Horseback Riding in Kenya
CHYULU HILLS LODGE |
Giraffe and Mount Kilimanjaro
The African savannah
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This safari rides out from a luxury lodge in the remote Chyulu Hills of Southern Kenya, a landscape dominated by the unmistakable form of Mt Kiliminjaro.
The Chyulus sit adjacent to an unfenced private ranch which encompasses 300,000 acres. This wilderness is owned by the Masai and protected by the Kenyan government. Our safari operates with exclusive access to this land through an agreement with the Masai.
One of the features of the Amboseli is a large dry lake bed which is ideal for long canters. The Amboseli is also the year-round home of impressive numbers of elephants.
This safari is appropriate for riders of any level and any age. Riders are divided into groups of equivalent ability. This safari caters to riders and non-riders, alike, making it an ideal choice for families and groups of varying interests.
Lodge accommodations are available in a variety of configurations. Some are glass enclosed and others are open fronted cottages on stilts. All rooms have stunning views of the savannah and Mount Kilimanjaro. They also all have en-suite facilities.
The Chyulu Hills, which cover 40 square miles, consist of volcanic craters with mist-covered peaks unique to this area. Due to the lack of water in the hills, wildlife is prolific in the low country where some 68 species of large game--elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo--gather daily.
The qualified guides and superb horses are intimately knowledgeable about and adept with the area’s terrain and wildlife.
"I was totally amazed at the professionalism of everyone. (They) were very accommodating when we realized we could stay an extra day at the Lodge instead of spending 36+ hours in Nairobi. They got all the transportation rearranged...and even offered us larger accommodations...Course we loved where we were and didn't move, but the offer was greatly appreciated. It was a trip of a lifetime....."
- Mary Kahn, January 2010
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| Itinerary |
Each day at the Chyulu Hills Lodge brings a different experience. It is one of the most bio-diverse areas in Africa with staggering numbers of mammal and bird life. You will be guided by one of our local guides who know the region like the back of their hand. The lodge offers these activities:
GAME WALKING AND NATURE HIKES.
The great advantage of being in a private sanctuary rather than a National Park is that you are free to walk escorted by our resident tracker and your armed guide. There are many different walks depending on how active you wish to be. If you have any particular interests--birding, lava flows, tracking or orchids--there will be a walk to suit you.
GAME DRIVES
Using one of our open-top land rovers you can experience the African landscape and its denizens. Another great advantage of being in a private sanctuary is the ability to go on Night Drives which gives you the opportunity to experience Africa at night in all its beauty and ferocity.
HORSE RIDING
Viewing game from horseback is unique because of how game perceives a rider. This usually allows a far more intimate experience. Riders are required to wear helmets for safety and insurance purposes.
A typical day starts early and is normally underway at 6.30am in order to see the game. Breakfast time and location depends on your morning activity. Some guests may like to take the option of driving up into the hills and spending the day walking and enjoying a picnic lunch under a shady tree before driving back in the afternoon. Alternatively you may choose to lunch in the lodge followed by a relaxing afternoon by the pool and an evening sundowner.
One of the great traditions of the classic safari is the sundowner experience and is not to be missed. Whether you arrive by foot, horse or vehicle, you will find a panoramic setting set out with an alfresco bar, and a selection of “bitings” or snacks. Sundowners are usually timed to begin around 6pm. You can then take a guided night game drive back to the camp in time to freshen up before dinner.
Other options (additional fees):
Mt. Kilimanjaro Flight and Champagne Breakfast
Amboseli National Park Day Trip
Masai Warriors Boma
Tracking with the Masai
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Massage |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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Poolside
Elephant trio
Masai with goat herd
A lodge room
The lodge
Civilization in the vastness
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Nairobi |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate Novice |
| Riding Per Day | Flexible hours |
| Pace | Flexible, depending on ability |
| Tack | McClellan-type |
| Horses | Boerped, Thoroughbred, Somali ponies, and crosses |
| Weight Limit | 200 lbs |
| 2010 Dates | Flexible through the year except May when it is closed.
3 NIGHT MINIMUM STAY |
| 2010 Price | Regular Season: Jan 3-Feb, June and Oct
$615 per night
High Season: July, Aug, Sept, Dec 20-Jan 2
$695 per night
Low Season: March, April, Nov-Dec 19
$485 per night |
| Single Supplement | $120 / night (regular and high), $75/ night (low) |
| Transfers | Domestic flight from Nairobi: $365 |
| Additional Information | Single supplement required for those traveling solo. |
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