For the last 30 years Equitours has run horseback riding safaris in Kenya
and we have considerable expertise in wildlife and cultural vacations
there. These safaris have provided our clients with something beyond the
ordinary; being able to avoid the mini bus routes, to get under the skin of
the country, and to make personal connections with the people, the flora and
the fauna.
Equitours frequently receives requests to organize trips for groups that are not necessarily interested in riding but recognize our connections with the most fantastic tour organizers around the world and our ability to provide an unparalleled experience. In response to this demand we have designed a safari, which is open to non-riders, but holds onto many of the unique attributes of our riding tours.
The safari visits two of the world’s finest game sanctuaries where you will stay in very comfortable, permanent tented camps which provide excellent service in the midst of the wilderness. The trip also includes a stay in one of Kenya’s most attractive colonial homes and a visit to a large cattle and game ranch. These contrasting experiences give the traveler a good insight into the fascinating, many faceted life of this dynamic country so famous for its huge herds of game and the richness of its bird life. The trip completely avoids the tawdry city of Nairobi and offers you easy and quick air service between destinations to save tedious road travel. It is an ideal trip to keep the whole family interested.
Our trip consultants can help you arrange custom trips and answer your questions with the advantage of their first hand knowledge.
The Masai Mara is undoubtedly one of the prime
game viewing areas not only of Kenya but the world. It is particularly famous
for the wildebeest migration which comes up from the Serengeti Plains from July
through September. The luxurious tented camp where you will be staying is the
perfect complement to the magnificent wildlife. Besides outstanding game viewing
opportunities, you can go on guided walks with the Masai, visit their villages
and learn more about their strong culture which revolves around their herds of
cattle. These picturesque people, who were formerly fearsome warriors, have clung
tenaciously to many of their traditions.
Deloraine was built by Lord Francis Scott who, with Lord
Delamere, was instrumental in developing farming and ranching in Kenya. It is an imposing
mansion with a four acre garden and lovely swimming pool surrounded by farmland and forest
reserve. Your time here will reflect the elegant lifestyle of a bygone era. From Deloraine
you can watch birds, ride horses or visit Lake Nakuru National Park,
famous for its vast flocks of flamingoes and rhino preserve.
Sosian Ranch is a privately owned ranch
located on the Laikipia Plateau, an area well known for its abundant wildlife and strong ranching
traditions. Many of the large ranches in this area have been in the same family for generations.
In addition to domestic livestock, Sosian hosts a vibrant and diverse amount of wildlife. The
lovely old ranch house has recently been remodeled to a high standard. There are opportunities
here for game drives, guided hikes and horse or camel rides all in the shadow of Mt. Kenya.
PO Box 807
Dubois, WY 82513
Toll free: 800.545.0019
Overseas: 307.455.3363
Richard@Equitours.com
Meru National Park is on the edge of Kenya’s Northern Frontier District and presents totally different terrain, animals and birds. Meru is a hidden jewel, with little tourist pressure but interesting wildlife and beautiful scenery. Here again you will be staying in an elegantly appointed camp and can participate in fascinating game drives, hikes and camel safaris far away from other tourists.
ITINERARY
- We suggest the standard trip itinerary: 4 nights at Mara Camp, 2 nights at Deloraine House, 3 nights at Sosian Ranch, and 3 nights at Meru Camp.
- The price for this 12 day all inclusive trip is $6,150 per person. (based on double occupancy, international airfare is not included)
- Safaris can be customized with specialized itineraries and for any number of people.
"There were a number of specific venues on our trip that made it truly special to us. Although only half the group (7) rode at every opportunity, the horses and their attendant staff set us apart from the zebra striped vans of which we only saw one in two weeks. To be specific we lived in unexpected luxury in a very lavish tented camp in Meru where we were able to indulge in some bird shooting as well as see Adamson Falls and lots of game.
We then flew to Sosian, an Argentine inspired ranch on the Laikipia Plateau at 6,000 ft which is owned by ten partners. Again great luxury, food, pool, riding, Grevy’s zebra, Jackson hartebeest, plus probably too many elephants. Surprisingly Chris passed on the camels but everyone got more time in the saddle than they needed. All the ladies would opt for a week at Sosian tomorrow. We next traveled to Lake Nakuru for a flamingo / white rhino picnic and then to Deloraine. Lots of riding, swimming, tennis, gardens, serious croquet and too much good food and wine.
A long day’s Land Rover ride followed to the first of two tented camps in the Mara with the opportunity to visit our Masai host’s village (without having to sample the traditional beverage) and ride plus the usual game drives. The second camp was on the Mara River in midst of the migration with a plethora of hippos (out of sight of that unbelievable Japanese resort). From the Mara to the suburbs of Nairobi with some shopping and home via London. The trip exceeded my wildest hopes and having all the immediate family with us was a big bonus and something everyone will always remember."
--Albert Tilt, August 2005
Our Suggested Itinerary
DAY 1: Transfer by air from Nairobi’s local Wilson airport to your luxurious
camp set above the Bisanadi River, just outside Meru National Park. This will be
your base for morning and afternoon game viewing drives, guided walks and camel
safaris.
DAYS 2 and 3: Meru is a land of magnificent scenery, with horizons of mountain
ranges disappearing into the distance. There are extensive grasslands
intersected by small watercourses and a wonderful variety of acacia and palm
trees. Some of the unusual species of game include Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated
giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu. The abundance of birds (280
species) is stunning and waking to the sound of the dawn chorus is a memorable
experience.
DAYS 4, 5 and 6: Transfer by air to Sosian Ranch. Set amidst stunning scenery
and overlooked by snowcapped Mt. Kenya, the beautifully appointed house is
located on a 24,000 acre working ranch with abundant wildlife. Activities
include horse riding, camel safaris, day and night game drives, guiding bird
watching and fishing. There is a lovely swimming pool at the house, as well as
at the base of a waterfall on the Euaso Narok River.
DAY 7: Drive to Deloraine, visiting Lake Nakuru Park en route. The shore of this spectacular Rift Valley Lake is pink with thousands of flamingoes. There are great herds of buffalo and waterbuck, baboons and vervet monkeys are common, and this is also a sanctuary for black and white rhino.
DAY 8: Relax at Deloraine, enveloped in colonial splendor.
DAY 9: Transfer by air to your luxurious camp on the Olare Orok water course in
the Masai Mara. This will be your base for fascinating morning and afternoon
game viewing drives.
DAYS 10, 11 and 12: The Masai Mara is an area of vast rolling plains intersected
by the Mara, one of the great rivers of Kenya, which is full of hippo and
crocodile. There are many prides of lion, cheetah sightings are common and hyena
and jackal are abundant. Large herds of wildebeest, zebra, topi, impala, and
Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle support this wealth of predators. It is also
possible to go on night drives from camp to view some of the more unusual
species such as bushbabies and spring hares. Walking out with the Masai,
visiting their homes, and learning about their culture is a very special
experience which can be easily arranged.
DAY 13: Transfer by air to Wilson airport in Nairobi. Drive to the international airport in time for your departing flight.
NOTE: Due to two rainy seasons, the best times to visit Kenya are mid-December to the end of March and early June to the end of October.