Kenya’s Wilderness, Experienced on Horseback

Welcome to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you will be warmly met by a representative from Williamson Adventures, marking the beginning of your journey. Your first stop is a living vestige of Kenya’s past. Located in Nairobi’s Langata suburb, Giraffe Manor is an elegant retreat where classic interiors and ivy-clad outdoor spaces are set amid lush gardens and 140 acres of indigenous forest—an oasis for both people and wildlife.

The manor is frequented by its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes, curious and gentle visitors who often wander up to see what the humans are doing. With fewer than 1,500 Rothschild’s giraffes remaining in the wild, this rare encounter offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species.

Let the adventure begin. As you board the helicopter, feel the surge of adrenaline knowing you are being flown into one of Kenya’s most remote and inaccessible regions of Laikipia—far beyond the reach of vehicles. Though lesser visited, Laikipia is regarded as one of the country’s premier safari destinations, renowned for its abundance of plains game and as a stronghold for the elusive African wild dog.

This is no ordinary safari. Your landing point marks the beginning of a three-day horseback expedition through untouched wilderness. Awaiting you at the drop site are expert guides and a fully nomadic camp, transported by camel and designed to move with you each day. Come prepared—the journey is demanding, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding.

The most powerful way to experience the bush is to become part of it. On horseback, you leave the role of observer behind and ride directly into the heart of Samburu. Over two days, open grasslands shift into rocky outcrops and acacia-lined horizons as you move quietly through this remote wilderness.

Riding at ground level allows for extraordinary wildlife encounters—approaching Grevy’s zebra, buffalo, impala, and other plains game without disturbing their natural rhythm. In Laikipia, life is shaped by movement and survival, a reality shared by both wildlife and the Samburu people. As you journey through their ancestral lands, you gain rare insight into a nomadic culture deeply connected to the environment, forming authentic bonds with local guides and hosts in a way few travelers ever do.

On day five, you arrive at your final destination: Ol Malo Lodge. After the physical demands of the trek, the lodge’s comfort feels especially rewarding. Co-run with the Samburu community, Ol Malo is built on a long-standing commitment to coexist with nature, seamlessly blending ethical conservation with understated luxury. Take time to relax—you’ve earned it.

For those with energy to spare, continue exploring on a game drive or guided bush walk to seek out wildlife you may not have encountered on horseback. Alternatively, take to the skies on a helicopter flight over the dramatic Suguta Valley and onward to Lake Turkana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the Jade Sea, this vast saline lake is the world’s largest permanent desert lake and a globally significant region for fossil discoveries.

Wake on your sixth day in Kenya and prepare for your journey home. As your LuxVenture™ experience draws to a close, you depart with a deeper understanding of this remarkable region and the people who call it home. From Ol Malo Lodge’s private airstrip, fly back to Nairobi in time for your onward international flight.