HORSE RIDING SAFARI IN THE MASAI MARA

7 Nights: From USD $8970

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Ride across one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes on the ultimate horse riding safari

It is hard to sum up in words the magic of a horse riding safari in the Masai Mara or to capture its energy and wonder in type – all we can say is that this ride is one that will leave you addicted to Africa.

A horse riding safari in the Masai Mara is everything an adventure holiday should be – exhilarating riding, professional guides, wildlife encounters that will take your breath away and an authentic bush experience. This is one horse safari that will leave you on a high, wanting to go again and again! This horse-riding adventure in Kenya’s Masai Mara offers some of the best game viewing on the planet, with the backdrop of one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes – the endless and beautiful savannah. With sunsets like no other and vast plains to race across, you will not be disappointed mounting up here and taking on the Masai Mara on horseback.

This horseback adventure will have your heart racing as you encounter elephants, buffalos, giraffes and often big cats like lions and cheetahs on horseback.  And when the migration arrives, it gives you the once-in-a-lifetime experience of cantering alongside herds of wildebeest and zebra, as you navigate the Mara with a mobile tented camp in convoy. Led by a private and expert guide you will spend 8 days exploring this beautiful part of the world, moving camp four times, with the help of a team who will set out ahead of you and have the next camp set up and a cold beverage waiting on arrival. There’s something unbeatable about evenings around the campfire after the day’s adventure. Glowing with exhilaration, enjoying an iced drink and wondering what adventure tomorrow holds. Game drives, night drives and bush walks are all available for non-riding companions or for anybody who would like a break from the saddle.

This ride covers over 250km of the Masai Mara and takes you through areas where you’ll encounter big game and is therefore not suitable for inexperienced riders. For experienced riders there is simply no better way to explore this breathtaking landscape, and all its animal encounters, than from the back of a well-schooled and fit horse. Riders need to be confident to ride from camp to camp across varied terrain where they can meet the unexpected at any turn, spending up to 7 hours in the saddle each day. Remember to come riding fit as this incredible landscape offers long exhilarating canters and the pace is often fast – Pure freedom!

QUICK FACTS
Massai Mara, Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
Closed April / May / November
8 days / 7 nights
Group Size: Max. 12 
Group Size: Min. 5
Intermediate Plus and Advanced
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • The unparalleled experience of riding and cantering alongside wildlife in one of Africa’s most impressive settings.
  • Exploring some of Africa’s most iconic scenery with spectacular sunsets and sweeping views.
  • The migration is something that draws many to Kenya’s Masai Mara. From July to October, this ride offers the chance to ride alongside thousands upon thousands of wildebeest and zebra.
  • The chance to encounter big cats on horseback – The pride of lions is used to horses, making close encounters both breathtaking and heart-stopping!
  • The excitement of crossing the Mara River whilst hippos watch on.
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THE DESTINATION

The Masai Mara is situated in south-west Kenya and is one of Africa’s greatest treasures. Together with the Serengeti National Park it provides an important sanctuary for some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife. The Mara has one of the most diverse eco-systems in Africa, with over 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds. The Masai Mara National Reserve covers 1510sqkm and is 1500 – 2170metres above sea level.

The Mara has a magic that is very difficult to rival; this true African bush, with its wide open plains and teeming wildlife, will form the idyllic setting for an unforgettable ride of a lifetime.

DATES & RATES

There are a number of set departures each year with a minimum of 5 riders and a maximum of 12 riders. Rides require at least 5 riders to confirm, however almost always do. Should you wish to travel in July, August, September and October we recommend booking a minimum of 6 months in advance as these rides coincide with the annual wildebeest migration and fill up quickly.

2023 DATES:

21 – 28 January 2023
04 – 11 February 2023
11  – 18 March 2023
17 – 24 June 2023 (Fully booked)
24 June – 01 July 2023
08 – 15 July 2023 (Fully booked)
15 – 22 July 2023 (Fully booked)
12 – 19 August 2023 (Fully booked)
19 – 26 August 2023 (Fully booked)
02 – 09 September 2023 (AHS Exclusive Ride)
09 – 16 September 2023 (Fully booked)
16 – 23 September 2023 (Fully booked)
23 – 30 September 2023
07 – 14 October 2023 (Fully booked)
14 – 21 October 2023 (Fully booked)
09 – 16 December 2023
7 Nights: USD $8970 per person sharing

2024 DATES:

06 – 13 January 2024
10 – 17 February 2024
09 – 16 March 2024
15 – 22 June 2024
22 – 29 June 2024
06 – 13 July 2024
13 – 20 July 2024
10 – 17 August 2024
17 – 24 August 2024
07 – 14  September 2024
14 – 21 September 2024
05 – 12 October 2024
12 – 19 October 2024
07 – 14 December 2027
7 Nights: USD $9870 per person sharing

Closed April, May and November

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Full board accommodation (mobile tented camp)
  • All drinks throughout your adventure (except Champagne)
  • All conservation & park fees
  • Internal flights and transfers
  • Dayroom in Nairobi on the last day if required
  • A private and expert guide
  • All riding on well-trained and responsive horses
  • Game drives (day & night)
  • Walking safaris
  • Laundry (basic)
  • Local airstrip transfers
  • Amref Flying Doctors (Air evacuation to Nairobi)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • International flights and visa
  • Comprehensive Travel & Medical Insurance
  • Gratuities (USD15 – 25 per guest per day)
  • Personal Purchases
  • Single Supplement (if not willing to share): $100 per night
YOUR 8-DAY ITINERARY

** 7 night Mara Ride itinerary – this itinerary is reversible depending on which dates you have booked. Tailor-made safaris are available on request.

Day 1

You will be met either at your hotel in Nairobi or from Jomo Kenyatta airport and transferred to Wilson Airport for your light charter flight to the Mara North Airstrip. The flight is a special experience in itself with stunning views of the Kikuyu Highlands and on towards the Great Rift Valley. Once over the Rift Valley, the Loita Hills will start to come into view as you head for the airstrip where you will be welcomed by your guide.

Hop onto a vehicle for your first game drive – about an hour transfer to the camp. Pulling into a clearing in amongst the acacia trees, you will find your private camp nestled on the banks of the Mara River. You will be welcomed by a cold drink and experience your first taste of delicious ‘bush cuisine’ as lunch is served.

After lunch, get settled in before meeting the horses and climbing aboard for your first evening ride as the sun starts to sink lower in the sky. You will return to camp for your first dinner as a group and a chance to get to know your fellow riders. The camp is situated near some pools, ideal for hippo wallowing and many of these mighty beasts will be heard grunting in the night!

Day 2

After waking up to your first dawn chorus and beautifully crisp African morning, you will be served cofffee in your tent before mounting up for your first ride. The ride will take you across the vast landscape full of exciting game to investigate, before returning to camp for breakfast. After breakfast hop into the game drive vehicle. Driving provides incredible photographic opportunities as you get some very close encounters with the big cats. You will return in time for lunch and a siesta before setting off on an exciting afternoon ride.

Following sundowners and yet another candlelit supper, overnight once more at Mara River Hippo Camp. Before bed you might want to sit out around the campfire and take in stars like you won’t see anywhere else in the world.

Day 3

Today marks the first moving day. With any first-day nerves well in the past, set out after an early breakfast. The ride offers spectacular scenery of sweeping savannah plains, a chance for some faster riding, and game often becoming more plentiful as you approach the Mara ecosystem. Herds of zebra, topi, giraffe, wildebeest and gazelle are commonly seen and there is a good chance of elephant and buffalo sightings as well, so keep your eyes peeled! You’ll get the chance to cross the Mara River (always exhilarating with the hippos watching!) before meeting up with one of the vehicles for a picnic lunch. Both riders and horses have the chance for a break under the shade of the trees before riding onwards to the next camp.

Tonight’s camp is on the edge of the Soit Olololol Escarpment, set in an idyllic forest glade with views stretching across the vast swathes of the Mara. The game viewing is excellent and as you’re lying tucked up at night you are likely to hear the pride of lion and hyena calling.

Day 4

After breakfast, ride out from camp to explore the surrounding area and cross the river once more. Providing the river is not in complete flood then you will make a crossing at one of the famous wildebeest crossings – A thrilling experience with hippos watching from a distance. Riding in a westerly direction, you’ll descend into the Olare Orok Valley. This scenic valley is often filled with herds of zebra, wildebeest and giraffe and provides the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. Ride into camp in time for tea and a warm shower. In the evening, there might be time for a game drive to get up close and personal with the lion and elephant and take advantage of the excellent photographic opportunity.

Return to camp for dinner and sit around the campfire, listening to the sounds of the bush before tucking into bed.

Day 5

Today you’ll have a full day of exploring this incredible area on horseback, by vehicle or on foot. You will have excellent photo opportunities with the Offbeat pride of lions often found in this area. Cheetahs are often spotted on the tall termite mounds, and herds of elephants and buffalo roam this valley. You might even get the chance to drive to one of the nearby crossings and witness the herds of wildebeest forging the river, complete with all the National Geographic worthy drama (This is never guaranteed as wildlife movements are completely sporadic)

Day 6

Set out this morning along for the longest journey of the trip – nearly 50km!  Enjoy breakfast on the go, taking in the spectacular views. The mount up again, and enjoy some faster riding across the open plains. The Mara birdlife is excellent and you will hopefully catch sight of the beautiful Schalows Turaco alongside all the plains game. Stop for lunch and an afternoon siesta in the shade of the Acacia trees.

After lunch the ride will follow the game trails, arriving at a secluded camp nestled in a grove of Acacia Tees by a small stream. In the drier months, this stream provides water for an incredible amount of wildlife, and you’ll often have great sightings from the comfort of your tent.

Day 7

After an early morning wake-up call, set off for a ride in the warm morning light. Return to camp for a decadent breakfast before setting off for a game drive to one of the nearby hills. The walk up Oloiburmut offers stunning views across the plains. Enjoy lunch and an afternoon nap back at camp, before visiting the local Masai village.

Day 8

Enjoy a last morning ride before saying goodbye to the horses. After a final breakfast, you will be driven to the airstrip and fly back to Nairobi, landing in Wilson around noon. We will organise for a taxi to pick you up and either take you around Nairobi to do some shopping/visits, or to a hotel day room, before taking you on to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your evening flight home, or your onward destination.

THE ACCOMMODATION

Over the week’s adventure, you will camp in four different locations. A team will move the mobile camp ahead of your arrival at each destination and the camp will be set up by the time you arrive in the afternoon. All your luggage and belongings will also be transferred by vehicle.

Spacious, walk-in double safari tents are used with comfortable beds, tables, chairs and linen provided. Each tent has its own long drop toilet and there are three hot bucket showers per camp. There is a main mess tent where meals will be taken and this will act as the central point with your sleeper tents spaced out and surrounding it.

QUICK FACTS
Massai Mara, Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)
Closed: April / May / November
8 days / 7 nights
Group Size: Max. 12
 Group Size: Min. 5 
Intermediate Plus and Advanced
View Gallery
7 Nights: From USD $8970 pp sharing

See Detailed Rates

SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS
Beginner
Novice
Intermediate
Intermediate Plus
Advanced
WHAT RIDING LEVEL AM I?
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • The unparalleled experience of riding and cantering alongside wildlife in one of Africa’s most impressive settings.
  • Exploring some of Africa’s most iconic scenery with spectacular sunsets and sweeping views.
  • The migration is something that draws many to Kenya’s Masai Mara. From July to October, this ride offers the chance to ride alongside thousands upon thousands of wildebeest and zebra.
  • The chance to encounter big cats on horseback – The pride of lions is used to horses, making close encounters both breathtaking and heart-stopping!
  • The excitement of crossing the Mara River whilst hippos watch on.
DATES & RATES

There are a number of set departures each year with a minimum of 5 riders and a maximum of 12 riders. Rides require at least 5 riders to confirm, however almost always do. Should you wish to travel in July, August, September and October we recommend booking a minimum of 6 months in advance as these rides coincide with the annual wildebeest migration and fill up quickly.

2023 DATES:

21 – 28 January 2023
04 – 11 February 2023
11  – 18 March 2023
17 – 24 June 2023 (Fully booked)
24 June – 01 July 2023
08 – 15 July 2023 (Fully booked)
15 – 22 July 2023 (Fully booked)
12 – 19 August 2023 (Fully booked)
19 – 26 August 2023 (Fully booked)
02 – 09 September 2023 (AHS Exclusive Ride)
09 – 16 September 2023 (Fully booked)
16 – 23 September 2023 (Fully booked)
23 – 30 September 2023
07 – 14 October 2023 (Fully booked)
14 – 21 October 2023 (Fully booked)
09 – 16 December 2023
7 Nights: USD $8970 per person sharing

2024 DATES:

06 – 13 January 2024
10 – 17 February 2024
09 – 16 March 2024
15 – 22 June 2024
22 – 29 June 2024
06 – 13 July 2024
13 – 20 July 2024
10 – 17 August 2024
17 – 24 August 2024
07 – 14  September 2024
14 – 21 September 2024
05 – 12 October 2024
12 – 19 October 2024
07 – 14 December 2027
7 Nights: USD $9870 per person sharing

Closed April, May and November

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Full board accommodation (mobile tented camp)
  • All drinks throughout your adventure (except Champagne)
  • All conservation & park fees
  • Internal flights and transfers
  • Dayroom in Nairobi on the last day if required
  • A private and expert guide
  • All riding on well-trained and responsive horses
  • Game drives (day & night)
  • Walking safaris
  • Laundry (basic)
  • Local airstrip transfers
  • Amref Flying Doctors (Air evacuation to Nairobi)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • International flights and visa
  • Comprehensive Travel & Medical Insurance
  • Gratuities (USD15 – 25 per guest per day)
  • Personal Purchases
  • Single Supplement (if not willing to share): $100 per night
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

We have been on a paradise planet for 2 weeks, every single second has been absolutely amazing! Huge thanks to you, you were since day 1 super helpful and incredibly well organized, this exactly what you need when we (me) don't know anything about the country or places, cause it was our first time in Kenya and also first time on a Safari Horse Trip.
It was also surprise for me, cause the places I have never been. I must say you have done amazingly well, all the places you choose were just perfect. We really enjoy the safari trip with Simon and Daisy they are incredible people, and the horses were just top top top, super unique experience. We saw more wildlife than I would have even dreamed of – so many incredible memories! And Lewa Wilderness it totally from another planet, the people are soooo friendly, the place is just incredible, we absolutely love everything. Manda Bay was also a great way to finish our 2-week trip and celebrate our new engagement!
We were so impress with the trip that we are on count down for our next trip, may be next year!

Charly MartinMasai Mara Horse Safari and beyond, Kenya
READ MORE REVIEWS

How we care for our horses

Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses in Kenya are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. The horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:
  • Tack is fitted before each safari and regularly checked
  • The horses well-being is checked morning and evening and monitored throughout the day on Safari. Guides carry veterinary supplies in saddle bags at all times and all grooms are trained with basic veterinary practices such as stitching and injecting
  • Horses are rotated on and off safari so that they are well rested, they are fed 3-4 meals a day with access to water and hay throughout the night, are groomed daily and feet are checked by a qualified farrier while on safari.
  • There are 2 night watchmen who stay up all night with the herd to ensure their safety.

Please let us know if you have any more questions around this.

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