Crossroads of Luxury and Adventure on Horseback

Dates:
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Duration:
9 days / 8 nights

Riding Level:
Intermediate-Advanced

The Masai Mara is the epitome of East Africa - a landscape of rolling savannah and acacia woodland, crisscrossed by the Mara and Olare Orok rivers. Considered to be Kenya’s top wildlife sanctuary, and by extension, one of the best in the world, animals can still be seen in the kind of vast herds in which they once wandered throughout Africa. The flora, fauna, and fowl are phenomenal, with great numbers of big cats drawn to the density of the high plain and the annual migration of up to one million wildebeest, considered to be one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. Between the great wildebeest migration from July to October, or the warm, dry months of December to March, the game viewing is always spectacular. Furthermore, the Mara is home to the Masai people who are synonymous with the region.

Horses

The horses are a mixture of Percheron-Boerperd, Friesian-Boerperd, Arab-French-Somali crossbreds, Appaloosas and thoroughbreds, ridden English-style in general-purpose and French cavalry saddles. They are used to living at close quarters with wild animals and are familiar with being amongst big game. Each horse is schooled for the sole purpose of carrying guests safely through the African wilderness.

Riding Level

Intermediate - Advanced

All riders must be confident at all paces, of intermediate level of fitness and riding ability, and have with them a sense of adventure.

Tack and Terrain

English tack (general purpose saddles) or French cavalry saddles.

Terrain consists of open, grassy plains, hills, rocky outcrops, rivers, and mountains. Enjoy exploring the differing topography of the area: open bush, wooded riverine areas, wetlands, and strange rock formations home to large baobabs.

Accommodation

Luxury Tented Camp Mobile Safari

Riders will ride from camp to camp across the landscape, spending 1-2 nights in each place. Camps feature canvas tents and are furnished in a traditional safari style, with two single or one double bed. Specific details of each camp vary by itinerary.

 

Dining

Meals are provided by the camp chef, cooked over an open fire. Enjoy alfresco, candlelit dining to the sounds of the savannah, picnic lunches while on safari, and full-Monty breakfasts before each day’s ride.

Itinerary

  • You will be met and transferred from your hotel to Wilson Airport for a safari briefing. Our morning flight departs at 10:30am and arrives in the Mara at 11:15am. Your professional safari guide will meet you in the bush for a game drive to our private canvas mobile camp, arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon is spent settling in, followed by a short ride or game drive.

    Riding distance: 5-10km

    Overnight: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy

  • Morning and afternoon exploring the riverine forests and open plains of Lemek. There is an abundance of wildlife here including giraffe, warthog, zebra, hartebeest, topi, wildebeest, and with a little luck, cheetah and leopard, too. Bloody Marys in the morning and pink Gins for sundowners in the evening. A heavenly first day on safari.

    Riding distance: 10-15km

    Overnight: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy

  • Our first full day in the saddle takes us through spectacular wildlife country with impala, gazelle, elephant, buffalo, ostrich, and more. Picnic lunch is enjoyed in a patch of forest called Olomai. After a siesta we ride down to the banks of the Mara River with its large pods of hippo and the odd monster crocodile.

    RIding distance: 20-25km

    Overnight: Mara River, Mara North Conservancy

  • A stunning area to traverse by horse or vehicle. We may ford the Mara River and ride under the iconic Siria Escarpment. The concentration of game is breathtaking and with plenty of opportunity to jump fallen trees created by the resident elephant. Waterbuck, eland, jackal, hyena, and lion occur, as do many other wildlife species.

    Riding distance: 10-15km

    Overnight: Mara River, Mara North Conservancy

  • After a Full Monty breakfast we ride in a southerly direction across Maternity Plain. Stunning views in every direction and excellent going for the horses. We cross the Mara River on horseback and enter the famous Mara Triangle. Picnic lunch is enjoyed in a patch of thick forest often occupied by elephant. After lunch, a short ride followed by an ascent on foot to the top of the escarpment.

    Riding distance: 20-25km

    Overnight: Out of Africa Camp, mara Triangle

  • Options to ride or drive in the triangle with magical views looking down towards the Serengeti in the distance. This corner of the ecosystem is blessed with croton thickets, forest and endless tall grasslands, the perfect environment for rhino, elephant, buffalo, and lion. In the late afternoon we may visit a small traditional homestead of our local Masai hosts.

    Riding distance: 10-15km

    Overnight: Out of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle

  • Today we descend the escarpment on foot and head due east, riding back over the Mara River, skirting the large village of Rianta and onwards to a lovely picnic lunch under scattered acacia trees. After a long siesta we ride over the Koiyaki Plain and to our new camp on the Olare Orok Stream, used by the Masai to water their cattle.

    Riding Distance: 20-25km

    Overnight: Kampi Ya Simba KO 8, Mara North Conservancy

  • Morning and afternoon ride, drive or walk in this magical corner of the Mara. Exceptional riding country where two large prides of lion make the area their home, allowing for a sensational big-cat experience. We may go out after supper by vehicle with a spotlight to discover the nocturnal creatures.

    Riding distance: 15-20km

    Overnight: Kampi Ya Simba KO8, Mara North Conservancy

  • Our last morning ride in this stunning country. After a hearty brunch we say goodbyes to the horses and camp crew. Our afternoon flight to Nairobi departs at 2:45pm and arrives at 4:15pm. Transfer to your Nairobi hotel or JKIA for your flight home.

    Riding distance: 10-15km

Dates

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Price Includes:

  • Transfers and flights within Kenya

  • All accommodations

  • All meals

  • All riding activities, including tack and equipment

  • Conservation and park fees

  • Amref Flying Doctors Membership (Air evacuation to Nairobi if needed)

Does not include:

  • Airfare to and from Kenya

  • Additional travel costs such as riding apparel and insurance

  • Visas and travel costs

  • Guide gratuities