Offbeat Safaris

Location:

No specific location - as our name implies, we camp far off the beaten track, supported by trucks and Landrovers for logistics. Offbeat Safaris was started by Tristan and Lucinda Voorspuy in 1990. The company is perhaps best known for the adventurous riding safaris it operates in remoter areas of Masailand and Laikipia.

Our home and headquarters are at Deloraine in the Rift Valley, near Nakuru. This old colonial house was built in 1920 by Lord Francis Scott, a prominent early settler. All our safari guests stay here at some stage during their trip. There are lovely rides on the surrounding 5000 acre property, the gardens are themselves worth a visit. There are several interesting day trips to the flamingo lakes of Bogoria and Nakuru which are within easy reach by vehicle.

For those who would rather not come riding with us, we can tailor make safaris by air, in Landrovers, on foot or with Camels. We can take you to almost any corner of East Africa, for any kind of safari. Trout and Deep Sea Fishing are also a specialty!

Accommodation / Facilities:

Accommodation is in spacious double sleeping tents, each with its own loo, and hot showers are readily available after a long day in the saddle. However, we blend adventure with comfort and all food is fresh with three course meals prepared by our very experienced safari chefs over an open fire! Bread is baked daily in the safari oven and you will have ice in all your drinks!

A medical kit is on hand in camp and in the saddle. We are in radio contact in camp with the Flying Doctors Service. Clients should take anti-malarial drugs. Please consult your physician. Please note that you require Yellow-Fever vaccination only.

Game Viewing /Activities:

We can ride for 200 miles without seeing a fencepost. Combining the magnificent scenery with the thrill of riding amongst teeming herds of game is something no horse lover coming to Africa should miss. The safaris covers 20 - 30 miles per day, so we expect you to be a competent rider before you come out with us.

There are opportunities for long canters and gallops taking your own line and we often encounter big game. Game is plentiful everywhere we conduct riding safaris. We ride where dangerous game abounds! Your guide is knowledgeable and conversant with the habits and likely reactions of the game -  in any situation you should do as he says...!

Horses:

Well schooled thoroughbred and thoroughbred cross. May are home bred out of our best mares. All are tried for Polo, and our best Polo Ponies go on safari. Therefore, they are responsive and fit!

Riding ability:

You should be comfortable at all paces and be able to gallop out of trouble. Remember, we ride in Big Game Country! You should  be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours per day. Weight limit is 210 lbs (95 Kg.)

Size of Rides:

Minimum of four, maximum of 12 on set departures. Tailor made as name suggests...

Tack:

English. Various saddles, polo, wintec, French Trekking, and Australian stock. Mainly snaffle bridles.

Terrain:

Most of the rides in Masailand and the northern properties are on fairly open plains (black cotton soil) interspersed with bush. They are short grass plains and ideal for riding. Guests must take care for holes, but canters and gallops are taken in open plains.

Insurance:

Whilst we carry public liability insurance and take all possible care, we strongly advise you to have full medical and vacation insurance. Remember, these are adventure safaris!

Beer and sodas are included in the daily rates, as are alcohol on Tailor made safaris. Set departures ask for wines & spirits to be covered at cost. Duty Free Whiskey is offset against this, if brought. Children will be accepted on riding safaris, but they must be competent riders. Sorry, no discount for children!

We will accept non-riders, but this must be discussed beforehand. There are often days on safari which will suit the non-riders better than others. The full set departure trips are not recommended for non-riders. A single supplement surcharge of $50 is only charged for those guests who do not want to share accommodation.

Day trips to Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria are extra if not part of our safaris.

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