Kenya is the birthplace of horseback safaris, offering some of Africa’s most outstanding riding. Sosian is no exception to this, and over the last 20 years has become one of Kenya’s top lodge based riding destinations. With over 24,000 acres of pure Laikipia wilderness, traversing this vast expanse of game filled land with Mt Kenya as a backdrop is an entirely private experience to only those staying at Sosian.

Sosian offers a great variety of riding, the varied terrain makes it interesting riding, through rivers, along tracks and across more open country where you can canter, jump and gallop. There are open plains filled with zebra, oryx, giraffe, eland and gazelle, stretching down into valleys that harbour kudu, buffalo and elephant, plus 15km of river which provides superb birding, as well as hosting large numbers of hippo, elephant and the not-so-elusive leopard. A riding safari is a peaceful, yet exciting way to explore the bush and view wildlife in its natural habitat.

Rides are generally one to three hours in the morning and / or afternoon. The keener riders may also choose to ride out to an overnight fly camp for the night. This is a fantastic experience, camping out with the horses and sleeping under the stars, returning to the lodge for lunch the following day.

We have a yard of 30 well schooled safari horses (including children’s ponies) to suit all abilities. However, to ride out in the bush you do need considerable riding experience, and be confident to handle a horse in open country at all paces. For the less experienced riders we offer shorter rides close to the lodge and lessons in the sand arena.

“Riding at Sosian is truly spoiling! The landscape is beautiful and riding amongst wildlife is an unforgettable experience. The horses are so well cared for and really know their job, making them such a pleasure to ride. Crossing flooded rivers and galloping with giraffe are real highlights, but then quietly riding along the river and meeting a beautifully set up bush breakfast is also pretty special too!”

Althea Gifford, UK