Good For You

Deloraine has a fascinating history. Built by Lord Francis Scott in 1920, a prominent early settler instrumental in developing farms throughout Kenya, this beautiful colonial building has hosted a number of eminent guests including Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

For the past 15 years it has been home to Tristan and Cindy Voorspuy, the founders of Offbeat Safaris. There are eight bedrooms in total, five within the main house and a further three doubles located in an adjacent cottage. Guests are welcome - and encouraged - to join in with the house's party atmosphere and are made to feel very much at home.

Deloraine is also the headquarters of Offbeat Safaris' mobile riding safari operation. Whether you plan on taking an extended riding safari or just feel like exploring the surrounding countryside on a day trip then you're in the right place. Experienced guides and well schooled thoroughbreds (and thoroughbred cross) are available to guests although some riding experience is necessary.

Good For Kenya

Deloraine is owned by the Tristan and Cindy Voorspuy, the founders of Offbeat Safaris, who have been running safaris in Kenya for the past 25 years. Tristan has been recognised by The Times as one of the top safari guides in Africa and his knowledge and experience of Africa and its wildlife has led to him being chosen as one Kenya's honorary Game Wardens. Cindy is one of Africa's top ranked Polo players at Deloraine she looks after over 80 horses.

Cindy and Tristan are committed to preserving Kenya's environment and working with local communities wherever possible. The Offbeat Camps are kept small in order to keep their environmental impact to a minimum and employ eco-friendly initiatives such as solar panels, where possible.

Rooms

Food

Features & Facilities

• Riding Safaris
• Game Drives
• Swimming Pool
• Tennis Courts
• Horse Riding

Local Info & Activities

Deloraine is located on the western edge of the Great Rift Valley on the lower slopes of Mount Londiani. It is within driving distance (45 minutes) of Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingo's and rhino, and Lake Bogoria another beautiful park.

Deloraine is the headquarters of Offbeat Safaris' Mobile Riding Safari operation. Their yard and stables, with approximately 80 horses, boasts some of the finest polo ponies in Kenya. Guests are welcome to ride around the farm and the nearby mountain providing spectacular views across the surrounding countryside. There is also a cross country course and a polo ground.

Other activities include magnificent gardens, a croquet lawn, tennis court and a swimming pool.

Riding Safaris

Offbeat Safaris has over 20 years experience organising mobile riding safaris throughout Kenya is well known to be one of Africa's top Mobile Horse Riding Safari Companies.

The Horses are well schooled thoroughbred and thoroughbred cross. Many are home bred from Offbeat's best mares. All of them are responsive, tough and fit. Many are trained for polo and the best ones are hand picked for each guest on their riding safari.

One of the key factors of any safari in Africa, but in particular a riding safari, is your guide. Offbeat has built its excellent reputation by providing guides who are top horsemen, passionate about Kenya's wildlife and great hosts.

Most of the rides alongside the Masai Mara and through the Northern ranches are on fairly open plains where you find black cotton soil interspersed with acacia bush. Many areas have short grass plains ideal for riding. Care must be taken for holes but canters and gallops are taken in open plains areas.

Good riding ability is important. Guests should be comfortable at all paces, be able to gallop and react quickly and safely - the safaris ride in areas where big game wildlife is abundant. Guests should be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours a day. The weight limit is 2101bs or 95kgs unless special request are made.

For each of the set departure safaris a minimum of 4 guests are required and numbers are kept to a maximum of 12 in a riding party. Tailor Made Riding Safaris can organise to suit your own requirements.

Tack:

English. Various saddles, polo, wintec, French Trekking and Australian stock. Mainly snaffle bridles.

Price

Please contact The Good Travel Company for more information of Riding Safari prices.

INSIDER TIP/S

Climate

January through till March is the hottest period in the bush. April and May bring the long rains and therefore no riding safaris operate then. July through to September is the period when the migration passes through the Masai Mara with warm weather and occasional showers. November through to early December bring the short rains. Early December onwards heralds the beginning of another safari season.

Internal Flights

Internal flights have a weight allowance of maximum 15kg; guests are advised to pack accordingly.

Riding Safaris

For those guests who plan to enjoy a riding safari it is recommended that you bring the following: soft holdall type bag, gloves, sun hat, waterproof mac / poncho, penknife, footwear for riding, binoculars, warm jersey / fleece, jeans and / or riding trousers, sun block, water bottle, mosquito repellent, camera and film, head torch, money belt / cotton waist coat, sun glasses, lightweight jacket, saddle bags, long-sleeved cotton shirts, first aid kit, swimsuit and gym shoes / flip flops.

Offbeat Safaris provide sheets and blankets, soap and towels and tents.

Guests are advised to contact their doctor prior to travel regarding anti-malaria medication.

Sustainability

Deloraine is owned by the Tristan and Cindy Voorspuy, the founders of Offbeat Safaris, who have been running safaris in Kenya for the past 25 years. Tristan has been recognised by The Times as one of the top safari guides in Africa and his knowledge and experience of Africa and its wildlife has led to him being chosen as one Kenya's honorary Game Wardens. Cindy is one of Africa's top ranked Polo players at Deloraine she looks after over 80 horses.

Cindy and Tristan are committed to preserving Kenya's environment and working with local communities wherever possible. The Offbeat Camps are kept small in order to keep their environmental impact to a minimum and employ eco-friendly initiatives such as solar panels, where possible.

Getting There

Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has connections to many European and US cities.

Deloraine is a three hour drive from Nairobi or guests can take a private charter to Gogar airstrip which is just a few minutes from the house.

Offbeat Safaris can meet guests at Nairobi airport and arrange charter flights as well as road transfers.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

All prices are in US Dollars ($) per person per night based on two people sharing unless otherwise indicated (full board).

Open All Year

Per person per night $300.00

Child under 12yrs $150.00

• Rates valid from 15th December 2007 to 15th December 2008
• Rates are per person per night based on two people sharing unless otherwise indicated.
• Rates exclude Park Fees; $20.00 for adults and children
• Rates exclude champagne, Nakuru and Bogoria day trip ($150 per person if 2 people, $100 per person if 3 people, $80 per person if 4 people) and riding safaris.

booking & cancellation policy

A non-refundable 20% deposit is required to confirm your reservation

Full payment 45 days in advance

The full fee will be forfeited if cancellation occurs 30 days or less in advance.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.