Meet Kiwayu, one of the true gentlemen of the Okavango Delta and a much-loved member of our riding partner’s safari herd. Born and raised in Botswana, Kiwayu is the kind of horse who leaves a lasting impression on every guest lucky enough to ride him. With his effortless comfort, forward enthusiasm, and unmistakable presence, he embodies everything we love about riding in wild, beautiful places — a globetrotting soul perfectly at home beneath the African sky.
Horse’s Name:
Kiwayu
Breed / Type:
Kiwayu is a lovely, big bay 15-year-old homebred, sired by Lamu, an American Saddlebred who served as OHS’ foundation stallion for many years.
Height:
16.3hh
Gelding or Mare:
Gelding
How long has Kiwayu been in your herd?
Since his birth 15 years ago.
How did you find Kiwayu?
Barney and PJ Bestelink bred many of OHS’ horses from their stallion Lamu. Those homebreds still form the core of the OHS herd today. Kiwayu’s full brothers, Mabowa and Likipia, are also wonderful, much-loved safari horses.
What do riding guests most love about Kiwayu?
Kiwayu is incredibly comfortable, lovely, and forward-going, and he genuinely enjoys being out and about. In another life, he could quite easily have become an eventer — he’s a very classy chap indeed and will even throw in some flying changes if asked!
What do you as guides most love about Kiwayu?
We know that if a guest is riding Kiwayu, they’re going to have a wonderful ride. He’s a gentleman but still fun, with lovely paces and an independent mind. Solid in front of game and handsome in photographs — what more could one want?
Mention some of Kiwayu’s idiosyncrasies:
Kiwayu has two particular friends in the herd, Lily Trotter and Utendi, both of whom are his half-sisters. He also regularly causes alarm because he’s such a deep sleeper that he can be very hard to rouse in the mornings!
Anything else we should know about Kiwayu?
Kiwayu was named after a small island in the eastern part of the Lamu Archipelago, situated on Kenya’s northern coast — an excellent holiday destination for some rest and relaxation after a riding safari.
