Follow the elephant-proof fence

My riding adventure starts with an introductory afternoon potter around the farm; and it’s here that the steadfastness and common sense of Riding High’s Appaloosas – an American breed beloved by the Nez Perce people, and known for its loud spotted coat - is put to the test. Chased by a rambunctious spaniel, a reedbuck explodes from a stand of eucalypts – but my horse Spectre merely flinches at the intrusion, standing his ground.

“Appaloosas are just so sensible and smart,” Dani says. “And they are also surefooted, they really consider every step which is so important when we reach higher altitudes.”

My home during my two-night visit is cosy Marania Guest Cottage, a straw-bale duplex that captures views across the farmland. In one building there’s an open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining area, with a loft bedroom upstairs; while across a courtyard, there’s accommodation for another four people, queen bed downstairs and two twins in a loft.

But before retiring for the night, I’m cooked a delicious “farm to fork” meal by personal chef Billy, using produce straight from the farm; while in the morning, there is freshly baked bread, farm-fresh milk, butter, honey and yoghurt, and a fresh fruit salad to start the day in healthy style.

Beyond the boundary

Back in the saddle, we’re delving deeper into the Forest Reserve, beyond an elephant-proof fence that divides the farm from the wilderness beyond. As the soaring red cedar, African olive and rosewood forest opens to a glade, we pause in the sunshine to rest our horses before continuing on, cutting through shoulder-high heathland fragrant with African sage and yellow-flowered euryops before emerging onto a protea-swathed ridgeline.

From here, we gaze out across the crater of the extinct volcano, carpeted in open moorland zig-zagged by streams and wetland, towards the north-eastern slopes of Mount Kenya, its jagged peaks shrouded behind brooding cloud. Somewhere out there, at an altitude of 3100 metres, sits Rutundu Cabins – a secluded mountain lodge overlooking a shimmering, trout-stocked glacial lake, where Riding High guests stay during a three-night riding safari.

For those who want a true wilderness experience, however, seven-day camping trips venture further beyond the treeline, through scenic valleys where waterfalls plummet into gorges, and along rocky slopes and perilous ravines towards Mount Kenya’s third highest peak, Lenana. Here, riders have the option of continuing on two feet, joining a guided hike to the summit; while experienced rock climbers can also tackle the more challenging Batian or Nelion, technical climbs that can only be attempted between December and March.

Into the elephant corridor

I’m content with the four legs carrying me, however – and Spectre doesn’t waver as we begin our own skidding descent into grasslands where Maasai cattle graze alongside skittish zebras, who hide behind bushes to peek at our passing cavalcade. We are now entering the Mount Kenya Elephant Corridor, a 14-kilometre migratory pathway linking Mount Kenya and the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve. Created in 2010 as a means of reducing human/wildlife conflict in the farmland bordering the Forest Reserve, the corridor - maintained by Mount Kenya Trust – includes a national highway underpass, last year used by more than 1000 elephants.

While we don’t see any jumbos making their way past the electrified, three-metre tall fence, we do ride past a large herd of blackbuck – a regal-looking antelope with impressive spiralled horns and a waggling white behind - grazing within the confines of the corridor. It’s encouraging to know that important conservation measures like this benefit all wildlife, and create a harmonious environment for special close encounters like this.

Julie Miller was a guest of Classic Safari Company.