Maasai Mara
Kenya
Maasai Mara Ride
A horse riding safari amongst Africa’s animals is an active, exhilarating and adrenalin-fuelled safari. Experiencing this spectacular unfenced and expansive wilderness ecosystem on the back of a horse is a journey like no other and one you will never ever forget. The horse riding safari is hosted by Gordie and Felicia Church 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 that 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 Maasai 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 it has come to represent the epitome of East Africa. The landscape is one of 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!
You will love
- Game viewing on horseback
- Stylish camping safari
- An adrenalin rush
- The Maasai Mara ecosystem
- Gordie’s crew
- Suitable for non-riders
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
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 a.m. and arrives in the Mara at approximately 11.15 a.m. 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 Maries 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 occasional 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 p.m. Upon arrival at approximately 4.15 p.m, you will be transferred to your Nairobi hotel or JKIA, to begin your 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 also 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 four-wheel drive game drives, meeting up with the riding group for morning tea, lunch, etc. There is something for everyone here!
NEED TO KNOW
Start: Nairobi - Kenya
|
Finish: Nairobi
A SHORT RIDE IN THE MARA – 6 Days
Safari Outfitting Fees: US 8,600 per person sharing
Conservancy Fees: US 1,350 per person
Total: US 9,950 per person sharing
Single Supplement: US 2,250
MAASAI MARA RIDE – 8 Days
Safari Outfitting Fees: US 10,700 per person sharing
Conservancy Fees: US 1,750 per person
Total: US 12,450 per person sharing
Single Supplement: US 2,500
Departure Dates – 2026*
A Short Ride in the Mara – 6 Days:
- (Fully booked)
Maasai Mara Ride – 8 Days:
-
July 27th – August 4th
-
September 11th – September 19th
-
September 21st – September 29th
-
October 1st – October 9th
* PLEASE NOTE: All dates are subject to availability & departure may not be guaranteed pending booking numbers. Please contact us for current availability on all itineraries.
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
- Four-wheel drive 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 6 and 8-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
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
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
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.
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The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
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Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
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Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
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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.
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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.
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Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
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The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
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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
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.
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Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
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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.
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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!
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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
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Kim & Brad Balance
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 wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
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Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
