Unique Kenya Safari Experiences: Walking & Horseback Adventures

When most people think of a Kenyan safari, they picture a 4×4 vehicle cruising through the savannah, spotting lions and elephants from the safety of the car. While game drives are the classic way to explore, there’s a growing demand for more immersive, off-the-beaten-path safari experiences, and Kenya delivers in the form of walking safaris and horseback safaris.

At Chacal Safaris, we believe the best safaris allow you to slow down, engage your senses, and truly connect with nature. Here’s how walking and horseback safaris offer a fresh, unforgettable perspective on Kenya’s wild beauty.

Walking Safaris: See the Wild Up Close

A walking safari is one of the most intimate ways to experience the African bush. Led by highly trained guides and armed rangers, these safaris allow you to explore the landscape on foot, just like the first explorers and the local communities have for generations.

What makes walking safaris special:

• Track animals by prints and droppings
• Learn about plants, insects, birds, and the ecosystem in a way vehicles can’t offer
• Experience the thrill of walking near giraffes, zebras, or even elephants (from a safe distance)
• Feel the rhythm of the wilderness , every sound, smell, and sight becomes more vivid

You won’t be chasing predators or getting dangerously close to big game, but walking safaris offer something just as powerful: the feeling of being part of the land, not just an observer.

Where to go:

• Laikipia Conservancies (e.g. Ol Pejeta, Lewa, and Borana)
• Masai Mara private conservancies like Naboisho or Mara North
• Lake Naivasha and Crescent Island for gentle guided walks among giraffes and antelope

Horseback Safaris: Ride with the Herds

For experienced riders, a horseback safari is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore Kenya’s wild spaces. Unlike vehicles, horses allow you to move silently through the bush, blending in with wildlife and reaching remote areas inaccessible by car.

Highlights of horseback safaris:

• Ride alongside zebras, giraffes, and antelope  animals see you as another grazer
• Cover more ground than on foot, but still enjoy the quiet of a non-motorized safari
• Perfect for adventurous travelers and nature lovers
• Led by skilled guides who tailor each ride to your ability and comfort level

These safaris range from half-day rides to multi-day mobile safaris, where you ride from one luxury camp to the next.

Best areas for riding:

• Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – known for its excellent horses and scenic trails
• Borana Conservancy – diverse terrain and stunning views of Mount Kenya
• Mugie Conservancy – remote, peaceful, and teeming with wildlife

Safari, Reimagined with Chacal Safaris

If you’re looking to go beyond the vehicle and experience the wilderness in a more natural, thrilling way, walking and horseback safaris are ideal. They offer perspective, connection, and adventure , and show you that Kenya’s magic lies in more than just the Big Five.

At Chacal Safaris, we tailor these unique experiences to fit your interests, comfort, and skill level. Whether it’s your first safari or your tenth, we’ll help you discover Kenya from a new, unforgettable angle.