Deep in southeastern Kenya lies an area teeming with wildlife. With traversing access to over 1.4 million acres, including Amboseli and Chyulu Hills National Parks, Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris boasts access to one of the largest expanses of Africa. Extending through an awe-inspiring range of ecosystems – from the dry lakebeds of Amboseli in the east and to the majestic Chyulu Hills in the west – this is quintessential East Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro rises in the distance providing watch over our explorations.
But how did this all come to be? It may seem to be a fairytale, but for Patrick Stanton and Nicola Young, it is reality. The intrepid duo envisioned taking their love of horses to the African bush. After meeting as students in Connecticut, American-born Patrick and UK-born Nicola set their sights on conducting horse safaris in Africa. An introduction to Richard Bonham, owner of ol Donyo Lodge at the time, proved to be just the right match. And after a few years of setting up the stable, including many trips to southern Africa to obtain the absolute best retinue of horses, Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris was ready to go. That was in 2006 and since then, Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris has grown into an entity all its own, offering day trips for guests of ol Donyo Lodge as well as multi-day mobile horse safaris. Nicola and Patrick are true experts in their field, and under their guidance, Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris has become internationally recognized for its professionalism and extraordinary experiences.
Joining Patrick and Nicola is Kimani Davy, a young Kenyan man who has grown up riding horses, including competitions and extensive overland safaris. Kimani is a 'jack of all trades' as well, often seen fixing vehicles at one point and then doctoring and training horses the next followed by cooking over the fire.
There are two options to participate with Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris’: half-day or full day rides from ol Donyo Lodge, or join a multi day guaranteed set departure luxury mobile horse safari to the Amboseli or within the Chyulu Hills environs. The latter operate independently of oI Donyo Lodge and are managed and guided by Patrick or Nicola.
Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris’ herd of over 25 very well schooled horses are fit to handle many variables depending on the terrain, the wildlife and all experience levels of rider, although intermediate to advanced riders are only confirmed on our multi day guaranteed set departure luxury mobile horse safaris.
The typical day on one of our multi day guaranteed set departure horse safaris consists of about four to seven hours in the saddle, covering a distance between 15 – 30 miles depending on terrain and sightings. We also offer riders the chance to enjoy game drives, bush walks and night game drives during their mobile safari. Many of Ride Kenya’s Mobile Horse Safari guests enjoy a night or two at ol Donyo Lodge either before or after their safari. This is an excellent add-on to our set departure safari itineraries.
