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Game Drives
Embark on exciting game drives across the stunning landscapes of Borana Conservancy, where you'll have the chance to witness Africa's iconic wildlife up close. Our expert guides will navigate you through this breathtaking conservation area, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable safari experience filled with awe-inspiring wildlife encounters in the shadow of Mt Kenya.
Bush Walks
Embark on exhilarating bush walks on Borana Conservancy, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the African wilderness. Accompanied by your guide and a ranger, you'll have the opportunity to explore hidden corners of the conservancy, track wildlife, and gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem while enjoying an intimate and authentic safari experience on foot.
BUSH MEALS & SUNDOWNERS
Enjoy breakfast in the shade of a yellow fever tree or dinner under the stars at The Hide. At Borana Lodge, we have a number of locations both within the lodge grounds and on the conservancy where you can indulge in tasty, locally sourced meals or cocktails at sundowners. Nothing comes close to a G&T in the company of a herd of elephants.
Horse riding
At Borana Lodge we thoroughly recommend horse riding to all our guests, it is a fantastic way to view wildlife and surround yourself with nature.
At the Borana Conservancy HeadQuarters, we keep a stable of over thirty horses suitable for all riders. We have patient easy horses, which have been trained to be careful with children and novice riders. From our stables, guests with little to no riding experience can traverse the plains among giraffe, zebra, eland and impala and experience wildlife at close quarters.
For the more experienced rider, we have thoroughbred horses and thoroughbred-crosses standing between 14.2hh and 16.3hh. All the horses are well-schooled and ridden in snaffle bridles. Guests can explore Borana and beyond, riding among a variety of wildlife species which populate the conservancy.
Riding WildMOUNTAIN BIKING & E-BIKING
Experience the thrill of mountain biking on the game paths and trails of Borana Conservancy. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, these exhilarating adventures offer a unique way to explore the diverse landscapes, encounter wildlife, and soak in the breathtaking views which the conservancy has to offer, all while enjoying the freedom and excitement of two wheels.
For those who would like some assistance we also offer eBiking adventures where your pedal power is amplified by a small battery-powered motor. Wizz past herds of zebra and keep up with the gazelles with Wild Rides, operated out of the Borana Conservancy HQ.
WAITABIT FARM TOURS
Borana is home to the largest Permaculture project in East Africa. Nestled on the eastern bank of the Ngare Ndare River sits Waitabit Farm, 440 acres of riverine forest, Acacia savannah and a 100 acres of arable land, where most of the fresh produce used at Borana Lodge is sourced. Waitabit Farm also provides the Borana Conservancy anti-poaching team with fresh vegetables as part of their balanced diet.
Visiting the farm is a fantastic activity for the entire family. Llewellyn Dyer manages Waitabit and is extremely passionate about the way it operates and the innovative systems which are in place. A trip to Waitabit leaves one with a wealth of knowledge along with a passion for food and where it comes from.
The idea of Waitabit is to reduce the gap between farm and fork, ensuring all guests at Borana Lodge eat local, fresh food which is not only good for one’s health but also good for the soul.The tour can take place mid morning or mid afternoon, or it can be combined with a picnic lunch and swim in the Ngare Ndare River on Borana Conservancy.
Masai Cultural Visits
Borana has a close relationship with one of the local Maasai communities North of the conservancy, who are eager to share their culture. A Maasai elder who will give you a tour of the village and will describe the history of the Maasai tribe. Various members of the community will show you their customary ways of life and traditions. The tour usually ends with a traditional tribal dance.
This is at an additional cost of $40 per person which goes straight to the community.
Beadworks
At Borana Lodge, the vibrant spirit of Maasai culture comes alive through the skilled hands of local Maasai beading women. Borana Lodge supports various women’s groups who make beaded treasures for use around the lodge and for sale in the shop. We invite women from these groups to visit the lodge and spend the day making beaded items, offering immersive sessions, patiently teaching the intricate techniques of traditional Maasai beadwork. Guests craft their own unique treasures under the guidance of these talented women. The colourful array of bracelets, necklaces, and other beaded adornments serve not only as keepsakes to take home but as cherished symbols of a shared cultural exchange.
Local School visits
The Borana Education Support Programme supports ten primary schools, pays the salary of eleven teachers and sponsors bursaries for close to 60 students. Visiting one of the schools that Borana Conservancy supports is a great way to get a glimpse of everyday life in Kenya and is a highly enlightening experience. This Is a wonderful activity for children of all ages and encourages cultural exchanges among our younger guests and local children.
Rhino Tracking
This is not your average bush walk, help with conservation on Borana by joining the team of scouts who track and account for all rhinos each morning, often encountering elephant, giraffe and other wildlife. The team must set out on foot from various locations across Borana to see and monitor each rhino on the Conservancy. By joining them on this venture, Borana Lodge guests are given the opportunity to learn more about the “behind the scenes” work that goes into the conservancy, how we track and identify rhino, and take the time to meet the team that keep the rhino safe.
RANGER Deployments
Each evening, armed members of the anti-poachoing unit are deployed to various vantage points across Borana Conservancy in order to survey and monitor the wildlife, the land and the perimeter. Guests can help by accompanying parts of the team out on these deployments and dropping them off where they will then spend the night. These rangers are out all night, every night, regardless of the weather or day of the year. This gives you the opportunity to learn about ranger training and the day to day lives of our anti-poaching team as well as spending time with the men and women on the front line of conservation.
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Train Like a ranger
Participate in a one-of-a-kind fitness experience by joining the Borana Conservancy CrossFit sessions alongside our dedicated anti-poaching rangers. Challenge yourself physically while gaining an insight into the important conservation efforts as you train alongside these courageous individuals, giving you an insight into their world and fostering a deeper appreciation for their vital work in protecting wildlife.
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Mazingira Yetu Centre
In 2009, the Borana Education Support Programme (BESP) was founded to improve the lives of our neighbouring communities with access to higher education. The BESP provides support and bursaries for children at local schools, as well as salaries for teachers, upgrades to school infrastructure with the mission to create an appreciation for the surrounding wild landscapes and wildlife.
In 2022, the concept of ‘Mazingira Yetu’, or ‘our environment’ in Kiswahili, was born. Its goal is “to broaden, deepen and inspire understanding of conservation and its importance for the health of all those – human, faunal and floral – inhabiting the landscape”. The Centre is accompanied by The Mazingira Express, a modified school bus which gives local school children and community groups game drives across Borana Conservancy.
Visiting the Mazingira Centre is a wonderful activity for all guests, you are given the opportunity to see conservation work in action, such as water storage, solar power, and tree nurseries. The focus of the centre and it’s curriculum is to teach visitors from all backgrounds about the wider conservation issues on this landscape, particularly land degradation and ecology, and pass the key messages on to social circles, empowering the everybody to take positive steps to protect the integrity of the ecosystem and our planet for years to come.
HEALTHCARE
The Borana Mobile Clinic is a remarkable initiative aimed at providing essential healthcare services to remote communities surrounding Borana Conservancy. The clinic, run out of a Land Rover, travels to ten locations on a two week rotation, reaching remote areas where people lack access to proper healthcare. Staffed by two nurses and a driver, the mobile clinic offers a range of services, including basic medical consultations, children’s inoculations, pre and postnatal counseling, family planning and health education.
For our interested guests we can arrange meetings with our nurses and visits to the clinic when it is at one of it’s stops.
Pride rock
What better way to celebrate a trip to Kenya than with a visit to the original Pride Rock which inspired the Disney Classic ‘The Lion King’. Only a short distance from Borana Lodge, this iconic rock is accessible on foot, on a mountain or eBike or in a vehicle. It is the perfect place for our younger guests to enjoy their breakfast at sunrise or their dinner at sunset, while parents sip G&Ts overlooking the vast landscape of the Lewa-Borana Landscape.
THE NGARE NDARE Forest
This 13,000 acre indigenous forest found on the southern boundary of Borana Conservancy is a safe haven for large animals including elephant and black rhino, and a paradise for birds and butterflies.
The Forest is known for its canopy walkway, which weaves between the treetops at 40 feet above the ground. There is a platform at the end of the suspended walkway with a fantastic view across a natural spring and into the forest.
The Forest is also home to crystal clear blue pools fed by meltwater from the glaciers on Mt Kenya. It is a magical change in environment from the rolling hills and open plains of Borana and is a great activity to take part in during the heat of the day.
This is a full day’s experience accompanied by a picnic lunch and is also accessible on horseback or eBike.
There is a charge of $40 per adult and $20 per child which goes straight to the Ngare Ndare Conservation Trust.
This 13,000 acre indigenous forest found on the southern boundary of Borana Conservancy is a safe haven for large animals including elephant and black rhino, and a paradise for birds and butterflies.
The Forest is known for its canopy walkway, which weaves between the tree tops at 40 feet above the ground. There is a platform at the end of the suspended walkway with a fantastic view across a natural spring and into the forest.
The Forest is also home to crystal clear blue pools fed by meltwater from the glaciers on Mt Kenya. It is a magical change in environment from the rolling hills and open plains of Borana and is a great activity to take part in during the heat of the day.
There is a charge of $40 per adult and $20 per child which goes straight to the Ngare Ndare Conservation Trust.
CHILDREN’S PONY RIDING
Borana has a stable of horses which can cater to riders with any level of experience. Exploring the conservancy on horseback is one of the best ways to view wildlife. Walk through valleys surrounded by giraffe or across plains alongside herds of zebra. Our younger guests can go for short pony rides led by one of our experienced grooms or riding guides.
All guests of 21 years or younger must wear riding helmets.
Riding wildLODGE EXPLORATION WALKS
Kenyan people have a deep-rooted love and appreciation for children. Our guides are warm and friendly to our young guests and embrace the opportunity to share their rich heritage and traditions. Children can embark on a walk around the Borana Lodge grounds with their guide to learn about the birds, reptiles and plants. They will be taught about tracks and signs of the local wildlife as well as collect natural treasures such as rocks and feathers to show their parents what they have learnt.
Cooking Lessons
Our team of experienced chefs love sharing their passion for cooking with our younger guests. Children can embark on a hands-on culinary journey in the Borana Lodge kitchen. From rolling out dough for homemade pizzas to crafting delectable safari-themed snacks, each cooking session is a great way for children to engage with what they eat. This cooking experience not only lets children interact with our chefs but also fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment as they share their creations with newfound friends and family.
Fly camping
Borana Lodge offers a night under canvas for guests staying three or more nights. Our fly camp is accessible via a game drive, on foot, on horseback (regardless of riding ability) or on a mountain bike, making this a truly unique experience for couples and families. The fly camp is extremely comfortable with full linens, pillows, duvets, bed frames and a mess tent including a fully stocked bar, lounge area and full team looking after you.
The activity which you choose, and the location of the wildlife, will dictate where the camp is set up, no two nights are the same.
The fly camp sleeps a maximum of twelve and a minimum of two guests on an exclusive basis. Set up fee is $600 USD per night, on top of standard Borana Lodge rates, as you will keep you Borana Lodge room while spending a night under canvas.
RETETI ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE
A visit to the RETETI Elephant Sanctuary, in Namunyak Conservancy to the North of Borana, is a fantastic morning activity. It is a short scenic flight from Borana and we are happy to organise a scenic fixed-wing or helicopter flight. You will be flown to Reteti with a picnic breakfast and return in time for lunch.
RETETI is the only sanctuary in Northern Kenya to accept orphaned elephants, with the ultimate goal being integration into wild herds, or even better reunited with their mothers.
Visits are scheduled around 9:00am so as to see feeding time for the elephants, with a departure from the Borana Air Strip at 7:30am.
This is at an additional cost, price on request.
HELICOPTER SAFARIS
Helicopter safaris can be arranged with departure from the lodge helipad. There are various routes throughout Northern Kenya which provide a thrilling way to explore the vastness of the north. From fly fishing on the high altitude lakes of Mt Kenya to flying over the flamingo filled shores of Lake Bogoria in the Great Rift Valley, there is nothing more exciting than a helicopter expedition.
The Borana team can organise half or full day helicopter excursions at the time of booking, price on request
UNwind
Borana Lodge has an in-house massage service to help you relax and unwind after the day’s adventures. There are a variety of treatments designed specifically to soothe, refresh and revitalise you after a day in the bush. These use organic and natural products which are locally sourced and developed by Cinnebar Green, a natural cosmetics company based close to Borana Conservancy.
After several years of growing organically certified medicinal herbs and producing essential oils for export, Cinnabar Green saw the need for a range of locally produced, environmentally responsible body products.
We use Cinnabar green products across Borana Lodge which have wonderful scents and are kind to the planet.
