Horseback Safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Explore Maasai Mara National Reserve on Horseback Safaris.

Horseback safaris are one of the most exhilarating ways to explore the wilderness of Maasai Mara National Reserve in its raw form. While on the back of the horse, you will be listening to the sounds of the bush as well as its silence. Hear the earth breath beneath your horse’s hooves. Horseback safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve allows you to connect to the rare elements of grace, beauty and the coiled labyrinth of wilderness with your horse while exploring the Mara savannah plains, which are home to abundant wildlife, including the migrants, wildebeest, on their annual visit, and some permanent residents such as lions, leopards, cape buffaloes and gazelles, among others.

Travel Tip: Horseback safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve are not permitted inside the main reserve; they are only offered in surrounding areas (private conservancies) and game ranches of the large Maasai Mara region.

The beauty of the Greater Mara Conservancies represents the epitome of East Africa; the landscape is one of rolling savannah and acacia woodland, intersected by dark green columns of riverine forest along the banks of the Mara and Olare Orok rivers. The Maasai Mara is an extension of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem (together with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park) and is considered to be the best wildlife sanctuary in Kenya, where animals can be seen in vast numbers. Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, several antelope species and primates are some of the mammals to be found in the reserve.

Every year, around July, over 2 million wildebeests on their annual migration journey enter the plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Great Wildebeest Migration is considered to be one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. Also, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to the colourful and handsome Maasai people, who are synonymous with the region, with their herds of livestock.

Horseback safaris are done in Olerai Conservancy.

The Olerai Conservancy of Maasai Mara National Reserve, on a Kenya safari, is a 5,000-acre private conservancy of unscathed virgin bush, set up through the collaboration of tribal landowners to expand wildlife ranges and migration routes.

The Olerai Conservancy is a local conservancy of the Maasai tribe, consisting of thousands of acres of untouched, unspoiled arid land and lush vegetation. It is no surprise that a unique array of wildlife calls this area home, where, if you look closely, you might catch a glimpse of the towering giraffes, cheetahs, lions, and even herds of elephants roaming in and through this thriving ecosystem.

Horseback Safaris Experience

In Maasai Mara National Reserve there are two sessions for horse riding safaris; each session lasts for 2 hours. The morning session starts at 7:00 am and ends with a bush breakfast out on the plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve, surrounded by wildlife. This means you will be collected from your safari lodge or camp by your driver-guide 45 minutes to 1 hour before the start of the experience, depending on where your lodge is located from the stables.

The afternoon horseback riding session starts at 3:00 pm and ends with a sundowner out on the plains of Masai Mara National Reserve, surrounded by several wildlife species.

The horseback ride covers over 250 km and takes you through areas where you will encounter big game and is therefore not suitable for inexperienced riders. For experienced riders this is the best way to explore the breathtaking landscape of Maasai Mara and all its animal encounters: from the back of a well-schooled and fit horse. Riders are required to be confident to ride from camp to camp across varied terrain where they can meet the unexpected at any turn, spending up to 7 hours in the saddle each day. Remember you need to be fit for horseback riding, as this incredible landscape offers long exhilarating canters, and the pace is often fast.

During the ride, all visitors are accompanied by English/Spanish trail saddle rangers for general security within the conservancy. Also, you will be provided with well-chosen, fitted and maintained protective gear for your safety.

Why Should You Go on a Horseback Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Get Closer to Wildlife

Horseback safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve are a non-interruptive way of exploring the savannah plains and seeing wildlife up close. Wildlife tend to be less disturbed by the presence of horses compared to safari vehicles and people on foot, enabling you to have a more thrilling, natural wildlife encounter.

Explore Hard-to-Reach Areas

While riding on the back of the horse, you are able to get to areas that are hard to reach on a game drive, thus enhancing your Maasai Mara safari experience, as you are able to see the wilderness and the wildlife up close.

For All Experience Levels

Horseback safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve are perfect for both beginner and experienced riders. Our horseback safari packages cater to families with beginner riders as well as experienced riders who are able to gallop across the Maasai Mara plains.

Ride Alongside Wildlife

If you have ever dreamt of riding alongside wildlife in the natural habitat, a horseback safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve will make your dream come true. On the back of the horse in Maasai Mara you get to ride alongside towering giraffes, zebras and antelopes in the stunning landscape, giving you an incredible safari experience.

Be Immersed in Nature

Traversing the plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve on horseback allows you to develop a deeper connection with nature. As one moves silently through the savannah plains, it is easier to spot things in detail.

A horseback safari is a perfect addition to a traditional Maasai Mara safari.

To make the most of your safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve, combine a horseback safari with traditional game drives. This variety gives you the opportunity to see more wildlife.

Perfect for Adventure Seekers and Seasoned Safari Goers

A horseback safari in Maasai Mara is an active Kenyan safari experience that adventurous safari-goers will definitely get to fall in love with. If you are a seasoned safari goer looking for a way to upgrade your experience on tour in the African safari, consider horseback safaris in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.