The scenery and wildlife of Kenya's Masai Mara are oft-conjured in the minds of those dreaming of Africa at its most wild. Combining dramatic rides across Mara plains with nights under canvas in mobile camps offers a panorama of this region like no other. The grasslands of the Great Rift Valley provide an impressive introduction; gallop through Mara plains where herds of zebra and wildebeest gather, and lion appear untroubled by the passing horses. The game viewing only intensifies as you travel deeper into the Masai Mara, and the landscapes continue to stir the soul as you ascend escarpments and ford the Mara river, setting up camp nearby to the sound of grunting hippo. Daily riding is complemented by walks and game drives, ensuring you complete your adventure having absorbed the wildlife and landscapes from every possible perspective.
KENYAN RIDING SAFARI
HIGHLIGHTS
- Riding past herds of zebra, giraffe and elephants through the vast plains of the Masai Mara.
- Fording the Mara River at a renowned wildebeest crossing point.
- Game drives to gain different perspectives of the Masai Mara and photograph closer encounters with wildlife.
- Falling asleep to the sounds of lion and hippo at your mobile camps.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in the Great Rift Valley
Upon arrival in Nairobi this morning you will connect to your light aircraft flight from Wilson Airport to Naboisho, a remote reserve in a pristine area of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. An hour’s drive brings you to the camp in time for a delicious lunch and some time to relax before you set out on a gentle evening ride. The camp at Naboisho makes a serene base for your first two days, set in a grove of acacia trees on the southern edge of the Loita Plains at Olare Lamun. Later this evening settle in to your spacious private tent for your first memorable night under canvas.
Overnight: Olare Lamun Mobile Camp
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Day 2 Mara grasslands riding and game drive
The early rise this morning is well worth it as you set out on an invigorating morning ride through Mara grasslands. Return to the camp for breakfast before setting out again on a game drive which culminates in a climb of Oloiburmut hill to take in the panoramic views. A hearty lunch awaits you back at camp and there will be ample time for a siesta before you set out later this afternoon, taking a short drive to visit a nearby Maasai Village.
Overnight: Olare Lamun Mobile Camp
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Day 3 Ride to the edge of the Masai Mara Game Reserve
Departing Olare Lamun this morning, a spectacular ride of nearly 30 miles is broken with scenic stops for a picnic breakfast and lunch along the way. As you ride across the vast, open plains observe more plentiful game as you get the deeper into the Mara ecosystem. Pass herds of zebra, giraffe and wildebeest as you gallop through the plains, and you may even glimpse elephants and lion as you make your final approach to the next camp which is located on the edge of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The privileged location of Olare Orok means you are likely to hear lion and hyena as you settle into the camp this evening.
Overnight: Olare Orok Mobile Camp
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Day 4 Riding and game drives in the Masai Mara
As well as morning and evening rides from Olare Orok, today offers the opportunity to take a game drive into an area of abundant wildlife. Travelling by Land Rover allows you to get much closer to lion, elephant and buffalo than is possible on horseback, and the photographic opportunities are exceptional.
Overnight: Olare Orok Mobile Camp
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Day 5 Riding across Mara plains to the Soit Olololol Escarpment
Leave Olare Orok this morning for the ride west across the Mara plains, fording the river at one of the famous wildebeest crossings (if conditions allow). From here you will head south-west across the Mara Triangle and, after a picnic lunch, an ascent of the Soit Olololol Escarpment brings you to your camp overlooking the entire Mara ecosystem.
Overnight: Escarpment Mobile Camp
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Day 6 Fording the Mara River
After breakfast descend the escarpment once more, fording the river and this time heading north west through Mara plains. A picnic lunch refuels you for the final stretch, reaching your camp set on the banks of the Mara River. Some nearby pools are a popular gathering point for hippo, so you are likely to hear them grunting in the evening as you relax after dinner.
Overnight: Mara River Mobile Camp
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Day 7 Riding and game drives around the Mara River
Make the most of this special location and your final full day in Kenya with morning and evening rides, crossing the river close to hippo - an experience like no other. A walking or vehicle safari will also be on offer today, providing further opportunities to spot wildlife and photograph the ever-changing sights of the Masai Mara.
Overnight: Mara River Mobile Camp
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Day 8 Final ride and depart
This morning there will be an opportunity to take a final early ride before breakfast, and then you will bid farewell to the camp and horses. You will be driven to the airstrip in time for your flight to Nairobi, arriving in plenty of time for your onward arrangements or an evening flight home.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICE - Per Person
| Year-round | £ 8,727 | $ 12,153 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Based on two people sharing a tented room.
- A good level of riding experience is recommended for this itinerary.
- Minimum age is 14 years old.
- Riding safaris do not operate in April, May and November.
- Most riding outfits provide horses that can cater for a maximum weight of 90 kilograms (14 stone). Please discuss with our specialists if you require a higher weight limit.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation and meals during your riding safari.
- All drinks (except champagne).
- All riding, game drives and walks on a group basis (maximum group size 12).
- All conservation and park fees.
- Horses and tack (but you should bring your own riding helmet and boots).
- Guide services.
- Laundry.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
- Local airstrip transfers.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Travel insurance and visa fees.
