Horseback Safari

Our horseback safaris offer without a doubt, a spectacular riding experience. Adventure through some of Kenya's wildest and least explored landscapes:-

The vast expanses of untouched Maasai land, bordering the Mara/Serengeti which arguably holds the world's greatest concentration of wildlife.

There are few better ways to experience East Africa than through the eyes of Siruai's guides: Mark Laurence and his life-long Maasai friend Kaapen. Both of these remarkable men are Kenyan born-and-bred and their passion, knowledge and experience will bring your safari to life.

Mark is a professionally qualified guide, who is based in the Rift Valley on the shores of Lake Naivasha. He has a carefully chosen selection of thoroughbred / thoroughbred cross horses from both Kenya and Zimbabwe. The horses, being the most important part of your holiday, are well schooled and bush-wise and will bring you tangibly closer to every aspect of what surrounds you.

The most luxurious mobile tented camp, set up in wild unspoiled areas where privacy is ensured, awaits you at the end of every day. Our trusted and loyal camp crew will happily put up your hot shower or hand you a well earned ice-cold G&T! Experienced chefs prepare sumptuous fresh meals throughout the entire safari, cooking traditionally over open fires. Most guests are still amazed at what comes out of a safari kitchen, be it the fresh bread or Zanzibari prawns. The grooms lovingly care for the horses out on the picket line, feed and groom them and make them ready for our next ride.

The length of time in the saddle on a typical day ranges from 4-6 hours. Although predominantly we are game viewing from the saddle, all our safaris are supported by highly comfortable custom-built Land Cruisers. Using the vehicles not only allows both the horse and rider a well earned rest, they also give us the opportunity to explore further, take photographs and go on night game drives. The nocturnal animals are the other half of the amazing and varied wildlife that we may see.

Below are details of our most popular ride. We also offer custom-made mobile safaris designed with your input on a one-to-one basis. We will offer the best advice for your dream safari to be realised.

The Mara Ride

Day 1: Your internal flight to the Mara departs from either Nairobi or Mombasa. We collect you from the airstrip. Game drive back to camp, hidden away in an Acacia forest beneath the ever prominent landmark of Oloiboirmut 'white necked mountain'. Lunch, settle in, ready for our afternoon ride. Night drives an option.

Day 2: Early morning ride, returning to camp for breakfast. The rest of the day spent exploring this magical area on the horses, by vehicle, or on foot. Again night drives can be very rewarding.

Day 3: Our first moving day. After breakfast, we ride through vast tracts of open country, heading for our BBQ and water stop for the horses, beneath the Bardamat Hills. A siesta, before our afternoon ride, climbing through these scenic hills to camp. Set on a bluff offering unparalleled views, this is a new concession we have just negotiated with the local Maasai.

Day 4: A day spent exploring this untouched area of Maasailand.

Day 5: We move again, carrying lunch in our saddle bags. Riding west, through open country, to the Njaknjiak Gorge for a refreshing lunch time swim in the rock pools. In the cooler hours, head for camp pitched on the Olare Orok stream.

Day 6/7/8: Probably the best game viewing area the Mara has to offer. For the next three days, we explore by horse, L/Cruiser, interact with the local Maasai and generally do as we wish. Sundowners, a Mara River BBQ, night drives, are all available options.

Day 9: After breakfast, drive to the nearest airstrip for your internal flight back to Nairobi leaving at 11:00am.

2009 departure dates:   (Depart Friday, return Saturday)

January 23rd - 31st	February: 6th – 14th
February 27th - 7th March	March 21st - 29th
May15th - 23rd	June 5th - 13th
June 19th - 27th	July 3rd – 11th
July 17th - 25th	31st July - 8th August
August 14th - 22nd	Aug 28th - September 5th
September 11th - 19th	September 25th - October 3rd
October 9th - 17th	December 19th - 27th
December 30th - January 7th 2010