Masai Mara Ride

Introduction
Masai Mara Kenya
A nine-day exploration safari on horseback in the Masai Mara wilderness area.

The Masai Mara Game Reserve and Greater Mara Conservancies represent most people’s idea of East Africa. The landscape is one of rolling savanna, intersected by dark green veins of riverine woodland on the banks of the Mara and Talek rivers. This wilderness is an extension of the Serengeti (Tanzania) ecosystem and is considered by many to be Kenya's best wildlife sanctuary, where animals can still be seen in vast numbers. Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, hippo, crocodile, antelope and gazelle are some of the many species to be found. The annual migration of up to one million wildebeest is most dramatic and considered to be one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. Needless to say, both wildlife and bird viewing are phenomenal. The Mara is also home to the colorful and handsome Masai people who, with their herds of livestock, are synonymous with the region.

The Masai Mara Game Reserve & Greater Mara Conservancies
Altitude 5,000-6,000 ft. ~ Area 5,000 sq. km ~ Gazetted in 1961.

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights are spent camping in different locations.

Description
We specialize in traditional mobile safaris under canvas tents. Our private camps are positioned in the most beautiful areas usually under a canopy of trees or overlooking a stream. The mosquito-proof tents are simply furnished in traditional safari-style camping with double or single beds, carpets, and bedside tables. Egyptian cotton sheets and warm feather duvets adorn the beds and hot water bottles are provided for the cool nights. We have 8 tents total. Separate canvas shower (soap and shampoo provided) and loo units are placed behind each tent.
Laundry is available. Items may be charged in a car using either a cigarette lighter socket or the car inverter system.
As we are camping in the wilderness, there will be no WIFI access.



9day/ 8night Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy
Night 3 & 4: Mara River, Mara North Conservancy
Night 5 & 6: Out Of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle
Night 7 & 8: KO8, Mara North Conservancy

7day/ 6 night Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy
Night 3 & 4: Mara River, Mara North Conservancy
Night 5 & 6: KO8, Mara North Conservancy

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is not mandatory if you are willing to share.



Meals
All meals are included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.

The dining tent is furnished with tables and chairs for elegant meals in camp, which include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and fowl. These meals are prepared over open fires by our camp chefs and served by waiters. All food is locally sourced with 'full-monty' breakfasts, alfresco lunches, and candlelight dinners. Bread is baked daily and ice is made in our safari freezer.

The bush-bar is stocked with imported wines and spirits along with a selection of local beers, sodas, and bottled water. 

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Level
Participants should be competent and confident at all paces (surprises in the bush cannot be predicted) and have an intermediate level of fitness and riding ability. Riders must have the ability to trot for stretches of 10 minutes at a time and be able to gallop out of trouble.
The guide will assess the capability of each rider and should he feel that any rider is not competent and therefore imposes a risk to themselves or others, he will ask them to continue the safari in a vehicle rather than on horseback.

Pace
We ride between 4 to 8 hours, covering 20 to 50 kilometers per day. Full days of riding when we move camp are alternated with days where we ride out of camp and return for lunch and a siesta in the afternoon.

Horses
Our stable is home to over 25 safari horses – a mixture of Somali-Arab crossbred and thoroughbreds. The majority of these have been bred and raised at home on our wildlife conservancy in central Kenya. Living at close quarters with wild animals, our horses are familiar with being amongst big game, have great endurance and are evenly tempered. Under the professional guidance of our horse master and her team of grooms, each safari horse is carefully schooled, exercised, and loved, for the sole purpose of carrying our guests safely through the African wilderness.

Tack
We ride in the English style using very comfortable French cavalry and English general–purpose saddles. Most horses are tacked in a snaffle bridle and double-sided saddlebags are provided for each member to carry water bottles, cameras, and rain gear.

Safety
A professional riding guide leads every safari. A safety briefing is given at the beginning of the safari with detailed information about how to handle a big game situation.
A small medical kit is carried on horseback and a more comprehensive kit is kept in camps.
The mobile camps, vehicles, and guides have radio communication, mobile phones, or satellite phones in case of an emergency.

Insurance
It is one of our conditions that all guest must have adequate medical and comprehensive travel insurance in case of cancellation, curtailment and other emergencies, should they arise. Insurance details must be provided prior to travel.

Flying Doctor
We provide all our clients with membership to the Flying Doctors Society of Kenya. This service covers emergency medical evacuation to a hospital in Nairobi, at which point your personal medical insurance will take effect.

Weight Limit
Our weight limit is 90 kg (200 lbs). However, we can offer a special program for heavier riders, including shorter rides, game drives, walks and cultural visits.

Staff
Gordie was initiated into the safari world as a youngster. Born in Kenya, he guided his first safari aged 18 and has over 30 years’ experience in the bush. Today, his untamed love of all things wild and his passion and respect for Africa’s people and wildlife, make Gordie a fascinating and inspiring character.
Felicia’s talents encompass all aspects of safari – she’s a brilliant equestrian, an inventive chef, a qualified Bowen therapist and engaging company. She married Gordie in 2014.
Pete has been a professional safari guide for over 45 years. He has dedicated much of his life to conservation and is very proud to have been a founder member of the Masai Mara Conservancy and an honorary warden with the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Pierre is a third generation Kenyan who grew up living under canvas with his father, a well-known conservationist. He feels most at home in the bush. Pierre spends all of his time on safari with guests or friends. His love of the bush is contagious and his knowledge is outstanding.

Non-Riders
Non-riding participants are welcome to join their riding partners. They will spend their days game viewing in a safari vehicle (4x4) or on foot with their own professional safari guide.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: 9-day program - subject to changes

Day 0: Pre-trip night
On arrival in Nairobi we will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer you to your hotel (meals and overnight not included).

Day 1: Flight to Mara
You will be met and transferred from your hotel to Wilson airport for a safari briefing. Our morning flights departs at 10:30am and arrives in the Mara at approximately 11:15am. Your professional safari riding guide will meet you there 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: 5-10km
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodations: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy

Day 2: Lemek Ride
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. Bloody Marys in the morning and Pink Gin for 'sundowners' in the evening. All-in-all, a heavenly first day on safari. 
Riding distance: 10-15km
Meals: All meals in camp
Accommodations: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy

Day 3: Mara River Ride
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 to banks of the Mara River with its' large pods of hippo and the odd monster crocodile.
Riding distance: 20-25km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner in camp, picnic lunch
Accommodations: Mara River, North Conservancy

Day 4: Siria Escarpment Ride
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: 10-15km
Meals: All meals in camp
Accommodations: Mara River, North Conservancy

Day 5: Mara Triangle Ride
After a 'full-monty' breakfast we ride in a southerly direction across the 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 elephant. After lunch, a short ride, followed by an ascent on foot, to the top of the escarpment. 
Riding distance: 20-25km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner in camp, picnic lunch
Accommodations: Out Of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle

Day 6: Game Ride in 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: 10-15km
Meals: All meals in camp
Accommodations: Out Of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle
 
Day 7: Koiyaki Plain Ride
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: 20-25km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner in camp, picnic lunch
Accommodations: KO8, Mara North Conservancy

Day 8: Mara North Conservancy Ride
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 sensational big-cat experience. We may go out after supper by vehicle with a spotlight to discover nocturnal creatures. 
Riding distance: 15-20km
Meals: All meals in camp
Accommodations: KO8, Mara North Conservancy

Day 9: Flight to Nairobi
Our last morning ride or drive following the banks of the river. Wonderful opportunities for long canters over the Serian and Maternity plains. After a hearty brunch we say our goodbyes to the horses and camp crew. Our afternoon flight to Nairobi departs at 2:45pm. Upon arrival at approximately 4:15pm, you will be transferred to JKIA for your international flight home.
Riding distance: 10-15km
Meals: Brunch in camp



Sample Itinerary: 7-day program - subject to changes

Day 0: Pre-trip night
On arrival in Nairobi we will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer you to your hotel (meals and overnight not included).

Day 1: Flight to Mara
You will be met and transferred from your hotel to Wilson airport for a safari briefing. Our morning flights departs at 10:30am and arrives in the Mara at approximately 11:15am. Your professional safari riding guide will meet you there 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: 5-10km
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodations: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy

Day 2: Lemek Ride
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. Bloody Marus in the morning and Pink Gin for 'sundowners' in the evening. All-in-all, a heavenly first day on safari. 
Riding distance: 10-15km
Meals: All meals in camp
Accommodations: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy

Day 3: Mara River Ride
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 to banks of the Mara River with its' large pods of hippo and the odd monster crocodile.
Riding distance: 20-25km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner in camp, picnic lunch
Accommodations: Mara River, North Conservancy

Day 4: Siria Escarpment Ride
A stunning area to traverse by horse of 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: 10-15km
Meals: All meals in camp
Accommodations: Mara River, North Conservancy

Day 5: Maternity Plain Ride
After a 'full-monty' breakfast we ride in a southerly direction across the Maternity Plain. Stunning views in every direction and excellent going for the horses. Picnic lunch is enjoyed in a patch of thick forest often occupied by elephant. After a long siesta we ride past a game-rich saltlick and onwards to our new camp on the Olare Orok Stream, used by the Masai to water their cattle.
Riding distance: 20-25km
Meals: Breakfast and dinner in camp, picnic lunch
Accommodations: KO8, Mara North Conservancy

Day 6: Mara North Conservancy Ride
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 sensational big-cat experience. We may go out after supper by vehicle with a spotlight to discover nocturnal creatures. 
Riding distance: 15-20km
Meals: All meals in camp
Accommodations: KO8, Mara North Conservancy

Day 7: Flight to Nairobi
Our last morning ride or drive following the banks of the river. Wonderful opportunities for long canters over the Serian and Maternity plains. After a hearty brunch we say our goodbyes to the horses and camp crew. Our afternoon flight to Nairobi departs at 2:45pm and lands at 4:15pm. You will be transferred to JKIA for your international flight home.
Riding distance: 10-15km
Meals: Brunch in camp



Non-Riders
Non-Riders are welcome! They will spend their days game viewing in our customized safari vehicle with their own professional safari guide.

Rates and Dates for Masai Mara Ride

Dates Note:
Additional dates are available on request (except for April, May and November) - Book early - space is very limited in the Mara. Enquire for private departure or as an extension to a beach stay or a visit to the gorillas, etc.

Other Info
Meeting: Hotel in Nairobi
Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Transfer: Kenya International Airport/ hotel

Climate:
                                               Nairobi area