I wanted to know if Sosian Conservancy was worth visiting. I found out fast. It offers horseback riding safaris, traditional game drives, and a chance to see wildlife in a private setting.
But it’s not cheap, and it’s not for everyone.
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Key Points
- Horseback safaris let you get close to wildlife in a quiet, natural way, but require riding experience.
- Accommodations range from $350 to $650 per person per night, with all meals and activities included.
- Remote location in Laikipia means you need to plan transfers carefully, often by private car or charter flight.
Horseback Riding in Sosian Conservancy
Sosian Conservancy is one of the few places in Kenya where horseback safaris are central to the experience. This isn’t a casual pony ride. You need to be confident at all three gaits—walk, trot, and canter.
The terrain is rugged, with open plains, rocky hills, and river valleys. On my ride, giraffes barely lifted their heads as we passed, and the silence compared to a vehicle was striking.
If you’re not an experienced rider, think twice. Horses can spook easily, and you’re riding in lion country. The conservancy does offer short, controlled rides for beginners, but the main wildlife excursions require real skill and stamina. Falling off here isn’t just embarrassing—it can be dangerous.
I found the horseback experience rewarding, but demanding both physically and mentally. Bring proper riding boots, gloves, and comfortable riding clothes. A helmet is usually provided, but ask in advance to be sure. Don’t underestimate the challenge—this is a specialist safari option, not something to jump into unprepared.
Traditional Game Drives
Not everything here revolves around horses. The game drives at Sosian follow a more standard safari format, but with some key differences worth knowing.
Open 4×4 vehicles take you across Laikipia’s mix of savanna, scrubland, and rivers. I noticed fewer vehicles here compared to Maasai Mara safaris in Kenya, which meant quieter sightings and less pressure at each stop. The flipside is you don’t see the vast herds of the Mara, so set your expectations accordingly.
On one drive, I saw elephants moving down to the Ewaso Narok River. Another morning, lions were resting under acacia trees. It’s not a guarantee every day—sometimes drives feel slow, especially in thick bush—but the varied terrain usually delivers something worthwhile.
Night drives are sometimes available, which is a big plus since national parks like Amboseli don’t allow them. If you care about photography, bring a good low-light camera for these drives; I found my phone camera almost useless once the sun went down.
Wildlife You Can Expect
Laikipia is not the Serengeti. Don’t expect endless wildebeest herds. But Sosian Conservancy has a mix of species worth noting. You may see elephants, giraffes, lions, and wild dogs if you’re lucky.
The birdlife is also strong here, with raptors circling almost daily. I kept spotting lilac-breasted rollers perched along the tracks.
The conservancy works with neighboring ranches, so animals move freely. This makes sightings less predictable but more genuine. If you want the Big Five in one day, you’ll be disappointed. If you like slower, more intimate wildlife encounters, Sosian is a good choice.
I found myself appreciating the unpredictability—it made the moments more memorable.
For a full overview of species across the country, I’d suggest checking my guide on native animals in Kenya.
Where to Stay at Sosian Conservancy
There’s only one lodge here—Sosian Lodge. It’s set in a restored ranch house, giving it a more personal feel than some large camps.
Rooms are comfortable, not flashy, with stone walls and wooden beams. The gardens look out over the bush, and the pool area is a nice spot in the middle of the day. Wi-Fi works but can be patchy, so don’t expect reliable video calls.
Rates typically run $350–$650 per person per night. That includes all meals, guided activities, and sometimes laundry. Alcohol is usually extra. For a family, this can add up quickly, but it does cover horseback rides, game drives, and guided walks.
Compared to luxury safaris in Kenya, Sosian is mid-to-upper range, but not five-star polished.
I’d recommend budgeting for tips, transfers, and optional extras like fishing or camel rides. Ask in advance what’s included—policies can change.
The lodge has a friendly, communal atmosphere. It feels like staying at a family home more than a hotel, which I liked, but not everyone will. If you want spa treatments, 24-hour power, or ultra-modern design, this isn’t it. Expect rustic comfort rather than cutting-edge luxury.
Getting to Sosian Conservancy
Reaching Sosian isn’t simple. It sits in the western part of Laikipia. From Nairobi, you can drive about 6–7 hours, depending on road conditions. The roads after Nanyuki can be rough, with long dirt stretches. Fuel stations are scarce once you leave the highway, so fill up early.
I’d only recommend self-driving if you’re comfortable with remote travel and carrying some supplies like extra water, a spare tire, and cash for roadside stops.
The faster way is to fly. Charter flights from Nairobi or Nanyuki can land on nearby airstrips. Safarilink and AirKenya sometimes service this region, but schedules aren’t always reliable and luggage limits are strict.
If you’re booking through the lodge, they often arrange private transfers, which is usually the most reliable option. Confirm arrival times with the lodge before you leave—communication can be patchy once you’re on the road.
When I visited, I drove in with a local guide. The road felt long but gave me a sense of how remote the area is. That remoteness is part of the appeal, but it also makes planning critical.
Don’t assume last‑minute logistics will work out here; book transport details well in advance.
Best Time to Visit Sosian
Laikipia has two rainy seasons: March to May and October to November. Roads can be slippery then, and riding becomes more challenging.
The best months are June through September and December through February. These months are drier, with clearer skies and easier wildlife viewing.
Unlike Masai Mara safaris in Kenya, Sosian doesn’t depend on the Great Migration. The wildlife is resident year-round.
That said, game viewing is easier in the dry season when grass is short. If you want to know how weather shifts affect travel, see my breakdown of the best time for safari in Kenya.
I visited in September, and the mix of warm days and cool nights felt comfortable. Just be ready for chilly mornings when you start rides early.
Packing Tips for Sosian
Packing for Sosian means thinking about both horse riding and game drives. I brought the wrong shoes the first time—regular sneakers—which didn’t work well in the stirrups.
Riding boots or at least sturdy ankle boots are better. For game drives, the usual safari clothing applies: neutral tones, a hat, and layers for cool mornings.
Here are a few packing points that helped me:
- Bring gloves for riding; reins can rub your hands after a few hours.
- Pack binoculars—you’ll want them for both drives and rides.
- A small headlamp is useful around camp at night.
If you’re unsure, I’ve written a full guide on clothing for safari in Kenya and what to add when horseback riding is involved.
Who Should Consider Sosian Conservancy
Sosian Conservancy isn’t for everyone. If you want guaranteed Big Five sightings, you’ll be frustrated. If you’re after luxury spa services, look elsewhere.
But if you want a mix of adventure, horse riding, and traditional safari, this is one of the few places that delivers. You also need to be comfortable with the remoteness—medical care, shops, and fuel are hours away.
I’d say Sosian is best for:
- Confident riders who want to see wildlife in a new way.
- Couples or families looking for a quieter lodge away from crowds.
- Travelers combining Laikipia with other areas, like Ol Pejeta Conservancy or Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
It’s a niche experience, but a memorable one. I still remember the feeling of cantering across the plain with giraffes nearby. Not something you get in a safari vehicle.
At the same time, it’s not a place for travelers who want lots of nightlife, multiple lodge choices, or guaranteed easy logistics—you trade convenience for authenticity.
For more Kenya safari planning resources, I’ve put together a full Kenya safari guide that compares locations, costs, and styles of travel. You can also check updates directly with Sosian Conservancy website.
