Day 1 – Arrival & First Horseback Safari Ride
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport—or from your Nairobi hotel if you arrived earlier—you’ll be transferred to Wilson Airport for a 10:00 am flight to Mara North. Your guides will meet you at the airstrip and drive you to your first camp, beautifully located on the banks of the Mara River near a hippo pool. After a delicious lunch and some time to relax, you’ll meet your horses and head out on a gentle two-hour evening ride through the stunning landscape. This first ride allows you to settle in and soak up the wilderness.
Overnight: Mara River Hippo Camp
Day 2 – Morning Horse Ride, Game Drive & Sundowner Safari
Begin with an early morning ride, crossing the Mara River for the first time before returning for a light breakfast. Afterwards, enjoy a game drive—perfect for capturing wildlife photos not always possible from horseback. Back in camp for lunch, you’ll have a relaxing siesta before an afternoon ride through scenic plains. Returning in time to freshen up, you may head out again by vehicle for a sunset drink and a short night game drive, offering the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife. The day blends riding, driving, and relaxing, ensuring a rich safari experience.
Overnight: Mara River Hippo Camp
Day 3 – Horseback Journey to the Sirai Escarpment
After breakfast, depart camp around 9:00 am, riding south to the park boundary and meeting the river at a famous wildebeest crossing. Cross into the Mara Triangle, riding southwest to meet the vehicle for a picnic lunch around 12:30 pm. After a restful siesta, continue at 4:00 pm towards the Soit Ololololo Escarpment. The climb rewards you with breathtaking views, and you’ll reach camp around 5:30 pm. Here, on the escarpment edge, you’ll spend the night overlooking the sweeping Mara ecosystem—an unforgettable panorama to end the day.
Overnight: Escarpment Soit Olololo Camp
Day 4 – Horseback Safari into Olare Orok Valley
After breakfast, descend the escarpment around 9:00 am, returning to the same wildebeest crossing before heading west. The ride takes you into the scenic Olare Orok Valley, a haven for wildlife. Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch and siesta from 12:30 to 3:30 pm in a shaded spot. Continue the journey to reach camp in time for afternoon tea. Depending on timing, an evening game drive with sundowners may follow. Supper under the stars makes the perfect close to a day filled with spectacular scenery and riding.
Overnight: Olare Orok Camp
Day 5 – Full-Day Horseback Exploration of Olare Orok
Spend a full day exploring the Olare Orok area by horse, safari vehicle, and possibly on foot. The diverse terrain offers incredible photographic opportunities. You might encounter herds of buffalo, elephants wandering the grasslands, or lions resting in the shade. With luck, sightings could include cheetahs or even leopards. Whether galloping across the plains, approaching wildlife silently on foot, or photographing from the vehicle, every moment is designed to immerse you in the wild beauty of this part of the Mara.
Overnight: Olare Orok Camp
Day 6 – Epic Long-Distance Horse Ride to Olare Lamun
Today is the longest ride—nearly 50 km—so you’ll break camp early at 7:00 am. The morning features steady riding and long canters, with a picnic breakfast en route. Continuing through open country, you’ll reach Ol Kinyei Conservancy for lunch and a siesta. In the afternoon, ride into Olare Lamun, your final camp, nestled among acacia trees beside a small stream at the southern edge of the Loita Plains. This location is known as the “rhino salt lick,” making it a unique and peaceful final base.
Overnight: Olare Lamun Camp
Day 7 – Morning Ride & Maasai Village Horseback Visit
After an early morning ride, return to camp for a light breakfast. Later, enjoy a game drive and a scenic walk up Oloiburmut Hill, offering sweeping views over the Loita Plains. After lunch and rest, set out by vehicle or horseback to visit a nearby Maasai village. Here, you’ll engage with the community, learning about their traditions, livestock, and way of life. It’s a chance to connect personally with the people who have called this land home for centuries.
Overnight: Olare Lamun Camp
Day 8 – Farewell Horseback Ride & Departure
Your final morning ride is a chance to say goodbye to your horse and the Mara’s open plains. After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your 11:00 am flight to Nairobi, landing at Wilson Airport around noon. A taxi will take you to a day room at a Nairobi hotel (included) where you can freshen up and relax before your evening transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This marks the close of an unforgettable horseback safari, leaving you with vivid memories of Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.
