100 € discount for first registrations !
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A nine-day horseback safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The Masai Mara Reserve and the surrounding conservation areas perfectly embody the quintessential image of East Africa. The landscape consists of rolling savannahs, dotted with lush, green riparian forests along the Mara and Talek rivers. This wilderness area, an extension of the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania, is considered by many to be Kenya's most exceptional wildlife sanctuary, where abundant wildlife can still be observed. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, antelopes, and gazelles are among the many species that inhabit the area. The annual migration of a million wildebeest is a magnificent spectacle and one of the most impressive wildlife events in the world. Wildlife and plant life viewing opportunities are simply exceptional. The Mara region is also the home of the Maasai people, with their herds of cattle, an iconic symbol of the region.
HORSE RIDING SAFARI IN KENYA
SAMPLE ITINERARY *
Day 0: First night before the trip
Upon your arrival in Nairobi, we will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer you to your hotel (meals and accommodation not included).
Day 1: Flight to Masai Mara National Reserve.
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to Wilson Airport for a safari briefing. Our morning flight departs at 10:30 and arrives in the Masai Mara at approximately 11:15. Your horseback safari guide will meet you upon arrival and take you on a vehicle safari to your luxury mobile camp, arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon will be free to explore the camp, with options for a short horseback ride or a game drive.
Distance covered on horseback: 5–10 km
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Nkilenya Camp, Lemek Reserve
Day 2: Horseback Riding in Lemek.
The morning and afternoon are dedicated to exploring the riverine forests and open plains of Lemek. The wildlife here is abundant: giraffes, warthogs, zebras, antelopes, topi, wildebeest, and, with a little luck, leopards and cheetahs. Bloody Marys for breakfast and Pink Gin at sunset. In short, an absolutely magnificent first day of safari!
Distance covered on horseback: 10 to 15 km
Meals: All meals are served at the camp
Accommodation: Nkilenya, Lemek Reserve
Day 3: Ride along the Mara River.
Our first full day on horseback takes us through an area teeming with wildlife: impalas, gazelles, elephants, buffalo, ostriches, and much more! We'll have lunch in a forested area called Olomai. After a short rest, we'll ride to the banks of the Mara River, where hippos and crocodiles abound.
Distance on horseback: 20-25 km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at camp, picnic lunch
Accommodation: Mara River, North Conservancy
Day 4: Horseback Riding along the Siria Escarpment
This area offers an exceptional setting for a horseback riding or vehicle safari. We could cross the Mara River and admire the majestic Siria escarpment. The concentration of wildlife is impressive, and you will have numerous opportunities to ride past fallen trees, often caused by elephants. You can observe waterbucks, wildebeest, jackals, hyenas, lions, and many other animal species.
Distance covered: 10 to 15 km
Meals: All meals are served at the camp
Accommodation: Mara River, North Conservancy
Day 5: Horseback Riding in the Mara Triangle
After a hearty breakfast, we set off southwards across the Mara River plains. The views are magnificent in all directions, and the terrain is ideal for horseback riding. We cross the Mara River on horseback and enter the famous Mara Triangle. Lunch will be served in the bush, a place often frequented by elephants. After lunch, we continue our horseback ride, then hike to the top of a nearby hill.
Distance covered on horseback: 20-25 km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at camp, picnic lunch
Accommodation: Out of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle
Day 6: Horseback Safari in the Mara Triangle
Enjoy a horseback riding or 4x4 safari adventure in the Mara Triangle, with breathtaking views of the Serengeti in the distance. This part of the park is characterized by croton bush, forests, and vast grasslands—an ideal habitat for rhinoceros, elephants, buffalo, and lions. In the late afternoon, we will visit a small traditional Maasai village.
Distance covered on horseback: 10 to 15 km
Meals: All meals are included at the camp
Accommodation: Out of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle
Day 7: Horseback ride through the Koiyaki Plains
Today, we descend the escarpment on foot and head east. We then cross the Mara River on horseback, skirt the large village of Rianta, and make our way to a charming picnic spot shaded by acacia trees. After a leisurely rest, we continue our horseback ride across the Koiyaki Plains to our new camp, located by the Olare Orok stream, where the Maasai graze their cattle.
Distance covered on horseback: 20-25 km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at camp, picnic lunch
Accommodation: KO8, Mara North Reserve
Day 8: Excursion in Mara North Reserve
Enjoy a morning and afternoon safari, either on horseback, by vehicle, or on foot, in this magical part of the Mara Reserve. This is exceptional terrain for horseback riding, and two large prides of lions roam freely here, offering a unique wildlife viewing experience. After dinner, we can take a vehicle safari with a spotlight to observe nocturnal animals.
Distance covered: 15-20 km
Meals: All meals are served at the camp
Accommodation: KO8, Mara North Reserve
Day 9: Flight to Nairobi
Enjoy a final horseback ride or drive along the riverbanks. Take in the stunning scenery and experience some exhilarating gallops across the Serian and Maternity plains. After a hearty brunch, we will say goodbye to the horses and the camp staff. Our flight to Nairobi departs at 2:45 PM. We arrive in Nairobi around 4:15 PM, and then transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your onward flight.
Distance covered on horseback: 10-15 km
Meals: Brunch at the camp
* This is an indicative program that may be subject to change if necessary.
MEETING:
Transfers are included. Since flights rarely arrive on time for the first transfer, we recommend arriving the day before. Our partners will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) upon arrival and take you to your hotel (hotel accommodation is not included in the package). On the first day, you will be picked up from your hotel in Nairobi around 9:00 AM and transferred to Wilson Airport. The flight will depart at 10:30 AM and arrive in Masai Mara at 11:15 AM.
DEPARTURE:
On the final day, the flight will depart at 2:45 PM and arrive at Wilson Airport at 4:15 PM. You will then be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
LEVEL:
Participants must be comfortable and competent at all gaits (unexpected situations in the wild are common) and have an intermediate level of fitness and riding ability. They must be able to trot for 10 consecutive minutes and be able to gallop if an emergency situation arises. The guide will assess each rider's skills, and if he/she determines that a participant is not sufficiently competent and poses a risk to themselves or others, they will be offered the option of continuing the safari by vehicle instead of on horseback, without any financial compensation.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT:
90 kg
NUMBER OF RIDER:
4 to 12.
RYTHM:
At a moderate pace, with long sections of trotting and cantering, you will ride for 4 to 8 hours per day, covering a distance of 20 to 40 km.
MANAGEMENT:
English-speaking local guide + English-speaking support staff.
Gordie discovered the world of safaris at a very young age. Born in Kenya, he led his first group of tourists when he was 18 and has over 30 years of experience in the wilderness. Today, his unwavering passion for nature and his deep respect for the people and wildlife of Africa make Gordie a fascinating and inspiring character. Felicia has many talents, all related to safaris: she is an excellent horsewoman, a creative cook, a qualified Bowen therapist, and a wonderful companion. She married Gordie in 2014. Pete has been a professional safari guide for over 45 years. He has dedicated much of his life to wildlife conservation and is proud to have been a founding member of the Masai Mara Conservancy and an honorary ranger with the Kenya Wildlife Service. Pierre is a third-generation Kenyan, who grew up in a wildlife camp with his father, a renowned conservationist. He feels most at home in the wild. Pierre spends all his time on safaris, whether with clients or friends. His love for nature is contagious, and his knowledge is exceptional.
HORSES:
The stables house over 25 horses used for safaris: a mix of purebred horses and crossbreeds of Arabian and Somali stock. Most of them were bred at our nature reserve in central Kenya. Living alongside wild animals on a daily basis, these horses are accustomed to moving freely in the wild, possess great stamina, and have a calm temperament. Under the supervision of our horse trainer and her team of riders, each horse is carefully trained and cared for, ensuring the safety of our clients during their excursions into the African wilderness.
TACK:
We practice English-style riding, using both French cavalry saddles and comfortable all-purpose English saddles. Most horses are equipped with a single-bit bridle, and each participant is provided with a two-compartment saddle bag for storing water bottles, cameras, and rain gear.
ACCOMMODATION: 
This is a wilderness trekking tour, with overnight stays at different campsites.
The tour operator specializes in traditional mobile safaris using canvas tents. The private camps are located in beautiful settings, typically under a canopy of trees or overlooking a stream. The mosquito-proof tents are furnished simply in a traditional safari style, with double or single beds, rugs, and bedside tables. Egyptian cotton sheets and warm feather duvets are provided, and hot water bottles are available for cooler nights. There are a total of 8 tents. A separate canvas shower (soap and shampoo provided) and toilet are located behind each tent.
Laundry facilities are available. Devices can be recharged in the vehicle using a cigarette lighter adapter or an inverter.
Since this is a wilderness camping trip, there will be no Wi-Fi.
As an example itinerary:
Night 1 & 2: Nkilenya, Lemek Reserve
Night 3 & 4: Mara River, North Mara Reserve
Night 5 & 6: Out of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle
Night 7 & 8: KO8, North Mara Reserve
MEALS:
All meals are included, from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last day.
The camp restaurant tent is furnished with tables and chairs for a refined dining experience. The menu features a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, and poultry. Meals are prepared by our chefs over an open fire and served by our staff. All ingredients are sourced locally. Expect hearty breakfasts, al fresco lunches, and candlelit dinners. Fresh bread is baked daily, and ice is made in our safari camp freezer.
The camp bar offers a selection of imported wines and spirits, as well as local beers, soft drinks, and mineral water.
Dietary restrictions:
We can accommodate most dietary restrictions, provided we are notified in advance.
This trip includes wine with dinner and can also accommodate special dietary requests.
100 € discount for first registrations !
2026 PRICE / PER PERSON * :
The price is calculated for a minimum of 5 participants. Safaris with fewer participants are possible for an additional fee, please contact us to find out how many participants are already registered for your desired dates.
9690 € in rooms/tents for 2 people
Single tent supplement: 2500 €
Booking fees: 15 €
Wilderness Conservancy Fee (MANDATORY): 1500 €
* Prices may be adjusted downwards or upwards depending on exchange rate fluctuations.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Accommodation, all meals, all drinks at the camp (including mineral water), horseback safaris (as per itinerary) with a professional Kenyan safari guide, camp staff (cooks, waiters, mechanics, drivers, stable hands, porters and tent maintenance staff), 4x4 vehicles for safari excursions, both day and night game drives, laundry service at the camp, medical insurance (Flying Doctors), airport transfers, round-trip flight between Nairobi and the Mara, and government taxes. Your payments are also fully guaranteed by our travel operator's financial bond.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, personal expenses, tips, Wilderness Conservancy Fee (mandatory 1500 €), accommodation and meals outside of the safari program (day 0), as well as champagne, premium spirits and select wines from the cellar – all items not listed under "what's included" are not included in the price.
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices - See information
100 € discount for first registrations !
THIS SAFARI IS NOW OFFERED ONLY TO GROUPS FROM 6 RIDERS
SEE OUR OFFER OF HORSEBACK SAFARIS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDERS: