Safari in the Maasai Mara | Horse Riding Holidays in Kenya | Globetrotting

The Maasai Mara Ride, Kenya

7 NightsIntermediate to AdvancedFrom $9,870 USD?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD

Our all-time favourite riding safari, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, explores some of Africa’s best big game country.

Let me 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 ride where you’ll feel alive and out-of-your-skin every waking moment of your safari.

Fast Facts

  • Horse Breed:Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred cross.
  • Pace:Moderate to fast.
  • Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs.
  • Type of tack:English general purpose Wintec saddles and leather saddles. Seat savers 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 5 and a maximum of 12 guests.
  • 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.
  • Riding Ability: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.
  • 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.
  • Ride Length:7 night and 8 night itineraries are 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% payment plan!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
June 15, 2024June 22, 2024Limited
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: $10,570 USD ?Tour costs $10,570 USD which is approximately $16,099 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

June 22, 2024June 29, 2024Limited
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

June 29, 2024July 6, 2024Available
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

July 6, 2024July 13, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
July 13, 2024July 20, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
August 10, 2024August 17, 2024Limited
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

August 17, 2024August 24, 2024Limited
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

August 31, 2024September 7, 2024Available
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

September 7, 2024September 14, 2024Limited
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

September 14, 2024September 21, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: $10,570 USD ?Tour costs $10,570 USD which is approximately $16,099 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
October 5, 2024October 12, 2024Limited
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

October 12, 2024October 19, 2024Available
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

December 7, 2024December 14, 2024Available
From: $9,870 USD ?Tour costs $9,870 USD which is approximately $15,033 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

January 18, 2025January 25, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

March 8, 2025March 15, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

June 14, 2025June 21, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

June 21, 2025June 28, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

July 12, 2025July 19, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
July 19, 2025July 26, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

August 9, 2025August 16, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

August 16, 2025August 22, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

September 13, 2025September 20, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

September 20, 2025September 27, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

October 11, 2025October 18, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

October 18, 2025October 25, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

December 13, 2025December 20, 2025Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

December 27, 2025January 3, 2026Available
From: $10,850 USD ?Tour costs $10,850 USD which is approximately $16,525 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

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.

Click HERE to read more about our fees and charges.
Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN USD?
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

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*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

    You will be collected from your Nairobi Hotel or directly from the airport and transferred to Wilson Airport for a 10:30 charter or 10am scheduled flight to Siana Springs. It is a beautiful flight, passing over the fertile Kikuyu Highlands before reaching the Great Rift Valley. You’ll fly across the volcano-studded floor of the Rift before reaching the Loita Hills and Siana Springs air strip. Your guides will meet you and drive you to your first camp, set up on the banks of the Mara River adjacent to a pool teeming with hippos – their grunting in the night is a special feature of this campsite. Lunch will be served and you will have a little time to relax before meeting your horses and setting off on your first gentle evening ride (about 2 hours). Overnight at Mara River Hippo Camp.

  • Day 2

    You’ll begin the day with an early morning ride, crossing the Mara River for the first time and returning to camp for a light breakfast. After breakfast a game drive will be on offer. Driving provides better photographic opportunities than riding, and exploring more of this northern part of the Mara has much to offer. You will return in time for lunch and a siesta before setting off on an afternoon ride, returning in good time to shower and maybe set off in the vehicles once more for a sundowner and a short night game drive before supper. Overnight at Mara River Hippo Camp.

  • Day 3

    This is your first moving day. Leaving camp after breakfast at about 9am, you’ll head south towards the park boundary where you’ll meet the river again at one of the famous wildebeest crossings. Once you’ve crossed the river ,the route turns southwest across the Mara Triangle, meeting the car with your picnic lunch at around 12:30. After a siesta, you’ll set off again at about 16:00 and ascend the Soit Oloololo Escarpment. You’ll ride into camp at about 17:30 and spend the night overlooking the whole Mara ecosystem. Overnight at Escarpment Soit Oloololo Camp.

  • Day 4

    After breakfast at about 9am you’ll descend the escarpment and ride across to the now-familiar wildebeest crossing on the river. Heading in a westerly direction, you’ll descend into the enchanting Olare Orok Valley, with a picnic lunch and siesta at around 12:30-15:30 on the way. Reaching your camp in time for tea at about 17:00, there should also be time to do an evening game drive and sundowners, before supper under the stars. Overnight at Olare Orok Camp.

  • Day 5

    Today you will enjoy a full day of exploring this glorious area on horseback, car and possibly also on foot. There will be excellent photo opportunities as you get close to buffalo, elephant, lion and maybe even cheetah or leopard. Overnight again at Olare Orok Camp.

  • Day 6

    Your third moving day, this is also the longest ride of the trip, covering nearly 50km. Breaking camp early and setting off at 7.00am, you’ll stop for a picnic breakfast from about 10-11:00. Then you’ll continue on until 13:30 when, after reaching Ol Kinyei Conservancy, you break again for lunch and a siesta. At 16:00 you’ll mount up and ride to your last camp, arriving at Olare Lamun (‘the rhino salt lick’), nestled in a grove of acacia trees by a small stream at the southern edge of the Loita Plains. Overnight at Olare Lamun Camp.

  • Day 7

    After an early wake up, your guides will take you out on a morning ride before returning to camp for a light breakfast. You will then set out for a game drive and a beautiful walk up a nearby hill called Oloiburmut, returning to camp for lunch and a siesta. At around 4pm, you will either drive or ride to visit the local Maasai Village – a unique and unforgettable experience. Overnight at Olare Lamun Camp.

  • Day 8

    After one last morning ride and breakfast, you will say a fond farewell to your new friends and take a transfer to the airstrip. You’ll fly back to Nairobi at around 11:00, landing at Wilson at 12:00. Your hosts will organise a taxi to pick you up and either take you around Nairobi to do some shopping/visits, or to a hotel day room (included), before taking you on to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your evening flight home, or your onward destination.

  • Transfer Information

    We encourage guests to arrive in Nairobi at least two nights prior to the start of your ride so you can enjoy one full day of sightseeing in this city. We recommend guests stay at Macushla House – we can help make a reservation here at your request, and can arrange a pick up from Nairobi Airport with a driver from Macushla House at an extra cost.

    Transfers to and from Nairobi regional airport (to the Maasai Mara) are included in your ride price on the first and last day of your ride. Please note, regional flights have a luggage allowance of 15kg / 33lbs maximum.

What our valued Globetrotters say about The Maasai Mara Ride

Maasai Mara Horseback Safari, Kenya - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

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.’

Maasai Mara, Kenya - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

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.’

Maasai Mara, Kenya - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

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.’

Maasai Mara, Kenya - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Kelley Foster

‘Simon and Megan were truly amazing. Simon is an encyclopaedia of information and seemed to enjoy sharing his knowledge and love of the animals and the land. He never tired of the barrage of voices asking questions, needing assistance or just wanting to chat for a bit. Megan and Simon seem to communicate without words. They are in harmony with the surrounding environment, the horses and each other. They wear a lot of hats: they are perfect hosts, skilled equestrians, conservation enthusiasts, protectors, and they became friends that I did not want to leave.
The food was incredible. Every meal was fresh and delicious. There is nothing like food prepared over an open fire. My horse, Tinga, was amazing. Well trained, honest, brave, forward and seemingly happy to be on safari. I was happy with the accommodation – I especially loved our second camp high up on the escarpment. The views were incredible. I also loved the mid-day riding break on ‘move days’ when we would ride up to our row of chairs and private little areas set up for us to stretch out and relax. I loved that the horses were untacked, washed in the river, fed and given a well deserved rest. The quality of service, level of care of the horses, attention to detail and safari experience gave me priceless memories.’

Maasai Mara ride, Kenya - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Elizabeth Curran

‘I just returned from the Maasai Mara ride and it was over the top. Amazing trip, horses, guests, guides, game, food, scenery… best ever! The safari team was top of the heap. Amazing attention to detail and so much fun to be with. The guides were all so experienced, amazing riders, funny, entertaining, knowledgeable, accommodating. I can’t say enough. A+.
Every day we had to pinch ourselves – just when we thought you couldn’t top what we did or saw, the next ride proved even more exciting. From a hot air balloon ride, to being in the middle of a pride of 22 lions in the dark, to galloping alongside a herd of giraffe, to crossing the Mara river (twice) full of hippos and crocodiles… Evenings spent by the campfire, incredible food and drink as we recounted the day’s events, then falling into to bed in my tent with a hot water bottle between my sheets. Everyone who met me, greeted me, drove me, worked at the hotel, etc was absolutely wonderful; I felt very safe and comfortable being a single woman traveling, and that was a big plus for me.’

Meet a Globetrotter: Allanah Powell

Allanah Powell

‘Words cannot express the satisfaction and happiness we achieved on our Maasai Mara ride. My Husband Ian and I were worried we would not be able to get horse fit for this ride. We expected we would have a day or two in the safari vehicles, but we had not a single one! Our guide, Simon, had our trusty steeds matched perfectly. Bardamat and Trevor (our steeds) where forward moving, steadfast, and had us relaxed throughout our seven days. We never once felt unsafe in the Mara. Each day was jam packed with two or three rides, and a total of 200kms across the Mara. The camp staff catered to our every need with plentiful hot showers at the end of a big day in the saddle and even hot water bottles to easy any aches away. The food was beyond fabulous. Brioche, croissants and pastries from our camp oven, handmade ravioli, fillet of beef, and unbelievable salads to mention only a few. Five star meals again and again. Galloping alongside zebra and giraffe, up close to cheetah and lion, seeing spectacular bird life and camping on the riverbank hearing the hippos at night made this ride exceed all expectations – not to mention the friends made at camp. Thank you, Globetrotting, for a trip full of lifetime memories.’

Michael Barker

‘The Maasai Mara safari was a lifetime highlight for me. The feeling of cantering along vast open plains amidst a myriad of wildlife with like-minded riders and phenomenally impressive guides  is out of this world. Simon and Megan were fantastic. Their knowledge was seemingly endless and they communicated it in a warm style. Everything food and accommodation wise was taken care of and I felt truly spoilt on this trip. The horses were fit, healthy and fun to ride. You can see they love to get out in the open spaces on safari. The scenery was spectacular and straight from Out of Africa! I am lucky to have been able to go on such an exhilarating experience. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. The pictures don’t do it justice – but my memories do.’

Globetrotting horse riding holiday Maasai Mara, Kenya

Tracie Wilson

‘The Maasai Mara ride was beyond my wildest dreams. It’s impossible to describe how incredible the experience was, and I’ll never forget cantering alongside a herd of giraffe, feeling one with the group.
At times an adrenaline rush and at others simply joyous, and often achingly hilarious. My horse, the beautiful Pauline, was a true gem – so fit, surefooted, gentle-natured, responsive and calm amidst the chance of a charging elephant or buffalo. Our host, Imogen Voorspuy, and guide, Simon Kenyon, were outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble and every single thing imaginable was covered: hot water bottles, drinks and nibbles before an amazing two-course dinner, endless kindness and generosity, and laughs and thrills too. They worked non-stop and we all adored them.
Thank you so much, Globetrotting, for making this trip possible. Everything went smoothly, for which I’m very grateful.’

horse riding safari in the Maasai Mara, Kenya

Emma Heath

‘Words just don’t do the Maasai Mara trip justice. AT ALL! It felt like being in another world for seven days, where we were treated to this wild, incredibly immersive experience – but at the same time, spoiled rotten with all the creature comforts you can imagine. The horses are bred and produced beautifully, and so much fun to ride. The guides manage to be fun and easy-going, yet incredibly professional – their skill is out of this world, with nature, horses and people alike. The animals… where do I even begin? We were surrounded by lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras and so much more – to say that the Mara is ‘teeming’ with wildlife is an understatement. I was also lucky to find myself in the friendliest, most lively group of people and I had more fun than I have had in my life. It feels like a cliché, but I am still pinching myself that this trip actually happened.’

STORIES FROM THE SADDLE

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