Types of Riding Safari
- Set Departure Rides (Mara & Laikipia) – Offbeat Riding Safaris offer 7 night set departure riding safaris, which are scheduled throughout the year, on which we take up to 12 experienced riders.
- Lodge to Lodge Rides – For those wanting more luxurious accommodation, rather than a mobile tented safari camp, we offer tailor-made lodge to lodge riding safaris throughout Kenya.
- Tailor Made Rides – We offer tailor made riding safaris for private groups, for 5 nights or more.
- Offbeat 7 night Masai Mara Itinerary
- Offbeat 8 night Laikipia Itinerary
- Offbeat Fact sheet includes information about our camps, equipment, tack & horses
- Offbeat Pre-Travel Info
- Offbeat Meet the Guides + Team
- Offbeat 2026 NETT riding safari rates (CONFIDENTIAL)
- Offbeat 2026 RACK riding safari rates
- Offbeat Availability Calendar (for group set departure safaris: Page 1 for 2025 and page 2 for 2026)
- Offbeat Photo Album
- Offbeat Video Album
Accommodations at Offbeat Riding Safaris
Mobile Tented Safari Camps
Offbeat Riding Safaris is known for its traditional mobile tented camps, which move with the riding group through Kenya’s wilderness areas. This creates an authentic safari atmosphere, allowing guests to stay close to nature while still enjoying comfort, hospitality, and expert camp support.
Lodge to Lodge Options
For travellers seeking added comfort, Offbeat can arrange lodge-to-lodge riding safaris throughout Kenya. These tailor-made experiences combine days in the saddle with stays in selected lodges, offering a more refined alternative to mobile camping.
Activities Beyond Horseback Riding
Game Drives and Bush Walks
Non-riders, or riders who would like a break from the saddle, can join guided game drives and bush walks led by Offbeat’s experienced team. These activities offer excellent opportunities to view wildlife, learn about the landscape, and enjoy the safari experience at a gentler pace.
Picnics and Sundowners
Guests can also enjoy classic safari moments such as bush picnics and sundowners. Non-riding guests often meet the riding group for these shared experiences, making the safari enjoyable for mixed groups, couples, and families with different riding abilities.
At Offbeat Riding Safaris, every day is filled with unforgettable adventure across Kenya’s most spectacular wilderness areas. Guests can ride through the Masai Mara, Laikipia, and Amboseli, experiencing close encounters with iconic wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, and big cats from the saddle. With expert guides, well-schooled horses, and authentic mobile tented camps, Offbeat Riding Safaris offers experienced riders a truly unique and memorable way to discover Kenya.
FAQ
1. What is the best time of year to visit Offbeat Riding Safaris?
- July–October is the most spectacular window — this is when the annual wildebeest migration passes through, offering the chance to ride alongside thousands of wildebeest and zebra, and encounter big cats on horseback. Book at least 6 months ahead as these departures fill fast.
- December–March is the green season — fewer crowds, lush landscapes, excellent birdlife, and resident wildlife remains plentiful.
- June is a great shoulder option — dry season is beginning, game is concentrating around water sources, and availability is easier than peak migration months.
3. What activities are available for non-riders at Offbeat Riding Safaris?
Activities for Non-Riders Game drives and bush walks are available for non-riders or for any rider who would like a rest from the saddle — Offbeat have an excellent team of guides and spotters who take non-riding guests out by vehicle, meeting up with the riding group for all meals, picnics, and sundowners.
4. Is Offbeat Riding Safaris family-friendly?
Partly. The safari is suitable for confident, experienced riders and the big game environment means it is not appropriate for young or nervous children. However, non-riding family members are well catered for via game drives, and the generous family discounts suggest families are welcome. It's best suited to families with older, experienced teenage riders. Contact Offbeat directly to discuss suitability for your specific group.
5. What should I pack for my stay at Offbeat Riding Safaris?
Riding
- Comfortable riding breeches or jodhpurs — you're in the saddle 4–6 hours a day
- Long-sleeved technical riding shirt for sun protection
- Riding boots or sturdy ankle boots (half chaps are useful)
- Riding helmet (check if supplied — advisable to bring your own for fit and hygiene)
- Lightweight gloves
- Body protector if you prefer one for big game riding
Sun & Outdoors
- High-SPF sunscreen — the East African sun at altitude is intense
- Wide-brim hat or riding hat with a brim for game drives
- Quality UV-protection sunglasses
- Insect repellent — essential at dusk and around camp
- Lip balm with SPF
Clothing for Camp
- Neutral colours (khaki, olive, tan) — avoid blue and black which attract tsetse flies, and avoid white which is impractical in the bush
- Lightweight layers — mornings and evenings on the Mara can be surprisingly cool
- A warm fleece or light down jacket for early starts and sundowners
- Comfortable casual clothes for evenings in camp
- Waterproof jacket — even in dry season, brief showers occur
Practical
- Passport and Kenya visa (eVisa required — apply in advance at evisa.go.ke)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate — required for Kenya
- Any prescription medications and a basic first aid kit
- Malaria prophylaxis — consult your doctor before travel
- Headtorch and spare batteries — camp lighting can be limited
- Camera with a good zoom lens — wildlife encounters can be close and fast
- Dry bags or dust-proof cases for camera equipment
- Small backpack or saddlebag for rides
- Portable power bank — charging opportunities in mobile camp may be limited
Leave Behind
- Bright colours and heavy luggage — mobile safari camps have strict weight limits for internal flights, typically around 15kg in a soft bag
