Olea Africana Ride
As the famous quotes states..."I have a farm in Africa" at the foot of Mt. Kenya and to the east of the Aberdare ranges. Here is your home for the week at Sandai farm. This lodge will allow you to explore the vast countryside during your visit. The lodge has nice facilities and great hospitality. There are several riding horses with wonderful places to ride. Astride a horse is the perfect way to watch wildlife or to view the native life that surrounds you. Your stay includes Game Rides that will take you deep into the private game reserve just across the Amboni River. There are elephants, cape buffalo, zebras, giraffes, eland and seven other kinds of antelope.
Of course there are also many scenic rides through one of the most beautiful tropical valleys in Africa. And yes, there are lots of good hiking trails. At night you can spot wildlife from comfortable blinds where wildlife comes to feed or lick salt in well-lighted areas.
The real story is written in the colorful and varied lives of the tribes of people that populate this lovely country.
Most safari companies do a good job of exposing their clients to the scenery and wildlife of Kenya, but there is little if any contact with the native people that make up the culture of this nation. Our focus is to introduce you to the people of Kenya, that you may have a glimpse of the real East Africa.
Your week will include overnight camping rides to Olea Africana Camp - a beautiful spot perfectly situated on the trail route and overlooking the Laikipia Plains. It is a land left in a very natural way. If you prefer to sleep in your bed- we will take you back by car for the night.
Come and experience Africa's people and land on our Horseback Safaris. How deeply you become involved with the people is up to you, but we desire to give you every opportunity to view life through their eyes... if only for a little while.

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2008 Rates include accommodations in private rooms at Sandai lodge and overnights in Olea Africana camp, all meals, daily horseback riding, one day safaris (by jeep) to nearby game reserve or park
7 days/ 6 nights $ 1,545
... based on €995
Open:     All Year
Meeting: Nyeri, 180 km NW of Nairobi
Airport:   Nairobi
Transfer $320 per taxi return - pay locally
.. based on $200 Euros
Level:   All riding levels 
Tack:   Western and  English 
Horses:   Thoroughbred
Pace: any level - to your ability
Min/Max Riders:  2-8

Note: Entrance fee to the game reserve is extra ~$30 .
We include 1 day safari by jeep (not on horseback) - additional jeep safaris are $270 per group of 1-4.
Extra nights with meals and riding $200 pp

Meals: Food is Western with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables dictated by the season. Those with special dietary needs are catered to.

Itinerary:
There are vast areas where elephant, giraffe, cape buffalo, gazelle, baboon and other species are in abundance. Rides can be as fast and long as you would like. Since you could be the only guest or the member of a small group, we strive to meet your desires. 4 to 5 hour rides are the norm, but can be easily altered either way.
Day 1:  Pick up Nairobi, if there is time a short ride on the farm,
Day 2: Day long ride on Sandai Farm, amongst wildlife
Day 3: Day ride to Olea Africana, camp, picnic lunch on the way, camp on Olea Africana or jeep transfer back for overnight
Day 4: Day ride from Olea Africana in the local area, stay at Olea Africana Camp
- or continue trail to Mutara Ranch and overnight there     - or do a jeep safari on this day
Day 5: Day ride back from Mutara Ranch  or Olea Africana Camp. Stay on Sandai Farm or Olea Africana Camp - your choice.
Day 6: day ride back to Sandai, or ride another day at the farm
Day 7:  Departure after breakfast and drive to Nairobi

Accommodations:
The homestead “Sandai” lies idyllically in the middle of a large private game ranch and is situated approximately 240km north of Nairobi in the highlands of Kenya. Sandai faces Africa’s second highest mountain, Mt. Kenya with its snow capped peaks. The homestead consist of a big comfortable farmhouse and two guest houses, four rooms, with shower/bath tap and toilet.
The guest houses are comfortably furnished.
In the mainhouse there are two more guestrooms, sharing a shower and toilet.
The kitchen and dining room is in the farmhouse, where You enjoy Your meals together with Petra.
The comfortable living room is equipped with an open fireplace, where you can sit and listen to Petra's stories and experiences about Africa.
Power is supplied through a generator and solar panels.
You will feel immediately at home in this peaceful and relaxing atmosphere and listen to the voices of the African savannah. You don' t have to be terrified of animals, they will always be at a safe distance from people, and are more afraid of you than the other way round.
Food
You can expect a good variety of healthy meals and you will eat together with Petra' s small family and other guests at the big table in the dining room.
Petra is happy to cooperate in the case of any special dietary requirements.
Climate
The climate is mild and dry, despite its altitude of 2000m above sea level and for this reason you don’t have to take malaria prophylaxis. Absolutely clean drinking water and good food is Petra’s priority for her guests and family. Petra’s friend a doctor from Hamburg runs a clinic approx. 25kms from Sandai Farm. Hospitals with European standards can be found in Nairobi. Petra’s neighbors are white farmers and local people of the Kikuyu Tribe, who are known as very hardworking people. Here the neighbors still help each other.

Things to do at the lodge:
GAME RIDES: 2-3 hour rides on the ranches and private wildlife preserve just across the Amboni River.
SCENIC RIDES: Through one of the most beautiful tropical valleys in Africa.
CULTURAL RIDES: Follow the dirt roads past Kikuyu houses, gardens and schools.
DAY SAFARIS to area Parks and Private Reserves -  these can  include:
Solio - See lots of rhinos
Solio has a 20,000 acre reserve with both Black and white Rhinos. On one trip earlier this year we counted 47. There are most of the other animals native to Kenya except elephants. 40 minutes drive from Kamaruta.
Sweetwater - View the only chimps in Kenya
Sweetwater is a bit larger. An over supply of elephants are just now being relocated but they will leave plenty. Two groups of chimpanzees live here. About 70 minutes from Kamaruta.
Aberdare  National Park
Aberdare National Park is a forested park with mountains up to 12,000 ft. Lots of animals but hard to see. Two outstanding waterfalls in the high country. Beyond Treetops, where Elisabeth was staying when King George died and she became Queen, one sees very few if any tourists. Distance to the nearest gate, 20 min. 
Guests would be asked to pay the entry fees of $25 to$30 each for entry into the parks.
NATURE WALKS: In the above areas with guides who can identify the various plants, animals and birds that thrive there.
NIGHT GAME VIEWING: From comfortable blinds where wildlife comes to feed or lick salt in well-lighted areas.

The Following Activities and Safaris May be Arranged at an additional cost:
ABERDARE COUNTRY CLUB: Enjoy golf (18 hole course) plus tennis and swimming.
 

Masaii People

Lodge in Aberdare National Park