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AFRICAN HORSE SAFARI

AFRICAN HORSE SAFARI OPTIONS

Intermediate and Above
We offer 2 to 4-hour African horse safari rides exploring the landscape surrounding ol Donyo Lodge for Intermediate riders and above. Enjoy exhilarating medium to fast-paced canters and encounters with our famous big Tuskers.

For this African Horse Safari riding option, you need to be riding fit, confident and competent, ride with an independent seat, and control an easy horse at all paces over uneven terrain.

Plains Ride
Novice riders can enjoy a gentle 60/90 minute African horse safari ride exploring the open plains.

Riding Requirement for Novice Rides
Plains riders will be given some instruction, with a minimum riding requirement being a short trot. If riders do not have the required experience, they will be offered a lesson in the arena instead. All riders will need to have a short assessment in our arena before setting out on the African horse safari to ensure all guests riding out can control their horse and are comfortable at a short trot.

RIDING TIMES

Your African horse safari rides take place at 07h15 and 16h00, subject to the availability of guides and horses.

THE HORSES

We have a herd of 20 horses from 15.1hh to 17.1hh

Our horses are well schooled and used to the environment we share with the wildlife.

The ol Donyo stables boast an impressive range of breeds, including Friesian and Shire crosses, Arabian breeds and the South African Boerperd. Our horses are chosen for their laid-back temperament, endurance and versatility, hand picking the perfect safari horses for your adventures in the Chyulu Hills.

The Tack

  • Our horses are ridden with English bridles and bits;
  • We offer a choice of English or Trail saddles.

Group Size

  • All our rides will be a maximum of 6 guests accompanied by 2 experienced guides;
  • However, the number of riders will be dependent on the group’s ability and rider’s weight;
  • We will therefore only confirm a booking on receipt of our riding questionnaire which is available at the time of reservation confirmation or on request from your guide or lodge manager.

Riding Equipment

A selection of riding hats, riding boots, breeches and half chaps are available for guests with no additional charge.

Weight Limit

  • We respectfully request no riders over 95 kilograms;
  • We do have several big advanced level horses and are happy to advise if we can accommodate experienced riders over our weight limit on receipt of the riding questionnaire.

Horse Safari Age Restriction

  • For safety reasons we have a minimum riding age of 12 years for our Africa horse safaris when at ol Donyo Lodge;
  • All children between 12 and 15 must be accompanied by a riding parent or guardian;
  • While we do not offer riding to children under 12, kids are welcome to come and see the horses and feed them treats.

Other Activities at ol Donyo Lodge

  • Guided bush walks;
  • Mountain biking;
  • Game viewing drives;
  • Night game viewing drives;
  • Lion tracking;
  • Cultural villages visits (additional charge);
  • Anti-poaching tracker dog experience (additional charge);
  • Amboseli day trip (additional charge).

Equestrian Profiles

Born

15 November 2004

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.2 hands high

Colour

Dark Bay

Breed

Boerperd

Sire

Lang Carel Rommel

Dam

Keeversfontein 43

Duma is a registered Boerperd from South Africa. He flaunts the classical Boerperd colouring, movements and temperament, making him a popular choice at ol Donyo.

His registered name is Keeversfontein Cheetah, so we called him Duma which means Cheetah in Swahili.

He is a solid, very gentle horse, making him suitable for any riding ability, but he is prized for taking such good care of novice riders.

Born

3 December 2003

Sex

Stallion

Height

15.3 hands high

Colour

Black

Breed

Boerperd

Sire

Cloeteggo Klinker 2nd

Dam

Lang Karel Ouma

Empakai is a registered Boerperd from South Africa.

His looks and conformation meant he was used for Stud Work in South Africa, but he has taken Safari Life comfortably in his stride. He is named after the astonishing Empakai crater, near the active volcano ol Donyo Lengai.

He has a willing attitude to his work, and is a comfortable intermediate ride.

Born

2004

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.3 hands high

Colour

Dark Bay

Breed

Boerperd / Friesian Cross

Sire

Unknown

Dam

Unknown

Kimbia is a Boerperd/Friesian cross. His breeding gives him the size and elegance of a Friesian and the durability of a Boerperd; the perfect Safari Horse.

He was previously used as a trail and cattle horse in South Africa, so knows all about other animals.

Kimbia is a true gentleman. He knows and loves his job and a very reliable novice ride.

Born

8 November 2002

Sex

Gelding

Height

16 hands high

Colour

Bay

Breed

Boerperd / Arab cross

Sire

Unknown

Dam

Unknown

Kerimasi is a Boerperd/Arabian horse from South Africa.

He is a steady horse who enjoys longer rides through the bush. Even though he has recently lost his sight in one eye, Kerimasi remains a brave lead horse, and popular intermediate ride.

At night, from the stables you can hear all sorts of wildlife; lions roaring, elephants moving through the bush… but loudest of all is Kerimasi sound asleep and snoring!

Born

2004

Sex

Stallion

Height

15.3 hands high

Colour

Black with white markings

Breed

Shire / Boerperd cross

Sire

Unknown

Dam

Unknown

Koroya is our beautiful Shire/Boerperd stallion, who also came from South Africa.

He is bold and is always keen to be at the front of the ride! He carries himself very well, and his beauty makes him real favourite with our riders who enjoy their photography! Koroya is as brave as they come, so makes to be a very valued lead horse at ol Donyo.

Born

20 January 2010

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.2 hands high

Colour

Bay

Breed

Boerperd

Sire

Mahashi Bastiaan

Dam

Uitblinker Adel

Mahale is a Boerperd from South Africa.

He has a stunning canter, making him popular with adrenaline seeking riders, but he can sometimes be a little skittish of sudden movements in the bush!

He has a big goofy character and the kindest heart; he is a real favourite at ol Donyo!

Born

23 September 2005

Sex

Gelding

Height

16.3 hands high

Colour

Chestnut

Breed

Thoroughbred

Sire

Portrush (USA)

Dam

Joyous Dancer

Manchira is a big, sensible thoroughbred.

He came up from South Africa, where he was somewhat of a celebrity! He has a Hunting and Eventing background, and has been used in several movies, where he was used as a stunt horse because of his calm nature.

This, combined with his endurance, makes him a valuable safari horse.

His experience in the bush has earned him an impressive scar, from where he was gored by a buffalo in 2018!

Born

16 November 2003

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.2 hands high

Colour

Chestnut

Breed

Boerperd

Sire

Paardekop Lekker

Dam

Frederick Gina

Narok is a Boerperd from South Africa

Before he came to Kenya, Narok was used in many movies and advertisements! See if you can spot him in the movie ‘The Salvation’!

When he wasn’t on film shoots, he was a trail horse, which set him up perfectly for life in the bush.

He is kind and reliable, making him a wonderful choice for all abilities.

Born

1 October 2010

Sex

Stallion

Height

16 hands high

Colour

Black

Breed

Thoroughbred cross Shire

Sire

Greystoke

Dam

Grace the Turf

Rokare is a striking Shire/Thoroughbred cross from South Africa.

For a stallion he is remarkably laid back, taking everything in his stride and really suits Safari life. He is fairly bomb-proof and takes excellent care of his riders in the bush.

He is a powerful horse and a popular experienced ride.

Born

12 June 2001

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.1 hands high

Colour

Grey

Breed

Crabbet Arabian

Sire

Unknown

Dam

Unknown

Samanche is a Crabbet Arabian from South Africa.

His breed is the perfect endurance horse, and indeed this was the life he led before he arrived in the Chyulus. He competed in endurance races across South Africa and Namibia, in distances up to 160km!

As a result he is quite a fast horse that is always gunning to be at the front – despite his age! Because of this he is more suited to lightweight intermediate riders.

Born

18 November 2002

Sex

Gelding

Height

17 hands high

Colour

Black

Breed

Friesian cross

Sire

Unknown

Dam

Unknown

Selous is a gentle giant Friesian cross.

He is quite something to behold, with the most divine temperament.

He has a slow and sure footed gait that is ideal for novice riders, and has become a real gentleman in his old age.

Born

2002

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.1 hands high

Colour

White

Breed

Boerperd

Sire

Unknown

Dam

Unknown

Zulu is a Boerperd from South Africa.

Zulu arrived in the Chyulu Hills in 2006, where he quickly became a yard favourite. He loves people, has exquisite manners and the right brain for Safari. He has a very soft mouth, so goes the best when ridden in a loose contact. His energetic trot means he is a good fit for young and fit riders with suitable experience.

Born

2006

Sex

Gelding

Height

17 hands high

Colour

Bay

Breed

Thoroughbred cross Shire

Sire

Unknown

Dam

Unknown

Kalahari is a Thoroughbred/Shire horse from South Africa.

His size and stature mean he is ideal for our taller and heavier guests! He has a big, powerful stride so covers the plains effortlessly, not batting an eyelid at the Chyulu Hills Wildlife.

He is such a sweet boy and a real favourite with Intermediate riders.

Born

2002

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.1 hands high

Colour

White

Breed

Boerperd

Sire

Unknown

Dam

Unknown

Mwezi is a Boerperd from South Africa.

He is the perfect allrounder – he responds to voice commands, so is an ideal novice horse, but also a really easy intermediate ride.

He is one of our hardest working horses at ol Donyo, and everyone’s favourite!

Born

2006

Sex

Gelding

Height

17.1 hands high

Colour

Grey

Breed

Thoroughbred cross Percheron cross Shire

Sire

Unknown

Dam

Unknown

Sabre has Thoroughbred, Shire and Percheron in his breeding.

Sabre is our weight carrier, and is mostly used for novice rides because of his gentle personality.

Whilst he isn’t particularly athletic, he is happiest when he gets to go out with an experienced rider and have a canter on the plains.

Born

2011

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.3 hands high

Colour

Bay

Breed

Thoroughbred

Sire

Sound whisper

Dam

Sarafina by Rana Pratap

Kalacha is one of our only Kenyan bred horses! He is an ex-racehorse, so needs a light and experienced rider. He is very forward going and not a lot phases him, so he is often leading the herd out on rides!

He has beautiful paces and a lovely big canter to take riders across the plains.

Born

2010

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.2 hands high

Colour

Bay

Breed

Anglo Arab

Sire

Congo

Dam

Zelda by a Zim polo mare

Xango is an Anglo Arab from Zimbabwe.

He has a big personality and loves cantering, but can be a bit of a wimp! Whilst he is happy to stare down an elephant, he is easily frightened by stones and butterflies.

He makes for a very enjoyable intermediate ride for a jockey with lots of confidence.

Born

2012

Sex

Gelding

Height

15.1 hands high

Colour

Skewbald

Breed

Thoroughbred cross

Sire

Crazy Horse

Dam

Kesho Kutwa

Chui is one of our Kenyan-bred superstars.

His good looks make him a very popular horse at ol Donyo, and his personality is the cherry on top! He is small but compact, and great fun to ride on the plains.

Chui only arrived with us in 2022, but has already won the hearts of a number of intermediate riders

Born

2019

Sex

Gelding

Height

16.1 hands high

Colour

Chestnut

Breed

Belgian Warmblood x Boerperd x Friesian

Sire

Ramiro B

Dam

Lalibela

Cohiba is a rising star in the ol Donyo stables.

He is very young so we are taking it slowly with him but has all the promise to be a fantastic safari horse. He is brave and has incredible paces – likely down to his sire being one of the UKs top eventing stallions!

He is just learning about life on safari at the moment, but will be an exhilarating intermediate ride in the future

Born

2018

Sex

Gelding

Height

15 hands high

Colour

Dark Bay

Breed

Boerperd x Thoroughbred

Sire

Mount Magic’s Charlie

Dam

Mount Magic’s Midnight

Kibo is a Boerperd cross and is one of our 2023 arrivals! He came from Mount Magic Stud in Cape Town.

He is a lovely quiet boy with fantastic uphill paces and a very genuine character.

He took to the safari life straight away; not only is he the perfect choice for young riders or small adults, he also is a fantastic and very sensible lead horse!

Born

2018

Sex

Gelding

Height

16 hands high

Colour

Dapple Grey

Breed

Percheron x Boerperd

Sire

Percheron Stallion

Dam

Boerperd Mare

Lebombo is a very striking Percheron all the way from Mount Magic Stud in Cape Town. His appetite is almost as big as his bottom and he loves hanging out around the yard, making sure we are all doing our jobs!

Shortly after he arrived at ol Donyo, it was obvious this horse was born to be on safari – he is brave and relaxed about life, and whilst his true passion is sunbathing, his build and breeding mean he is the ultimate Safari Horse, able to carry weight over longer distances.

Our African Horse Safari Camps

ol Donyo Lodge