Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know?
Riding Experience: To safely enjoy an El Karama horse safari, visitors must be experienced riders, able to walk, trot and canter a horse competently. When potential visitors fill out the forms to book a safari or riding holiday (see Get in Touch) they will be asked "Do you have riding experience using English saddles?" and "Can you post or rise to the trot from an English saddle?". If the answer is yes, then go ahead and book a safari or riding holiday with us, and we look forward to your visit, but please answer truthfully as we cannot permit anyone without these abilities to ride our horses: they would be a liability in the African bush.
Camp Conditions: Although our camps are attractive and comfortable we want to point out now to our potential visitors that conditions are not those of a luxury lodge. Visitors are asked to behave responsibly in relation to for example fire hazards, litter disposal, wild animals and the horses and camels which share our camp. More examples of the difference between a luxury lodge or tented camp and our mobile camp is that visitors must make do with cool instead of iced drinks, and lamp, candle and firelight in place of generated electric light. The rewards for fitting in unobtrusively with the wilderness are great for those with the spirit to receive them.
What do I need to bring?
This list is not exhaustive. It recommends some items which will make a difference to your stay and might otherwise be forgotten.
Please bring, in addition to whatever personal toiletries you wish to include:
- Antimalarials
- Sun cream and after sun lotion
- Lip salve
- Insect repellent
- Warm jersey
- Rainproof jacket
- Sun hat
- Sun glasses
- A couple of changes of clothes suitable for riding in
- Riding boots, half chaps and helmet
- Foot wear (sturdy) and a change of clothes suitable for relaxing in camp
- Camera with plenty of film or spare charged batteries (no re-charging can be done on safari) and binoculars will be missed if you leave them behind!
N.B. Please try to keep your personal luggage to the minimum; preferably one medium-size hold-all per person or even better, per couple (any items not needed on the horse safari can be safely left at the ranch house until your return).
