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

The Maasai Mara Ride Starring Will Rogers, Kenya

7 NightsStrong Intermediate to AdvancedFrom $11,600 USD?Tour costs $11,600 USD which is approximately $18,088 AUD

Explore some of Africa’s best big game country alongside beloved natural horsemanship expert Will Rogers.

Imagine riding a brave, beautiful safari horse across the African savannah: cantering alongside wildebeest and zebra, splashing across hippo-filled rivers, and witnessing the majesty of elephant, lion, cheetah, antelope and countless other creatures with the best guides you could ask for. Now imagine doing all this while riding shoulder-to-shoulder with none other than famed trainer, dressage rider and horseman Will Rogers! PINCH me now!!

The Maasai Mara Ride traverses some of Africa’s best big game country, from the rolling Loita Hills to the immense Maasai Mara itself, 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 huge herds of wild game. This region is also a honey-pot for big game, which amps the adrenaline up a notch.

Combine this with the privilege of riding to a Maasai village to meet the locals and glimpse their incredible way of life, and we scream YES!

Riding through this extraordinary ecosystem with Will Rogers at your side, 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 rough terrain.
  • Ride Length:7 nights.
  • Seasons:December.
  • Group size:A maximum of 10 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.
  • Minimum age:14
  • 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!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
December 13, 2025 - Guided!December 20, 202510 spots left
From: $11,600 USD ?Tour costs $11,600 USD which is approximately $18,088 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderGuided RideGuided Ride! Click to learn more. Globetrotting with the Stars! Click to learn more.
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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

    Today is the day, globetrotters. You’ve made it to Nairobi, and you’re moments away from meeting Will Rogers himself! You will be collected from your Nairobi Hotel or directly from the airport and transferred to Wilson Airport for either a 10am scheduled flight or a 10:30am charter flight to Siana Springs. It’s 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 airstrip. You, Will and your fellow globetrotters will be met here by your guides and driven to Mara River Hippo Camp. On the banks of the Mara River and 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 and get to know everyone before meeting the horses and setting off on your first gentle evening ride (about 2 hours).

  • Day 2

    Waking to the sounds of the savannah, you’ll be struck by the dazzling realisation that this is not a dream – you’re in Kenya, with Will Rogers, about to explore the African plains on horseback! – An early morning ride sees you cross the Mara River for the first time, before returning to camp for a light breakfast. Afterwards, a game drive will be on offer. Driving provides better photo opportunities than riding, and exploring more of this northern part of the Mara is always rewarding. You’ll return to camp for lunch and a siesta before setting off on an afternoon ride to spot more wild game. You will be back at Mara River Hippo Camp in time to shower and maybe jump in the vehicles for a short night game drive and sundowners before supper.

  • Day 3

    This is your first moving day. Leaving camp after breakfast at about 9am, you’ll ride 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 12:30pm. After a long, lazy siesta and perhaps some philosophical equine discussions with Will, you’ll set off again at about 4pm and ascend the Soit Oloololo Escarpment. You’ll ride into camp at about 5:30pm and enjoy an incredible evening overlooking the whole Mara ecosystem.

  • Day 4

    After breakfast at about 9am, your Globetrotting group will mount up along with Will and your guides, descending the escarpment and riding across to the now-familiar wildebeest crossing on the river. Heading west, you’ll ride down into the enchanting Olare Orok Valley, with a picnic lunch and siesta at around 12:30-3:30pm on the way. Reaching Olare Orok Camp in time for afternoon tea at about 5pm, there should also be time for an evening game drive and sundowners before supper under the stars.

  • 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. Evening brings more relaxed conversation with Will over a sumptuous supper at Olare Orok Camp.

  • Day 6

    Your third moving day, this is also the longest ride of the trip, covering nearly 50km (30 miles). Departing at 7am, you’ll stop for a picnic breakfast at about 10am. Then you’ll ride on until 1:30pm when, after reaching Ol Kinyei Conservancy, lunch and a siesta beckon. At 4pm, you’ll continue riding to your last camp, 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.

  • Day 7

    After an early wake-up, you’ll enjoy a morning ride across the Loita Plains, 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 (no doubt Will’s long legs will get him up to the top first!), 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. Finally, another peaceful night beckons at Olare Lamun Camp.

  • Day 8

    After one last morning ride and breakfast, you, Will and your fellow globetrotters will be driven to the airstrip for the 11am flight back to Nairobi. Your hosts will organise a taxi to pick you up and either take you around Nairobi for some shopping/visits, or to a hotel day room (included), before taking you on to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your evening flight home.

  • Will Rogers

    Will Rogers is an Australian horseman renowned for his deep connection with horses and passion for understanding their minds and movement. Growing up on a farm in western New South Wales, horses were always part of his life, shaping his journey from an early age. His pursuit of excellence took him from Australia to the USA, where he trained with top cutting horse professionals, and later to Europe, where he expanded his expertise into dressage and liberty work.

    With a foundation rooted in horsemanship and personal growth, Will has worked with young, traumatized, and high-performance horses, prioritizing their wellbeing and partnership. Now based in Germany, he blends advanced dressage with liberty to help riders and horses find true connection. Through international performances, educational programs, and inspiring media, Will empowers people to believe in their dreams and create meaningful relationships with their horses.

  • 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

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!!’

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.’

STORIES FROM THE SADDLE

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