wonderful holidays africa riding safari : kenya

useful information

climate

January through till March is the hottest period in the bush. April and May bring the long rains and therefore no riding safaris operate then. July through to September is the period when the migration passes through the Masai Mara with warm weather and occasional showers. November through to early December bring the short rains. Early December onwards heralds the beginning of another safari season.

visas & entry requirements

Most visitors require a valid passport and a visa. Visas can be obtained on arrival at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for a fee of US$50 per person, which must be paid in convertible currency, although this may result in passenger delays and it is preferable to arrange the visa in the country of origin. The visa is valid for a period of 3 months. An onward or return ticket and documents for next destination are required by all visitors, as well as sufficient funds for length of intended stay (at least US$500). Passports must be valid for at least the period of stay. NB: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate. 

health

Travellers should get the latest medical advice on inoculations and malaria prevention at least three weeks prior to departure. A malaria risk exists all year round, but more around Mombasa and the lower coastal areas than in Nairobi and on the high central plateau. Immunisation against yellow fever, Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid are usually recommended. A yellow fever certificate is required by anyone arriving from an infected area. Other risks include diarrhoeal diseases, hepatitis A, B and E. Protection against bites from sandflies, mosquitoes and tsetse flies is the best prevention against malaria and dengue fever, and other insect-borne diseases, including Rift Valley fever and Chikungunya fever. AIDS is a serious problem in Kenya and the necessary precautions should be taken. Water is of variable quality and visitors are advised to drink bottled water wherever possible. Cholera outbreaks occur frequently, and travellers should take care not to drink contaminated water and be cautious of food prepared by unlicensed roadside vendors. There are good medical facilities in Nairobi and Mombasa but health insurance is essential.

money

Forex and travellers cheques are easily changed at banks or bureaus. Major credit cards are accepted.

riding ability   

Good riding ability is important and you should be comfortable at all paces and able to gallop out of trouble! We ride in big game country. You should be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours a day.

horses

The horses are well schooled, thoroughbred and thoroughbred cross. Many are home bred from the best mares. All are tried for polo and the best polo ponies go on safari. They are responsive, tough and fit.

group size

There are a minimum of 4, maximum of 12 in a riding party on set departures. Tailor made as name suggests.

tack

English. Various saddles, polo, wintec, French Trekking and Australian stock. Mainly snaffle bridles.