6

6 Day Horseback Riding Safari In Kenya’s Masai Mara

6

6 Day Horseback Riding Safari In Kenya’s Masai Mara

MATHEWS RANGE

LAIKIPIA

MERU

MT. KENYA*

TSAVO

EAST

ABERDARES

LAKE

NAKURU

LAKE

NAIVASHA

NAIROBI

TSAVO

WEST

MOMBASA

LAMU

SERENGETI

MASAI MARA

INDIAN OCEAN

KENYA

LAKE

VICTORIA

MATHEWS RANGE

LAIKIPIA

MERU

MT. KENYA*

TSAVO

EAST

ABERDARES

LAKE

NAKURU

LAKE

NAIVASHA

NAIROBI

TSAVO

WEST

MOMBASA

LAMU

SERENGETI

MASAI MARA

INDIAN OCEAN

KENYA

LAKE

VICTORIA

KENYA

Area 583,000 sq. km. ~ Population 45 million

Straddling the equator across East Africa, Kenya is undeniably

beautiful. The country has an almost unparalleled physical di-

versity - tropical rain forests, golden deserts of epic expanse,

sandy beaches, the Great Rift Valley, lakes, mountains of snow

and ice and, of course, the undulating savanna's of safari legend.

Few destinations in the world can evoke such powerful imagery

as Kenya, one of Africa's premier safari destinations. The Aca-

cia-dotted plains are inhabited by classic African animals, from

towering elephant and giraffe, prancing gazelles, wallowing hippo

to prides of lion and high-speed cheetah. The country also plays

host to the annual wildebeest migration, the largest single move-

ment of herd animals on the planet.

But to simply focus on Kenya's wildlife and nature is to ignore

the people that make the country so dynamic. Kenya is a thriv-

ing multi-cultural country (over forty tribal groups), with a wide

cross-section of everything that is classic and contemporary Afri-

ca. Everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban fam-

ilies, ancient customs and modern sensibilities.

Kenya is a legendary safari destination. With so much on offer,

the country became the birthplace of the real safari, with the likes

of Roosevelt, Hemingway and Finch-Hatton, setting the trend.

Today, Kenya still offers the finest safari holidays in Africa.

GREATER MARA CONSERVANCIES

(Ol Kinyei, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Mara North & Mara Triangle)

Altitude 5,000 – 6,500 ft. ~ Area 5,000 sq. km.

The beauty of the greater Mara Conservancies 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 on the banks of the Mara and Olare

Orok rivers. This wilderness is an extension of the Serengeti (Tanzania) ecosystem and is considered to be Kenya's best

wildlife sanctuary, where animals can still be seen in vast numbers. Carnivores, antelopes, primates and rodents are some of

the mammals to be found. The annual migration of up to one million wildebeest is most dramatic and considered to be one

of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. The flora, fauna and birdlife are phenomenal. The Mara is also home to the colorful and handsome Masai people who, with their herds of livestock, are synonymous with the region. Wildlife includes:

aardvark, baboon, buffalo, bushbuck, cheetah, crocodile, dik-dik, eland, elephant, gazelle, giraffe, genet, hippo, hyena, im-

pala, jackal, kongoni, leopard, lion, mongoose, reedbuck, rhino, serval, topi, warthog, waterbuck, wildebeest and zebra.

GREATER MARA CONSERVANCIES

(Ol Kinyei, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Mara North & Mara Triangle)

Altitude 5,000 – 6,500 ft. ~ Area 5,000 sq. km.

The beauty of the greater Mara Conservancies 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 on the banks of the Mara and Olare

Orok rivers. This wilderness is an extension of the Serengeti (Tanzania) ecosystem and is considered to be Kenya's best

wildlife sanctuary, where animals can still be seen in vast numbers. Carnivores, antelopes, primates and rodents are some of

the mammals to be found. The annual migration of up to one million wildebeest is most dramatic and considered to be one

of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. The flora, fauna and birdlife are phenomenal. The Mara is also home to the colorful and handsome Masai people who, with their herds of livestock, are synonymous with the region. Wildlife includes:

aardvark, baboon, buffalo, bushbuck, cheetah, crocodile, dik-dik, eland, elephant, gazelle, giraffe, genet, hippo, hyena, im-

pala, jackal, kongoni, leopard, lion, mongoose, reedbuck, rhino, serval, topi, warthog, waterbuck, wildebeest and zebra.

A six-night safari on horseback in the Masai Mara wilderness.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

On arrival in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a representative of Safaris Unlimited and

transferred to your hotel.

Day 1 ~ You will be met and transferred from your hotel to Wilson airport for a safari briefing. Our morning flight departs at 10.00 a.m. and arrives in the Mara at approximately 11.00 a.m. Your professional safari riding guide will meet you

there for a game drive to our private-canvas mobile camp arriving in time for lunch. This area is a favorite for elephant,

leopard and cheetah. The afternoon is spent settling-in, followed by a short ride or game drive. Riding distance: 3 – 6

miles

Meal Plan : Lunch and dinner in camp.

Overnight : Eneskiria, Naboisho Conservancy.

Day 2 ~ Morning and afternoon rides and game drives exploring the Talek, Ololmorijoi streams and the surrounding

game country of Naboisho. Topi, hartebeest, baboons and buffalo frequent this area. Bloody Mary's in the morning and

Pink Gin's for 'sundowners' in the evening. All-in-all, a heavenly day on safari. Riding distance: 10 – 13 miles

Meal Plan : All meals in camp.

Overnight : Eneskiria, Naboisho Conservancy

Day 3 ~ A pre-dawn wake-up call prepares us for the longest ride of the safari. Heading due west, we traverse the vast

rolling plains of Koiyaki. Ostrich, gazelle, wildebeest, eland and hyena may be encountered. We descend the Motorogi

escarpment, cross the Ntiakitiak stream, before finally reaching the Enkoyanai spring for a picnic lunch. Long siesta fol-lowed by a beautiful ride up the Olare Orok stream and its' mighty fig tress. Riding distance: 28-31 miles.Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner in camp.

Picnic lunch in the bush.

Overnight: KO8, Mara North Conservancy.

A six-night safari on horseback in the Masai Mara wilderness.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

On arrival in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by a representative of Safaris Unlimited and

transferred to your hotel.

Day 1 ~ You will be met and transferred from your hotel to Wilson airport for a safari briefing. Your morning flight de-

parts at 10.00 a.m. and arrives in the Mara at approximately 11.00 a.m. Your professional safari riding guide will meet you

there for a game drive to our private-canvas mobile camp arriving in time for lunch. This area is a favorite for elephant,

leopard and cheetah. The afternoon is spent settling-in, followed by a short ride or game drive. Riding distance: 3 – 6

miles.

Meal Plan : Lunch and dinner in camp

Overnight : Eneskiria, Naboisho Conservancy

Day 2 ~ Morning and afternoon rides and game drives exploring the Talek, Ololmorijoi streams and the surrounding

game country of Naboisho. Topi, hartebeest, baboons and buffalo frequent this area. Bloody Mary's in the morning and

Pink Gin's for 'sundowners' in the evening. All-in-all, a heavenly day on safari. Riding distance: 10 – 13 miles

Meal Plan : All meals in camp

Overnight : Eneskiria, Naboisho Conservancy

Day 3 ~ A pre-dawn wake-up call prepares us for the longest ride of the safari. Heading due west, we traverse the vast

rolling plains of Koiyaki. Ostrich, gazelle, wildebeest, eland and hyena may be encountered. We descend the Motorogi

escarpment, cross the Ntiakitiak stream, before finally reaching the Enkoyanai spring for a picnic lunch. Long siesta fol-lowed by a beautiful ride up the Olare Orok stream and its' mighty fig tress. Riding distance: 28-31 miles.Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner in camp

Picnic lunch in the bush

Overnight: KO8, Mara North Conservancy

Day 4 ~ A well deserved morning of rest for the horses, we set off in our private 4x4 safari vehicles to photograph the

wildlife at close quarters. Two large prides of lion make this area their home, allowing for a sensational big-cat expe-

rience. Afternoon ride, drive or walk in this magical corner of the Mara. We may go out by vehicle with a spotlight to

discover the nocturnal creatures. Riding distance: 3 -6 miles.

Meal Plan : All meals in camp.

Overnight : KO8, Mara North Conservancy.

Day 5 ~ After a 'full-monty' breakfast we ride in a northerly direction, through a little gorge and out over the Ololituroto

plain, scattered with the occasional balanities tree. Exceptional views in every direction on excellent going for the hors-

es. Picnic lunch in the Olomai forest, siesta and a glorious ride down to the Mara river, with many large pods of hippo

and the odd monster crocodile. Riding distance: 12-16 miles.Meal Plan : Breakfast and dinner in camp. Picnic lunch in the bush.

Overnight : Mara River, Mara North Conservancy.

Day 6 ~ A stunning area to explore by horse or vehicle. We may ford the river and ride under the iconic Siria escarp-

ment. The concentration of game is breathtaking with plenty of opportunity to jump fallen trees created by the resident

elephant. Waterbuck, jackal and lion occur, as do many other wildlife species. Riding distance: 12 – 16 miles.Meal Plan : All meals in camp.

Overnight : Mara River, Mara North Conservancy.

Day 7 ~ Our last morning ride or drive following the banks of the river. Wonderful opportunities for long canters over

the Serian and Maternity plains. After a hearty brunch we say our "goodbyes" to the horses and camp crew. Our after-

noon flight to Nairobi departs at 4.15 p.m. Upon arrival at approximately 5.30 p.m., you will be transferred to JKIA for your international flight home. Riding distance: 6-10 miles.Meal Plan : Brunch in camp

Day 4 ~ A well deserved morning of rest for the horses, we set off in our private 4x4 safari vehicles to photograph the

wildlife at close quarters. Two large prides of lion make this area their home, allowing for a sensational big-cat expe-

rience. Afternoon ride, drive or walk in this magical corner of the Mara. We may go out by vehicle with a spotlight to

discover the nocturnal creatures. Riding distance: 3 -6 miles.

Meal Plan : All meals in camp

Overnight : KO8, Mara North Conservancy

Day 5 ~ After a 'full-monty' breakfast we ride in a northerly direction, through a little gorge and out over the Ololituroto

plain, scattered with the occasional balanities tree. Exceptional views in every direction on excellent going for the hors-

es. Picnic lunch in the Olomai forest, siesta and a glorious ride down to the Mara river, with many large pods of hippo

and the odd monster crocodile. Riding distance: 12-16 miles.Meal Plan : Breakfast and dinner in camp. Picnic lunch in the bush.

Overnight : Mara River, Mara North Conservancy

Day 6 ~ A stunning area to explore by horse or vehicle. We may ford the river and ride under the iconic Siria escarp-

ment. The concentration of game is breathtaking with plenty of opportunity to jump fallen trees created by the resident

elephant. Waterbuck, jackal and lion occur, as do many other wildlife species. Riding distance: 12 – 16 miles.Meal Plan : All meals in camp

Overnight : Mara River, Mara North Conservancy

Day 7 ~ Our last morning ride or drive following the banks of the river. Wonderful opportunities for long canters over

the Serian and Maternity plains. After a hearty brunch we say our "goodbyes" to the horses and camp crew. Our after-

noon flight to Nairobi departs at 4.15 p.m. Upon arrival at approximately 5.30 p.m., you will be transferred to JKIA for your international flight home. Riding distance: 6-10 miles.Meal Plan : Brunch in camp

2018 PRICE GUIDE

TOTAL = From US $ 7,800.00 per person sharing

RATES INCLUDE:

- Full board accommodation

- Professional Riding Guide

- Support vehicles & trucks

- 4x4 game viewing vehicles

- Game drives

- Activities with the exception of optional extras

- Flying Doctors’ membership

- Return flight Nairobi-Mara-Nairobi- Airport transfers

- Laundry in camp

- Government taxes

- Camp & safari equipment

- Horses & tack

- Full compliment of safari crew

- All drinks in camp, including bottled drinking water

- Kenya Professional Safari Guide in each vehicle

RATES EXCLUDE:

- International fights and visas- Champagne, premium spirits and liqueurs

- Accommodations and meals outside the Itinerary

- Insurances

- Gratuities

PRIVATE CANVAS MOBILE CAMP

Safaris Unlimited specializes in traditional mobile safaris under canvas. Your private camps are positioned in the most beautiful

areas usually under a canopy of trees or overlooking a stream. The mosquito-proof tents are simply furnished in traditional safari

camping style with double or single beds, carpets and bedside tables. Egyptian cotton sheets, warm feather duvets adorn the beds

and hot water bottles are provided for the cool nights. Separate canvas shower and loo units are placed behind each tent. The

dining tent is furnished with tables and chairs for elegant meals in camp, which include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats,

fish and fowl. These meals are prepared over open fires by our camp chefs and served by waiters.

Every effort is made to accommodate special requests. All food is locally sourced with ‘full-monty’ breakfasts, alfresco lunches

and candlelight dinners. Bread is baked daily and ice is made in our safari freezer. The bush-bar is stocked with imported wines

and spirits along with a selection of local beers, sodas and bottled water.

Mosquito-proof canvas tents

Eco friendly

Exclusive use in private locations

Traditional bucket showers and short drop loos

Solar lights

Hurricane lanterns

HORSEBACK SAFARI INFORMATION

WEATHER ~ Seasonal rains govern Kenya’s weather. Typi-

cally the ‘long rains’ fall between the months of April and May,

with the ‘short rains’ in November. However we can expect

occasional rain showers throughout the year. Our rides are at

approximately 4,500 ft. – 7,500 ft. above sea level and makes

for idyllic riding weather. Temperatures range from 10oC –

30oC. (50 F – 86F)

SAFETY ~ A professional riding guide leads every safari. A

safety briefing is given at the beginning of the safari with de-

tailed information about how to handle a big game situation.

Full medical insurance is required and policy details must be

submitted prior to arrival. The mobile camps, vehicles and

guides have radio communication, mobile phones or a satellite

phone in case of an emergency.

MEDICAL ~ A small medical kit is carried on horseback and

a more comprehensive kit is kept in camp. This is however

limited, so therefore we ask guests to bring any required med-

ication with them as well as any malarial prophylaxis. This

should be packed in your hand luggage.

RIDING ABILITY ~ The minimum riding level must be of an

intermediate standard (comfortable at all paces) with the ability

to post to the trot for stretches of 10 minutes at a time and be

able to gallop out of trouble. The guide will assess the capa-

bility of each participant and should he feel that any rider is

not competent and therefore imposes a risk to themselves and

others, he will ask them to continue the safari in a vehicle rath-

er than on horseback. We are unable to accept beginners. It is

beneficial if you are fit and a proficient rider.

HORSES ~ Our horses are a mixture of Somali-Arab cross-

breds and thoroughbreds and range between 14hh - 17hh. They

are well schooled, responsive and even-tempered. There is a

wide range of horses to suit each individual and every effort is

made to match horse and rider. The horses are sure footed in

their terrain and comfortable in their environment.

WEIGHT LIMIT ~ The maximum weight limit is 90 kgs. (200 lbs.). A special program can be offered for heavier riders that

includes shorter rides, game drives, walks and cultural visits.

TACK ~ We ride English-style, using extremely comfortable

English general-purpose and French cavalry saddles. Most

horses are tacked-up in a snaffle bridle and double-sided sad-

dlebags are provided for each member to carry water bottles,

cameras and rain gear.

GROUP SIZE ~ Safari groups may be arranged from 2 to 12 riding guests.

LENGTH OF RIDES ~ We ride between 4 - 8 hours a day,

covering 12 - 30 miles. This includes refreshment breaks. Full day rides feature picnic lunches with siesta time during the heat

of the day.

NON-RIDERS ~ Non-riding spouses/friends/family are welcome. They will spend their day’s game

viewing in our customized safari vehicle with their own professional safari guide.

CLOTHING ~ Laundry is done daily except on camp move days. Light aircraft transfers mean

there is a weight limit of 15 kgs (33 lbs.) per person on luggage and bags must be of a soft hold all

type. Riding clothes should be of a neutral color – khaki or bush colors.

We strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet, and as we do not provide these, you are

required to bring your own.

PRE-SAFARI PLANNING

For visitors coming to Africa for the first time, there are many unanswered questions. Please take the time to read these guide-

lines, as they will help you to be well prepared for your safari.

AIRLINES ~ Most safaris start and finish in Nairobi using Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). There are daily

flights on Air France, British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways and Swissair. Airport taxes on interna-

tional and domestic flights are included in the ticket cost.

PASSPORT & VISA ~ Visa requirements and fees may be

subject to change at any time. Please check (with your travel

agent) to make sure all formalities are completed in good time.

You must purchase a visa before arrival in Nairobi. Make sure

you have two full blank pages in your passport for your Kenyan

visa. A single entry visa costs US$ 50 per person (or the equiv-

alent in UK Sterling). You will need a return airline ticket and

please ensure that your passport is valid for 6 months after your

stay. On-line visa : http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html

INSURANCE ~ It is one of our conditions that all guests must

have adequate medical and comprehensive travel insurance

before your departure for cancellation, curtailment and oth-

er emergencies should they arise. Details of which must be

submitted prior to travel. www.travelguard.com, www.world-

nomads.com & www.jwseagon.com

INDEMNITY ~ All guests are required to complete and sign an

indemnity prior to proceeding on any safari arrangement.

FINANCE ~ There is no restriction on the amount of foreign

currency that may be brought into Kenya. It is also useful to

carry some US Dollars in small denomination notes (USD$ 10 –

20 – 50). Most shops will take credit cards and US$. All US$

notes must be dated post the year 2006, as earlier notes are

not accepted. Currency can be converted at the international

airports at any time of day or night.

CURRENCY ~ At present US$ 1 is equivalent to KES 103 and

GBP£ 1 is equivalent to KES 133, but this fluctuates.

FLYING DOCTOR ~ We provide all our clients with mem-

bership to the Flying Doctors Society of Kenya. This service

covers emergency medical evacuation to a hospital in Nairobi,

at which point your personal medical insurance will take effect.

www.amref.org

HEALTH & VACCINATIONS ~ All guests should take ma-

laria tablets. Malarone and Doxycyclin are recommended by

Kenyan Doctors. World Health Organization : www.who.int/en

& Centers For Disease Control & Prevention : www.cdc.gov

1. Strongly recommended – Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B

2. Booster doses of regular vaccines – Diphtheria, Tetanus &

Polio

Please advise us in advance if you have a medical condition

or allergy that we should know about. Make sure you bring

a sufficient supply of any special medication your doctor may think is necessary.

COMMUNICATION ~ There is good mobile phone coverage

in many parts of Kenya. You will probably be able to use your

roaming facility. Do check with your service provider before

you leave. Some boutique lodges have wireless Internet ac-

cess.

ELECTRICITY ~ In Kenya the power system is 240 volts AC with British square-pin plugs. We do not have a generator

in our mobile camp, however items may be charged in the car

using either a cigarette lighter socket or the car inverter sys-

tem. The boutique lodges have generators and solar inverter

systems for charging.

TIME DIFFERENCE ~ The local time is GMT +3 hours and

Eastern Standard Time +8 hours. Due to our proximity to the

Equator, there is very little difference between sunrise and sun-

set year round. Sunrise is between 5.45 a.m. and 6.15 a.m. and

sunset is between 6.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m.

PHOTOGRAPHY ~ Please bring sufficient image storage space and extra batteries for digital cameras and video record-

ers. A telephoto lens (300 mm +) with a UV filter is recom-

mended. To charge batteries, please bring the appropriate leads

to plug into a vehicle 12V cigarette lighter socket. Binoculars

are essential (8 x 42 are ideal). Etiquette requires that you ask

permission before photographing local people and their live-

stock.

LAUNDRY ~ Laundry is done daily whilst in the boutique

lodges and daily in our mobile camp except on ‘move’ days.

TIPPING ~ Tipping is not compulsory, nor is there any fixed amount. In camp, we suggest a tip of US$ 30 per guest per day

that is divided between the staff, although if the service has

been exceptional, guests may wish to consider giving some-

thing more. Guides are usually tipped separately.

Finally, please note that all the information contained in these

pages is intended for guidance only and is believed to be cor-

rect at the time of publishing. As circumstances may change

at any time, you are strongly recommended to check with us

or the appropriate authority prior to travel, for up-to-date in-

formation especially your passport/visa, health and insurance

requirements.

YOUR PROFESSIONAL RIDING GUIDE

~ GORDIE CHURCH ~

Gordie was initiated into the safari world as a youngster.

Born in Kenya and raised with the promise of adventure

during every school holiday, he mastered the idiosyncratic

skills of safari as a boy helping the camp crew put up tents,

pack trucks and saddle horses. He guided his first safari aged eighteen and now has over twenty-five years experience in the bush. His untamed love of all things wild and his passion

and respect for Africa's people and wildlife, makes Gordie

a fascinating and inspiring character. He is completely im-

mersed in Africa.

MANAGER OF THE SAFARI HORSES

~ FELICIA CHURCH ~

Felicia's talents encompass all aspects of safari – she is an

inventive chef, a talented equestrian, a qualified Bowen ther-apist and engaging company. Everything equine interests

Felicia. Her extensive knowledge of horses makes her the

perfect wife for Gordie. Each safari horse is carefully se-

lected and loved for the sole purpose of carrying our guests

safely through the Africa bush.

Charles Williams

Safari Adventures Worldwide

2003 Braeburn Ct. - Longmont - CO 80503

Tel: +1-303-447-1195 Mob: +1-720--539-3950

Email: charles@SafariAdventuresWorldwide.com

Web: www.SafariAdventuresWorldwide.com

Representing

Safari Outfitters inBotswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa,

Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Contacts

Sarah Fernandes

Tel: +254 721 764004 (9 hours ahead of MST)

Email: sarah@saw.co.ke

Web: www.SafariAdventuresWorldwide.com