Horse-Riding Safaris
Among the herds, at ground level, on horseback
6 Days
Duration
2–8 guests
Group Size
Moderate
Difficulty
OVERVIEW
About This Experience
Among the herds, at ground level, on horseback
Highlights
- Twice-daily horse rides across the Mara plains
- Ride alongside zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe
- Fly camping under the stars
- Game drives for non-riders
- Expert horsemasters and guides
Climate
Warm and dry. Mornings on horseback can be fresh. Afternoons warm (25–30°C).
Best time
July–October and January–March for best riding conditions.
Fitness
Moderate. Riding experience required (competent walk, trot, canter). Full riding safety briefing on Day 1.
Difficulty
Moderate
DAY BY DAY
Your Itinerary
Arrive and Meet Your Horse
Fly or drive from Nairobi to the Mara conservancy. After lunch, meet your horse. The first ride is a gentle 45-minute introductory walk — your horsemaster assesses your ability and matches your horse accordingly. Sundowners in the saddle as the sun drops behind the Esoit.
Dawn Ride — The Mara at Its Most Alive
Out by 6:30 AM, when the air is cool and the herds are moving. On horseback you can approach wildlife in a way no vehicle can — zebra continue grazing as you pass within metres. The afternoon ride follows a dry river bed through dense bush where leopard have been tracked.
Canter Day — Full Speed Across the Plains
For those ready, today's afternoon ride includes an extended canter across the open Mara plain — one of East Africa's most exhilarating experiences. Zebra and wildebeest part around you. Your horsemaster leads, the plain stretches ahead, and Africa makes complete sense.
Fly Camp — Sleep Under the Mara Stars
Today's longer ride ends at a fly camp set up by the camp crew in advance. Just a fire, a bedroll under a tree, a cold beer, and total silence. No generator. No WiFi. No walls. This is what the Mara sounded like before the camps arrived.
Return Ride — Back Through the Bush
Ride back to the main camp via a longer scenic route. Today there is no agenda — your horsemaster takes you wherever the morning feels right. Final afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner at camp.
Final Morning — Then the Long Journey Home
One last morning ride before breakfast. Transfer to the Mara airstrip for your flight to Nairobi. Your horse is already back in the stables, but you will be back on it — in your mind — for weeks.
What is Included
- All horse rides with professional horsemasters
- Safety equipment and riding gear
- All park and conservancy fees
- All accommodation as listed
- Full board throughout
- All transfers
What is Not Included
- International flights
- Kenyan visa
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Personal items
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