Known for their high standards of operation, Kenya’s Offbeat Mara Camp offers guests an experience that goes above and beyond.

Priding themselves on three main principles of operation—“charismatic guides, a passion and respect for Africa’s wildlife, and high standards of comfort and service”—Offbeat Mara Camp doesn’t fit the typical vacation mold. It’s a place where opportunities are endless and life changing experiences are inevitable.

Image taken from http://www.offbeatsafaris.com/riding.html

The Mara Camp also partners with the local Masai community in camp operations and guiding. This community also helped to build the camp and many of the Masai individuals currently work at the camp as well.

Some of Offbeat Mara’s most celebrated Africa safari tours are their Riding Safaris, where guests can ride along the wide open Mara Plains to witness unique wildlife and absorb the exhilaration of horseback riding in the open air. Some animals guests see on horseback safaris include zebra, giraffe, elephant, wildebeest, lion, buffalo, and gazelle.

During the Riding Safaris, you’ll stay in luxurious mobile safari accommodations each night before heading out for your morning group ride. Traveling across escarpments and rivers throughout your multi-day equestrian safari, you’ll witness the entire makeup of Masai Mara Game Reserve’s varying and wildlife-abundant eco-systems.

For a deeper glimpse into just how life changing these riding safaris can be, take a look at the video below:

Aside from horseback riding safaris, Mara Camp offers a variety of other adventures including game drives and balloon rides across the Masai Mara Game Reserve, as well as opportunities to witness part of the Great Migration (the annual wildebeest and zebra migration).

With four main safari guides, Mara Camp offers guests a personalized experience with native African guides that know the region and its residential wildlife intimately. During game drives, guests witness remarkable wildlife such as lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and much more.

Does a horseback safari sound perfect for you?

Kruger National Park and its adjacent private reserves in South Africa are famous for their high concentration of wild game, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage. In addition to an exceptional landscape, the area is also known for having some of the best-known and exclusive safari lodges in the world, including places like Singita, Londolozi, Tintswalo, and Mala Mala.

With a wide spectrum of varying terrain and eco-systems throughout Kruger National Park, the various lodges in this region offer activities that take you through the Parks’ intricate wildernesses and give you a fresh point-of-view on the world—a point-of-view that is impossible to achieve on a vehicle safari.

Whether you want to view the world from a bird’s perspective or from a mammal’s perspective, Kruger National Park is the perfect place to test your sense of vision, hearing, touch, and adventure. Although vehicle safaris are a must in Kruger National Park, you may find other activities, that offer the slightest variation in perspective, can awaken the senses in a whole new way.

View the world from . . .

A bird’s point-of-view: Unless you’re on a mountain top or soaring above ground, you’ll never get to see the distinct differences between neighboring terrains, and view the world from a vertical perspective. But what if there were a way you could take flight above the mountains, over the treetops, and through the light winds of South Africa? It’s possible on a hot air balloon safari through Kruger National Park.

A hot air balloon safari is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you high above the ground and shows you the earth as only the birds can see. If you’re looking for some exceptional photography opportunities, this is the safari for you.
As the hot air balloon rises at dawn, you’ll be able to see the perfect curves of the earth and the glistening hues of the sun reflect on the Park’s lush wilderness. During your smooth flight, expect to see rolling hills, quaint countryside, orchards, mountain tops, thick forests, and the famous Blyde River Canyon.

If you’re looking for a completely exclusive experience, most lodges offer extremely detailed hot air balloon itineraries that cater to your every wish. Whether you want to enjoy a bottle of champagne above the treetops with your loved one, or have a professional photographer accompany you and your family in the sky, your requests will be fulfilled.

A mammal’s point-of-view: You cannot get any closer to nature than riding on the back of an animal as it runs with a herd of zebra or gallops with a group of antelope. A horseback safari brings you right in the middle of the action.
Feel the exhilaration as you encounter a lion stalking its prey, or trot next to a baby elephant and its mother. From the very beginning of this safari to the very end, you’ll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most photographed creatures and experience what it’s like to run with the herd.

A horseback safari allows you to immerse yourself in the mountainous terrain of some of South Africa’s most amazing countryside, and experience the land as it was from the very beginning. Depending on which horseback safari you choose and which lodge you stay at, you can travel through cascading waterfalls, old mining towns, sunken valleys, bushveld, and rolling terrain, while viewing nature from horseback.

The world’s largest land animal’s point-of-view: Several lodges within the Kruger National Park offer elephant back riding—one of the most exciting and unique experiences to be had in all of Africa. As you sit behind an experienced guide, you’ll feel the sheer power of the elephant as it walks slowly across the earth.

Before your elephant back experience, you’ll be educated briefly on elephant behavior and safety regulations. On elephant back, you’ll pass through the bush and encounter some exciting game viewing opportunities from a unique perspective. Frequently spotted animals on an elephant back safari include lion, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and other elephants. Once your journey is at its end, you’ll be able to feed the elephants and learn about their behavior, eating habits, and physical characteristics.

When many people think of an African safari, they only envision one type—an adventure in a rugged vehicle, bouncing about the rolling terrain of Africa. This is absolutely true, but there are also several other types of safaris that are just as exhilarating, and shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your trip to Africa. Although a vehicle safari is a must while on your African safari trip, there are plenty of other types of safaris you may not be aware of, that are unique and just as exciting.

Did you ever think there could be five different types of an African safari vacation?

• A game-drive safari or vehicle safari could be considered the most traditional. The thrill of the vehicle’s invigorating speed and ruggedness create a truly authentic safari. Vehicle safaris offer an exceptional view of wild game throughout the area, and allow you to sit back and enjoy the excitement of a lion attacking its prey unravel before your eyes. Most luxurious lodges and camps offer excellent vehicle safaris.
• A walking safari allows you to connect with nature on a whole new level. The movement and feel of this safari is completely opposite to a vehicle safari, as you can feel the ground beneath your feet, and are on a different height level than a vehicle. A walking safari offers the same fantastic game-viewing experience and adventure as a vehicle safari, while offering a different perspective on nature. Zambia’s Luangwa National Park is famous for its exceptional walking safaris.
• A canoe safari boasts a fresh perspective on animal behavior. The rivers and water holes provide a place for animals to bathe, play, and drink from. Watch a hippo charge into the water or a baby elephant play with his mother. In addition to observing animals behaving in a different environment, a canoe safari boasts a large variety of birds and water-dwelling animals, which cannot be seen on any other type of safari. The Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe is the ideal place to enjoy a canoe safari.
• A balloon safari is one of the most interesting safaris there is. This one-of-a-kind safari is truly a unique adventure since riders have a bird’s-eye-view of the land, and can observe nature from a whole new perspective. Game-viewing is spectacular as you glide above the treetops, and soak in the picturesque moments. Enjoy a hot-air balloon safari at Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania, and experience an out-of-this-world escapade.
• A horseback safari is arguably one of the most adventurous safaris there is. Running with a herd of zebra on horseback is an experience that cannot be matched by any other. Feel the adrenaline rush through your veins as you ride along the sprawling hills and observe spectacular creatures and the Big Five at close proximity. Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania now offers horseback safaris for experienced riders.

Don’t miss the bountiful opportunities that await you in Africa. Let Hills of Africa Travel plan the perfect, tailored itinerary for your next African family safari or honeymoon safari. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802, and experience an unforgettable journey.

Explore the unspoiled outdoors of the Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania, on an African family safari, or honeymoon safari. This magnificent Reserve provides some of the most exciting African safari adventures in the entire continent.

Captivating wild-game, exotic birds, grazing mammals, and intriguing reptiles are prolific throughout the entire Reserve, offering the most memorable experiences for all who visit. With some of the greatest excursions and fascinating wildlife in all of Africa, it’s no wonder the Singita Grumeti Reserve is rated as one of the greatest places to take an African safari vacation.

The Singita Grumeti Reserve now offers balloon and horseback safaris, for those looking for a new spin on the traditional vehicle safari. Both the balloon and horseback safaris offer a unique and exciting look into the wilderness of the land.

Balloon Safari

Enjoy a soothing trip through the clouds and above the treetops on one of Singita Grumeti Reserve’s balloon safaris. Experience a unique look at the Serengeti Plains as you glide through the air on a one hour hot-air balloon ride, guaranteed to tickle you with delight. Boasting fantastic game-viewing, this safari is a must for those interested in utilizing their photography skills. Souring above the vast plains on this tranquil safari, you’ll observe a variety of game and stunning landscape as far as the eye can see. A balloon safari is an excellent way to enjoy nature in a blissful setting, while experiencing a new and exciting form of transportation.

Horseback Safari

Ever wonder what safari is the most thrilling of them all? A horseback safari is at the top of the list. You can’t get any closer to nature than riding on the back of an animal, while it runs next to a herd of mesmerizing zebra. This safari places you right in the middle of the action. Feel the exhilaration as you run next to a herd of antelope, encounter a lion stalking its prey, or trot next to a baby elephant and its mother. From the very beginning of this safari to the very end, you’ll experience the most thrilling and life-altering experience you could ever imagine. If you’re an experienced rider and want to take an unforgettable African safari vacation, a horseback safari is perfect for you.

After an exhilarating day with nature, enjoy a luxurious 4-night stay at Singita Grumeti Reserve’s exclusive Sasakwa and Faru Faru lodges.

If you are truly ready for the trip of a lifetime, than the Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania is the perfect destination for you. Hills of Africa Travel is dedicated to crafting personalized itineraries for all client preferences. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802, and let us create for you a life-altering African family safari, honeymoon safari, or any safari in between.