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Masai Mara Ride - Aloe Blossom
Masai Mara
Kenya
A nine-day exploration safari on horseback in the Masai Mara wilderness area.
The Masai Mara Game Reserve and Greater Mara Conservancies represent most people’s idea of East Africa. The landscape is one of rolling savanna, intersected by dark green veins of riverine woodland on the banks of the Mara and Talek rivers. This wilderness is an extension of the Serengeti (Tanzania) ecosystem and is considered by many to be Kenya's best wildlife sanctuary, where animals can still be seen in vast numbers. Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, hippo, crocodile, antelope and gazelle are some of the many species 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. Needless to say, both wildlife and bird viewing 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.
THE MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE & GREATER MARA CONSERVANCIES
Altitude 5,000-6,000 ft. ~ Area 5,000 sq. km ~ Gazetted in 1961.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Safari Ride
Meeting:
Nairobi Hotel
Airport:
Nairobi
Transfer:
Nairobi hotel
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Full board accommodation, all drinks in camp including bottled drinking water , 7.5 riding days with a Kenya Professional Safari Guide, full compliment of safari crew (cooks, waiters, mechanics, drivers, grooms, porters and tent stewards), camp & safari equipment, horses & tack, support vehicles & trucks, 4x4 game viewing vehicles, day & night game drives, cultural visits, laundry in camp, Nairobi hotel day rooms
The Shorter Mara Getaway includes 6 nights, 4.5 riding days and jeep safaris
| A | 2013 | 9 day trip, Ap Horseback safari | 9d / 8n | $5670 |
| B | 2013 | 7 day trip, Ap Short Horseback safari | 7d / 6n | $4390 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Wilderness conservancy fees - mandatory
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$900
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2013
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Flying doctors' membership - covers emergency flight to hospital - mandatory
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$15
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2013
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Optional return flight Nairobi-Mara-Nairobi
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$440
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2013
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Wilderness conservancy fees (short safari)
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$700
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2013
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Single room supplement (if requested)
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$1,125
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2013
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Small group supplement (4 guests only, pp)
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$1,350
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2013
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Single room supplement (if requested) - short safari
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$875
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2013
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Small group supplement (4 pax only, pp) - short safari
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$1,000
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Additional dates are available on request - Book early - space is very limited in the Mara.
There are no fixed dates for the Short Ride. Enquire for private departure or as an extension to a beach stay or a visit to the gorillas, etc.
Rates do not include:
Gratuities. Insurance. Accommodation and meals outside of safari itinerary. Flights and visas..
Game Reserve & Wilderness Concession entry fees and private camping fees. Flying Doctors’ Membership
On arrival in Nairobi we will meet you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
DAY 1 ~ The following morning over a cup of Kenyan tea or coffee your professional guide, Gordie Church, will give you a briefing on your safari. We then transfer to Wilson airport to catch the Airkenya scheduled flight departing at 12.15 p.m. and arriving at Siana airstrip at 1.00 p.m. We will be met and transferred to our private mobile tented camp arriving in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon we settle in and familiarise ourselves with the horses.
Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner in camp. Overnight : Private Mobile Tented Camp ~ Oloiburmurt, Ol Kinyei Conservancy.
DAY 2 ~ After an early light breakfast we saddle up and trek across the open savannah, interspersed with acacia, wait-a-bit brush and leleshwa (wild sage) woodland. We ride along the streams of Ol Litole and Olare Lamun to a sumptuous bush brunch at Marteo Rocks. This area is home to a number of Masai manyattas (villages). Throughout the safari we have several opportunities to learn about and most importantly enjoy the company of the Masai - a tribe of semi-nomadic people to whom the land belongs. Those who are interested may visit a small, remote primary school for the Masai children and in the late afternoon we visit a nearby manyatta of the local Masai chief. His constant company is a highlight of the stay here - a great friend of Gordie’s, he loves to serenade guests with stories of Masai tradition and lore.
Meal Plan: All meals in camp. Overnight : Private Mobile Tented Camp ~ Oloiburmurt, Ol Kinyei Conservancy.
DAY 3 ~ A pre-dawn wake-up call prepares us for a long ride over the vast rolling plains of Olare Sambu and across the Ol Sabukiai and Olesere streams. We canter over the Naibosho Plain to a picnic spot on a small escarpment overlooking the Masai Mara. Riding within the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, the abundance of wildlife is quite overwhelming. We reach camp located on the Ngaiyanai Spring in the late afternoon. Meal Plan : Breakfast and dinner in camp. Picnic lunch in the bush. Overnight : Private Mobile Tented Camp ~ Ngaiyanai, Olare Orok Conservancy.
DAY 4 ~ While the horses rest, we set off in our exclusive 4x4 safari vehicles to photograph the wildlife at close-quarters. This is a great wilderness area for the big cats. An afternoon ride or walk with the Masai morran (warriors).
Meal Plan: All meals in camp. Overnight : Private Mobile Tented Camp ~ Ngaiyanai, Olare Orok Conservancy.
DAY 5 ~ Today we ride over the magical Koiyaki Plains full of wildlife and explore the river valleys of Motorogi and Jagiatiek. We then head north up through a small gorge filled with large fruiting fig trees to reach our camp located in a glade of riverine forest on the upper reaches of the Olare Orok river.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner in camp. Picnic lunch in the bush. Overnight: Private Mobile Tented Camp ~ Oloturoto, Mara North Conservancy.
DAY 6 ~ Morning and afternoon rides or game drives enjoying this magical corner of the Mara, famous for its lions.
Meal Plan: All meals in camp. Overnight: Private Mobile Tented Camp ~ Oloturoto, Mara North Conservancy.
DAY 7 ~ We ride in a northerly direction across the plains of Enkikwai and then wind our way along the Mara river, looking out for crocodiles and large pods of hippo. The riverine forest is home to a variety of tropical birds. Our camp is located on the banks of the river. The concentration of game is breath-taking.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner in camp. Picnic lunch in the bush.
Overnight: Private Mobile Tented Camp ~ Mara River, Mara North Conservancy.
DAY 8 ~ Following a ‘full-monty’ breakfast, we explore by horse or vehicle to photograph the wildlife. If water levels permit, we may cross the Mara river and ride underneath the spectacular Oloolol escarpment:- a small wilderness area rarely visited.
Meal Plan: All meals in camp. Overnight: Private Mobile Tented Camp ~ Mara River, Mara North Conservancy.
DAY 9 ~ After an early morning ride and a hearty brunch we say kwaheri to the horses and camp staff. We later transfer to Mara North airstrip to catch the scheduled Airkenya flight departing for Nairobi at 4.15 p.m. Upon arrival in Nairobi at 5.45 p.m. you will be met and transferred to JKIA for your international flight home. Dinner en-route to the airport is optional.
Meal Plan: Brunch in camp.
End of safari.
-Subject to changes-
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Meeting:
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Nairobi Hotel
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Airport:
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Nairobi
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Transfer:
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Nairobi hotel
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Level:
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 Moderate
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Moderate with long trots and canters, 3-8 hrs
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Participants:
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Min
4
participants
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Max
12
participants
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Over twenty-five Somali-Arab crossbred horses, the majority of which have been bred and raised at home. They are familiar with being amongst big game, have great endurance and are very evenly tempered. Each young horse spends nearly a year on safari acclimatising with the wilderness environment before being ridden by a guest. We ride English, using French cavalry trekking saddles. They are extremely comfortable.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for three months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart with at least one blank page.Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the f. more
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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2 Riding Breeches / Jodhpurs
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Half Chaps and riding boots
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Brimmed Hat & Riding Helmet
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Riding gloves
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1 Light Rain-Gear (Gore-Tex)
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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1 Warm Wind-Proof Garment
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1 Woollen Jersey
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Jeans / Long Trousers / Slacks
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2 Shorts
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2 Polo Shirts
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Pyjamas & Shower Gown
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4 Long Sleeved Shirts
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Leather Boots / Tennis Shoes & Flip-Flops
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Swimsuit
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Toilet Requisites & First Aid Kit (including insect repellent)
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Water Bottle (two litre)
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Digital Video Camera
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Camera / Polaroid / 300 Zoom & Wide Angle Lenses
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Torch / Flashlight
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Spare Batteries
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Lightweight Binoculars & Dark Glasses
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Personal Favourite Travel Snacks
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Sun Cream & Lip Ice (high protection factor)
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All these personal effects should be packed into a duffle bag or soft bag. Clothing should be in safari khaki / neutral colours.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Specialized traditional mobile safaris under canvas with the inclusion of small luxury lodges. Our private camps are pitched in the most beautiful areas. We prepare delicious food, fix the best cocktails and provide large and comfortably furnished tents. Steaming showers under the stars, big towels, warm duvets and hot water bottles, are just a few of the features in camp. Our friendly and skilled camp crew takes care of everything.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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English using handmade pigskin, french trekking saddles
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Horses:
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Anglo Arab or Somali Crossbred
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Pace:
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Moderate with long trots and canters, 3-8 hrs
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
8
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Max
80
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Weight:
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Max
215
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Riders:
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Min
4
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Max
12
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Over twenty-five Somali-Arab crossbred horses, the majority of which have been bred and raised at home. They are familiar with being amongst big game, have great endurance and are very evenly tempered. Each young horse spends nearly a year on safari acclimatising with the wilderness environment before being ridden by a guest. We ride English, using French cavalry trekking saddles. They are extremely comfortable.
Passports
Passport valid for three months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart with at least one blank page.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) all holders of a re-entry pass to Kenya.
(b) 1. Nationals of Cyprus.
Visa Note
(a) All nationals referred to in the chart above may obtain a visa on entry in Kenya. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (c) Multiple-entry visas may only be issued to nationals of the United Kingdom.
Types of Visa and Cost
Single-entry: £35. Multiple-entry: £70. Transit: £15. On arrival: US$50.
Note: If the application is referred to Immigration in Nairobi, an additional £7 will be payable.
Validity
Single-entry: up to three months from date of issue; Multiple-entry: one year from date of issue. Renewals (up to six months) or extensions can be made at Immigration in Nyayo House, Uhuru Highway, Nairobi or at Kisumu and Mombasa. The period of stay in Kenya can be given at the port of entry (maximum three months).
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Three (applying in person) or one week from date of receipt (postal applications). If the visa has to be referred to Nairobi, it will take up to six weeks or, in some cases, longer.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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Masai Mara Ride - Aloe Blossom
Tour Code:
IT-KYRT01
9 days /
8 nights
~$5,670.00
Dates: Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Nairobi
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF 
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