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Borana Lodge Riding
Borana is set in the shadow of Mount Kenya, in the wonderfully remote Laikipia region. Guests can ride in stunning surroundings, through dry plains, hills and valleys. Borana lodge is suitable for non- riders (there are many other activities), complete beginners and competent riders looking for an adventure.
The Riding
The 24 horses vary in size from 15hh to 16.2hh and include thoroughbred crosses, Ethiopian ponies and some ex-polo ponies. There are also a few smaller bush ponies for children and small adults. The horses are all very well mannered and there is something to suit everyone. There are two different styles of riding safari available to guests staying at Borana. You can either combine the lodge with a few nights fly camping on a dedicated mobile riding safari during which you should expect to spend between four and seven hours in the saddle each day. Or you could base yourself at the lodge where riders of all abilities can be catered for. There is no particular itinerary; you are able to ride as and when you like and for as long as you like and on as many different horses as you like. Mountain excursions are also available, either in log cabins or day rides with a picnic lunch up on the moorland.
Accommodation & Facilities
Depending on the riding safari that you choose there is a variety of accommodation available. If lodge based, then there are comfortable stone and thatch cottages, each exclusively sited with its own special view. There is a central eating and sitting area which looks down over the valley below. If you want to head out of the lodge for a couple of days you can choose to stay either in mobile fly camps that will be especially erected for your trip or at locally run community lodges. These are comfortable eco-lodges which help support the immediate community.
What Next?
If you’re interested in how to combine a Borana Lodge Riding safari into a tailor-made safari holiday in Kenya, give our African experts a call. We regularly visit the lodges and camps we recommend and are ready to offer great advice on constructing your perfect holiday.
Borana Lodge riding - Fact Box
Horse type |
Thoroughbred crosses, Ethopian ponies, ex-polo ponies | |
| Saddles used | Wintec, Australian stock and McClellan saddles |
|
| Maximum number | 8 riders on safari, otherwise 14 |
|
| Hours in the saddle per day | Between 4 and 7 on safari and to suit when at the lodge | |
| Standard of riding required | Intermediate to experienced |
| Children accepted? | 12 on a riding safari but younger at the lodge |
|
| When to go? | All year except November |
|
| Non-riders welcome? | Yes | |
| Activities other than riding | Game drives, guided walks, bird watching, mountain biking and fly fishing on mount Kenya |
Borana Riding Safaris – A Personal View
The riding at Borana Lodge (Riding Wild) is suited to all levels of rider, with reliable ponies for complete beginners and experienced horses for the more advanced rider. Riding can be offered as an addtional activity alongside game drives and walks, or guests can plan a true riding safari where you ride out to fly camps. I had a fantastic morning ride here where we covered a large area, combining fast canters alongside zebra and giraffe with slower moments focusing on smaller insects and plants, as well as soaking up the dramatic scenery. The highlight was galloping back to the airstrip from where I met the private plane taking me onto the next lodge!
Jo Gordon, one of Aardvark Safaris' riding holiday specialists