Pristine, wild and unpredictable - that's the Masai Mara! Equally exciting is our exclusive Riding safari - an experience of a lifetime for experienced riders who are looking for a sporting challenge. Long gallops in any terrain and also jumps over tree trunks etc. are the order of the day and you will even see lions on horseback!
The unique Masai Mara Game Reserve and the Greater Mara Conservancies show East Africa as most people imagine it: single acacia trees amidst endless savannahs broken by dark green forest veins on the banks of the Mara and Talek rivers - perfect for observing the enormous and unparalleled number of wild animals present. 
The Masai Mara is located right next to the Serengeti (Tanzania) and is considered by many to be Kenya's greatest wildlife sanctuary, as it is also Kenya's most wildlife-rich reserve, both in terms of the number of species and animals overall. Giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and gazelles are just some of the many species in the wildlife sanctuary, which is one of the most popular in Africa. 
Also famous is the annual Big Migration, The Great Migration of more than a million wildebeest is one of the most important natural spectacles in the world: From July to October, the huge herds of the Serengeti migrate through the Masai Mara. 
The Masai Mara is also home to the colorful and stately Masai, who gave the region its name with their herds of cattle. Experience Kenya from its original and most beautiful side on this challenging Riding safari tour!

Itinerary

Day 1: After being picked up from your hotel or the airport in Nairobi, you will be taken to Wilson Airport to catch the charter flight to the Masai Mara at around 10:00 a.m. This beautiful panoramic flight (approx. 45 minutes) takes you across the fertile Kikuyu highlands and the volcanic soil of the Great Rift Valley before reaching the Loita Hills and Siana Springs. Here you will meet your guide, who will take you to the camp in time for lunch (approx. 1 hour drive). The exclusive camp is located in a picturesque acacia grove on a small river at the southern end of the Loita Plains, from where you will get to know the excellent horses on a first ride in the beautiful surroundings in the evening.

Day 2: You will set off early in the morning and explore the remote area before returning to camp. There you can enjoy a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, you will go on a game drive by jeep and have the opportunity to walk up Oloiburmut Hill to enjoy the magnificent view. You will return to the camp for lunch. You will have time to rest a little before setting off at around 4 p.m. to visit a traditional Masai village.

Day 3: After packing, you will leave the camp quite early today, as the longest stage of the horseback safari, covering around 50 km, awaits you on this day. You will conquer the vast savannah and quickly notice that the closer you get to the heart of the Mara, the more wildlife you will encounter. Today, you can observe large herds of zebras, topis, giraffes, wildebeests and gazelles. There is also the possibility of spotting elephants and buffalos. After impressive encounters, you will reach your comfortable camp for the night on the edge of the Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve in Olare Orok in the late afternoon. Here, the incomparable number of wild animals cannot be overlooked, and from the camp you can often hear the howling of lions and hyenas while enjoying a sundowner around the campfire.

Day 4: Today you will go on beautiful morning and evening horse rides and also have the opportunity to explore the wildlife reserve by jeep to capture some great snapshots. As the Land Rover gets much closer to the awe-inspiring lions, elephants and buffalo than horses, these spectacular drives are sure to remain a vivid memory. You will spend each night in Olare Orok.
There is also the option of an optional balloon ride with unique wildlife viewing from the air – a spectacular experience! (Surcharge approx. £550 per person, reservation in advance!)

Day 5: Today it's time to pack your bags again, as you set off across the Mara plains towards the west to the Mara River on the park boundary. You will cross this river (unless it is completely flooded) at one of the famous fords where the wildebeest also brave the river. Then you continue southwest across the Mara Triangle, where you enjoy your picnic before climbing the Soit Olololol mountain range to reach your camp in an idyllic forest clearing. From here, you can see the entire Mara area – a magnificent view! Overnight stay in Soit Olololol.

Day 6: You will mount your horse again and ride down the steep slope from yesterday to ride through the Mara Triangle once more and cross the river again. You will ride in a north-westerly direction and, after a leisurely and delicious lunch, you will reach the site of your camp for the night, set up directly on the banks of the Mara River. There are several hippo pools nearby and the grunting of these gigantic animals will accompany you to sleep tonight.

Day 7: You will ride in the morning and in the evening and have several opportunities to cross the river where the hippos live – an impressive experience! After a late breakfast, you can choose between a bush walk or a jeep safari. Take the opportunity to take some more great photos.

Day 8: Today you set off on horseback for the last time and enjoy the morning ride. Afterwards, you sit together over breakfast and take in the view of the landscape. The time has come to say goodbye – you must bid farewell to the horses, the beautiful landscape and the wildlife. Around 11 a.m., you will be transferred to Nairobi (car/charter flight).

Tip: Extension at Deloraine Lodge (3 days or longer):

Day 9: After a hearty breakfast, you will set off in a Land Rover towards Deloraine, passing through the impressive tea plantations of Kericho. There will be a picnic on the way and, once you arrive in Deloraine, a soothing cup of tea and a wonderful evening stroll through the magnificent garden. The extensive estate is one of the most exclusive accommodations in Kenya and offers you every comfort you could wish for. Enjoy the relaxation after your horseback ride in beautiful surroundings! Around Deloraine House, over 80 horses graze on lush pastures and there are many great riding opportunities, as well as a swimming pool, tennis and polo courts and a cross-country course.

Day 10: Early risers have the opportunity to take part in a refreshing morning ride before breakfast. There is also the option of completing a few jumps on the cross-country course.
On request, day trips can be organised to either Lake Nakuru (Lake Nakuru National Park) or Bogoria, which are known for their countless flamingos, rhinos and abundance of wildlife. Enjoy a stylish candlelit dinner and overnight stay back at Deloraine.

Day 11: Breakfast. After a leisurely morning or another ride, we will return to Nairobi after lunch (transfer approx. 3 hours).

Price and availability on request.

Accomodation
During Riding safari you will spend the night in mobile tent camps with large double tents in which you can comfortably to stand sleep. The tents are equipped with comfortable camp beds and complete bedding for your comfort. All camp equipment and your luggage will be transported in the support vehicle. A team of helpers takes care of setting up the camp.

Extension: The Deloraine Lodge is the home of the Riding safari founders and reflects the fascinating history of Kenya. Even Queen Elizabeth has been a guest here several times. Lord Francis Scott built the estate in 1920 on 3500 acres of farmland. The stately colonial architecture will make you feel as if you have been transported back in time. There are a total of 5 guest rooms and a large lounge and dining room with a veranda overlooking the extensive tropical garden. There are three further guest rooms in the adjoining cottage, each with its own external bathroom. The property is located on the western edge of the Great Rift Valley near Mount Londiani. The Lake Nakuru National Park - known for its countless flamingos and rhinos - is only a 45-minute drive away and is absolutely worth seeing! The large riding facility and stable are home to around 80 horses, including some of Kenya's best polo ponies. Rides are offered for guests in the surrounding area. There are spectacular views of the landscape from the mountain hills. There is also a cross-country course and a polo pitch. It is possible to go on full or half-day game drives with picnics in Lake Nakuru National Park. Other activities include croquet, tennis, swimming or simply relaxing in the idyllic garden. All activities during your stay at Lodge are included, as is the laundry service.

Saddle & Tack: English. Various comfortable saddles, e.g. Polo, Wintec.

Experience: Advanced riding skills and many years of trail riding experience are required for this sporty adventure Riding safari.  As you will be riding in open reservation areas (wild animals and predators), you must be able to ride in all gaits, control your horse safely in all gaits and react fast (e.g. gallop away from an emergency situation or take an obstacle). 

The terrain is very challenging, mostly wide open grassland and open savannah with scrubland, swamps and lakes. There are always small jumps in the terrain, e.g. over tree trunks that have been knocked over by elephants, and holes. You should also be in very good physical condition, as you will spend approx. 4-7 hours a day at saddle (approx. 25-50 km). Rider weight: maximum 95 kg.

When changing camps, the picnic is transported in saddlebags. Lunch break: 1.5-2 hours. From time to time the horses have to be led for short distances due to the difficult terrain (on steep passages at mountain).

Horses: Well-trained thoroughbred and half-bred horses, very sensitive, robust and fit. Many horses are home-bred, all are polo-trained and only the best horses go on safari. The horses are specially trained for riding safaris and are used to being close to wild animals.