overview
Nothing beats exploring the beauty and serenity of the African bush on horseback. It is an unimaginably thrilling experience to canter alongside giraffe or wildebeest or just blend into the wilderness with no sound of an engine for miles. Based in Kenya’s great rift valley these expertly guided, adventurous, riding safaris take you to remote wilderness areas where it is quite possible to ride for 200 miles without seeing a fencepost! Against the backdrop of this stunning landscape, you are treated to first class service and the unmatched feeling of approaching big game in one of the most natural ways possible.
Participants need to be competent riders and comfortable at all paces to maximise their enjoyment. Safaris can be tailored to meet the requirements of a small group, or guests are invited to join a set departure safari (see dates and prices to the left of this page) on itineraries that extend to 10 or 14 days, catering for a group of between 4 to 12 riders. Two of these days are usually spent relaxing at Deloraine, the owner's colonial mansion near Rongai, and the remainder riding through either the Mara plains or the Laikipia plateau in northern Kenya.
The Mara offers wide open plains and quantities of game unrivalled anywhere else in the world. Some days will be spent riding from camp to camp and involve early starts and long rides, whilst others are taken at a more relaxed pace, using the campsite as a base from which to explore the surrounding landscape. Nights are spent under canvas in comfortable tents where you will be served exceptionally good food. Every concession to your comfort is made at camp, including hot water bottles, piping hot bush showers, ice cold cocktails, and an efficient laundry and shoe cleaning service.
Guided riding safaris through the vast and remote Laikipia plateau in the north are also possible, where the wildlife is equally diverse, though not evident in such numbers as the plains further south. All safaris are lead by either the owner, Tristan Voorspuy, or Jakob von Plessen. Tristan has led safaris in Africa since the early 1980's - it is no surprise that he has been recognised by The Times as one of the top safari guides in Africa. His knowledge and experience of Africa and its wildlife has led to him being chosen as one Kenya's honorary Game Wardens. Tristan has a deep understanding of the interaction between wildlife and man on horseback. After a glorious day on safari and around a bush fire at night there are few better story tellers in Africa. Born and raised in Argentina, Jakob is a highly proficient horseman. On any riding safari with Jakob you quickly appreciate he is an inspirational source of knowledge for Kenya's wildlife as well as being the perfect host. Jakob is fluent in German, Spanish, English and French. He spends most of the year in Kenya but when the rains come he heads back to Argentina to run his own riding safari company. He is rarely seen not wearing his traditional Argentinian 'boyna' hat.
Please do contact Wonderful World to discuss the detail of either of these fantastic riding programmes. We will be delighted to assist in the planning of your adventure.