Allow us to explain why you’ll fall HEAD OVER HEELS in love with this seven or eight night horse riding safari.
It traverses some of Africa’s best big game country, from the rolling Loita Hills to the immense Maasai Mara, voted Africa’s leading national reserve. The panoramas are quintessential to Kenya, where acacia trees mushroom from the ground, giraffes elegantly lope across the earth, young Maasai herders wrapped in brightly coloured shukas keep a watchful eye on their cattle and the horizon is dotted with herds of wildebeest, zebra, topi and eland. It’s a honey-pot for big game, which amps the adrenaline up a notch. Oh, and one of the highlights is swimming your horse across the Mara River with hippos watching from upstream.
We scream YES! This is the safari where you’ll feel alive and out-of-your-skin every waking moment.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred cross.
- Pace:Moderate to fast.
- Type of tack:English general purpose Wintec saddles and leather saddles. Seat savers are available.
- Time in Saddle:4 to 7 hours in the saddle each day. A picnic lunch is carried in saddle bags on moving days with 1 to 2 hour lunch stops. Some walking on foot is necessary over the rough terrain.
- Ride Length:7 night and 8 night itineraries are available.
- Seasons:There is no winter or summer due to the proximity of the equator. There are two rainy seasons: November and April/May. The hottest months are February/March and September/October.
- Group size:A minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 guests.
- Riding Ability:Strong intermediate to advanced. In order to enjoy the safari and for the safety of all the riders and horses, guests should be experienced riders, comfortable at all paces (walk, trot, canter, gallop) and able to get out of trouble calmly and at the necessary speed. You should be balanced, with an independent seat and fit enough to ride 4 – 7 hours per day. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs. It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Accommodation:Spacious 10ft x 9ft sleeping tents with camp bed. There is a loo tent for each double tent and hot showers are always available.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all conservation and park fees, internal flights and transfers within the time frame of the safari, full board accommodation, all drinks (except champagne), all riding, game drives (day & night), game walks and laundry.
- Exclusions:
International flights, travel insurance (compulsory), staff gratuities and any accommodation/activities outside the itinerary.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!There is a single supplement of $100 USD per night payable if requested however it’s not compulsory for a single booking as long as guests are prepared to share.
Non-riders are also welcome to join their riding partner on this ride, the price of which is the same as the riding price. Non-riders can enjoy game drives and game walks each day.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all conservation and park fees, internal flights and transfers within the time frame of the safari, full board accommodation, all drinks (except champagne), all riding, game drives (day & night), game walks and laundry.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
International flights, travel insurance (compulsory), staff gratuities and any accommodation/activities outside the itinerary.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors. It can also be run in either direction.
Guests should aim to spend their first night (or two) in Nairobi to rest and recover from jet lag before it comes time to swing a leg over the saddle.

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Maasai Mara Ride
Jacqueline M.
‘I was nervous to start this ride, but Simon and Laura were amazing and helped me feel comfortable throughout the week. We saw more animals than I could have possibly imagined, including cheetahs, lions and a leopard. I had the amazing experience of cantering with giraffes – a lifelong dream of mine. The camps were basic but comfortable and had everything we needed. The camp staff was amazing – clean boots every day, hot water bottles, etc.
I never felt unsafe riding near any of the animals as the guides were very careful and knowledgeable. All in all, I would highly recommend this ride to anyone who wants an adventure!’
John T.
‘From the time we arrived in Nairobi to landing in the bush and hopping back onto the plane for home, the whole experience was 100%. We were blessed with a fantastic group of people; we all got along very well, supporting each other throughout the entire journey. The guides even helped the nervous riders through the Mara River crossing. When they mention there are hippos and crocs, they really do mean that; yet we felt safe at all times. The amount of game and access to it was far beyond our expectations. The mobile camp experience was excellent and very comfortable. The horses exceeded our expectations; while managing a team of any animals isn’t easy, this awesome crew ensured they were extremely well cared for, washed and shampooed after each day’s ride, and covered at night if it got cool. They truly love their horses. The food—oh, the food—was excellent. I learned after quite a few days: don’t have seconds, as there is always more coming! I have done a few things in my life, but as this was a true bucket list job for me, I imagine it would be very difficult to beat this amazing experience in the beautiful Mara.’
Heather B.
‘The Maasai Mara ride did not disappoint. My horse was wonderful; we were all matched well with horses that are well cared for, respected, and considered at all times. Our guides were amazing—knowledgeable, competent, and passionate about the animals and the environment. We had fun; there was adrenaline at times, amazing wildlife encounters, and every day was packed with experiences, amazing food, and the right amount of rest. This was a trip I had dreamed about and saved for. I loved every minute and every detail of the trip; I would do it all again! Don’t procrastinate; just do it!’
Kathleen H.
‘I have just returned from the Maasai Mara ride in Kenya. We saw so much wildlife, both in numbers and species. This was my 3rd trip to Africa, and I had my first wild rhino sighting. We were treated to all of the big five during our week. The camps, although rustic, were very comfortable and quite a special experience. The food was delicious and plentiful, as was the drink! We met amazing new friends and loved every one of the staff! I can’t recommend this ride highly enough. If you want to experience Africa in a special way and create memories that will last a lifetime, this is the ride for you!’
Angela M.
‘The Maasai Mara ride is incredible! I’ve wanted to visit Africa and do a horseback safari for 35 years, and this experience exceeded my wildest dreams. The ecosystem is stunning; we saw the Big Five and so much more. The guides are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they do; they have many interesting stories to share and made sure we experienced as much as possible during our trip. The horses are amazing; they know their job and are looked after incredibly well. My fellow globetrotters were so much fun and quickly became new friends. This was the most exhilarating adventure, and I hope one day I’m able to return.’
Barbara V.
‘This ride exceeded my expectations by thousands! Amazing guides, comfortable beds, delicious food, spectacular and challenging rides with time for breaks and rest, well-trained horses selected specifically for each rider. And the wildlife!!’
Elliott Sumers
‘This was an outstanding adventure travel experience. The entire trip, from the pick up at our hotel at the start to the drop off at the end, was professionally run. The camps were wonderful and the food was delicious. I rode Alfredo, a wonderful, very willing horse with a smooth canter. He climbed in and out of the many gullies gently, but without hesitation.
The lion and elephant encounters on horseback were extraordinary. We loved the long canters on the open plains, and crossing the Mara just downstream from the crocodiles was amazing. Every day was different and wonderful.
Simon is perhaps the most gifted trip leader I’ve ever met, and I have taken dozens of hiking, cycling and kayaking trips and multiple African safaris. He’s extremely capable and professional and made us feel safe at all times. He’s a great naturalist, a wonderful host and projects an infectious enthusiasm for the adventure. Miranda was also a huge plus on the trip. She is a fabulous rider and a natural hostess, funny, inclusive, kind and helpful.
The whole trip was challenging, entertaining, enlightening and a ton of fun.’
Stacy Etheridge
‘The trip of a lifetime. So much more than I imagined. Cantering with giraffes, galloping with wildebeest, camping next to hippos, lying awake at night listening to their grunting and hearing the lions, hyenas and zebras in the distance. The Maasai Mara is one amazing place.
All the horses were in great nick and well cared for. My horse, Mzima, could not have been matched anymore perfectly. Soft mouth, responsive and keen every day.
Simon and Imogen – wow. There was no question about Kenya, the culture, the animals, or the ride itself that these two couldn’t answer. Both obviously love their job, love their country and love sharing it with globetrotters. They were very attentive, and always approachable and happy to help. The staff were all fantastic and catered for us guests so well. We were always looking forward to the yummy food – it was creative, plentiful, and most of all so good!
This trip was absolutely worth every cent. From the moment you’re picked up to go on the plane, life is so well catered for and there’s nothing to worry about. From the amazing meals to the amazing horses, the candlelit dinners, all the staff that put the camp up and take it down, boots being polished, hot water to wash your face each morning, the steaming hot showers, right down to the hot water bottles in your bed at night, everything was covered and it was the best.
You walk away with a lifetime of memories and some lovely friends. 10 outta 10 for this epic ride.’
Shelly Barnet
‘We had a fantastic time on the seven day Maasai Mara ride, with great horses, wonderful hosts, amazing wildlife, beautiful scenery and loads of fun. Hugh rode Mars and I rode Posie, and we were both happy with our horses. Megan did an excellent job of matching horses to riders and all the horses were in great condition, well looked after and fed really well.
Both Simon and Megan were exceptional, friendly, easy to chat with and good fun. They also knew about the animals, birds and landscapes. The food was fantastic and the tented accommodation was very comfy.
The wildlife was amazing. We saw a beautiful pride of lions 10 minutes after arriving on the plane. The elephants, giraffe and all the other game were also fantastic. We even saw a leopard and an aardvark, which is quite unusual. Each day brought new sights, animals and landscapes. Although we only rode for a few hours a day, it was enough. We enjoyed being able to go out in the vehicle when we weren’t riding and at night, were very fortunate to witness the lionesses hunting at close range. The afternoon siesta was a treat, too.’
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