Growing up in Zambia, horses were always a part of my daily routine. After school finished at 3pm we would rush out to the ranch where I would greet my white pony, Cracker-Jack and spend the afternoon out on a trail, playing polo crosse or practicing jumping. I have always loved horse-riding and I thought I had seen it all on a horse, but nothing compared to what awaited me on the rolling plains of the Tsavo in Kenya.
A horseback safari is an experience in itself. I hadn’t been on a horse since I had left school years ago, and I was honestly nervous to not only get back on a horse but also in an area that is teeming with wildlife around every corner.
We were awoken at 5am with a knock at the door and a fresh pot of coffee delivered to us in bed at Ol Donyo Lodge. After gulping that down and throwing on some leggings and boots we set off on the short drive down to the stables. It was a particularly successful drive as we came across ‘One Ton’, a famous super-tusker elephant famous to this region. His gigantic tusks almost dragged on the ground as he walked through the bush feeding. A spectacular sighting to start the day and set us on the right cord for our horse-riding experience.
We arrived at the stables to a wonderful, friendly team ready to show us the ropes. We were taken into the storeroom, where there are riding helmets, boots, jodhpurs etc. in every size possible. You don’t need to pack anything extra to be able to horse-ride on safari as it was all provided to us, which was effortless. Once we were all kitted out, we had a briefing from our wonderful guide on safety whilst riding in the bush. We were then asked what kind of horse we preferred, I opted for slow and steady- a relaxed, calm horse to keep my nerves under wrap. I was led over to smaller black horse called Duma. They notified me that just a couple of weeks ago Duma was lucky to escape with his life after a lion was stalking him out on the plains whilst grazing. Luckily his fearless Masaai herder managed to shout and scare the lions away.
I mounted Duma and did some practice trots & canters around the paddock, they seemed satisfied with my riding abilities and refreshed me on a couple of things I needed to know, and we were good to go!
We meandered through the thicket, forested area where we had to remain alert as elephants were known to wander through and could spook the horses at any time. Alas, we made it out onto the vast open grassy plains in the Chyulu Hills. I felt much more at ease out here as we were able to spot wildlife from afar. We headed off on a trot through the plains and then onto some canters and before long we had come across a large herd of zebra and one of the biggest herds of sable antelope I had ever witnessed. We approached the animals, and they seemed unphased by the horses, we walked directly through the sable herd, surrounded by these beautiful creatures to either side. An up-close wildlife encounter you would only dream of having on a game-drive vehicle, it would just not be possible- the animals would sprint if we ever came half as close.
After a good hour or so wandering the plains, we were told we were going to begin heading back to camp. Little did we know that just over the hill was an impressive bush picnic brunch all set up and waiting for us! We dismounted our horses and the guide led them back to the stables for us, whilst we were urged to sit down at the beautiful table setup (Maasai blankets and all) beneath a shady tree. We enjoyed the vast open views of the plains whilst drinking orange juice and hot tea whilst being served smoothies, fruit and yoghurt and an incredible hot breakfast with all the works. This was absolute bliss and couldn’t have been a better start to the day.
So do not hesitate on your next safari to enquire about horse-back safari activities as most areas are able to accommodate. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity and the ability to witness the bush, birds and wildlife through a whole new perspective. It shouldn’t matter if you are a beginner or an advanced rider as you will be given a crash course and refreshed on riding basics before the guides approve that it is safe to venture out in the bush together. So push any fears aside, and experience the wilderness by horse-back, you won’t regret it!
