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

2023 Pricing

START: Nairobi - Kenya | Finish: Nairobi

MASAI MARA RIDE – 8 Days
Safari Outfitting Fees: US$ 8,555 per person sharing
Conservancy Fees: US$ 1,440 per person
Total: US$ 9,995 per person sharing
Single Supplement: US$ 2,440

A SHORT RIDE IN THE MARA – 6 Days
Safari Outfitting Fees: US$ 6,720 per person sharing
Conservancy Fees: US$ 1,080 per person
Total: US$ 7,800 per person sharing
Single Supplement: US$ 1,080

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

Enquire

PLAY VIDEO

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

CALL 1300 130 218