Price
12,450 USD
Country
Kenya
Duration
8 Nights
Safari Type
Camping, Fly camping, Mobile Safari
Location
The Masai Mara
Safari Rating
The Greater Mara Conservancies are adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve, an extensive area in southwestern Kenya that is continuous with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The area is famous for its indescribably wide grasslands and its golden savannah. There is an exceptionally high number of animals here, including Africa’s ‘BIG 5’.
One of the biggest natural spectacles on earth plays out here every year; the great migration in which over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by countless zebra and antelope move through the Mara and the Serengeti. This is a true highlight to witness for most people! The huge mass of animals covers the plains as far as the eye can see, as they make their long circular journey clockwise through the savannah. The wildebeest migration arrives in the Masai Mara region in late July and generally stay until late September, however, each year’s migration is different dependent on that year’s weather patterns.
If you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you may have the chance to experience this unique experience up close on horseback; an incredible experience that you will never forget.
The Masai Mara is also home to the Maasai people, a local tribe known for their colourful traditional dress and their nomadic cattle-herding lifestyle. The Maasai are a potent symbol of the region. During your safari here, you will get to learn about their fascinating culture, customs and the skills they have used to survive in the wild for centuries.
During your 9-day safari in the private concessions of the Mara, one adventure after another will await you. Look forward to long gallops next to huge herds of zebra and wildebeest, dramatic sunsets, cosy camps with breathtaking views and pure wilderness as far as the eye can see. You and your horse will become one with nature and wish that this journey would never end!
highlights
- Riding in the greater Masai Mara; over 300,000 hectares of pure wilderness and one of Kenya’s most diverse nature reserves.
- With a little luck, you’ll experience the largest wildlife migration in the world as over 1.5 million wildebeests undertake their annual migration through the region.
- Taking breathtaking gallops through the Masai Mara’s seemingly infinite expanses.
- Experiencing very special and intensive animal encounters whilst on horseback.
- Riding in ‘BIG 5’ terrain…
map and overview
You will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and be taken from there to your hotel.
The following day you will be transferred to Wilson Airport and travel by a light aircraft to:
- 2 nights at Nkilenya Camp, Lemek Conservancy.
- 2 nights at Mara River Camp, Mara North Conservancy.
- 2 nights at Out of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle.
- 2 nights at KO 8 Camp, Mara North Conservancy.
On departure you will take a transfer flight back to Wilson Airport and then transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onwards connections.
start dates
(Shorter 6-night safaris are also available.)
27 July 2026 - 4 August 2026
11 September 2026 - 19 September 2026
21 September 2026 - 29 September 2026
1 October 2026 - 9 October 2026
11 July 2027 - 19 July 2027
9 September 2027 - 17 September 2027
19 September 2027 - 27 September 2027
5 October 2027 - 13 October 2027
suitable for
- As the rides take place in ‘BIG 5’ terrain, only advanced riders can be accepted and unfortunately, beginners cannot participate.
- You must be secure in the saddle at all gaits and able to control your horse at all times.
- You must be able to gallop out of trouble and cover stretches of up to 10 minutes at a time at a trot or canter.
- Good physical fitness and a sense of adventure are advantages.
- There is a maximum rider weight of 90kg.
Your guide is responsible for the whole group. Should he or she feel that a guest does not have the necessary riding skills and represents a risk for themself or the group, they may be asked to continue the safari in a vehicle.
detailed itinerary
Day 1: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy
You will be met and transferred from your hotel to Wilson Airport for a safari briefing. Our morning flight departs approximately at 10.30am and arrives int he Mara at 11.15am. Your professional safari guides, Gordie and Felicia Church, 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: 5-10 kms
Day 2: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy
Morning and afternoon exploring the riverine forest 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. All in all, it will be a heavenly first safari day!
Riding distance: 10-15 kms
Day 3: Mara River, Mara North 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: 20-25kms
Day 4: 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: 10-15 kms
Day 5: Out of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle
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 elephants. After lunch, a short ride, followed by an ascent on foot, to the top of the escarpment.
Riding distance: 20-25 kms
Day 6: Out of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle
Options to ride and drive in the triangle with magical views looking down towards the Serengeti in the distance. This corner of the ecosystem is blessed with croton thickets, forest and endless tall grasslands, the perfect environment for rhino, elephant, buffalo and lion. In the late afternoon we may visit a small traditional homestead of our local Masai hosts.
Riding distance: 10-15 kms
Day 7: KO 8, Mara North Conservancy
Today we descend the escarpment on foot and head due east, riding back over the Mara River, skirting the large village of Rianta and onwards, to a lovely picnic lunch under scattered acacia trees. After a long siesta we ride over the Koiyaki Plain and to our new camp on the Olare Orok Stream, used by the Masai to water their cattle.
Riding distance: 20-25 kms
Day 8: KO 8, Mara North Conservancy
Morning and afternoon ride, drive or walk in this magical corner of the Mara. Exceptional riding country, where two large prides of lion 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 creatures.
Riding distance: 15-20 kms
Day 9: Departure
Our last morning ride in this stunning country. After a hearty brunch we say our “goodbyes” to the horses and camp crew. Our afternoon flight to Nairobi departs approximately at 2.45pm. Upon arrival at 4.15pm, you will be transferred to your Nairobi hotel or JKIA for your international flight home.
Riding distance: 10-15 kms
accommodation
Your mobile camp traditionally consists of simple, but very comfortable large, walk-in ‘Meru’ tents with mosquito protection. They are furnished in the typical safari style, with single or double beds, cosy bed linen, a carpet and bedside tables. Hot water bottles are available every night. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with warm bucket showers on request and a toilet.
Camp life centres around a dining tent with tables and chairs that invite you to sit together until deep in the night exchanging stories and sightings from your day.
Each evening the camp chef prepares delicious fresh meals over an open fire that is served by waiters. The bush bar is stocked with imported wines and spirits, as well as a selection of local beer, soda and water.
The entire camp is broken down and set up again every second day in a new breathtaking setting. A great emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly behaviour in the bush. When the camp is dismantled no trace of human presence is left behind. The camp is usually sheltered by a small forest or alongside a stream.
price
Price 2024
- USD 9,300 per person sharing
- USD 1,500 Conservancy Fees per person
- USD 2,500 Single supplement per person
Price 2025
- USD 10,000 per person sharing
- USD 1,500 Conservancy Fees per person
- USD 2,500 Single supplement per person
Price includes:
- All accommodation and meals
- All drinks in the camp
- Professional guides
- Safari camp assistants and crew
- Horses and tack
- Flying doctor membership
- Return flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara
- Airport transfers
- Laundry in the camp
- Government taxes
Price excludes:
- International flights and visas
- Champagne, premium spirits and cellar wines
- Accommodation and meals not described in the safari itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
additional information
- Over 25 Somali-Arab crosses and thoroughbreds await you. They have great stamina, are well schooled, even-tempered and responsive. Most were born and raised in Kenya and all live in the middle of the nature reserve, so they are used to being surrounded by big game.
- Riding is done in the English style with comfortable French cavalry saddles and English general-purpose saddles.
- Each ride is accompanied by a professionally trained guide and a back-up guide.
- Between 4 and 8 hours are spent in the saddle each day and up to 40 kilometres are covered per day.
- Full days of riding alternate with less intensive riding days, dependant on whether camp moves that day, or if you return to camp for lunch and a break.
- Group sizes vary between 2 and 12 guests.
Ready for an adventure? Lets Talk!
Contact SAFARI FRANK to get started on your safari of a lifetime!
