Kenya with all the National Parks and National Reserves is a true paradise for nature lovers. This time we introduce you to a unique trail ride. organised by Reit Safari (www.reit-safari.de) under the leadership of CEO Mrs Ali Selzer, who has been responsible for outstanding travel experiences for discerning riders for decades. In a week’s time you will experience 4 different outstanding camp locations and ride from the eastern side of the Maasai Mara to the west or vice versa, covering over 250 km.

About one hundred years ago journeys into the wilderness to enjoy nature and go hunting became a fashion. In general the travellers were accompanied by Maasai warriors for protection and for the Maasai’s superb eye sight and tracking skills. By the way – the word “safari” was taken from the Maasai language and just means “journey”. It was in the 1970ties that a group of friends started to go on horseback safaris and this special kind of safaris became first a trend and then a business attracting riders from all over the world.

The Maasai Mara National Park and the surrounding conservancies are most likely the best known

region in Kenya and the name was derived from the inhabitants – the Maasai tribe – and the river Mara. Experiencing the fantastic wildlife in the open savannah from the saddle of a fit – healthy- happy horse is the ultimate experience, by far more intense and thrilling than any game viewing from an off-road vehicle. The world famous Migration takes place from end of July until beginning of October but the area is year round abundant of big and small game and has a fantastic array of birdlife too.

Flying south-west from Nairobi in a Cessna Caravan aircraft you will be met by one of your guides at the airstrip for a game drive to the private canvas mobile camp for lunch. The afternoon is spent settling in to camp and later followed by a short ride to meet your steed or a game drive. In the evenings you meet for a drink around the camp fire before dinner.

On a mobile safari you stay in a spacious twin bedded or double canvas tent. Each one has a short drop loo and also a bucket shower. The shower is prepared with hot water in time when you arrive at camp to get rid of the dust of the day. The camp staff will attend to the horses and create delicious meals in the bush while you relax and enjoy your drink and the African sky with billions of bright stars.

In a week’s time you will experience 4 different outstanding camp locations and ride from the eastern side of the Maasai Mara to the west or vice versa, covering over 250 km. The Mara Conservancies provide unsurpassed game viewing from horseback and superb riding country – exceeding all expectations. Much of the riding is at walk due to the ground and respect for wildlife but there are opportunities for trots and lovely long canters where the terrain allows.

The riding style and equipment is English and you should be a competent rider – fit and secure in the saddle at all paces. Please keep in mind the bush is unpredictable and surprises cannot be excluded. All of the safari horses are very well looked after and some of them are fully trained polo horses.

In general you leave camp in the morning for a long ride and return to camp for lunch. There is time for a siesta and to relax before you get back into the saddle for the afternoon ride or go on a game drive until sunset. Nothing is set – you always the choice of riding or game viewing in a

vehicle.

On camp move days you will have a picnic lunch followed by a siesta to rest the horses and the riders alike. It takes some time to take down all tents, load and transport the equipment and set up camp in the new location.

During the horseback safaris you have the option of swapping the saddle for a seat in the off-road vehicle which enables you to have both hands free for taking the brilliant photos. By the way, the best place with the best view is on the roof of the vehicle, and only in Kenya you are allowed to do so.  On a game drive you can get closer to lion, elephant, buffalo and other game with great chances to take breath-taking photos. Being in the saddle you always need one hand for the reins. There is also an option to do a walking safari with an experienced guide.

Non-riders are welcome on these safaris and will enjoy a special programme like game viewing and walking safaris. Riders and non-riders will meet during the meals and in camp.

Reit Safari / Executive Travel Selzer
Mrs. Ali A. Selzer
Phone +49 (0)89 8906 9966
Mobile / Whatsapp +49 (0)171 57 55 313
skype aselzer
www.reit-safari.de