Sanctuary Farm
Sanctuary Farm is a working farm and private sanctuary on the shore of Lake Naivasha, where zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest and waterbuck graze between the paddocks. Guided horseback rides take families right in among the herds, which let horses come far closer than vehicles, and guides split groups so beginners and confident riders both get the ride they want. Lake walks and boat trips fill the rest of the day.
Good to know: Rides are led at a walk for beginners and small children — say who's riding when you book so the horses are matched.
How a family visit works
- 1Book the ride before you drive Moi South Lake Road. Tell them ages, heights, and who has never sat on a horse. They split beginners and confident riders so a walking group is not dragged into a trot.
- 2Check in at the farm, meet the horses, and ride through paddocks where zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest and waterbuck graze. The animals are used to horses, which is why you get closer than in a car.
- 3Non-riders stay off the horses. The farm also does lake walks and can connect to boat trips; use those for the child who refused a helmet.
- 4A ride plus a walk or a lakeshore linger fills about three hours. This is not a drop-in playground.
- 5Long trousers and closed shoes help. Confirm the meeting point on the farm when you book so you are not hunting gates along the lake road.
What kids actually do here
- Walking-pace horseback among zebra and giraffe
- Beginner groups that stay at a walk when you ask for that
- A working farm shoreline, not a hotel lawn with a distant view
- Optional lake walk or boat to fill the rest of the day
- Impala and waterbuck between the paddocks
What to pack
- Long trousers and closed shoes for riding
- A hat that will stay on, and sunscreen
- The booking confirmation and a phone with the farm's contact
- A change of shirt if anyone is nervous enough to overheat
Parent questions
- Can a four-year-old ride?
- The farm takes young beginners at a walk when the horses and staff allow it. Say the child's age when you book and accept a lead-rein or a skip if they say no that day.
- What if only some of us want to ride?
- Book horses for the riders and keep the others on a farm walk or a later boat. Do not put a frightened child on a horse to keep the group together.
Hours, tickets and activity rules change. Confirm the current details on the official site or at the gate before you travel.
Turn the day out into a money lesson
Let your kids save toward trips like this with Tija — a safe pocket-money and savings app for Kenyan families.
More for families: Savings Challenge · Parent guides · Tija for Schools