What is your most memorable date? I discovered horse riding at Achi’s Stables when I posed this question to some of my friends…
I believe that the best stories and adventures lie within us…
One of my friends, Linet’s description of her horse-riding date had me raring to go! Seeing as I’d never ridden a horse before, it was the sure winner!
I contacted Caleb, the Manager at Achi’s Stables in advance, to learn more about their operations and set up a day to visit. He explained that most Kenyans associate horse riding with foreigners, which is a wrong notion… This made me want to visit all the more, and burst this ‘myth’ wide apart.
Achi’s Stables has been in place since 1994, and is one of the few places in Nairobi where you can access horse riding activities. Located off Forest Edge Road, it is a short drive past Bomas of Kenya. (Map Attached with Bomas of Kenya as the reference point.)
On our ‘big day’, we were met by Timothy, the owner, who started us off at the Gazebo, which is next to the stables. The Gazebo is a little run-down, but it seems like it was a great hang-out place, back in its hay days. It is an old, rustic structure, which gives off a sense of history and would have made the perfect place to relax after a horse ride.
However, Timothy explained that they are moving all their operations to the forest, hence the current condition of the Gazebo.
They have about 28 horses at Achi’s Stables, although most of them were out for the day.
At first, the horses were nonchalant, barely giving us any attention. But when Timothy brought out carrots, the horses were instantly charmed! It’s amazing to witness their quick transformation into friendly beings at the sight of carrots!
I have always wanted to ride a white horse, and took a great liking to Hussein, an oldish, off-white colored horse with great character. 🙂
Then came the task of mounting the horse! Whoa! Mounting a horse is not as easy as they make it seem in the movies…You know those Texan movies where some guy jumps on a horse, as it gallops off at a maddening speed? Well, that was not the case for first-time riders like ourselves. 😀
I learned though, that a horse reads the vibes you are giving off… If you are calm, it remains calm and will let you take the lead.
The trick is to remain calm and use the reins to guide the way. It was scary at first, but I eased into it. Luckily, Hussein and I had sort of ‘bonded over carrots’, thus I was able to lead him without much difficulty. 😀

A happy Hussein and I 🙂
We had a lovely time riding our horses back into the forest, from the stables. However, within the forest, it may get a little tricky because of trees and hanging branches. I got wildly grazed by a tree when Hussein passed uncomfortably close to it, not bearing in mind that he had a ‘passenger’. 😀
While riding in the forest, insist on following well-defined paths to avoid such ‘unpleasant’ encounters with nature. 🙂
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WANJIKU THUO
After our buoyant, first horse ride, we were starving and ready for a picnic. Little did we know, that we had company waiting to join us, albeit forcefully.
My sister and I were looking for a suitable place to sit, when Wanjiku Thuo nearly got attacked by baboons. She was standing by a table with our picnic items, when baboons suddenly descended upon them. Luckily, the stables’ dogs came to her rescue. The wild and furious barking scared the baboons off, albeit temporarily. Thankfully Wanjiku Thuo was okay, but knee-deep in shock!
It swiftly became evident that our picnic was going to be rather ‘eventful’… It was interesting to learn that baboons fearlessly prey upon women. Apparently, they intimidate women easily, but fear and respect men. And, being in a group of girls only, we were quite vulnerable to their tactics.
With Timothy and Caleb at a close distance, we were finally able to pipe down for our picnic. There was still the occasional, cheeky baboon swinging from a branch trying to grab something off the table. The dogs were a great help though, hanging around and barking harshly at them.
It was an interestingly, ‘memorable’ experience to say the least… Although, next time, I’d be certain to bring along male companions to test the ‘men vs women theory’.
Additional Activities At Achi’s Stables
- Horse riding lessons and excursion at Kshs. 2,000 per person /per hour
- Quad biking Kshs. 3,000 per person/per hour
- Cycling (own bicycle) Kshs. 500 per person/per day
Furthermore, they have a big field for such activities as team building, with various venue-offerings, that one can take advantage of.
Achi’s is a nice place if you are looking to adventure in nature, without venturing far out of Nairobi. It is well-suited for families and groups’ activities, and couples as well.
Hopefully, as Kenyans, we will make the most of such resources that are well within our reach, even as we market our country as a ‘tourist destination’.
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I look forward to your comments and feedback on the Comments’ Section below 🙂
Stay Inspired Always 😀
38 Comments
Peter
February 12, 2020 at 1:19 pmThe contacts you indicated does not go through…those pick do not recognize you.
Kindly check that or drop your email..
Scrapbook Journeys
February 13, 2020 at 3:30 pmHi Peter, thanks a lot for your feedback, and sorry to hear… It’s been a while since I wrote this blog post, so there’s a high chance that their personnel has since changed. Unfortunately, I don’t have their updated details at the moment. I’d suggest checking for their details on Google. Cheers.
Jacklyne anjejo
July 22, 2018 at 11:30 pmHi just read this and coincidentally today my eldest daughter asked me where we can go do that she gets horse riding lessons and perfect I bumped into your blog,super excited and I’m definitely looking forward to taken them there. If you could send me Achi’s contacts, I’d be grateful. Thanks for the information.
Scrapbook Journeys
July 23, 2018 at 9:46 amHello there Jacklyne! I am delighted to hear that this post was helpful to you, thank you for reading! Always happy to share 🙂 Here goes Achis’ contacts: Timothy: +254 724 932271 and Caleb: 0732 997471
I will also email it to you. Have a most wonderful week ahead and all the best to your daughter! 😀
Shabaz
July 5, 2018 at 12:04 amI was in need of a perfect horse riding spot to entertain my cousins from abroad, was scouring the net to discern which would be the best out of a number of options but you’ve made it easy for me. Achi it is, highly appreciate this post
Scrapbook Journeys
July 5, 2018 at 12:12 amHi Shabaz! I am happy to read that the post was of help! Good stuff! I wish you all the best, and hope you Subscribe for more travel ideas! 😀
Bryan
June 16, 2018 at 4:01 pmThat’s so lovely an adventure. And the piece is worth compared to other articles I have read. Well sure love to try that sooner.
Scrapbook Journeys
July 2, 2018 at 1:24 pmI am glad to hear you enjoyed it Bryan! All the very best as you try it out! 😀
Duffle Ken
February 20, 2018 at 9:42 pmWas just looking for a birthday chill out and I thought horse riding. Then poped your blog. Sure trying it out this weekend. Perfect piece.
Scrapbook Journeys
February 28, 2018 at 12:29 pmGoood stuff!! Really good stuff Ken! Thank you, I am glad you came by, and welcome to my Scrapbook Journeys’ Family! I hope you had a great time at Achi’s Stables!
And P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! 😀
J. Shan'Trice - Fashionaire She
March 31, 2017 at 6:56 pmAs a child I always dreamed of horse back riding. Looks like a great adventure!
Scrapbook Journeys
April 3, 2017 at 11:55 amWow me too!I grew up wishing I had a horse..haha 😀 I hope you will partake this adventure, and make your own memories, now as a grown up. 🙂
Echoesofhervoice
March 31, 2017 at 12:33 amThis looks like so much fun! I love horse riding, but unfortunately only have done it a few times. Thank you for sharing…I lived vicariously through you!
Scrapbook Journeys
April 3, 2017 at 11:57 amAlways a pleasure to be able to re-ignite a fire for something that my readers love, and you are totally welcome. Thank you for reading!
Sandy KS
March 31, 2017 at 12:27 amMy daughter loves horses. This is something I looking to in my area for my daughter. I know she would love riding lessons. I remember telling her as a little girl my dad owned a couple horses and taught my siblings and I how to ride.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 3, 2017 at 12:01 pmHi Sandy! Oh wow, happy to read from you. Wow, your daughter is blessed to have you as a mum. I bet she will grow up into a horse-riding pro, all the best in finding a place for the classes. Thanks a lot for reading!
Catherine Roberts
March 30, 2017 at 2:42 pmI have a lot of respect for this post, its so true and down to earth. I am all about positivity and will promote it wherever I go. So Thank-you for sharing this, you have made my day! Many Thanks, Cat Xx
http://www.thelife-ofcat.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/thelifeofcat
Scrapbook Journeys
April 3, 2017 at 12:02 pmWow thank you Cat, this is super encouraging! You rock! Thank you, and I am heading to your blog right about now to catch up with your latest post! Thank you!
Abhishek Goyal
March 30, 2017 at 12:05 pmWow! horse riding. This was one of my passion in my childhood age. But I didn’t do so much of horse riding in my life. I ‘ve always wanted to go this type of place but never got a chance to go. Thanks for sharing this information.
Scrapbook Journeys
April 3, 2017 at 12:03 pmYou are very welcome Abhishek! It is my pleasure to share this info 🙂 Thank you for reading, and my hope is that it has inspired you to take up horse-riding and fulfill that childhood passion. 🙂 😀
Stanley
March 30, 2017 at 11:50 amGood job Marion is good you are showing as a places we can spend time and learn to ride horses
Scrapbook Journeys
April 3, 2017 at 12:05 pmThank you so much Stanley for reading! Hey, be sure to check out this place. 🙂 I bet you will enjoy horse-riding!
Carole
July 23, 2016 at 4:57 pmChilled out date venue ideas pap! This is so close and I didn’t even know it existed…Keep doing what you’re doing Marion. Always looking forward to being enlightened about new places. As for the monkeys, that theory is sooone true. See one, run!
Scrapbook Journeys
July 24, 2016 at 9:05 pmHaha Thanks Carole for reading! And Yes next time I see one of those guys, I know not to stick around 😀 Hope you will get to visit Achi’s Soon! Glad to have you around, as we explore more of Kenya 😀
Nesh Kanja
July 22, 2016 at 11:32 pmThanks for this piece again, been there for a date before and all this brought back sweet memories
Definitely will visit this place again with my bike kama kawa, loved it and thanks again for showing Kenyans another Gem
Scrapbook Journeys
July 24, 2016 at 9:10 pmOh wow! Did I read ‘The bike’? haha 😀 It’s always a pleasure to discover and share these gems! Thanks for reading and for the support-always 😀
DAVE
July 18, 2016 at 11:48 amNice! Nice! piece of adventure.Thanx for the blog and be blessed
Scrapbook Journeys
July 21, 2016 at 8:16 pmThanks a lot Dave for the support! Glad you enjoyed it! 😀
Wanjiku
July 17, 2016 at 12:39 pmHahaha those monkeys though! Wanting to ruin my day!! Had fun all the same. Never been so close to a horse….
on another note…Kuna mtu nadai apples. Thank you. Am out
Scrapbook Journeys
July 21, 2016 at 8:17 pmTehehe good times though! And as for apples….sijui ni nani 😀 LOL!
MS. mithamo
July 14, 2016 at 6:01 pmI remember how this day was so funny but epic. From the struggle of getting on the horse to when the monkeys almost took our Wanjiku Thuo with them awesome read, brought back the memories
Scrapbook Journeys
July 14, 2016 at 6:31 pmYes we certainly had loads of fun that day! And the trampoline…whoa! Had a laugh and got to see what a scaredy cat I can be..haha 😀 Thanks for always coming through love 😀
patricia
July 14, 2016 at 3:28 pmIoving every bit if it but fearful at the same time abt horse riding not conversant with it at all
Scrapbook Journeys
July 14, 2016 at 6:32 pmPat, I feel you completely. 🙂 For a first time, I think we did okay 😀 You would do fine, I know you to be very courageous 😉 Give it a try at least once-you’ll like it 😀
Charity
July 14, 2016 at 3:04 pmGood read.
Good job Marion
Scrapbook Journeys
July 14, 2016 at 6:34 pmThanks Charity for reading 😀 Appreciated!
Stom
July 14, 2016 at 1:20 pmMy dreams are slowly becoming valid. I’ve always wanted to own a horse so I guess starting here wouldn’t hurt.
Thank you for this info. Who even knew this place exists?
(Or maybe it’s just me who didn’t )
Scrapbook Journeys
July 14, 2016 at 6:36 pmHey Stom! Guess what, Growing up, I also always wanted to own a horse, a cute white horse! 😀
So certainly your dreams are valid… 🙂 And what better way to start than to learn how to ride a horse right? Thanks for reading! It’s my pleasure to share the gems Nairobi holds 😀