FACT FILE RIDE KENYA HORSE SAFARIS CHYULU HILLS, KENYA

Ride Kenya Horse Safaris is based on the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, comprising of 275,000 acres of wilderness between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks and bordering Chyulu Hills National Park in southern Kenya. With traversing rights to over 1.5 million acres, Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris boasts access to one of the most sought after expanses of Africa. With riding safaris that extend through an awe-inspiring range of ecosystems – from the elephant-filled swamps of Amboseli in the east, across vast savannahs dotted with plains game, to the majestic Chyulu Hills in the west – this is quintessential East Africa. This stunningly beautiful area is incredibly diverse, and often has spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The size and diversity of Ride Kenya’s area of operation is unique amongst horseback safaris, and allows Ride Kenya’s guests to experience the ultimate adventure on horseback. The essence of a mobile horse safari is adventure and freedom, provided by riding across open terrain dotted with wildlife, whilst enjoying different campsites, and exploring new scenery daily. The terrain of this southeastern region of Kenya is ideal for horseback riding. The coarse volcanic sand and soda ash provide perfect footing, as there’s no slippery substrate, forest debris and very few holes. This allows for steady paced riding over long distances, which is a thrill and treat for any keen equestrian. Ride Kenya safaris are aimed at experienced riders, looking for a unique combination of thrilling, varied riding and wildlife viewing. Ride Kenya is a true mobile operation, meaning it moves from location to location, and a luxury tented camp and highly attentive crew move ahead of the riders each day, providing excellent service, meals and accommodation. After full days in the saddle, guests return back to the thoughtfully appointed Ride Kenya mobile camp. Each traditional, yet spacious, Selous tent offers an en-suite “safari” shower, short-drop (private) loo and basin as well as crisp linens and a private verandah. Hot water is furnished on demand for a refreshing post-ride shower, and cold drinks are at the ready. Dinner is served under the stars, and around the fire. Wholesome three-course meals replenish the reserves in preparation for another day’s riding. Camp is supported and hosted by an entire team of staff. Ride Kenya runs a professional stable, with 23 well-managed horses, excellent tack and camping equipment, and a team of welcoming and experienced staff. Ride Kenya’s horses have all been selected for their temperament, their endurance and their comfort. The horses have largely been imported from South Africa, and there are a variety of sizes and breeds; from Boerperds, to Thoroughbreds and South African warmbloods. Each is doted upon with care and passion and trained impeccably by our band of merry grooms, and the leadership of Paddy Cowley. There are two primary Ride Kenya mobile safari itineraries: the Chyulu Hills Ride and Amboseli Ride. The Chyulu Ride is offered on a range of guaranteed set departures designed for guests to join a group. The Amboseli Ride and other custom rides can also be arranged on request for a private departure mobile horse safari, catering for two to ten riders.

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Mobile Horse Safaris Itineraries – scheduled and customised Ride Kenya’s mobile safaris are offered as set departures or on a custom basis for private groups. Set departures occur throughout the year, and the itinerary and dates are fixed in advance catering for groups of up to 10 riders. Game drives and bush walks are also offered during the safari, as well as optional community visits and day trips to Amboseli National Park (for photographic safaris). Horseback safari itineraries range from intermediate to advanced. Chyulu Ride (7 days/6 nights) – set departure This signature horse safari has been popular since the start of Ride Kenya. The range of scenery and terrain are perfect for both horse and rider. This ride never fails to provide ample opportunity for fast and varied riding, unforgettable adventures on and off horseback, and varied scenery and wildlife sightings. A little less intense than the Amboseli ride in terms of distance and wildlife sightings, this ride is thus well-suited to families, more cautious (though still experienced) riders and those wanting to get off the beaten track and experience a unique holiday on horseback. No small group supplement but itinerary subject to change with small groups.

Customised Rides • In addition to the set departures of the Chyulu Ride, rides can be customised for two to ten people of two to ten nights based on availability. • Rider weight limit is 95kg for mobile horse safaris. • All riders must wear helmets. • All mobile safaris are hosted and managed by two guides, who ensure the safety and comfort of the guests at all times.

Sample custom ride Amboseli Ride (8 days/7 nights) Arguably, one of the world’s most thrilling horse safaris. This ride starts on the Kenya-Tanzania border and finishes in the Chyulu Hills. It passes through Amboseli National Park, exploring its wildlife-filled swamps, plains and forests before moving across miles of savannah and ending up atop the Chyulu Hills. This ride is for advanced riders only, who are used to long days in the saddle and riding at speed. Frequent sightings of large mammals, including predators, are expected. ol Donyo Lodge Rides Guests staying at ol Donyo Lodge can enjoy riding from the stables situated 2km away from the lodge. This riding is suitable for any level of rider, from novice to advanced. Rider weight limit 100kg for day rides from ol Donyo Lodge. In all cases, it is possible to get amazing encounters with giraffe and other plains game from horseback, and finish with a breakfast or sundowner.

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Reservations & Bookings: Bush and Beyond Ltd Telephone: +254 (0) 20 6000457, 6005108, 6005980 Reservations Fax: +254 (0) 20 6005008 Reservations Email: [email protected] Website: www.greatplainsconservation.com Total Number of Bedrooms: 5 twin or double configuration mobile tents. Type of Camp: Mobile tents Operation Season & Opening: Set departure dates and custom safaris offered year-round. Ideal length of stay: 5/10 nights

GEOGRAPHY CONSTRUCTION ACCESS DIRECTION • Selous style canvas tent at ground level. • Scheduled light aircraft transfer to the nearest airstrip, ol Donyo, from Nairobi’s Wilson TEMPERATURE CONTROL domestic airport (45 mins) and other locations • None. in Kenya. • Private Air charters access available. MOSQUITO NETS • Self-drive is also possible, 4 hours from • Fly netting on all tent sides. Nairobi. • Co-ordinates: 2 deg. 31 min South, 37 deg. 43 FOOD & DRINK min East. • All meals included. All drinks and beverages (limited selection) are included with the TENT DETAILS exception of imported champagnes and spirits. BEDROOM • Excellent: Three delicious wholesome meals • Traditional Selous-style mobile tent. a day are provided from our ‘bush kitchen’. • Walk-in with a main bedroom and en-suite Most are produced on an open fire, including facilities. canapés, multi-course meals using local • Chair and seating on outside verandah. fresh ingredients. It is quite amazing! We are extremely flexible on timings. Picnic lunches BATHROOM are commonly enjoyed while out on safari. • En-suite with short-drop loo, single basin and • All dietary requirements are catered for from hot and cold water bucket shower on demand. regular to vegan to children, prior warning • Soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion provided. requested.

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USUAL BOARD BASIS recommended that riders bring their own. • Full board • The guest should bring any personal riding attire, including boots that can also be worn for DINING STYLE walks. • Group meals • Saddle bags are provided.

DINING LOCATIONS CHILDREN • Indoor and outdoor • We look forward to having children 12 and older ROOM SERVICE ride with us. • No • Minimum age of 12 for the Chyulu Ride and must be of intermediate to advanced riding EXTRAS level. POSSIBILITY OF DISABLED ACCESS • Children who are younger than these ages • None. should rather stay at ol Donyo Lodge and do day rides from the lodge. LAUNDRY • Included, but limited and subject to weather POWER & COMMUNICATIONS conditions. SOURCE • Lighting is by lantern and candlelight. CENTRAL FACILITIES/ COMMON AREAS • Limited electricity is available for charging • Main dining tent camera batteries. • Fire pit with seating INTERNET & MOBILE SHOP/BOUTIQUE • No internet. • Possibility of buying curios from local villages. • Unreliable and intermittent mobile signal Payable in Kenya Shillings only. occasionally available. • No mobile phones are allowed in the public EQUIPMENT areas of camp, only in the privacy guest tents. • Horses are English-trained, using English General Purpose Saddles with a small selection HEALTH & SAFETY of South Africa Trail saddles. MALARIA • Guests should be comfortable in a riding trot, • Minimal – Malaria prophylaxis are and cantering over uneven terrain. recommended if guests are concerned. • Helmets are provided upon request, though it is

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MEDICAL CARE MONEY MATTERS • Nearest reliable medical facility is in Nairobi. SAFES • Guides are qualified for equine-specific first aid. • Shared safe in the support vehicle. • Head guide has first aid training. ACCEPTED PAYMENT ON LOCATION • All-inclusive. Staff gratuities can be paid in RISK OF DANGEROUS ANIMALS Kenya Shillings, US Dollars or GB Pounds. • Moderate on the Chyulu Hills Ride as regular • No credit card facilities available. riding with elephant is expected. • Cultural visits incur a small fee payable in Kenya • High on custom Amboseli Ride as riding with Shillings, and there is the option of buying curios. elephant, hippo, buffalo and lion are possible. THE TEAM SECURITY MEASURES OPERATION OWNERS • 24-hour a day, guards armed with traditional Great Plains Conservation spears. KEY PERSONNEL FIRE SAFETY Manager & Head guide: Paddy Cowley • Fire procedures in place at each location.

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BOTSWANA CAMPS KENYA CAMPS

SELINDA SELINDA CANOE ZARAFA CAMP SELINDA CAMP DUBA PLAINS OL DONYO LODGE MARA PLAINS MARA TOTO RIDE KENYA ACTIVITY EXPLORERS TRAIL Day Drives • • • • • • • • Night Drives • • • • • • • Guided Walks • • • • • • • • Boating • • • Mokoro Canoeing • • Main Swimming Pool • • • Private Plunge Pools • • Horseback Riding • • Cultural Interaction * • • • • Hot-Air Balooning * • • Spa/Massage * • • • • Gym • Fishing (Seasonal) • • • • • Mountain Biking • Hide • •

(*) This activity is available at a fee.

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