Single-entry: £35. Multiple-entry: £70. Transit: £15. On arrival: US$50.
Note: If the application is referred to Immigration in Nairobi, an additional £7 will be payable.
Validity
Single-entry: up to three months from date of issue; Multiple-entry: one year from date of issue. Renewals (up to six months) or extensions can be made at Immigration in Nyayo House, Uhuru Highway, Nairobi or at Kisumu and Mombasa. The period of stay in Kenya can be given at the port of entry (maximum three months).
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Three (applying in person) or one week from date of receipt (postal applications). If the visa has to be referred to Nairobi, it will take up to six weeks or, in some cases, longer.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Chyulu Hills Riding Safari in Kenya
Tour Code:
IT-RTKY11
7 days /
6 nights
~$3,900.00
Dates :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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