Riding Wild at Borana Conservancy offers a safari experience designed for horse riders of all abilities. Combining adventure with tranquillity, these horse riding safaris allow guests to connect with nature while observing wildlife from a unique perspective across the conservancy’s landscapes.
When the Dyer family first arrived at Borana Conservancy, horses were the only form of transport. That connection with horses continues today, and horse riding remains one of the most highly recommended ways to experience the wildlife and scenery of the conservancy.
At the Borana Conservancy headquarters, there is a stable of more than thirty horses suited to riders of different experience levels. Patient and calm horses are available for children and novice riders, while experienced riders can ride thoroughbred and thoroughbred-cross horses ranging from 14.2hh to 16.3hh. These horses are well-schooled and ridden in snaffle bridles.
Guests can ride through the plains among giraffe, zebra, eland, and impala while exploring the wider conservancy and surrounding landscapes.
Horse Riding for All Abilities
Riding Wild welcomes both experienced riders and beginners. The riding team can cater for different abilities, although children under the age of five cannot participate.
Advanced riders must be confident walking, trotting, and cantering in an English saddle. The conservancy uses English-style Wintec saddles along with a selection of Australian stock saddles, chosen for the comfort of both horse and rider.
There is also a strict weight limit of 15 stone, or 95 kilograms.
Riding Wild Borana is a member of the African Horse Safari Association.
Half-Day Riding Safari
The half-day ride is one of the most popular experiences offered at Borana Conservancy. Guests ride out from the stables with experienced guides who tailor the route according to riding ability and wildlife movements within the conservancy.
These morning or afternoon rides provide an introduction to the landscapes and wildlife that make Borana Conservancy distinctive.
Full Day Ride Through Ngare Ndare Forest
Experienced riders can spend an entire day on horseback exploring the Ngare Ndare Forest, an indigenous forest located south of Borana Conservancy.
The forest forms an important wildlife corridor and elephant migratory route towards Mount Kenya. Guests also have the opportunity to visit the Blue Pools, known for their turquoise waters fed by glacial meltwater from the mountain.
During the ride, guests meet their Borana Lodge guide for a picnic lunch before exploring the canopy walk suspended above the forest floor. Along the way, guides share information about the trees, monkeys, and butterflies found within the forest ecosystem.
Overnight Horse Riding and Fly Camp Adventures
For guests staying three nights or longer, Riding Wild Borana offers overnight horse rides combined with fly camp experiences across the conservancy.
These rides traverse varied landscapes under the guidance of experienced riding guides who share their knowledge of the ecosystem and wildlife. As evening approaches, riders arrive at a fly camp located either among yellow fever trees or beside a dam.
The fly camp is designed for comfort, with full linens, pillows, duvets, bed frames, and a mess tent complete with a stocked bar and sitting area.
Guests who do not ride can still take part in the fly camp experience by arriving on foot, by vehicle, or by mountain or eBike.
Tailored Lodge to Lodge Riding Experiences
Borana Conservancy also offers tailored lodge-to-lodge riding experiences based on guest preferences, riding ability, and seasonal conditions.
These itineraries are intended for experienced horse riders and may change depending on weather conditions and guide discretion to ensure safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
All riders taking part in these itineraries must be comfortable at walk, trot, and canter in an English saddle.
Borana-Lewa Ride
The Borana-Lewa Ride is a six-night horse riding adventure created in partnership with Lewa Wilderness Lodge. The itinerary combines experiences across the Lewa-Borana landscape with nights at both safari lodges and an overnight fly camp under canvas.
Guests begin their stay at Borana Lodge before setting out to explore Borana Conservancy on horseback. Riders travel through rolling hills, wooded areas, and open plains while encountering wildlife along the route.
The itinerary also includes conservation experiences such as joining Borana Conservancy rangers to track rhino on foot, offering insight into the operation of a successful rhino conservancy.
Riders continue through the Ngare Ndare Forest before travelling onwards towards Lewa Wilderness, crossing the Ngare Ndare River and exploring untouched wilderness along the way.
The journey concludes with further exploration of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy before a final morning ride through Lewa Wilderness.
Northern Ride
The Northern Ride is a seven-night itinerary exploring Borana Conservancy and the wider northern landscape.
During this journey, guests visit Il Ngwesi, a community-owned and community-run lodge closely connected with local customs and traditions.
The itinerary includes riding through Borana Conservancy, travelling into Mukogodo Forest, and following the Ngare Ndare River while experiencing panoramic views and encounters with wildlife including large herds of giraffe.
Guests also visit a local Maasai village and spend evenings at the fly camp and lodges across the route.
Experiencing Riding Wild at Borana Conservancy
Riding Wild at Borana Conservancy combines horse riding safaris with wildlife encounters, conservation experiences, and exploration of Kenya’s landscapes. From half-day rides to extended lodge-to-lodge adventures, each experience offers a unique way to discover the conservancy and its surrounding wilderness.
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