sample itinerary
These safaris operate both in the Mara (but not the touristy area of the Game Reserve) and the Laikipia plains in the north of the country. The normal safari is for ten days and departs on pre-determined dates, however Wonderful World can book your group on a tailormade safari with an itinerary and dates to suit you. Please contact us to discuss which you prefer. The itinerary shown below is the ten day safari in the Mara. Other itineraries are available on request.
Please note that whilst this sample itinerary provides an accurate description of what you can expect to experience, campsites and itineraries are deliberately flexible in order to maximise game viewing opportunities according to the seasons and movements of game through the areas in which these safaris operate.
DAY 1
Met at Nairobi airport and driven to the start of your riding safari (stopping for a picnic lunch under an acacia tree), through the fertile Kikuyu Highlands and dropping 2000 ft into the Great Rift Valley. Crossing the volcano-studded floor of the Rift Valley, you ascend the Mau Escarpment on the far side, and on to the Masai capital of Narok. The campsite is reached in time for tea. Afterwards there should be time for an evening ride, or perhaps a walk through the Loita Hills. Dust from the journey is washed off underneath a piping hot bush shower. Dinner is served in the mess tent or underneath the stars besides a blazing campfire.
DAY 2
Wake to the magical sounds of an African dawn, and enjoy a delicious breakfast in the early morning sunlight before preparing for the 30km ride ahead. Your horse will be presented to you fully tacked up, and within an hour the Loita Hills are left far behind as you cross vast plains, populated by giraffe, gazelle, hartebeest, impala, wildebeest and zebra. Stop for a picnic lunch and siesta in a suitably shady location. Continue to camp at Olare Lamun Springs. Here you will find your tent re-assembled, and your suitcase and other belongings neatly stowed besides your bed. Enjoy a hot shower before relaxing with a cold drink, as a prelude to a superb three-course dinner.
DAY 3
Today is spent exploring the surrounding landscape. You will be given the opportunity to leave at dawn for an early morning ride amongst the herds of plains game that cover the plains in all directions. Afterwards return to a well deserved breakfast, and then set off to climb a nearby Kope with commanding views across Maasailand. During this walk your armed guide may be able to point out lion, buffalo, and leopard that frequent the area. Return to the camp for a late lunch and siesta, followed by a visit to a nearby Masai village. Here you are granted an insight into the extraordinary lifestyle of the famous Masai tribe, who live in simple huts constructed of mud and cattle dung, and whose wealth is measured not in money, but according to the number of cattle they own. After dinner join your guide for a night drive into the bush by land rover, and see a multitude of unusual nocturnal animals, such as bush babies, spring hares and the perhaps the rare serval cat.
DAY 4
The longest ride of the trip, a journey of some 50 kms through hidden valleys, acacia trees, and vast savannah plains. Expect to see both elephant and buffalo, as well as experiencing the unique sensation of galloping amongst herds of wildebeest that swarm in countless thousands across the grassy plains. Lunch – and a swim for the adventurous – is taken besides a delightful river that flows through a verdant wooded valley populated by elephant and buffalo. Shortly before arriving at the campsite on the edge of the Masai Game Reserve the ride reaches a plateau from whose vantage can be seen the far away plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti wilderness in one direction, and the distant outline of the Loita Hills in the other. Campsite for the next three nights is located besides the Olare Orok Lugga. The abundance of game in this area is very evident, and at night both lion and hyena can be clearly heard from besides the campfire.
DAY 5,6
The next two days are spent riding, walking and driving in search of game. Ride out from campsite early every morning, or relax in bed and enjoy a late breakfast. The camp landrovers come in useful for an expedition through the Mara Game Reserve to the Mara River, followed a delicious barbeque lunch close by. Night drives are also possible to witness the astonishing nocturnal activities of the wildlife.
DAY 7
After breakfast you leave the campsite and follow the meandering course of the Olare Orok Lugga upstream through rich grassland towards the Mara River, where it flows deep and swift beneath the Sira Escarpment. Camp should be reached in time for a late lunch, and the remainder of the afternoon wiled away on the riverbank. Here the waters boil with the activities of a huge resident hippo population, and as guests enjoy dinner, their raucous grunting fills the night air.
DAY 8
Shortly after day break you have the opportunity to ride across the Mara River and follow your guide along hippo trails that wind uphill through thick scrub. Eventually you reach the summit of the Sira Escarpment and enjoy breathtaking views across Africa, including the faint outline of the Loita Hills where the ride began. The ride returns to campsite having crossed the river for a second time. After a well-earned breakfast, there is the chance to enjoy a game drive or bush walk, to build up an appetite for a delicious lunch. Another ride in the cool of evening is a last opportunity to see Africa’s game from the back of a horse, before returning to the campsite for a final night under canvas.
DAY 9
After a leisurely breakfast begin the drive back to Deloraine, the headquarters of Offbeat Safaris. The drive passes through several fascinating African villages, as well as the green tea growing area of Kericho, where you will enjoy a picnic lunch in the sunshine, arriving at Deloraine in time for tea. Deloraine is a magnificent colonial mansion, surrounded by lovely mature gardens, complete with swimming pool and croquet lawn. Cocktails on the veranda are followed by dinner served in the spacious dining room.
DAY 10
Enjoy an early morning ride into the hills behind Deloraine, and then visit Lake Na kuru or Bogoria with a picnic lunch. The journey to Nakuru takes less than an hour, and is broken by a visit to the market place where there is the chance to bargain for souvenirs, or just watch the bustle of this busy African town. Nukuru is famous for its healthy flamingo population, as well as an abundance of other game including rhino, leopard and buffalo. You will return to Deloraine for a relaxed farewell dinner in the evening.
DAY 11
Grab your last opportunity for a final ride this morning, or relax in the comfortable surroundings of Deloraine, and enjoy the swimming pool and gardens. Before leaving for Nairobi, guests are served a delicious lunch and depart early afternoon in time to check-in for the evening flight home.