Kenya - Sosian Lodge Stay

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from RA of Redditch on 17/09/2015

Sosian's specialty is in providing a private game viewing experience, away from the restrictions of National Park rules. This sense of freedom and exploration means that they can offer action packed adventures in the surrounding Laikipia wilderness. Trekking, bush walks, riding, camel safaris, game-drives and night-drives all offer a multitude of unique ways to see game. The guiding is of the highest standards and complements the huge range of activities available. As well as looking for wildlife, other activities available include fishing, archery, tennis, rafting, tubing down the river, and swimming in the rivers (after jumping from the waterfalls!). A visit to a nearby Samburu settlement should not be missed and provides a fascinating insight into traditional pastoral life which has not changed appreciably in hundreds of years.

With a beautifully built stable yard for 26 horses, Sosian has always ensured a varied string of well-schooled and well-mannered horses to suit all abilities, and rides are tailored to the ability of the riders. Riders must be experienced and confident at all paces to be able to ride into the bush, and should be able to control their horse when cantering in open country and stay seated in case their horse spooks. At times the terrain is rough and riders must look out for holes in the ground. For beginners and young children there are shorter rides close to the lodge, as well as lessons in the sand arena. Children's ponies are also available for younger riders.

The horses are generally thoroughbred or thoroughbred cross, with the tough native ponies originating from Ethiopia. Besides being stabled at night to protect them from lion, the Sosian horses otherwise live a very natural existence running as a herd during the day which makes for very easy horses to work with, as they are genuinely happy & relaxed animals.

A simple cross-country course provides a bit of fun for the experienced riders and a real achievement for the more novice riders. English tack is utilised and all the horses are schooled to be light in the mouth and responsive to the leg. Many of the best horses have been bred at Sosian and they range from 12hh children's ponies to 16.2hh horses.

Sosian Ranch has an expanding herd of 600 + head of Boran cattle (Kenya's very own zebu breed developed from the native stock), including a pedigree breeding herd and small dairy. A tour of the ranching side of Sosian is another fascinating activity not to be missed. Guests can lend a hand with dipping, weighing and vaccinating and learn about the trials of keeping unfenced cattle in this wild environment full of large predators. The lodge is well known for its delicious home cooking using fresh ingredients from the garden, and its warm and friendly hospitality. There are lots of wonderful places to eat including picnics by the river, lunches by the swimming pool and bush dinners around an open fire followed by camping under the stars for the more adventurous.

As well as big herds of elephant, zebra, buffalo, numerous species of antelope, giraffe and hippo; lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyenas are regularly spotted. Sosian is home to some rare and endangered mammal species such as Jackson's hartebeest, Grevy's zebra, Reticulated giraffe, striped hyena and aardwolf. There are three packs of African Wild Dogs in the area and sightings of these endangered predators are prolific. Sosian works closely with the Laikipia Predator Project collecting data on wild dogs and lions to protect both these species. The birdlife is spectacular and large raptors such as Martial Eagle, African Hawk Eagle and Bateleur are resident and often seen.

Sosian's dramatic landscapes are wild and varied with open plains, acacia forest and riverine valleys. Large Koppies, rugged escarpments and other promontories provide spectacular view points across Laikipia's endless landscape.

Sosian's original ranch house was built in the 1940's by Italian artisans, beautifully restored in recent years to accommodate up to 14 people, whilst maintaining the welcoming atmosphere of a private home, known now as Sosian Lodge. Seven cottages are dotted throughout the garden, a wonderful haven dominated by verdant greenery and flowers, all set against a back drop of Mt Kenya with views for miles over the Laikipia Plateau - true unspoilt Africa. Each cottage lies with its own private veranda and en-suite fully plumbed bathroom. The lodge has a beautiful rock swimming pool, set beside a soaring open-sided thatched roof house, spaced with hammocks, comfy day beds and an open bar, a tennis court, riding manege and organic vegetable garden.

Max Hastings wrote about his time in Laikipia "it is amazing how soon one becomes indifferent to the outside world, concerned only for the big events taking place within one's own horizon." Sosian embodies this notion. In this great wilderness you find both beauty and comfort, but the only thing worth thinking about is what you intend to do with your long African day. Sosian is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and is a member of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, working to protect Laikipia's wildlife through sustainable land uses such as eco-tourism.

Single supplement exemption - one single supplement is allowed free of charge when booking as a group.

Family offer - the third child sharing a triple pays conservation fees only.

Non-riders and other activities:
Sosian offers a huge range of activities including guided walking and tracking, horse-riding, camel safaris, game-drives, night-drives, fishing, archery, tennis, river kayaking, tubing and waterfall jumping. Guests are also welcome to join the ranch manager for a morning to learn about ranching in Kenya. 

Camel Riding: 
Camels have been part of the northern Kenyan landscape for hundreds of years and are kept as livestock for their milk and meat. Contrary to popular belief, if well looked after they are very well tempered. Sosian camels are friendly and at times can be overly affectionate! Camel riding is a fun activity and typically a ride will last 40 minutes or so and allows you to see the bush from a great vantage point.
Fly Camping:
Bringing you closer to the bush and further from modern frills, fly camping in bedrolls under the stars is an adventurous experience. Dinner is eaten by the campfire and most nights guests will drop off to sleep listening to distant lions, hyena and leopard but yet sleep better than they can remember...

Cultural Experiences:
Sosian is situated at a junction of many different tribal areas in Northern Kenya, a very diverse area rich in traditions and untouched by western development. Samburus, Pokots, Turkanas and many smaller tribes live in the area and by special arrangement guests at Sosian may pay a visit to a local village.
The villagers are very proud to show their cultural traditions and your visit emphasises the importance of these traditions. Dances of courtship, fertility and marriage, jewellery making and fire making are explained in detail and it is then possible to go inside some of the houses in the village to see how these very proud people live and how strongly their customs are ingrained in their society. This is a fascinating excursion from Sosian for both adults and children and an important part of a safari holiday to Kenya.

Activities nearby include quad biking, helicopter rides and scenic flights. 

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

With a beautifully purpose built stable yard for 26 horses, Sosian has always ensured a varied string of well- schooled and well-mannered horses to suit all abilities and rides are tailored to ability. The horses are generally thoroughbred or thoroughbred cross, with the tough native ponies originating from Ethiopia. Besides being stabled at night to protect them from lion, the Sosian horses otherwise live a very natural existence running as a herd during the day which Sosian firmly believes results in such easy horses to work with, as they are genuinely happy & relaxed animals. English tack is utilised and all the horses are schooled to be light in the mouth and responsive to the leg. Many of the best horses have been bred at Sosian and they range from 12hh children’s ponies to 16.2hh horses.

Out in the bush the terrain is rough and at times riders must look out for holes in the ground. The varied terrain makes for interesting riding, through rivers, along tracks and across more open country, where you can canter, jump and gallop. Riding is a peaceful and yet exciting way of becoming part of the landscape and experience the surroundings.

For beginners, novice riders and children there are shorter rides close to the lodge, as well as lessons in the fenced sand arena.

From intermediate onwards to ride out with big game - riders must have considerable riding experience and be confident at all paces, so that they can handle a horse in open country and cope with close encounters with big game should it arise. Rides tend to be 2-3 hours in the morning and/or evenings, with groups no bigger than 8 riders. Novice riders can be accommodated with advance notice with short rides close to the lodge and riding lessons in the fenced arena.
Minimum rider age (game outrides) 16 years. Maximum weight limit 95 kgs.

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Guests are accommodated in an elegant 1940’s ranch house that has been beautifully renovated. Within the lodge gardens there are also cottages each with 2 separate bedrooms. There is more space for children in the family cottage if needed. It has a further interconnecting room to sleep another three children, with their own bathroom. All the rooms are en-suite and have their own private verandas. Included in the rooms are dressing gowns, pure cotton bedlinen, a lounge area and mosquito nets.

The Family Cottage:

This cottage can either be a 2 or 3 bedroom unit, accommodating a family of up to 7 people. There is a double room with an interconnecting twin or triple, which has its own bathroom (with a bath). The double room also has an en-suite bathroom (with a shower). There is also a twin en-suite (with shower) room next door, with separate access through its own door.

Listening Service: for younger guests who may need to go to bed before their parents, a member of staff can be provide to sit on the veranda outside their room, offering peace of mind whilst you have dinner.

The Honeymoon Cottage:

Also known as the Italian Cottage (because it was built by Italian artisans) this is set in its own private garden area with extra privacy. It is the largest of all the rooms with bedroom, walk through closet and large bathroom with twin basins, shower and bath.

There is a beautiful solar-heated swimming pool, a large shaded pool house with open bar, a hard-surface tennis court (complete with a Wimbledon tennis net!) and an organic vegetable garden. There is also a small shop at Reception with the main aim of supporting local Kenyan artisans, with a large variety of Kenyan products. There is something for everyone, whether it be kikoys, jewellery, bead work, belts, safari gear or flip flops. Cash or credit cards are accepted and the proceeds go directly to the local women’s group to offer more opportunities to young girls in the area.

Sosian is well known for its delicious home cooking using fresh ingredients from the garden. Being so remote, popping into town is not always very easy, so over the years they have nurtured their own extensive kitchen garden and have become largely self-sufficient, growing salads, herbs and vegetables. Pigs are reared on the farm and high quality, farm fresh beef, chicken and lamb is sourced from the neighbours.

With these wonderful ingredients, the head chef has no problem producing wholesome, organic, home cooked meals throughout the year. Any dietary requirements can be catered for, for all the family.

Mealtimes - Fine Dining, Picnics & BBQ’s

Every mealtime is different at Sosian, whether it's a 3-course meal in the dining room or a bush breakfast under an acacia tree, your hosts will keep you guessing where your next meal will pop out from! Guests love to dine out in the bush and a candlelit bush dinner is a very special experience. Sosian will also cater for the smaller members of the family and offer child-friendly options and early suppers for those needing an early night!

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document. Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive and you should have at least two blank pages in your passport on arrival. You need a visa to enter Kenya. Kenyan entry visas are exclusively issued electronically, with passengers required to obtain their e-visas before departure. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visas website. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kenya.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/kenya

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Due to the altitude (Nairobi is at 6500 feet) Kenya has a pleasant temperate climate year round despite being on the equator. There are rains in April/May and again in November/early December. June/July/August can be a little colder particularly at night and July can herald some cloud cover which is not unpleasant for riding. March is the warmest month although temperatures are still good for riding.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.

It is advisable to only drink bottled water whilst in Kenya. As it can get hot during the days and you will spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun it is recommended that you keep well hydrated. The most common cause of stomach upsets and diarrhoea is dehydration; increasing your fluid intake should prevent this illness. Some people may also have some stomach trouble due to different foods etc. If you suffer from a sensitive stomach then one option is to take travel probiotics during your trip – these build up the good bacteria in your stomach and can help fight bouts of ‘tummy trouble’.

If wearing contact lenses, please remember that it will be dusty and you will need extra cleaning fluid, and glasses may be a preferred option.

If required, anti-malaria precautions should be commenced prior to arrival in Kenya.

Anti-malaria precautions are recommended - see your doctor for details. Sunscreen and a mosquito repellent containing DEET should be packed.

In Kenya the supply voltage is 240V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 240V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Whilst staying at the lodge there is electricity to charge your camera equipment.

WiFi:
Whilst we encourage guests to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with themselves, we do also understand that this can be impractical at times. For this reason free WiFi is offered in the lodge reception area. Please be aware that given the remote location 1st world connectivity speeds cannot be guaranteed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Muted colour clothing – khaki, green or brown (white can startle wildlife and black attracts bugs)
Anti-malarial medication (in high risk areas)
Insect repellent
Fleece for cold mornings
Layers of clothing - this is the best option as mornings and evenings can be chilly but the middle of the day can be very hot.
Muted colour clothing – khaki, green or brown (white can startle wildlife and black attracts bugs)
Anti-malarial medication (in high risk areas)
Insect repellent
Fleece for cold mornings
Suncream/Insect repellent
Buff/Scarf/Bandana
Torch
Wet wipes
Portable/solar charger
Copy of your passport/visa/travel insurance
Kindly note that there is a 15kg weight limit for the light aircraft transfers and luggage should be packed in soft bags - not hard suitcases.

This lodge can be booked all year round per night with a recommended minimum 3 night stay.

2025 Low Season: 1 Mar - 30 Apr; 1 Nov - 18 Dec
2025 Mid Season: 6 Jan - 28 Feb; 1 - 30 June; 1 Sep - 31 Oct
2025 High Season: 1 Jul - 31 Aug
2025 Peak Season: 19 Dec - 5 Jan 2026

First single booking is at the Dbl pp rate. Single supplement charged from the 2nd single booking onward.

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Reading List

We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.

Going Down the River Road - Meja Mwangi. This is a good introduction to East African Literature.

The Safari Companion - Richard E. Estes (Chelsea Green, UK) This book aims to explain not only what animals you're looking at, but also what they're doing, and its illustrated explanations make fascinating reading.

The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals - Jonathan Kingdon (Natural World, UK) A detailed and comprehensive catalogue of African land mammals, illustrated with photographs and distribution maps for each species.

Kenya from the Air - Anne Arthus-Bertrand and Anne Spoerry (Thames and Hudson, UK/Vendome, US) Superb images of the country from the eagle's viewpoint.

Marsh Lions - Brian Jackman and Jonathan Scott (o/p). Beautifully produced and painstakingly researched study of the lions and other animals around the Musiara Marsh in Maasai Mara

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback, visit www.thelongridersguild.com.

A fantastic soure of equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Non-riders and other activities:
Sosian offers a huge range of activities including guided walking and tracking, horse-riding, camel safaris, game-drives, night-drives, fishing, archery, tennis, river kayaking, tubing and waterfall jumping. Guests are also welcome to join the ranch manager for a morning to learn about ranching in Kenya. 

Sosian conservancy has exceptional scope for viewing wildlife in its natural habitat, being a haven for over 70 species of mammals, 30 species of reptiles and over 350 species of birds.
The density of the wildlife population in Laikipia ranks second only to the Masai Mara in Kenya and the area supports more endangered mammals than anywhere else in East Africa. Rare species in the area include the endemic Jackson’s hartebeest, Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Laikipia also boasts the second highest population of elephant in Kenya, with around 6000 resident in the area, of which several hundred can be seen on Sosian at one time.

The northern grassy plains are home to wildlife such as oryx, gazelle, zebra, ostrich and cheetah, whilst the southern end of the conservancy, full of acacia woodland, is home to elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard and wild dog to name a few.

Sosian is fortunate to have 15km of the beautiful Ewaso Narok River running through it, with huge Yellow Fever Acacia trees and beautiful waterfalls, offering a lifeline to much of the wildlife in the area, particularly during the dry seasons. Hippo are a common sighting and the birdlife is spectacular.

Kenya's history dates back to many centuries from the internal diaspora or the early settlements and migrations. Then came the formation of the various language groups who developed their own religions, traditions, governments and ruling systems. Then came the white settlers, which was followed by the fight for liberation, which gave birth to the Mau Mau freedom fighters and the rise of the Kenyan heroes.

English is the official language while Swahili is the national language. That means that government and education are in English, while everything else tends to be in Swahili. And, in actuality, most of government is in Swahili also. In addition to these two languages, most of the people in Kenya also speak their "mother tongue" - their tribal languages.

In Kenya it is possible to leave Nairobi, a city with a thriving business heart powered by the latest information technology, and drive in just a few hours to a place where life is lived in accordance to tradition and custom, where warriors armed with spears drive cattle into thorn brush enclosures to protect them from lions at night.

Kenya is three hours ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram.

The international dialling code is +254.