Borana Conservancy Trips
High atop Kenya’s northern slopes of Mt Kenya just North of the equator on the Laikipia Plateau is Borana Conservancy, a 28,000-acre protected area which is home to both Black and White Rhinos, including an extensive variety of other endangered species. Borana Wildlife Conservancy is one of the most important conservation areas in Laikipia region. Together with its neighbor, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Borana is home to thriving populations of black and white rhino. Borana features a strong engagement with the local community, anti-poaching programs and sustainable safari practices.
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The Top 12 Things To Do In Borana Conservancy
When planning on taking a safari trip to Borana Conservancy, travelers who stay inside the conservancies are able to take part in a number of wildlife safari activities that are not allowed inside National Parks in Kenya, including night game drives and private bush walks. Each moment provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in this special place.
Listed below are the best things to do in Borana Conservancy.
1. Safari Game Drives In Borana Conservancy
Discover on exciting wildlife game drives across the spectacular 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.
2. Guided Walking Safaris In Borana Conservancy
Explore 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.
3. Dinners and Sundowners In Borana Conservancy
Enjoy breakfast in the shade of a yellow fever tree or dinner under the stars at The Hide. At Borana Lodges, there is 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.
4. Safari SPA In Borana Conservancy
A safari is also a holiday and a rest – a break from today’s frenetic lifestyle. Massages – a wonderful way to ease the stress out of tired shoulders and backs.
5. Masai Cultural Visits In Borana Conservancy
At Borana, a trip to the local communities allows you to experience a different type of 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 $50 per person which goes straight to the community.
6. Horse Riding In Borana Wildlife Conservancy
Explore on horse safaris at Borana Lodge, a fantastic way to view wildlife and surround yourself with nature. The horses are patient, and 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. Guests can explore Borana and beyond, riding amongst an assortment of wildlife species which populate the conservancy.
7. Local School visits In Borana Conservancy
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.
8. Rhino Tracking In Borana
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.
9. Go On A Trip To 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 $50 per adult and $25 per child which goes straight to the Ngare Ndare Conservation Trust.
10. Go Mountain Biking In Borana Conservancy
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. E-Biking is subject to availability.
11. Fly Camping In Borana Conservancy
Borana Lodge offers a night under canvas for guests staying three or more nights. The 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.
12. Visit The Reteti Elephant Orphanage
A visit to the RETETI Elephant Sanctuary, in Namunyak Conservancy to the North of Borana, is a fantastic morning activity. 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.
The Animals & Wildlife In Borana Conservancy
Borana Conservancy offers visitors the chance to see some of Africa’s most famous wildlife, the Big Five safari animals in their natural habitat. These animals, revered for their majestic presence, are a central part of Borana’s thriving ecosystem: Every year, more rhinos are born on Borana Conservancy, and the strong anti-poaching presence makes this an important stronghold for both rhino species. Other wildlife you might see in Borana include lion, leopard, wild dogs, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, zebras, wildebeests and more. Birdlife is also outstanding here, with nearly 300 species recorded. The blue-legged Somali ostrich is one birding highlight among many.
The Birdlife & Birds In Borana Conservancy
Borana Wildlife Conservancy is home to over 300 bird species, and this is partly because there are many northern Kenya bird specials here. The variety of habitats, including open savannahs, forests, and the wetlands, attract a diverse array of birds.
Raptors: Borana is home to a number of impressive raptors, including the African fish eagle, bald eagle, and Marsh harrier, all of which can be spotted soaring high above the plains.
Waterfowl: The conservancy’s wetlands and lakes provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, particularly for waterfowl species such as white-faced whistling ducks and black-crowned night herons.
Endemic Species: Borana is also home to several endemic species, including the Jackson’s hornbill and vulturine guineafowl, both of which are distinctive to this region.
The Best Time To Visit Borana Conservancy
For those asking whether or not to visit this conservancy, you can visit Borana year-round. Nevertheless, the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry months from July to September. December to February is also generally dry, falling between the short rains October and November, whilst the long rains March to April or May. December to March remains the best time for birding trips in Borana.
The Weather & Climate In Borana Conservancy
Likewise, to the other Laikipia private conservancies located along the Equator, and their surroundings on high altitudes, Borana experiences a mild climate whereby temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year. Noticeably, daytime temperatures are in the mid-twenties Celsius while the nights are cooler. We therefore recommend warm clothes for the morning game drives.
Borana Safari Tours
Browse some of our favorite Borana luxury safaris & tours which promise a more intimate adventure especially for travelers longing for a more private safari experience far away from the crowds with plenty of flexible safari activities, this is your one chance to visit these Kenya private conservancies. Maybe you’re planning your honeymoon safari in Africa or rather you just desire a more private family safari experience just know that you have plenty of options to choose from.
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Browse our selection of private Kenya holiday packages above, or get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make the best itinerary for you.