Described as, “The most African Africa you could ever experience”, and I tend to agree!

Tatler Travel Guide 2013 cover features the Great Plains Conservation’s Ride Kenya and while I didn’t do this particular horse ride, I did have one of the most thrilling rides of my life through the Masai Mara with the crazy Tristan Voorspuy of Offbeat Safaris.

 The horses are fit (fitter than you) and we jumped anything in sight, such as thorn kraals that keep the cows in at night – all at your own risk I might add! If you fall, (as one unfortunate Swede did straight onto fence of thorns), just make sure you don’t hurt yourself, because the rodeo goes on!

This picture is of Patrick Stanton co-founder of Ride Kenya – but jumping the dinner table is not encouraged!

Here are some enticing Kenya rides from Great Plains, where you can expect to be in the saddle for 4-7 hours a day! Needless to say novices need not read on – except to Point 5 where mixed ability and non-riders are all welcome:

1. 7 days/6 night Chyulu Hills safari. Unbeatable scenery and riding for strong intermediate to advanced riders.
2. 8 days/7 nights Amboseli safari. Advanced and adventurous riders only.
3. NEW 11 days/10 nights Amboseli–Chyulu safari. Combining both the Amboseli Ride and Chyulu Hills ride.
4. Private tailor-made departures e.g. 4 nights for private groups.
5. Centre-based riding holidays at the newly accredited Relais & Châteaux ol Donyo Lodge. All abilities and non-riders.

There are many fabulous African horse safaris – read about my amazing ride through the floodplains of Botswana’s Okavango Delta with African Horseback Safaris. I also recount a wonderful beach horse ride at Oyster Bay Lodge and galloping through Aquila Game Reserve near Cape Town.

What horse rides have you been on in Africa? – I’d love to hear about them.