Those searching for a truly authentic African safari under canvas need to look no further. A truly rewarding and unforgettable experience where you can get up close and gallop with big game. The horses are beautifully trained but note that this is for experienced riders only. This trip is to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, leopard, cheetah and elephant. We can also organise horse-riding safaris from Borana Conservancy and other locations across Kenya. Contact us for more information.
Horse-riding Itinerary
Day 1
Today you fly out of Nairobi, across the volcanic lava flows of the Rift Valley into the Masai Mara where you will be met by your charming staff and hosts to start your adventure. Have a delicious lunch and an afternoon to familiarize yourself with camp life and be introduced to the horses. The afternoon is spent settling in followed by a short ride or game drive. Have a relaxed evening round the camp fire whilst listening to the sounds of lions and hyenas in the darkness.
Horse-riding Itinerary
Day 2
The adventure begins, an early breakfast and check out of your camp for a relaxed morning out on the horses exploring riverine forests and the open plains with miles of Africa all around. There is an abundance of wildlife here including giraffe, warthog, zebra, hartebeest, top, wildebeest and with a little luck cheetah and leopard too. There are plenty of stops along the way including lunch and a relaxed ride into camp in the early afternoon. All in all a heavenly first day on safari. Riding distance 10-15kms.
Horse-riding Itinerary
Day 3
Our first full day in the saddle takes us through spectacular wildlife country with impala, gazelle, elephant, buffalo, ostrich and more. A 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 pod of hippos and the odd monster crocodile. Riding distance 20-25kms.
Horse-riding Itinerary
Day 4
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 there are plenty of opportunities to jump fallen trees created by the resident elephant, waterbuck, eland, jackal, hyena and lion. Riding distance 10-15kms.
Horse-riding Itinerary
Day 5
After a ‘full-monty’ breakfast we ride in a southerly direction across Maternity Plain with stunning views in every direction and excellent going for the horses. Picnic lunch is in a patch of thick forest often occupied by elephant. After a long ride and a siesta, we ride past a game-rich saltlick and onwards to our new camp on the Olare Orok Stream, used by the Masaai to water their cattle. Riding distance 20-25kms.
Horse-riding Itinerary
Day 6
Morning and afternoon ride, drive or walk in this magical corner of the Mara. Exceptional riding country, where two large prides of lions make this 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 animals. Riding distance 15-20kms.
Horse-riding Itinerary
Day 7
Our last morning ride in this stunning country. After a hearty brunch we say our ‘goodbyes’ to the horses and camp crew for our afternoon flight back to Nairobi. You will then be transferred to your Nairobi hotel or JKIA for your international flight home. Riding distance 10-15kms.
Horse-riding Itinerary
Testimonials
“We hate to leave – the organization has been superb with great care and consideration in the planning and the surroundings, activities and staff have been outstanding everywhere we went.”
Ginny and Sandy McAmber, Dec 2019
