Chyulu Hills Safari

Day 1 (L,D)

Depart Nairobi and fly to the Chyulu Hills. You will be met on arrival by Patrick and Nicola, Ride Kenya's guides and hosts, and transferred to the first camp site. After lunch in camp, guests have a chance to catch up on sleep before heading out for an afternoon ride. The horses will already be in the camp waiting for you upon arrival. This afternoon ride is designed to give guests a taste of the week ahead and to ensure a perfect match between horse and rider before the safari departs. Anyone who is not happily paired with a horse has a chance to change horses on the first day. The first ride will usually end with a picturesque sundowner, after which the guests will return to camp for a hot shower, drinks by the fire and a three course dinner.

Day 2 (B,L,D)

After a delicious breakfast at the camp, set out on a ride to a spectacular volcanic landscape known as Lenkiloriti, with a picnic lunch to break up the riding. On the way, you are likely to come across some bull elephants browsing in the forest before emerging onto the vast Mbirikani plains where you are likely to meet zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, oryx, gazelle, cheetah and even lion. The ride skirts the now dormant lava flows that once spilled out from the volcanoes above. It is within these lava flows that herds of buffalo and Kenya's last population of wild black rhino reside. You will be met by a vehicle for a picnic lunch. Horses and guests will all enjoy a cool drink, some food and a rest in the shade before continuing with the ride. After lunch, the ride will meander amongst some of the youngest hills in Africa. This magical landscape could be mistaken for another planet. The flat ground is dotted with massive golden volcanoes, which have only been dormant for a few thousand years. In this area there is a chance to see klipspringer, baboon, Coke's Hartebeest, rock hyrax and gerenuk. The ride usually ends at around 5pm, back at the Miti Moja campsite. Guests often opt for a night game drive from this camp as there are often lion, leopard, and cheetah out on the prowl after dark.

Days 3 (B,L,D)

Today's ride leaves camp after breakfast and proceeds through acacia forest up towards Chyulu East National Park. En route, the ride will trek through seemingly endless stands of whistling thorn acacia as you begin your ascent into the Chyulu Hills. There are ample opportunities to canter, gallop and jump. Over the course of the day, the ride ascends about 2000 feet above the plains with stunning views stretching for 90 miles on a clear day. The ride arrives in camp for a late lunch. The camp is nestled into a forest next to a large volcanic crater. It is situated over looking the quintessential East African plains that lead up to Mt. Kilimanjaro. After lunch guests are invited to climb the volcanic crater in pursuit of the very rare Verreaux's Eagle which nests in the nearly inaccessible rocky outcrops that line the rim of the crater. As an alternative, you can opt to explore the lava tubes that lie within walking distance of the camp. These jagged caves stretch for miles as they lead away from the crater and have been used by hunter gatherers for generations as shelter. Return to camp before sun-down for a shower, drinks and dinner.

Day 4 (B,L,D)

The ride ascends another 2000 feet higher into the Chyulu Hills. A noticeable change in climate and temperature occurs as you reach over 7000 feet above sea level. The ride is dominated by incredible views of the vast wildernesses of Tsavo East National park to the east and Mt. Kilimajaro and Amboseli national park to the west. Lunch will be had on the trail. This day's riding traverses steep slopes and valleys and the leading of your horses may be necessary at times. Arrival at the new camp will be in time for late afternoon tea.

Day 5 (B,L,D)

Today's ride consists of further exploration of the hills. Due to the altitude, the clouds often sit on the top of the Chyulu Hills. This consistent moisture has given rise to miniature jungles that dot the summits of the hills. The ride focuses on the exploration of these mist forests. After returning for lunch in camp, guests can either sit back and enjoy the views or head into the forests in pursuit of the buffalo, leopard, Syke's monkey and Giant Forest Hog that reside in these eerie forests.

Day 6 (B,L,D)

This morning you will descend out of the hills and ride to the Kopjes. The Kopjes are huge granite outcrops in the middle of the savannah plains. This is about a 5 hour ride so you will begin early and get there for a late lunch. The day's terrain will be mostly the classic, quintessential, short grass plains dotted with thorn trees. This country allows you plenty of opportunity for long canters amongst the zebra and wildebeest. After a ride, walk or game drive in the afternoon, climb up on top of the kopjes for a magnificent sunset which, will include a panoramic view, dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 7 (B)

After breakfast return to Nairobi.

This season we are able to offer a new 3 night set departure, for those who may wish to enjoy the experience of a horse safari, but are not sure about dedicating a whole week to riding. This 3 night safari will allow guests to experience other aspects of Kenya before or after the horse riding. Departure dates for the 3 night safari are as follows: January 25-28, March 07-10, June 27-30, July 25-28, August 19-22, September 26-29, October 10-13.