Jour 1: Masai Mara
ITALY / NAIROBI / MASAI MARA (-/L/D)
Have you ever dreamed of a horseback safari in Kenya? Once you discover this country, you’ll never want to leave…
The “mal d’Afrique” is a state of the soul—it’s the haunting memory of a special light, unlike any seen before or after anywhere on Earth, appearing in the late afternoon and covering everything like a golden blanket.
Kenya is a breathtakingly beautiful country: forests, snow-capped mountains, arid valleys…
Join us on horseback for an adventure through the Masai Mara National Park in search of the “Big Five.” The park is named after the indigenous Maasai people of Kenya and the Mara River, which runs through the reserve from north to south.
This area is an extension of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and is considered by many to be a wildlife sanctuary, home to the famous "Big Five": elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. This protected savannah area covers about 1,500 sq km in southwestern Kenya, is part of the Great Rift Valley, and is also inhabited by many big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. A boundless savannah dotted with shady acacias, grassy plains, and gentle hills.
Those lucky enough to visit in August can witness one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world: the Great Migration, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, when nearly two million wildebeest, antelope, zebras, and gazelles move from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in search of food.
Pick-up around 9:00 a.m. and transfer to Wilson Airport for the 10:30 a.m. flight to the Mara (approx. 1 hour). If your international flight does not arrive in time, an extra overnight stay in Nairobi will be required, with pick-up from your hotel the next day. Your guide will welcome you and lead you on a game drive en route to our mobile camp, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, horseback or 4x4 safari. Dinner and overnight at the Nkilenya mobile camp.
Jour 2: Maasai Mara National Reserve
MASAI MARA (LEMEK CONSERVANCY) (B/L/D)
Full day dedicated to two horseback safaris in the Lemek area, in search of local wildlife including giraffes, warthogs, zebras, and, with some luck, leopards and cheetahs.
Meals and overnight at Nkilenya mobile camp (or similar).
Jour 3: Maasai Mara National Reserve
MASAI MARA (MARA RIVER) (B/L/D)
Today, expect to see an abundance of impalas, gazelles, elephants, and buffalos. Picnic lunch in the shade of the Olomai forest. In the afternoon, we’ll follow the river to observe hippos and crocodiles.
Dinner and overnight at Mara River Camp – North Conservancy (or similar).
Jour 4: Maasai Mara National Reserve
MASAI MARA (SIRIA ESCARPMENT) (B/L/D)
Today we’ll explore a stunning area on horseback or by 4x4 near the Siria Escarpment. We'll likely encounter a high concentration of wildlife: gazelles, impalas, elephants, buffalos, ostriches, elands, and waterbucks.
We’ll also have fun jumping over fallen logs, often uprooted by elephants. Picnic lunch, dinner, and overnight at Out of Africa Camp (or similar).
Jour 5: Maasai Mara National Reserve
MASAI MARA (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we’ll ride south across the “Maternity Plain,” where we’ll enjoy breathtaking views. We’ll cross the Mara River to enter what is known as the Mara Triangle. Picnic lunch and return in the afternoon to Out of Africa Camp (or similar).
Jour 6: Maasai Mara National Reserve
MASAI MARA (B/L/D)
Option to combine horseback and 4x4 safaris today to explore farther afield, reaching the lands that border the Serengeti in Tanzania.
In the late afternoon, we’ll visit a traditional Maasai village to learn about their customs and culture.
Dinner and overnight at Out of Africa Camp (or similar).
Jour 7: Maasai Mara National Reserve
MASAI MARA (KOIYAKI PLAIN) (B/L/D)
We ride eastward, passing the village of Rianta and stopping for a picnic under the acacia trees. After a short rest, we continue across the Koiyaki Plain to our new KO8 Camp.
Jour 8: Maasai Mara National Reserve
MASAI MARA (B/L/D)
Two horseback safaris today, one in the morning and one in the evening, to explore this beautiful part of the Mara.
Night safari included. Dinner and overnight at KO8 Camp.
Jour 9:
MASAI MARA / NAIROBI / ITALY (B/L/-)
Final horseback or 4x4 safari along the riverbanks. Long gallops through the valleys of Serian and Maternity.
Brunch at camp, farewells, and departure in time for the 2:45 p.m. flight to Wilson Airport (approx. 1 hour).
Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (schedule an evening flight).
Option to extend your trip with a beach stay on the coast (ask us for a personalized quote).
Note:
The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to change due to reasons beyond our control.
Guides may modify the route based on the seasonal movement of wildlife and weather conditions.
We recommend extending your stay in Watamu or Malindi.
Key:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: from ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°°°° (EXPERT)
ACCOMMODATION: Comfortable mobile tented camps
EQUIPMENT: Comfortable English-style trekking saddles with saddlebags for water and camera
HORSES: 25 well-trained horses available, including Thoroughbreds and Arab-Somali crosses, accustomed to wildlife
PACE: 4 to 8 hours riding daily (15–30 km/day), using all three gaits with long trots and canters.
REQUIREMENTS: Riders must have excellent control of the horse in open spaces and good physical condition
WHAT TO BRING:
Maximum luggage on domestic flight: 15 kg (soft bags recommended). Wear neutral khaki/sand-colored clothing to avoid disturbing wildlife. Pack warmer clothes for cooler nights, riding helmet, first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars
MINIMUM AGE: 16 years
TYPE: Horseback safari with overnight stays in mobile tented camps
ACCOMMODATION:
Overnights in various comfortable English-style mobile tented camps.
Spacious tents with cotton sheets, beds, hot bucket showers, and chemical toilets.
Large communal tent for dining and relaxing.
All meals prepared with fresh local ingredients, offering a mix of local and international cuisine.
Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
8-NIGHT ITINERARY:
Nights 1 & 2: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy
Nights 3 & 4: Mara River, Mara North Conservancy
Nights 5 & 6: Out Of Africa Camp, Mara Triangle
Nights 7 & 8: KO8 Camp, Mara North Conservancy
6-NIGHT ITINERARY:
Nights 1 & 2: Nkilenya, Lemek Conservancy
Nights 3 & 4: Mara River, Mara North Conservancy
Nights 5 & 6: KO8 Camp, Mara North Conservancy
Guaranteed Departure Dates with a Minimum of 2 Participants Departing from Italy:
June 14 to June 20 – 6 nights
June 22 to June 30 – 8 nights
July 2 to July 8 – 6 nights
July 15 to July 23 – 8 nights
July 25 to July 31 – 6 nights
August 2 to August 10 – 8 nights
September 10 to September 18 – 8 nights
September 20 to September 28 – 8 nights
September 30 to October 8 – 8 nights
Additional departure dates available upon request, except for the months of April, May, and November due to the rainy season.
PARTICIPANTS: Minimum 4 – Maximum 12
SUPPLEMENTS & REDUCTIONS:
Wild Conservancy Fee (8 nights): €1,800 per person
Wild Conservancy Fee (6 nights): €1,380 per person
Price per person (6 nights): €9,180
Single supplement: €2,400
