Safari Overview: What Is the 5-Day Horse Riding Safari at Sosian Ranch?
The 5-day horse riding safari at Sosian Ranch swaps the safari vehicle for the saddle. Instead of watching wildlife through a window, you ride quietly among it. Horses let you approach giraffes, zebras and antelopes far more closely than a vehicle can. This trip suits experienced riders, riding couples and adventurous families with confident teenagers.
Tour at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
- Start and end: Nairobi, by road or charter flight
- Destination: Sosian Ranch, north-west Laikipia
- Accommodation: Sosian Lodge (4 nights, full board)
- Riding: daily bush rides, from short outings to half-day treks
- Rider level: confident at walk, trot, canter and gallop
- Best time: June to October and January to February
Destination: Sosian Ranch, Laikipia
Sosian is a 24,000-acre working cattle ranch in north-west Laikipia, near the Ewaso Narok River. Open plains roll north, while thick scrub and acacia cover the south. As a result, each ride brings a different landscape and new wildlife.
Elephants are a constant presence on the ranch. From the saddle, you may also meet giraffes, Grevy's zebras, buffaloes and gazelles. Lions and leopards are regularly seen, and a pack of wild dogs roams the wider area. Afterwards, waterfalls near the ranch house make perfect swimming spots.
Accommodation: Where Will You Stay on This Safari?
You stay four nights at Sosian Lodge on a full-board basis. The lodge sits on a working ranch with around 2,500 Boran cattle. It has eight rooms, including a family room and the private Italian Cottage. Between rides, you can cool off in the freeform pool, play tennis or book a spa treatment.
Beyond riding, the lodge offers game drives, night drives, bush walks, fishing and camel rides. For something special, spend a night on a treetop platform and sleep out under the stars.
Best Time to Visit Sosian Ranch
Sosian is open all year except May, when the long rains peak. From June to October, dry and cool weather brings perfect riding and excellent game viewing. January and February are also warm and dry, with clear views across the plains.
The short rains fall in November and December, bringing fresh grass and newborn animals. Meanwhile, March and April form the green season, with fewer guests and lovely birdlife.
Tour Highlights: Why Ride at Sosian?
- Ride quietly alongside giraffes, zebras and antelopes on open plains.
- Track elephant herds from the saddle with an expert riding guide.
- Gallop across open plains, then wind through dense acacia scrub.
- Swim and rock-jump at waterfalls near the ranch house.
- Spend a night under the stars on a treetop sleep-out platform.
- Search for lions, leopards and wild dogs on night drives.
- Experience daily life on a working Kenyan cattle ranch.
Rider Requirements: Who Can Join This Safari?
Bush rides at Sosian pass through big-game country, so safety comes first. For that reason, riders must meet a few requirements.
- Experience: confident at walk, trot, canter and gallop, ideally with several years of regular riding.
- Weight limit: riders must weigh 90 kg or less.
- Age: bush rides are for riders aged 12 and over.
- Fitness: you should be comfortable riding for two to four hours.
- Beginners: arena lessons and short rides near the lodge are available.
- Non-riders: partners can enjoy game drives, walks, swimming and fishing.
FAQs: 5-Day Horse Riding Safari at Sosian Ranch
Do I need riding experience for a horse safari at Sosian?
Yes, for bush rides. You should be confident at all paces, including canter and gallop. Beginners can still take arena lessons and short rides near the lodge.
Is it safe to ride among elephants and lions?
Experienced riding guides lead every ride and read the bush closely. They keep a safe distance from elephants, buffaloes and predators at all times.
How do I get to Sosian Ranch?
The drive from Nairobi takes about 5 hours. Alternatively, a charter flight lands at Sosian's airstrip, five minutes from the lodge.
Can non-riders come too?
Yes. Non-riding partners can enjoy game drives, bush walks, camel rides, fishing and swimming.
When is Sosian closed?
Sosian Lodge closes in May, during the long rains.
Can children join the rides?
Bush rides are for riders aged 12 and over. Younger children can take supervised lessons near the lodge.
Book Your 5-Day Horse Riding Safari at Sosian Ranch
Ready to see Kenya from the saddle? Send Olengugih Safaris your travel dates, group size and riding experience. We'll then send a tailor-made quotation.
