Safaris Unlimited (Africa) Ltd — Local services in Meru County

I have recently arrived back in New Zealand after the most wonderful trip to Kenya where I was privileged enough to go on an 8 Day Horse Safari in the Mara. My experience with Safaris Unlimited was an extraordinary & heart warming experience from start to finish. Gordie & Felicia Church certainly understand hospitality which is so evident in their incredible warmth, flair and outstanding attention to detail. They have thought of everything to make the trip extra special and memorable. To help achieve this, they have a large team of capable, engaging and genuinely warm Kenyans who are very much a part of their team & Safari family. It was also extra special to see Gordie & Felicia’s two children on Safari with us and to see their love of the Mara & Safari life.

It is obvious that Felicia is passionate about horses as she has a wonderful team of beautifully cared for & responsive and well schooled horses which were a pleasure to ride. I always felt in good hands following behind Felicia & Gordie as they don’t take unnecessary risks and although the riding was always fun and interesting, I felt that safety was paramount. I loved and appreciated that they had the charming and knowledgeable Louis in the Safari Truck to take non riders out along with riders who wanted a break from riding on the odd occasion. This was a fun way of getting closer to the big cats than you would dare on a horse.

We had a complete day where we gave the horses a break and all headed off in the 3 safari trucks down to the Mara Triangle on the border of Tanzania. This was an absolute highlight as we saw huge numbers of elephants, buffalo & Giraffe up close & all looking relaxed and happy with grass up to their knees and we had them all to ourselves, with no other safari goers around. The magic of that day will stay with me forever.

Lastly I loved and appreciated having the opportunity to be out in the wide open spaces of the Mara on horseback and I’m aware that this is only made possible by the understanding of Safaris Unlimited & active involvement in the conservation and protection of this beautiful African wilderness and it’s inhabitants. So well done Safaris Unlimited and thank you Gordie & Felicia and team for a wonderful trip!!! To anyone who is on the fence about going....

I just returned from my second unforgettable horseback safari with Safaris Unlimited in Kenya, and it once again exceeded all my expectations! What was originally a once-in-a-lifetime experience has now become really for me a cherished tradition, as I enjoyed breathtaking rides through the stunning landscapes of the Kenyan Mara.

Every detail of the accommodations was truly amazing. The tents were fabulous, complete with incredibly comfortable beds for a perfect night’s sleep, hot showers to refresh after a day in the saddle, and hot water bottles that kept us cozy at night. Being woken to coffee & tea in bed!!

The spectacular tented dinners were a highlight, offering an authentic “Out of Africa” experience under a canopy of stars. The meals and drinks were simply incredible.

And the horses—what can I say? They are, without a doubt, the best in Africa! Gordie and Felicia truly care for them; they are meticulously looked after during the offseason at home, ensuring their top condition and health throughout the ride. The level of care for both horse and rider is first class.

One of the most unique aspects of this safari was the opportunity to interact with the local Maasai community. Their genuine warmth and hospitality provided a deeper connection to the land and culture that you can't find anywhere else. Gordie’s intimate knowledge of the people and wildlife is definitely unsurpassed by any outfitter.

A heartfelt thank you to Gordie and Felicia Church—the absolute best outfitters in Africa! Gordie’s family pioneered horseback riding safaris in Kenya, and their rich history, combined with extensive local knowledge, elevates the entire experience to new heights. The level of care and attention they provide is extraordinary, ensuring that every detail is managed and every moment is memorable.

If you’re yearning for a once-in-a-lifetime African horse safari, look no further than Unlimited Safaris. Trust me, you’ll be in...

It’s hard to know where to begin to accurately describe this incredible life-changing experience. I have been coming to Kenya regularly for work (and some play) since 2017 and I've never gotten to experience the magic and profound magnitude of this country in such a unique way before this. Gordie and Felicia are the consummate hosts, as well as Emma and Louie, the guides, and Dan, Nick, Loki and Dida, the grooms, who all treat you with genuine care and with a depth of unmatched knowledge they love to share about the land you are traversing, the animals you are riding on and alongside and the peoples you see who have lived there for generations. The horses are beyond equal, are an integral part of the Church extended entourage with their own place in the family tree, and although I didn’t get to ride as much as I would have liked, those precious moments on the Mara from horseback defy description. What I loved the most alongside the magnificent natural landscapes, the journey back in time with detailed decor and unique accommodations, the delicious food and the limitless libations, and a mobile operation that strives and succeeds to leave no trace—were the people that I got to know. The staff of many who all work tirelessly to provide you with the most extraordinary of experiences, who are truly the reason that the safari works as well and in the way it does, and who, if you are blessed to spend time with them, not only enrich you in invaluable ways but generously guide your accurate understanding of Kenya and its histories. To Purity, Muli, Sarah and so many more, Shukran sana sana. And thank you for enjoying (putting up with?) my poor attempts at Swahili! If you have the opportunity and are able, whether it be on horseback or another manner of travel, you MUST go on safari with...