Horse Riding Safari

Maasai Mara

with Safaris Unlimited, Kenya

Maasai Mara Ride

Riding amongst Africa’s animals is an active, exhilarating and adrenalin fuelled safari. Experiencing this spectacular unfenced and expansive wilderness eco-system on the back of a horse is a journey like no other and one you will never ever forget. The riding safari is hosted by Gordie & Felicia Church of Safaris Unlimited, one of Kenya’s leading family run safari outfitters, who not only run riding safaris but also offer traditional mobile tented safaris all over Kenya. Gordie’s father, Tony Church, started the original riding safari concept in Kenya and between the two of them, they offer authentic, unique and unforgettable safaris that not only have heritage but deliver a safari experience which is all class, full of punch and seriously stylish.

The six or eight night riding safaris traverse the greater Mara Conservancies (which are adjacent to the Masai Mara), namely Ol Kinyei, Naboisho, Olare Orak, Motogori, Mara North & the Mara Triangle. This Mara wilderness is an extension of the Serengeti Ecosystem and is considered Kenya’s best wildlife sanctuary, where animals can still be seen in vast numbers. The beauty of this wilderness is that is has come to represent the epitome of East Africa. The landscape is one if rolling savannah and acacia woodland, intersected by dark green veins of riverine forest along the banks of the Mara and Olare Orak Rivers. The Mara is also home to the colourful and handsome Maasai people who, with their herds of livestock, are synonymous with the region.

Riding with Gordie and his crew gives you the best seat in the house!

9 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

DAY 1 | NAIROBI TO LEMEK CONSERVANCY

You will be met and transferred from your hotel to Wilson Airport for a safari briefing. The morning flight departs at 10.30 am and arrives in the Mara at approximately 11.15 am Your professional safari guide, Gordie Church will meet you in the bush for a game drive to your 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 kilometres

DAY 2 | LEMEK CONSERVANCY

Morning and afternoon exploring the riverine forests 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. Expect Bloody Marys in the morning, pink gins for sundowners in the evening and all-in-all, a heavenly first day on safari. Riding distance : 10-15 kilometres

DAY 3 | LEMEK CONSERVANCY TO MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY

Your first full day in the saddle travels 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, ride down to the banks of the Mara River with its’ large pods of hippo and the odd monster crocodile. Riding distance : 20 – 25 kilometres

DAY 4 | MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY

A stunning area to traverse by horse or vehicle. Depending on conditions you 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 kilometres

DAY 5 | MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY TO MARA TRIANGLE

After a ‘full-monty’ breakfast ride in a southerly direction across Maternity Plain, enjoy stunning views in every direction and excellent going for the horses. 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 elephant. After lunch, a short ride, followed by an ascent on foot, to the top of the escarpment. Riding distance : 20-25 kilometres

DAY 6 | 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 you may visit a small traditional homestead of your local Maasai hosts. Riding distance : 10-15 kilometres

DAY 7 | MARA TRIANGLE TO MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY

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 ride over the Koiyaki Plain and to a new camp on the Olare Orok Stream, used by the Maasai to water their cattle. Riding distance : 20-25 kilometres

DAY 8 | MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY

Today enjoy a morning and afternoon ride, drive or walk in this magical corner of the Mara. This is an exceptional riding country, where two large prides of lion make this area their home, allowing for a sensational big-cat experience. You may go out after supper by vehicle, with a spotlight, to discover the nocturnal creatures. Riding distance : 15-20 kilometres

DAY 9 | MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY TO NAIROBI

A last morning ride in this stunning country. After a hearty brunch say “goodbye” to the horses and camp crew. The afternoon flight to Nairobi departs at 2.45 pm Upon arrival at approximately 4.15 pm, you will be transferred to your Nairobi hotel or JKIA, to begin you journey home. Riding distance : 10-15 kilometres

Please Note:

The routing of the ride is indicative but is subject to change at any time due to changing environmental conditions. Flexibility surrounds activities with opportunities to visit remote villages in some areas. Seven day itineraries and custom private departures are available.

DATES & PRICING

See Key Facts for Details

NON-RIDERS VERY WELCOME

Please do not worry if your travelling companion is a ‘non-rider’. Non riders are very welcome and will have the same amount of fun, participating in 4WD game drives, meeting up with the riding group for morning tea, lunch, etc. There is something for everyone here!

NEED TO KNOW

2025 Pricing - limited Spaces left already!

START: Nairobi - Kenya | Finish: Nairobi

A SHORT RIDE IN THE MARA – 6 Days
Safari Outfitting Fees: US$ 7,850 per person sharing
Conservancy Fees: US$ 1,150 per person
Total: US$ 9,000 per person sharing
Single Supplement: US$ 1,400

MASAI MARA RIDE – 8 Days
Safari Outfitting Fees: US$ 10,000 per person sharing
Conservancy Fees: US$ 1,500 per person
Total: US$ 11,500 per person sharing
Single Supplement: US$ 2,500

Inclusions

Full board accommodation
All drinks (except Champagne) in camp, including bottled drinking water
Professional riding guide & professional safari guide in each vehicle
Full Compliment of camp crew— chefs, waiters, porters, grooms, tent stewards, drivers etc
Vehicles and back up trucks
4×4 vehicles and game drives— day & night
Kenyan Flying Doctors membership
Return flights Nairobi to Mara and Mara to Nairobi & transfers
Park entry fees and activities on the riding safari
Laundry in camp
Government taxes

Exclusions

International flights
Extra safari arrangements & accommodation in Nairobi
Any gratuities for camp staff
Extra activities, visas, insurance Items of a personal nature

Both 9 and 7 day itineraries are available
Custom private departures can be arranged
Maximum 4 riders, maximum 12 riders and 3 non-riders
Operates December-March and June-October; multiple dates available
Single supplement may apply
Flights and insurance on request
Terms and conditions apply – please request a copy of our booking form for all details.
Price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control

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