This ride will epitomize your idea of Africa! An extension of the Serengeti, the Masai Mara is one of the most wildlife-rich conservation areas in Africa. You will ride across an endless savanna streaked by dark green veins of riverine woodland on the banks of the Mara and Talak Rivers. The most popular African species – lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, wildebeest, gazelles and exotic birds – will cross your path. Daily opportunities to interact with the local Masai people will be yours.

Large, insect proof canvas tents (120 sq.ft. floor space) with fly sheets, camp furniture, beds, bedding, gas lamps, showers and canvas loos in traditional safari style are furnished.

MEALS ~ The dining tent is furnished with tables and chairs for elegant meals in camp. All meals are prepared over open fires by our camp chefs and served by waiters. Meals include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and fowl. Bread is baked daily and ice is plentiful – but sadly does not last forever. The bush-bar is stocked with imported wines and spirits along with a selection of local beers, sodas and bottled water.

ITINERARY:

Day 1
Transfer from Nairobi airport to the fertile Kikuyu highlands at the edge of the Great Rift Valley. The grassland, studded with volcanic mountains, is the unrivaled animal kingdom of Africa. You will travel through the Masia trading village of Narok to the foothills of the Loita Mountain range where your campsite awaits beneath giant yellow fever acacia trees, habitat to monkeys and baboons.

Day 2
The ride will travel through acacia thickets and the open plains of the Loita Hills in search of Burchell’s zebra, East African eland, warthogs, Cape buffalo, Gazelle and Masia giraffes. In the sky, you may see Africa Scops owls, starlings, secretary birds and white-backed vultures.

Day 3
Your day in the saddle will take you across the Loita Plains onto the Shangalara lugga (dry river bed) for a picnic lunch. As you ride across the scrublands, herds of impala, white-bearded wildebeest, Coke’s hartebeest and topi may cross your path. Your camp will be within the Olare Lamun Valley near a spring used by the Masai to water their cattle and a favored haunt for lions and leopards. Your evening may bring a spotlight safari vehicle adventure to search for elusive nocturnal animals.

Day 4
Your trek across the vast savanna dotted with acacia, wait-a-bit bush and leleshwa (wild sage) woodland. The ride will continue through the manyattas villages of the Masai at the base of the Oloiburmut Hill where the Masai chief will share stories of Masai tradition and lore with you.

Day 5
An early call will beckon you to your venture through the rolling plains which skirt the Bardamat Hills. An invigorating canter across the Koiyaki Plains will lead you to your picnic site on an escarpment overlooking your destination for the day, the Masai Mara Game Reserve. You will camp in a glade of the riverine forest along the Olare Orok River.

Day 6
Prepare your camera for a day of close-up wildlife photographing. Spotted hyenas, cheetahs and elephants will fill you lens with memorable pictures. A walk with the Masai morran (warriors) is also an option.

Day 7
After you ride through a spectacular secret valley which boasts a huge concentration of game, the trail will wind along the Mara River bank as you search for hippos and crocodiles. You will behold rare birds like the Ross’s turaco in the riverine forest.

Day 8
You will continue to explore the Masai Mara in search of lions, leopards, silver-backed jackals, African wild dogs and possibly black rhinos. If the weather permits, the ride may cross the Mara River to rider beneath the spectacular Siria Escarpment.

Day 9
Transfer back to Nairobi for late day or next day air flight departure.

A shorter 6 night version of this ride is available. Contact us for details.

Please note that this is a sample itinerary dependant on wildlife movement, Weather conditions, access to water, and logistics. The ride may run either east to west, or west to east. Non-riders are most welcome.

GAME LIST ~ Elephant, black rhino (rare), hippo, Cape buffalo, Masai giraffe, East African eland, topi, Burchell’s zebra, white-bearded wildebeest, Coke’s hartebeest, impala, Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, warthog, crocodile, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, silver-backed jackal, bat-eared fox and more.

Details:
Dates: Available year round: December – March: African summer. short rains, warm temperatures, excellent game viewing; April – June: low season, long rains run from early April to mid-June, less crowded; July – November: comfortable temperatures, popular time due to summer holidays, high season ; August – September: wildebeest migrate through the Masi Mari
Set Dates: 9-day: March 1-9, August 23-31 7-day: June 24-30, September 2-8 (Riders already booked, no small group fee)
Meeting Place: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya
Riding days: 6 1/2
Group size: 2- 12
Riding ability: Walk, long trots and canters, Intermediate ability
Saddles: English trekking
Hotel/s: Luxury Campsites
Horses: Thoroughbred, Somali Ethiopian Cross
Non-riding activities: game drives, hiking
Hotel/s: private canvas mobile tents
Prices: $6,140, per person, double occupancy.
$1,350 – small group supplement (less than 4 guests)
$1,125 – Single room supplement
$840 – game reserve and wilderness concession fee
$15 – Flying Doctors’ membership
$350 – Return flight Nairobi-Mara-Nairobi

Includes: 8 night’s campsite lodging, drinks including bottled water ,all meals and drinks, guides, horses, 4×4 game viewing vehicles, game drives, cultural visits, Nairobi hotel day rooms
Not included: air fare, visas, pre and post tour lodging, transfer to and from hotel if you arrive early or depart after ride ($50 roundtrip)

Optional: Flight to/from Mara – $350, Balloon Safari – $465, Lake Victoria Safari (minimum 2) – $495