Chyulu riding safaris, Kenya

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for riding in the Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Day 1 (Sunday): Nairobi to the Chyulu Hills. Early morning transfer to Wilson airport and connect with the Safarilink scheduled flight to the Chyulus (or to a private charter if desired) at 07:30hrs. The flight will take approximately 50 minutes and guests will be met on arrival by your guides and hosts, Patrick and Nicola, and transferred to the first camp site.

After lunch in camp, guests have a chance to catch up on sleep before heading out for an afternoon ride. The horses will already be in the camp waiting for the guests upon arrival. Having received detailed information on each guest, Patrick and Nicola will have chosen a horse for everyone. This afternoon ride is designed to give guests a taste of the week ahead and to ensure a perfect match between horse and rider before the safari departs. Anyone who is not happily paired with a horse has a chance to change horses on the first day.

The first ride will usually end with a cold drink in a picturesque location, after which the guests will return to camp for a hot shower, drinks by the fire and a three course dinner.

Day 2 (Monday): Miti Moja. After a delicious breakfast at the camp, guests and their guides Patrick Stanton and Nicola Young, will set out on a five to six hour ride through spectacular volcanic landscape to an area known as Lenkiloriti with a picnic lunch to break up the riding. On the way, guests are likely to come across some of our spectacular bull elephant browsing in the forest before they emerge onto the plains where they are bound to meet zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, oryx, gazelle, cheetah and even lion. 

This ride skirts the now dormant lava flows that once spilled out from the volcanoes above.  It is within these lava flows that herds of buffalo and Kenya 's last population of wild black rhino reside. Guests will be met by a vehicle for lunch. Under the shade of a sprawling acacia tree, guests enjoy cool drinks and a picnic lunch before continuing with the ride. After lunch, the ride will meander amongst the some of the youngest hills in Africa .  This magical landscape could be mistaken for another planet. The flat ground is dotted with massive golden volcanoes which have only been dormant for a few thousand years. In this area there is a chance to see klipspringer, baboon, coke's hartebeest, rock hyrax and gerenuk. The ride usually ends at around 5pm back at the Miti Moja campsite. Guests often opt for a night game drive from this camp as there are often lion, leopard, and cheetah out on the prowl after dark.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Crater Camp. Tuesday's ride leaves camp after breakfast and proceeds through the acacia forest up towards Chyulu East National Park .  En route, the ride will trek through seemingly endless stands of whistling thorn acacia as you begin your ascent into the Chyulu Hills. As you make your way, there are ample opportunities to canter, gallop and jump. 

Over the course of the day, the ride ascends about 2,000 feet above the plains with stunning views stretching for 90 miles on a clear day.  The ride arrives in camp for a late lunch. The camp is nestled into a forest next to a large volcanic crater.  It is situated over looking the quintessential East African plains that lead up to Mt. Kilimanjaro . After lunch guests are invited to climb the volcanic crater in pursuit of the very rare verreaux's eagle which nests in the nearly inaccessible rocky outcrops that line the rim of the crater. As an alternative, guests can opt to explore the lava tubes that lie within walking distance of the camp. These jagged caves stretch for miles as they lead away from the crater and have been used by hunter gatherers for generations as shelter. Guests then return to camp before sun-down for a shower, drinks and dinner.

Day 4 (Wednesday): Mist Forest Camp. Today's ride ascends another 2,000 feet higher into the Chyulu Hills. A noticeable change in climate and temperature occurs as you reach over 7,000 feet above sea level.  The ride is dominated by incredible views of the vast wildernesses of Tsavo East National park to the east and Mount Kilimanjaro and Amboseli national park to the west.  Lunch will be had on the trail.  This day's riding traverses steep slopes and valleys and leading of the horses may be necessary at times.  During this ride, you will aim to arrive at our new camp for late afternoon tea.

Day 5 (Thursday): Mist Forest Camp. Today's ride will involve further exploration of the hills.  Due to the altitude, the clouds often sit on the top of the Chyulu Hills.  This consistent moisture has given rise to miniature jungles that dot the summits of the hills.  Today's ride focuses on the exploration of these mist forests. After returning for lunch in camp guests can either sit back and enjoy the views, or head into the forests in pursuit of the buffalo, leopard, syke's monkey and giant forest hog that reside within.

Day 6 (Friday): Kopjes. This morning you will descend out of the hills and ride to the Kopjes. The Kopjes are huge granite outcrops in the middle of the savannah plains. This is about a 5 hour ride so you will begin early and get there for a late lunch. The day's terrain will be mostly the classic, quintessential, short grass plains dotted with thorn trees. This country allows you plenty of opportunity for long canters amongst the zebra and wildebeest.  After a ride, walk or game drive in the afternoon, you will climb up on top of the kopjes for a magnificent sunset which will include a 360 degree panoramic view, dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 7 (Saturday): Airstrip. After breakfast, guests will leave on the Safarilink schedule departing at 0830hrs (or Private Charter) to Nairobi .  You can enjoy a day in Nairobi , visiting museums, shopping or enjoying local animal sanctuaries (or get a dayroom at a hotel) before leaving on an evening flight to their International destination.

Notes:     

The cost of the itinerary includes full board and accommodation, drinks, laundry and all park fees, transfers within Nairobi as described in the itinerary, and Safarilink scheduled flights as described in the itinerary, conservation fees to Mbirikani Group Ranch and temporary membership of the Flying Doctor's Society of Africa.

 If guests are not willing to share same sex accommodation, a single supplement charge is payable.

Please note that on account of the early departure from Wilson airport on day 1 at 07.30hrs guests will need to arrive in Nairobi the previous day and stay overnight to be able to make the early departure. Wild and Exotic can arrange this accommodation in Nairobi for an additional charge.

The price does not include personal, medical or accident insurance, visa fees, international airfares, items of a personal nature, gratuities and any personal expenses in Nairobi. As ATOL licence holders 6445, Wild and Exotic can arrange your international flights at competitive rates. Please ask for further details.

Please note that it is the responsibility of the client to ensure they obtain the correct visa prior to travel. Wild and Exotic will assist with visa applications if instructed but cannot be held responsible for a client's failure to obtain a visa for whatever reason. A valid visa is required for this holiday, and information regarding visa applications to Kenya can be obtained by visiting the following website: http://www.kenyaembassy.co.uk/

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. All itineraries are subject to change on account of weather and the movements of game.   This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which will be enclosed with your booking form.

Wild and Exotic fact sheet for Chyulu Hills riding safaris in Kenya

Accommodation: The tents are large and spacious and you can easily stand inside them. There are ensuite bathrooms with showers and short drop loos. Lanterns and torches provide the light at night. Linen, soap and towels are all provided. A separate dining tent is used for all meals in camp.

Activities: We have a vehicle that can take guests on guided evening/ night drives ending up at fantastic sundowner spots. We also offer walks to explore lava caves, and climb the kopjes and hills.

Cash: There is a shop at the lodge and there are opportunities to buy curios from the Masai so do carry with you some small change in Kenyan shillings if possible, and otherwise US Dollars.

Children: We will accept children on riding safaris but they must be competent riders.  There are no discounts for children.

Clothing list: Layers of clothes is the best option as mornings and evenings can be chilly but in the middle of the day can be very hot.  Long sleeved cotton shirts are recommended to keep the sun from burning. Hats and sun block are essential. A full clothing list is available from Wild and Exotic on request.

Drinks: Are included except champagne. We carry ice and cold boxes to ensure that the drinks are cold throughout.

Game: We ride where there are elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah, as well as plains game that are plentiful at certain times of year when they are looking for grazing. There is a shortage of water in the Chyulu Hills resulting in a constant movement of animals between their water sources and the abundant grass found in the hills.

How to Get There: We recommend guests fly into Nairobi on day flights and overnight in a Nairobi hotel (which we can arrange on your behalf. The following morning guests transfer to Wilson Airport to connect with the Safarilink scheduled flight to Chyulu Hills departing everyday at 07.30hrs unless you would like a private charter. Wild and Exotic are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (license number 6445) to sell the international flights necessary for this itinerary. Please contact us for further details and our recommended airlines.

Insurance: All guests must be fully insured . Additional Flying Doctor Cover is mandatory and is included in the cost of the itinerary. This is an emergency evacuation service only.

Length of Rides: The average is 4 - 6 hours in the saddle. Usually a morning ride with lunch in camp and a walk or game drives in the evening.  However, some days we will be met by the land cruiser with a picnic lunch then ride to camp in the afternoon. This can vary according to the ability and wish of the rider. Some places may require us to get off and walk because of rough or steep terrain.

Meals: Full breakfasts that comprise fruit, cereal, bacon, sausages, eggs, tomatoes and fresh bread are served every morning. Lunch in camp is usually a three-course meal.  If having a picnic it would be fresh salads and cold meats with cookies, fruit and hot and cold drinks. Dinner is a candlelit three-course meal at a set table.

Medical and safety: A medical kit is on hand in camp and in the saddle. We are in radio contact from camp to the main lodge that is in contact with the Flying Doctor Service. We also have a satellite phone for emergencies, and both the guides are trained in equine specific first aid.

Non-Riders: We will take riders with less ability as we have a variety of horses including some very quiet ones. However, they must have had some riding experience and be able to do a gentle canter. Complete non-riders are welcome to join the safari, and can meet the riders for lunch each day, and stay in the camp, filling their days with other activities, as mentioned above.

Type of Horses: There are twenty horses of varying sizes, breeds and temperaments from thoroughbreds to Somali cross ponies.

Types of Safari: We operate mobile riding safaris from the Chyulu Hills. A Bedford or Canter Lorry carries your camp with a crew of 7 staff. There is a cook, waiter, camp staff and a groom for the horses.  They take care of all the domestic chores like heating water for showers and cooking all meals as well putting up and striking the camp, feeding, grooming and tacking up the horses. The horses are tethered at night on a picket line strung between two or four trees. They have a night guard to watch out for inquisitive lions.

Riding Ability: You should be comfortable at all paces and be able to sit to a horse shying. We ride in big game country; however the game is quite shy and tends to move away. You should be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours a day.

Single Supplement: Is only charged for those who are not prepared to share accommodation.

Size of the Rides: Maximum of 6 guests. Minimum 2 guests.

Tack: All the horses are ridden in English tack. There are 3 comfortable large cavalry type saddles and the rest are general-purpose English saddles. Seat savers can be provided if anyone wishes.

Terrain:  This is very varied from steep wooded hills to open plains.  Most soil is lava ash therefore ideal for the horses although occasionally have to cross a rocky lava flow. The riding pace is varied, with plenty of opportunity for long canters on the open plains, jumping logs or fallen trees and also some more technical riding up and down the hills. Mount Kilimanjaro provides a stunning backdrop to the ride.

Visas: Visas can be purchased for approximately $50 or £35 on arrival in Nairobi or in advance prior to departure.

Weather: Although close to the equator, our climate can vary. June to August are the cooler months, where a fleece is required for the evenings. There are two rainy seasons; November and April to May. The hottest months are February and March, and September to October, but there are no hard and fast rules on this. We ride at an average of 5500ft which means that there are very few mosquitoes and other biting insects, and the start or end of the day is often cool. Most days will be hot.

Weight Limit: Maximum weight is 200 lbs for a novice rider and 210 lbs for an advanced rider (15 stone or 95 kg).