The Complete Guide to Horse Riding at Sanctuary Farm, Naivasha

Horse riding at sanctuary farm is one of the fun things to do in Naivasha. Picture this: the soft thud of hooves on red earth, the morning mist still clinging to yellow fever trees, and just ahead, a tower of Maasai giraffes slowly turning to glance at you before going back to their breakfast. No engine noise. No glass between you and them. Just you, your horse, and the wild heart of the Great Rift Valley.

This is what horse riding at Sanctuary Farm in Naivasha feels like. And once you’ve done it, a regular game drive will never quite be the same.

Whether you’ve never sat on a horse in your life or you ride every weekend, this guide covers everything, prices in KSH, booking steps, what to wear, and which activities to combine for the perfect day out. Let’s get into it.

Why Horseback Safari at Sanctuary Farm Is Unlike Anything Else in Kenya

A Predator-Free Paradise – Why the Animals Don’t Run when you’re horse riding at sanctuary

The secret behind Sanctuary Farm’s magic is simple: there are no big predators. No lions. No leopards. The resident wildlife; giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, has lived alongside horses and humans for years. They are completely habituated.

This is why, when you ride out on a morning session, the zebra herd barely looks up. You’re just another herbivore passing through.

Closer Than a Game Drive: Riding Into Wildlife Herds

On a traditional vehicle safari, animals keep their distance from the noise and size of the truck. On horseback, you’re at their eye level, you make no threatening sounds, and you smell natural. The result? You can ride right into the middle of a grazing herd. Sometimes within touching distance of a giraffe’s legs.

Multiple TripAdvisor reviewers call it a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ and the guides will position you for the best possible encounters.

The Sensory Difference as you horse ride in Naivasha at sanctuary farm 

Forget air conditioning. On horseback, you smell the wild air. You hear the rustle of a waterbuck in the reeds. You feel the breeze rolling in off Lake Naivasha. It is deeply, wonderfully grounding, and a world away from Nairobi traffic.

What to Expect on Your Horse Riding Experience

The Route: Through the Acacia Forest, Open Plains and Shore of Lake Naivasha.

Most horse riding at Sanctuary farm follow a scenic circuit through three distinct zones of the 450-acre private conservancy:

• Acacia Woodlands: Your ride begins in the lovely shade beneath ancient yellow fever trees ( Acacia trees) great for giraffe sightings.
• Open Grasslands: The trail opens into sweeping plains where wildebeest and zebra graze. Experienced riders often break into a canter here.
• Lake Shore: Many rides end at the water’s edge of Lake Naivasha, where hippos bob in the shallows and fish eagles circle overhead.

How long does horse riding at Sanctuary farm take?

You can choose between a 1 – hour or 2 – hour ride. First-timers and families typically opt for one hour, it’s more than enough time to get comfortable in the saddle and encounter plenty of wildlife. 

Experienced horse riders almost always go for two hours to cover more ground and earn that exhilarating gallop.

Wildlife You’ll Encounter on your horse ride in Naivasha

Regular sightings include: Maasai giraffes, plains zebras, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck, warthog, and dik-dik. The lake section adds hippos and an extraordinary variety of birdlife including African fish eagles, pelicans, and cormorants. Buffalo are also present and your guide will keep a safe distance from them.

Horse Riding for All Levels – Is This Right for You?

For complete beginners with zero horse riding experience? No Problem

The most common question from first-timers is: “Is it safe if I’ve never ridden before?” The answer is a confident yes. The stable’s horses at Sanctuary farm Naivasha are calm and thoroughly trained. Your guide provides a safety briefing before mounting and can hand-lead your horse the entire time if needed. You’ll never be pushed beyond your comfort level.

For experienced horse riders – Canters & Gallops

Tell your guide upfront if you’re comfortable in the saddle. Groups often split temporarily so that advanced riders can break away for a canter or gallop across the open grassland while beginners maintain a gentle walk. It’s the best of both worlds.

For families with Children

This is a fantastic family activity when in Naivasha. Children are generally welcome from around age 10 for standard rides. Younger children who are already experienced riders can sometimes be accommodated. 

Make sure to call the stables ahead of your visit to confirm. Multiple reviews praise Sanctuary Farm as the best family activity in Naivasha.

Horse Riding Prices at Sanctuary Farm – How to Make a Booking & Essential Logistics (2026 Guide)

Current Pricing in KSH

Here is what you can expect to pay for a horse riding experience at Sanctuary farm Naivasha. This is based on current rates from the farm’s official website:

Pro Tip: Book directly with Sanctuary Farm (sanctuaryfarmkenya.com) for the best rates and personalised arrangements. The stables can also be reached directly at +254 (0)717 449 113.

How to Book a horse riding experience at Sanctuary Farm

Below find a detailed guide on how to book horse riding at Sanctuary farm through the different options i.e. email, telephone number, tour operators and walk-in option. 

• Direct email/WhatsApp: Contact sanctuaryfarmkenya.com – they respond promptly and can arrange horse riding, dining, and accommodation in one message.
• Tour operators: African Spice Safaris, GetYourGuide, and World Adventure Tours all offer packaged day tours from Nairobi including horse riding, lunch at Kijiko restaurant, and a boat ride.
• Walk-ins: While last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, advance reservation is strongly recommended because horses need rest time between rides.

What to Wear & Weight Limits

Having the right clothing and knowing that there are weight limits when it comes to horse riding at Sanctuary farm is important. See below for a quick guide: 

• Long trousers: Jeans, jodhpurs, or tough leggings are mandatory to prevent saddle chafing.
• Closed-toe shoes: Boots or sturdy sneakers with a slight heel so your feet don’t slip through the stirrups.
• Helmet: Provided by the farm for all riders. This is non-negotiable safety gear.
• Weight limit: Approximately 90 – 92 kg (200 lbs) applies for the welfare of the horses.
• Saddlebags: Horses come fitted with saddlebags. Perfect for stowing your camera, phone, sunscreen, and water.

Best Time to Go for a horse riding experience in Naivasha

Morning rides (8am – 10am) are highly recommended. The light is golden, temperatures are cooler, wildlife is most active, and the lake mist creates magical photography conditions. The Sanctuary farm is open daily from 8am to 5:30pm.

Beyond the Saddle – Combine Your Horse Ride with These Activities

One of the great things about Sanctuary Farm is how well the activities stack together into a full day out. It offers a variety of things to do in Naivasha. Especially if you’re coming from Nairobi or if you are a tourist passing by. 

Boat Ride on Lake Naivasha

A 1-hour boat ride gives you up-close encounters with hippo pods, African fish eagles diving for fish, and the calm beauty of the lake. Boats carry up to 6 passengers and skilled operators always find a safe swimming spot on hot days. Book this after your morning ride when the hippos are more visible near the shore.

Night Game Drive

Stay for the night or book an evening visit and join the open-top safari vehicle after dark. You’ll encounter hippos out grazing on land, hyenas, bush babies, bat-eared foxes, and the extraordinary spring hare. Blankets are provided. The vehicle takes up to 5 passengers.

Farm-to-Table Lunch at Kijiko Restaurant

After your ride, head to Kijiko Restaurant. The farm’s beloved on-site restaurant. Expect fresh, locally sourced meals in a gorgeous al fresco setting with wildlife wandering past. Reviewers consistently rate the food among the highlights of their visit. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are smart on weekends.

Combine with Hell’s Gate National Park

Many visitors combine Sanctuary Farm with a morning cycle through Hell’s Gate National Park, just 20 minutes away. Arrive at Hell’s Gate by 8am, cycle through the gorge, then head to Sanctuary Farm for your afternoon horse ride and boat trip. It’s a seriously full day, but absolutely worth it.

How Sanctuary Farm Compares to Other Naivasha Activities

Getting to Sanctuary Farm from Nairobi

By Private Car or Rideshare (Recommended)

Sanctuary Farm is located approximately 90km from Nairobi on the South Lake Road, about 1.5 hours by car via the Nairobi – Nakuru highway. Follow signs for Lake Naivasha South Lake Rd. The farm is clearly signposted. Free parking is available on site.

Note: Oftentimes there is a mandatory fee of between 1,000 KSH – 2,000 KSH to enter the wildlife Sanctuary. Budget accordingly for this. 

By Matatu (Budget Option)

Take a matatu from Nairobi’s ‘Rift Valley shuttle’ stage near Westlands or Odeon to Naivasha town (approx. KSH 150–300). From Naivasha town, hire a boda boda or taxi to South Lake Road (approx. KSH 200–400). Allow 2–3 hours total travel time.

Tip: Sanctuary Farm can arrange transport directly. Contact them in advance if you need a pickup from Naivasha town. Reach out to Pata Naivasha to book a horse riding experience for you at Sanctuary farm. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict – Is Horse Riding at Sanctuary Farm Worth It?

Yes. Without hesitation. Whether you’re a Nairobi local looking for a genuinely different weekend escape, or a tourist / visitor wanting to feel Kenya’s wilderness in the most intimate way possible, horse riding at Sanctuary Farm delivers.

At KSH 3,500 per hour, it’s remarkable value for an experience that, according to decades of TripAdvisor reviews, leaves people saying it was the highlight of their entire Kenya trip.

Arrive early. Ride among the giraffes. Have lunch at Kijiko. Stay for the boat ride. And don’t forget to look up when you’re riding through the acacia forest, there will likely be a giraffe looking right back at you.