Location: Mara North Conservancy
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
Accommodation: Mobile tented camp
Riding Level: Intermediate+
Group Size: 10 riders
Accompanying non-riders welcome!
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.
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.
Advanced
All riders must be confident riding in a group and at all paces, of intermediate or better fitness and advanced riding ability, and have with them a sense of adventure.
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.
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.
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.
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and all alcoholic beverages except champagne
Airport or hotel pick-up/drop-off in Nairobi and charter flight to/from the Masai Mara
Daily riding safari
Vehicle game drives when not riding
Laundry done in camp on non-moving days
Emergency air evacuation to Nairobi in case of emergency
Flights to/from Kenya
~$155 per person per night
Compulsory for all guests
Entry visa into Kenya, extra hotel nights and/or activities
Suggested Amount: $20-50 per guest per day
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
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