Riding Safari in Africa

August 11, 2009

In the middle of July ten members (past and present) of the Blue Ridge Hunt traveled to Kenyafor a riding safari in the Masai Mara.  We may have been "camping", but we did it in style with hot showers, excellent food, vast quantities of wine, lots of laughter and a staff of twenty-two.  The camps were taken down and reassembled every two to three days while we followed on horseback. Our campsites were beautifully situated with lots of game close by - sometimes too close.  The first one had a herd of resident hippos who snorted all night and one had several lions within a stone's throw.  One night their roaring woke us all up and I swear I could hear them padding around the camp.  Funny what the dark and Africa does to you!

The game was plentiful as the migration had started and it was quite a thrill to gallop with the vast  herds of wildebeest and zebra.  I think everyone would agree that the riding was spectacular - now that our derrieres have returned to normal. We spent long hours  in the saddle, covering up to 20-40 miles a day which included hard gallops.  However, they were broken up by lunch breaks which included marinated grilled lamb chops, excellent salads and cold beer and wine.

We all survived with relatively minor mishaps, are still speaking to each other, and are now definitely fit and ready for the coming season!

-- Linda Armbrust

Deb, Marti, Arden and Allen Clair
Lunch on the go

Sandy and Linda - a safe distance.

Above left, Robin gets a bit too close.

Nancy and Barry do some shopping

Denya Clarke

Eileen and Marc's new timeshare on the Mara