Giddy up to Kenya - Riding Safari Escorted by Safaris Unlimited - Gordie Church & Felicia Collie 8 nights - Mara Conservancies - Masai Mara Kenya Riding amongst Africa s animals is an ac ve, exhilara ng and adrenalin fuelled safari. Experiencing this spectacular unfenced and expansive wilderness eco-system on the back of a horse is a journey like no other and one you will never ever forget. The riding safari is hosted by Gordie Church and Felicia Collie of Safaris Unlimited, one of Kenya s leading family run safari ou i ers, who not only run riding safaris but also offer tradi onal mobile tented safaris all over Kenya. Gordie s father, Tony Church, started the original riding safari concept in Kenya and between the two of them, they offer an authen c, unique and unforge able safaris that not only have heritage but deliver an safari experience which are all class, full of punch and seriously stylish. The eight night riding safaris traverse the greater Mara Conservancies (which are adjacent to the Masai Mara), namely Ol Kinyei, Naboisha, Olare Orak, Motogori, Mara North & the Mara Triangle. This Mara wilderness is an extension of the Serenge Ecosystem and is considered Kenya's best wildlife sanctuary, where animals can s ll be seen in vast numbers. The beauty of this wilderness is that is has come to represent the epitome of East Africa. The landscape is one if rolling savannah and acacia woodland, intersected by dark green veins if riverine forest in the banks of the Mara and Olare Orak Rivers. The Mara is also home to the colourful and handsome Masai people who, with their herds of livestock are synonymous with the region. Why we like it Gameviewing on horseback Stylish Camping Safari It s an adrenalin rush The Masai Mara Eco System It s People Suitable for Non Riders A Safari Overview: Day 1 & 2 Day 3 & 4 Day 5 & 6 Day 7 & 8 ex Nairobi, charter to Masai Mara for 2 nights Oloiburmurt Mobile Camp Enisikeria Mobile Camp for 2 nights Oloturoto Mobile Camp for 2 nights Mara River Mobile Camp for 2 nights
Riding Safaris - Safaris Unlimited During the safari, you will ride across the breadth of the Mara staying in four camp sites, allowing you to explore, in depth, the nature around you. It is an enduring trip but one that is life changing and extremely rewarding because of the country you cover and the terrain you cross, allowing you to encountering all forms of wildlife enroute as well developing an apprecia on for the coexistence of the wildlife with the Masai people and their wildlife. Not seeing a fence and going through a gate for 8 days, is a rarity! The safari ponies cater for all riding abili es and are well habituated to living amongst the wildlife and therefore are not ski sh around it. The style of riding is English. Each day morning and a ernoon rides are taken, apart from the days when you are moving camp, in which case you will ride through the day, stopping enroute for lunch and the mandatory daily siesta. Whilst in camp, the ponies are tethered to a pony line that is erected behind the camp. They are cared for by their grooms and are protected by the local Masai through the night. Safaris Unlimited specialise in tradi onal mobile safaris under canvas. During the safari, the camp will be dismantled and re-erected four mes on the camp moving days. The private camps are posi oned in the most beau ful areas usually under a canopy of trees or beside a stream. The mosquito proof tents are simply furnished in tradi onal safari camping style with double or single beds, carpets and bedside tables. Egyp an co on sheets, warm feather duvets adorn the beds and hot water bo les are provided on cool nights. The camp is eco-friendly and pleasantly silent with all equipment run off solar power. Hurricane lamps are the main source of safari-mood ligh ng around the camp with neat solar ligh ng units available within the tents for those that wish to read before bed. The dining tent is furnished with tables and chairs for elegant meals in camp, which include a variety if fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and fowl. These meals are prepared over open fires by the camp chefs and served by charming waiters. Every effort is made to accommodate special requests. All food is locally sourced with 'full monty' The Masai Mara holds one of the greatest and most diverse concentrations of wildlife remaining in Africa today and is the theatre for the annual wildebeest migration. More than 1 million wildebeest and over 200,000 zebra move into the Mara in a quest for new grasses and remain on the move in the Reserve until the end of September when, depending on the rains, they slowly move back to the Serengeti. Because of its open plains the Masai Mara is also one of the best places to see lions and cheetah, as well as some spectacular scenery. The park is also home to one of the great tribes of Africa - the Masai, and their lives and traditions are closely interwoven with the management of this area. 2
Giddy up to Kenya Itinerary breakfasts, alfresco lunches and candlelit dinners and elegantly decorated tables the norm. Bread is baked daily and ice is made in the safari freezer. The bush bar is stocked with imported wines and spirits along with a selec on of local beers, sodas and bo led water. This is available all day within the camp. An I nerary Summary: On arrival in the Mara Wilderness, you will be met by Gordie and his crew before transferring to the first camp on your riding safari, Oloiburmurt Mobile Camp, where you will spend the next two nights. You will se le into the camp with a light lunch and a briefing about the safari and the horses. Enjoy a lazy siesta before mee ng your horses and se ng off for your first ride of the safari. The first full day will be spent familiarising yourself with the horses and exploring the environment around the camp. This could include a visit to a local Masai Village allowing you to experience their hospitality and develop an apprecia on for how the Masai live and co-exist with their ca le in this wildlife rich area. On your third morning you will set off early with a picnic lunch in your saddle bag and ride to your next camp loca on, Enisikeria, which is located on the edge of the Masai Game Reserve in the Naibosho Conservancy. Whilst on the ride, the mobile camp will relocated to this site for your two night stay. On arrival in camp, your horses will be fed and put to rest for the night whilst your party of riders can enjoy sundowners in camp, before refreshing yourselves for drinks around the camp fire followed by dinner. The game generally becomes more plen ful as you approach the Mara ecosystem. You can expect to see and ride up to herds of zebra, topi, giraffe, wildebeest, gazelle as well as the odd elephant and buffalo. From the mobile camps, morning and evening rides always occur. If however, you d prefer to rest from the saddle, guided game drives in the camp 4 x 4s are an alterna ve op on and recommended during the safari. Sigh ngs on horseback are quite different to those in vehicle. On horseback you are acutely aware of the presence of game via your horse s natural reac ons and ins nct. A vehicle experience on the other hand, enables you to get much closer to certain animals such as lion, elephant and buffalo. On the fi h day, set off early heading west across the Naibosho Conservancy, crossing the Motogori and Olare Orak conservancies reaching the Oloturoto Mobile Camp in the Mara North conservancy by days end. This ride covers many varied scenes with highlights including rides across vast grassy plains, past Masai manya as and through narly thorn forests and then out into open undula ng plains. The views and vistas across the mara plains and western escarpment are magnificent and breathtaking.
The last two nights are spent at the Mara River Mobile Camp, which is located right on the banks of the Mara River. Hippo pools are close by and evening choruses of grun ng hippos a feature of this camp. This camp is located in an area which allows you to explore the Mara Triangle and the slopes of the western escarpment which is also the natural boundary of the eco-system. Safaris Unlimited also caters well for par cipants who don t wish to ride on every ride, or who are non-riders joining riders on a safari. A safari vehicle with a qualified professional Kenyan guide will be at their disposal throughout the safari. O en on the long rides or days when you are moving camp, the safari vehicles meet up with the riding party for morning teas and or lunch. Kenya Seasons December to March June to October Migra on Rides around late July to September Rainy Season - April May Nov 4
Pricing Informaton 2016 Jul-Sep Departures for 2016 8 night safari 11 to 19 July all ex Nairobi 21 to 29 July 18 to 26 Sept USD $8,660 per person twin share USD $1,870 single supplement Inclusions: 8 night safari includes all accommoda on as specified All required internal flights & transfers ex Nairobi On Safari full board accommoda on and all drinks (except Champagne) included Full Compliment of camp crew chefs, waiters, porters, grooms, tent stewards, drivers Vehicles and back up trucks Game Drives day & night Park entry fees and ac vi es on the riding safari Professionally guided on horseback & in safari vehicles Kenyan Flying Doctors membership Laundry in Camp Exclusions: Interna onal flights & departure taxes Extra safari arrangements & accommoda on in Nairobi extra ac vi es, gratui es, visas, insurance Items of a personal nature Minimum - 4 riders (to confirm the departure) Maximum - 12 riders per departure & 3 non riders Flights & Insurance - on request Recommended Rou ngs to Nairobi Emirates via Dubai E had via Abu Dhabi QANTAS or South Africa Airways via Johannesburg To Book: A 30% non refundable deposit is required secure your ride The balance is due 60 days prior Refer to The Classic Safari Company Terms & Condi ons & How to Book a Safari, prior to confirma on. 5
Quick Facts Safaris Unlimited Type of Horses: Well schooled thoroughbred and thoroughbred cross. Many are home bred out of the riding safari stock. Horses are available for all rider abili es. Riding Ability: You should be comfortable at all paces and able to gallop out of trouble. You will be riding in big game country. You should be fit enough to ride between 4 and 6 hours a day. Weight limit is 95 kgs. If you are over, advise your agent of this. Length of Rides: 4 to 6 hours in the saddle. Picnic lunch is carried in your saddle bag on moving days. 1 ½ 2 hour lunch stops. Some walking on foot is necessary over rough terrain. Size of Rides: Minimum of 4 and maximum of 12 on set departures with 3 non riders. Tack: English. Terrain: Most of the rides in Masai land and the Northern ranches are on fairly open plains (black co on soil) interspersed with bush. They are short grass plains ideal for riding. Care must be taken for holes but canters and gallops are taken on open plains. Other Ac vi es: Game drives, night game drives and game walks are undertaken on every safari whether riding or not. There is no lack of ac vity on safari. Clothing List: Comfortable riding gear. Riding hats are op onal and not provided, however for insurance purposes helmets are mandatory. Laundry is done in camp on non-moving days. Jackets are required as the evenings are cool. Rain coats are recommended for the odd shower. Hiking/riding boot combina ons with knee high chaps are recommended for maximum comfort when riding and walking. On confirma on a detailed What to Take list will be provided. Game: Is plen ful and everywhere. You will ride where dangerous game abounds. Your guide is knowledgeable and conversant with the habits and likely reac ons of the game, in any situa on you should do as he/she says. Weather/Season: There isn t a winter or summer due to the rides occurring on the equator. There are two rainy seasons November and April/May. The ho est months are February/March, September/October but there are no hard and fast rules on this. We ride at an average of 5500. This makes for a cool climate and also means there are very few mosquitoes. Informa on required: A ques onnaire needs to be filled out by all riders prior to departure and includes such things as your age, weight, height and riding experience. Special drink requirements and any dietary restric ons or allergies and so forth. 6