Testimonials

"It is difficult to write about our adventure without using numerous of clichés. I must say however, that our ten day horse riding safari in Kenya exceeded all expectations. If you have ever dreamed of Africa and love horses you won’t be disappointed.

It is easy to find excuses, I know I did; it might be dangerous, I’m not a good enough rider, it’s a bit expensive, I can’t leave work. Don’t let these things stop you experiencing one of the most superb adventures you will ever have. See it through your own eyes and it will become part of you.

Nairobi was fascinating - the baby elephant orphanage, feeding giraffes, the hustle and bustle of the Maasai markets, the drive north to Borana Lodge through forests and past quintessential villages. Nothing prepares you for your first encounter with elephant & there they were, right by the lodge milling around the water tanks. Borana is the ultimate in African luxury. The huge rooms are divine; a clever blend of mud, timber, expansive glass, divine fabrics, fresh roses, hand made soaps and high set twine ceilings. You will be served gourmet meals in the magnificent dinning room or by the pool as you spot wildlife at the dam below. I will never forget falling asleep watching the fireplace from our four poster bed. Borana was the ultimate I thought, until we reached Tassia Lodge. Open, mud walled rooms set on a rocky cliff looking out to the desert below. Bursting, red sunrises viewed from your bed and the call of a hyena in the distance.

I have left the horses, the gorgeous horses, till last. They will look after you and carry you through grasslands, over rocky mountain passes and along dried river beds. They are at home in Africa and they will show you all there is to see. They will take you close to birds, buffalo, antelope, zebra, rhino and elephants. You will canter up hills, gallop if you want along rivers where cheetah hunt and the Maasai tend goats. They will take you to welcoming Maasai villages and to waterfalls where baby elephants swim and where you will wash and sooth your horses after a day’s ride. You will hear them at night, tied to the long rope outside your luxury tent after sundowners on the rocks and another scrumptious meal. They will be ready for you in the morning, eager and as keen as you will be.

Effervescent Kate was right about Africa and she was right about the horses. It was hard to leave them and their handsome, generous grooms who do everything with a smile. But I know for certain we will go back and ride again in Africa with Kate."

Sally Keyes, Maleny, QLD, Australia
Completed a ten day horse riding safari in Kenya, June 2008

"We really can''t express how moved we were to be on horses riding through the wilderness and being able to venture so close to herds of giraffe, zebra, antelope and elephants. It was an extraordinary experience. The horses were so fit and calm and every rider was well matched for there riding ability. I fell in love with my horse Zoro.

Borana was exceptional. The management and staff were lovely, helpful and relaxed to accommodate 11 excited Aussies.

The huts were rustic and beautifully blended into the landscape. The service and the food were amazing. The camping was also 5 star. It was great to have a hot shower and a comfortable bed after a long day ride. Not to mention the 3-course meal under the northern stars - very memorable.

The local Masai villagers who welcomed us into their homes particularly moved us and we wished we could have donated more to help improve their lives. It was wonderful to discover how much the owners spend both in money and education on helping their fellow countrymen. To learn that Tassia lodge was a joint enterprise was inspirational.

We loved being able to see such diverse landscape over the 10 days, from the desert floor through the savanna to the heather on the mountains which enabled us to come in contact with even more wildlife than we expected. Our guides made us feel safe the entire trip and at times we had to pinch ourselves to remember we were part of the food chain!

I''m really pleased Steve took so many photos and videos so we can relive some of our memorable experiences. We highly recommend Borana as a first class taste of Africa and riding was such an intimate way to view the most extraordinary animals on earth.

Thank you again Kate."

Libby Hall, Minyama, QLD, Australia
Completed a ten day horse riding safari in Kenya, June 2008

"Joining a group of experienced riders when you are a novice, for a ten-day African horse riding safari, can be a bit daunting, especially when it has been stressed that you need to “get out of trouble quickly”. So it was a great relief that Kate had organised a kind, quiet horse for me when I arrived. I would think that without this type of personal attention to detail then what was a spectacular holiday could have been a disaster."

Eddie Weir, Maleny QLD, Australia
Completed a ten day horse riding safari in Kenya, June 2008

Kate describes Kenya as the land of happy shiny people and after my own globetrotting safari experience, I can fully appreciate what these words mean. The most beautiful landscape rich with all the game life seen on horseback is simply breath taking.

From the moment I stepped off my flight in Nairobi, I was made feel welcome by my personal driver who took me straight to my hotel, both of which had been organised by Globetrotting. A very welcome relief after 20 plus hours on a long haul flight. After adequate rest I was flown to East Laikipia where my horse safari began, again being made feel very welcome by all the staff. The horses were amazing, so well mannered and schooled. All tack was very well looked after and comfortable. As an intermediate rider, I felt completely safe and very well matched with the horses I was given to ride. The grooms were extremely obliging and nothing was too much trouble. They all spoke very good English and their knowledge of all the flora and fauna was extensive coupled with a great sense of humor. A foundation which provided without doubt the most heart warming experiences and creation of unforgettable memories. Long trots through the winding sandy river beds followed by big gallops up the hills, resting at the top for both horse and rider to catch your breath whilst surveying all Africa’s game feeding on the plains below – one word "stunning".

My accommodation was faultless, and the food to die for, everything beautifully catered. The choice of having privacy or socialising with other guests was completely up to me. The lodge staff were so obliging and went out of their way to ensure my stay was comfortable and a memorable experience.

Globetrotting provided me far more than just a horse riding holiday, Kate took into consideration I was as a first time solo traveller to Kenya and organised my itinerary accordingly. I felt completely reassured and safe. I experienced what it was like to be in my heart on this safari, a quote by George Carlin captures it perfectly: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but rather by the moments that take our breath away!

Tinki Watts, Witta, Queensland, Australia
Stayed and rode in East Laikipia, Kenya, June, 2009

I was supposed to stay at the estancia in Northern Patagonia for three weeks, and then move on to Brazil for another riding adventure. But I ended up staying six weeks. And in time of writing (a month after my return to Denmark) I’m planning on returning to the estancia in a few weeks. Why? It simply stole my heart. Kate did warn me about that. ”This estancia is paradise on earth”, Kate said in a whispering voice as if revealing a delicate secret. She urged me to go during a breathtaking desert ride in Namibia. And back then, riding through stunning desert landscapes, I doubted that the estancia in Northern Patagonia could be that amazing.

But Kate didn’t exaggerate. The estancia is like a dream come true for anyone who loves mother nature and has an insatiable love for horses. It’s just one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth. You can ride for days exploring the amazing pure landscapes without meeting a single soul. And you can feel totally safe in the saddle – no matter if you’re helping driving a herd of 200 hysterical cows and calves through break neck terrain, or when crossing the roaring river, that isolates the estancia from the real world. No need to worry when you climb the steep rocky mountains or canter across the green endless meadows making the cows run for their lives. The horses are fabulous, loyal and strong – they will escort you anywhere, any time. I rode about ten different horses during my stay, and everyone of them was very reliable. There are different horse breeds, including the criollo horses (no wonder they have a landmark reputation). But they have horses for everyone, beginners as well as advanced riders. You can pick a horse that will lead you blindfolded through sneaky marshlands and over high mountains back home safely. Or pick a more feisty horse, which I prefer – one that makes my heart drum for joy. And I was in heaven of joy.

But also due to the loving people who makes the ”Paradise wheel” spin so harmoniously around at the family estancia. Somehow, you quickly feel like a family member, regardless if you’re a tourist or a volunteer – relaxing or helping around. At this estancia you get a extraordinary seldom and highly valuable sneak peek into the tough, lonesome and stone age like life of the gauchos. Staying and working with the gauchos - makes you rethink the meaning of life, and appreciate the core of it! Experiencing the social ”maté” ritual and have the pleasure of dancing with the proud, warm-hearted and light-fooded gauchos – young or old -at a traditional ”asado” (barbecue), makes your head spin and smile all over.

I know it may sound to good to be true. But its not, and I can only urge you to go see for yourself, and let you gabe over the stunning scenaries, the majestic condors circling around, and feel the goosebumps. But when you come back, lighthearted, happy with renewed energy and about to blow up by the urge to tell the whole world about this amazing place – remember to spread the word quietly. It is a unique beautiful place – that acutally should be kept as a secret!

I know now why Kate mentioned this estancia in a whispering voice. And THANK YOU Kate for sharing and making a dream come true. Thanks for arranging everything from booking excellent accommodation in Buenos Aires to bus tickets, pick ups etc. You know how to make a crazy horse-girl very happy."

Karina Larsen, Australia
stayed and rode at a estancia in Northern Patagonia, Argentina for six weeks in December 2009

"Riding in the Delta. It was to be secluded, it was to be beautiful, it was to be fun and exhilarating and it was all of that. Three intrepid travellers living a dream that started around a campfire. We could do this? yes; I would do this, wouldn’t you? The question had been poised.

Ten days riding in the Okavango Delta, known, as the Holy Grail of horse riding safaris around the world was just the lifetime experience we had all dreamed of. Kate’s words of wisdom started early, if you can take the time ten days really is a must, you will be settled in, familiar with the routine, the horses and the strange noises that come and go in the night.

I would have to say that I love the mystique of Africa, the animals, the people and their smiling faces; they are happy if you are happy. All this combined for a holiday and adventure that will be hard to top, but like all travellers you can reinvent your dream many times over through the photos and as my children commented; “more photos mum!”

The Delta was to some degree very much like our Northern Victorian landscape with dry harsh horizons and stalky dry grass to walk through. Hot dry days without a breath of fresh air, it did feel like home and perhaps not the humid green conditions I had imagined, the summer had taken its toll before the wet season would come again.

We were treated beautifully and our every need tended too, which unlike in our normal lives we are three busy mums, this does take a little to adjust to but over time we realized we were in another country and this is what the beautiful and colourful people of Africa want to do for you. Their job is very important to them and their families so they want to be seen to be completing their job. Our camp was very comfortable and socially very enjoyable with guests from England and Ireland joining us. Owner PJ, who some people quote as “the legend” was quite the character in himself but also very interested in the hows and whys of some of our farming practises in Australia and what he could learn for the horses in the Delta.

The animals are there. They are eye catching and there is just something unique about watching elephants and giraffe, the feeling of them looking at you is mesmerizing, all the while knowing that yes they can be dangerous if the situation arose. We were very safe and always informed by the guides what the next action should be.

There is no specific highlight and I am not disappointed at that; so was it really that special? The ultimate answer is Yes.

Yes for two reasons. Life in Australia is very lucky, very safe and predictable after having a brief look around the world, we do live in the lucky country and secondly to be able to appreciate what you have in life, you need to explore your dreams and Africa was at the top of my list. I would love to return but the question is raised “what else is out there to look at Kate?” Thank you for your insight and wisdom into our African dream.

Deanne Hore, Leitchville, Victoria, Australia
Completed a ten-day horse-riding safari through the Okavango Delta with two friends in October 2009