Kenya | Chyulu Hills
The Chyulu Hills are situated in southern Kenya. The shining gem to this landscape is her majesty Mt. Kilimanjaro who is a constant guardian on the horizon. She provides an impressive backdrop to horse exploration and photographic moments. The riding occurs on Mbirikani a 300,000 acre Maasai Group ranch. The contrasting landscapes are extreme ranging from vast and rolling savannah plains, to acacia woodland and even jungle-like mist forests that cloak the hilltops. The focal part of the ranch is the Chyulu Hills, which rise from 3000 feet to 7500 feet and run for 40 miles. The country offers several different ecosystems, from steep wooded hills to open plains. Most soil is lava ash therefore ideal for the horses although occasionally the rides cross a rocky lava flow.
The majority of the horses are South African Boerpeds and some thoroughbreds, TB crosses and Somali ponies. Most of the horses are around 15hh or over. The horses are well schooled and experienced riding amongst wildlife.
time in saddle
4 to 6 hours
breed of horses
South African Boerpeds, thoroughbreds, TB crosses, Somali ponies
riding ability
You should be comfortable at all paces and be able to sit to a horse shying and be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours a day
weight limit
Maximum weight is 90kg for a novice rider and 95kg for an advanced rider
accommodation
Comfortable camping or luxurious lodge accommodation
seasons
June to August are the cooler months. There are two rainy seasons: November and April to May. The hottest months are February and March, September and October.
group size
Minimum of 3 guests and a maximum of 8 guests
dates
2012 Dates:
For Chyulu Hills Safari 7 days/ 6 nights: June 9 to 15, July 7 to 13, August 18 to 24, September 15 to 21, October 13 to 19, December 9 to 15.
For Amboseli Ride 8 days/ 7 nights: June 23 to 30, July 21 to 28, August 4 to 11, September 1 to 8, December 30 to January 6 2013.
prices
2012 Prices
Set price for Chyulu Hills Safari for 7 days, 6 nights is $3,465 US per person sharing. Single supplement is $1045 US if unwilling to share. There is a $540 US conservation fee per person.
Set price for Amboseli Safari for 8 days, 7 nights is $4,300 US per person sharing. Single supplement is $1110 US if unwilling to share.
There is a $630 US conservation fee per person.
Price does not include regional or international flights, travel insurance or transfers to and from the ride.
For the Chyulu Hills safari regional flight cost approximately $320 p.p
For the Amboseli ride regional flight cost approximately $350 p.p