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 the 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 close 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 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 Mara North, a private conservancy adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Your guides will drive you to the banks of the Mara River, where your first camp is set up, in time for a delicious lunch and some time to relax. In the later afternoon, meet your horses and set out on a gentle evening ride. The camp at Mara River makes a serene base for your first two days. Later this evening settle in to your spacious private tent for your first memorable night under canvas.
Overnight: Mara River Hippo Camp
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Day 2 Fording the Mara River
The early rise this morning is well worth it as you set out on an invigorating morning ride through Mara grasslands, crossing the Mara River before returning to camp for breakfast. Afterwards, you have the chance to head out on a morning game drive, for some excellent photographic opportunities. Return to camp for lunch and a siesta before an afternoon ride and sundowners, followed by supper in camp.
Overnight: Mara River Hippo Camp
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Day 3 Ride to Soit Olololo Escarpment
Departing your camp after breakfast this morning at around 9am, you ride south towards the reserve boundary and across the game rich Mara Triangle before meeting the car with a picnic lunch. After a siesta, set off again around 4pm and make your ascent of the Soit Olololo Escarpment, reaching the camp on the edge of the escarpment around 5.30pm. From this privileged position, you have a spectacular view over the whole Masai Mara ecosystem.
Overnight: Ololo Safari Lodge
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Day 4 Riding across Mara plains to Olare Orok
Descending the escarpment after breakfast this morning you'll ride across the river before turning west to ride down into the Olare Orok Valley, where a picnic lunch will be waiting. Again, you will rest after lunch before riding onward to camp, arriving in time for tea, an evening game drive with sundowners and dinner under the African night sky.
Overnight: Olare Orok Mobile Camp
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Day 5 Riding and game drives in the Masai Mara
As well as morning and evening rides from your camp, 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 6 Long Ride to Loita Plains
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 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 your Mara camp means you are likely to hear lion and hyena as you settle into the camp this evening.
Overnight: Olare Lamun Mobile Camp
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Day 7 Riding and game drives on the Mara Plains
An early wake-up call this morning and a ride before breakfast back at camp. Set 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 Masai Village.
Overnight: Olare Lamun 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.
Overnight: Home
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICE - Per Person
| High season | $ 14,298 |
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.
- Minimum group size 4 / maximum group size 12.
- 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 house drinks.
- 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 clothing).
- 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.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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