Best Luxury Masai Mara Horse Safari for Beginners/Experts
Envision traversing the renowned Wildebeest Migration pathways amidst formidable wildlife like as lions, buffalo, and elephants. Envision traversing the expansive grasslands of the Masai Mara alongside thousands of wildebeest and zebras, pausing intermittently for picnics in some of the globe’s most picturesque settings. This distinctive horse-riding safari provides proficient and seasoned riders with an unparalleled adventure.
Experience the unparalleled opportunity to traverse alongside large game and vast herds of wildebeest as they migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in pursuit of fresh pastures between July and October.
Traverse the Mara River (except in full flood) during one of the renowned wildebeest crossings, seen by inquisitive crocodiles and hippos. Embark on game drives and guided excursions from camps located in exquisite settings within the Masai Mara.
A Complete Luxury Masai Mara Horse Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Fly into the Mara North
Your picturesque short-haul flight will transport you from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Naboisho airstrip in the Mara North region. Upon arrival, your guide will transport you to your initial campsite, located on the banks of the Mara River adjacent to a bustling hippo pool. This camp is situated along the banks of the Mara River, providing a view of a vibrant pool of resident hippos. Following lunch and a little period of relaxation, you will embark on your inaugural sunset horseback ride. You will have the opportunity to embark on a wildlife drive to observe herds of wildebeest, zebra, and, if fortunate, elephant, buffalo, and lion.
Day 2: Cross the Mara River
Depart the camp in the early morning for your inaugural ride of the day, during which you will also traverse the Mara River for the first time. You will cross the river (provided it is not in full flood) at one of the famous wildebeest crossing locations, observed by inquisitive hippos and crocodiles. Return to camp for a modest breakfast prior to embarking on a wildlife drive to further explore Northern Mara. There is an opportunity for lunch and a brief rest before departing for evening refreshments and a brief nocturnal game drive.
Day 3: Explore the Soit Olololo Escarpment
Following breakfast, you depart from camp at 9 AM to go towards the park boundary, encountering the river once more at one of the renowned wildebeest crossings. Traverse the escarpment and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Masai Mara’s terrain. Numerous plains wildlife can be observed below, and with some fortune, one may catch sight of the single Schalow’s or Mrs. Ross’s turaco – vibrant, frugivorous avians.
Experience a picturesque journey at the base of the Mara Triangle, where a vehicle will be ready with your picnic lunch at 12:30 PM. Climb the escarpment along a game track populated by substantial groups of male buffalo. Proceed to Camp Soit Ololol, rejuvenate, and indulge in a delectable dinner accompanied by a beverage of your preference near a warm campfire, overlooking the Mara ecosystem.
Day 4: Back Over the Mara!
Today, you will once more descend the escarpment and traverse the identical wildebeest crossing location as on Day 2. You will go westward and descend into the picturesque Olare Orok Valley, where you will disembark for a lunch alongside a tranquil streamlet. Arrive to Camp Olare Orok in time for afternoon tea, followed by an evening wildlife drive. Olare Orok provides cosy sleeping tents furnished with torches, gas lights and hurricane lamps. Each tent includes a bathroom tent equipped with genuine safari hot bucket showers. Allow the distant calls of lions and hyenas to lull you to sleep for the next two evenings.
Day 5: Olare Orok Camp
Engage in morning and evening horseback rides from the camp and relish the opportunity to see Kenya’s premier conservation region via a game drive. You will get intimate photographic encounters while observing large wildlife such as lions, elephants, and buffalo—potentially cheetahs and leopards if fortunate.
Day 6: Ride Across Rolling Plains
Commence the journey early, as today you will traverse over 50 kilometres, or 31 miles, through a region inhabited by large wildlife. Gallop amidst herds of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and gazelle, pausing along the way for a picnic breakfast and lunch. Situated adjacent to a serene stream on the southern periphery of the Loita Plains and enveloped by a splendid grove of acacia trees, lies Camp Olare Lamun (translated as ‘the rhino salt lick’). This will serve as your sanctuary for the subsequent two nights.
Day 7: Visit the Local Masai Village
Embark on game drives, horseback excursions, or guided treks to see this secluded region of the Masai Mara. The Mara’s exceptional year-round wildlife observation allows for remarkable sights of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, and notably, the impressive influx of wildebeest from around July to November.
Day 8: Bid Farewell to Kenya
Following breakfast, you will be transported to Nairobi, carrying cherished memories of Africa that will endure throughout your lifetime.
End of 8 Days Masai Mara Horse Safari
Inclusions
- All necessary permits, conservancy and park fees
- All activities specified, including morning and evening game drives each full day on safari
- All Conservation & Park fees
- Game drives, Horse riding, Walking
- Internal flights and transfers associated with each safari
- Laundry, Amref, Flying Doctors Membership (Air Evac to Nairobi)
- Local airstrip transfers
- All transfers during your itinerary
- 24/7 assistance and support during your trip
Exclusions
- Your international flights to and from Africa + any related taxes
- Any travel visas you require (though we help you with this)
- Tips
- Personal items (eg. travel insurance, souvenirs)
