Experience the freedom of riding in the Masai Mara, combined with riverside luxury and the feeling that time has quietly slowed down.
There’s something deeply special about life at House in the Wild. You wake to the sounds of the river and coffee delivered to your verandah before heading out on a sunrise ride across the plains as giraffe and zebra move quietly through the morning light. By midday, you might be lingering over a long lunch beneath the trees before retreating for a massage, a refreshing swim or an armchair safari watching elephants wander down to the river below camp. Later, perhaps it’s a private game drive searching for the pride of lions spotted earlier that morning, followed by pink gin and tonics at sunset. And then end your night with stories shared around the bonfire before dinner beneath the stars. Every day feels beautifully unhurried, shaped entirely around what you feel like doing.
Set within the private Enonkishu Conservancy on the edge of the Masai Mara, House in the Wild is the only lodge in the Mara where horseback safaris are part of everyday life. Owner-operated and wonderfully personal, the lodge accommodates just 20 guests across ten individually designed cottages and suites, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a private home than a traditional safari lodge. Romantic rooms feature copper bathtubs overlooking the river and outdoor showers beneath the stars, while spacious family cottages are ideal for longer, slower stays with children or friends. Private vehicles, flexible guiding and tailor-made safari experiences allow every stay to unfold differently, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or with family.
The riding is flexible, relaxed and completely tailored around your riding experience and interests. Strong riders can head out for longer horseback safaris with plenty of opportunities for fast riding, often encountering elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and vast herds of plains game along the way. Beginners and children are equally well looked after with gentle rides closer to the lodge, calm horses and patient guides. For non-riders, or when you want a break for the saddle, there is a wide range of activities to enjoy, from game drives, guided nature walks, photography lessons and cultural visits, to a memorable trip to the nearby rhino sanctuary. No two days are ever the same, with each bringing a fresh perspective and a new adventure in this beautiful corner of the Mara.
**This itinerary is subject to change is an example only and not an exact timetable. Any changes will always be made with your best interests at heart e.g. a alteration due to weather. There is an 8 day and a 6 day versions of this ride. The 6 day version misses out days 5 and 6 from the itinerary.
You will be met from Hoedspruit Airport (pick up from Johannesburg O.R Tambo can be arranged – 5 hour transfer time) and transferred to you first lodge. You will be welcomed with sandwiches and afternoon tea or coffee. Once settled, you will be taken through a safety briefing and run through your next 8 days.
Once briefed, mount up and head out for your first ride to get to know your horse, explore the area surrounding camp and unwind from your journey. As you absorb the peace of the African bush, you might even have your first game sightings such as giraffe or zebra. Enjoy your first sundowner of the holiday whilst you look out across the landscape and the distant Drakensberg Mountains, before sitting down to a scrumptious 3 course dinner, accompanied by hand-picked South African wines.
Settle down in your accommodation for the next 3 nights; an old style safari tent with en suite bathrooms, mounted on a platform above the Makhutswe River at the Wait A Little main camp.
Wake up on your first glorious African morning to the sound of someone bringing you a hot tea or coffee to your tent. Timings vary as to the time of year but you will usually be in the saddle 3-4 hours in the morning and roughly 2 hours in the afternoon.
Your first thrilling morning ride complete, return for a well-earned lunch of homemade quiches, pizzas or pancakes, freshly homemade bread, different types of salads and greens, meats and cheeses. Beautifully satisfied, find a shady spot for a siesta, relax by the pool or read in the small library.
Refuel with afternoon tea and coffee before setting out for your next adventure. Ride to a wonderful sundowner spot, where you will raise your glass to a glorious African sunset. Return once more to camp for dinner.
There are a number of set departures each year with a minimum of 5 riders and a maximum of 12 riders. Rides require at least 5 riders to confirm, however almost always do. Should you wish to travel in July, August, September and October we recommend booking a minimum of 6 months in advance as these rides coincide with the annual wildebeest migration and fill up quickly.
2026/2027 SEASON: 01 JUNE 2026 – 31 JANUARY 2027
7 NIGHTS
1 Night Chundukwa River Lodge, 4 Nights Simalaha, 2 Nights Chundukwa River Lodge
25 July – 01 August 2026
08 August – 16 August 2026
7 Nights From:
USD $4,800
per person sharing, including transfers and conservation fees
8 NIGHTS
1 Night Chundukwa River Lodge, 4 Nights Simalaha, 3 Nights Chundukwa River Lodge
27 June – 05 July 2026
11 – 19 July 2026
25 July – 02 August 2026
29 August – 06 September 2026
12 – 20 September 2026
26 September – 04 October 2026
14 – 22 October 2026
24 October – 01 November 2026
07 – 15 November 2026
28 November – 05 December 2026
12 – 20 December 2026
8 Nights From: USD $4,800 per person sharing, including transfers and conservation fees
STANDARD ROOMS: FLYCATCHER, KINGFISHER, DAVIDSON TWIN & DOUBLE
3 Nights:
GBP £4,800
per person sharing + GBP
EUR €4,800
conservation fees
5 Nights:
GBP £4,800
per person sharing + GBP £425 conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: GBP £1890 per person sharing + GBP £595 conservation fees
SUPERIOR ROOMS: RONDAVEL & EAGLES NEST
3 Nights: GBP £1095 per person sharing + GBP £255 conservation fees
5 Nights: GBP £1825 per person sharing + GBP £425 conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: GBP £2205 per person sharing + GBP £595 conservation fees
DELUXE ROOMS: STABLE SUITE, WEAVER SUITE + LOOKOUT COTTAGE
3 Nights: GBP £1290 per person sharing + GBP £255 conservation fees
5 Nights: GBP £2150 per person sharing + GBP £425 conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special (Weaver & Lookout only): GBP £2550 per person sharing + GBP £595 conservation fees
SUPERIOR DELUXE: HIDEAWAY with private pool
3 Nights: GBP £1425 per person sharing + GBP £255 conservation fees
5 Nights: GBP £2375 per person sharing + GBP £425 conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: GBP £2835 per person sharing + GBP £595 conservation fees
FAMILY COTTAGE (Rate based on 4 adults – can accommodate an additional 3 children)
3 Nights: From GBP £5160 per cottage + GBP £1020 conservation fees
5 Nights: From GBP £8600 per cottage + GBP £1400 conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: GBP £10220 per cottage + GBP £2380 conservation fees
WORLD VIEW SUPERIOR FAMILY COTTAGE (Rate based on 4 adults – can accommodate 5 people)
3 Nights: From GBP £5700 per cottage + GBP £1020 conservation fees
5 Nights: From GBP £9500 per cottage + GBP £1400 conservation fees
7 Nights Long Stay Special: GBP £11340 per cottage + GBP £2380 conservation fees
TRANSFERS (subject to change)
Starting from GBP £330 per vehicle per way (rates depend on the route and number of people)
Transfers are generally private but can be shared if there are others travelling on the same dates.
Ant’s Nest is built in a natural amphitheater surrounded by mountains and has a homely atmosphere with a garden, big pool and some great social and dining areas. This is a great option for solo travellers, families or groups of friends.
These ground floor rooms are at the back of the reception area and each have their own private outside veranda. They are the smallest rooms, with only a shower, and can only be booked as Double to Single Rooms (no twin beds)
The Davidson Suite is on the ground level of the main lodge – just along the corridor from the large open fireplace to snuggle up next to before bed. The suite has two en suite bedrooms, both opening onto the lush garden. One bedroom has a four poster double bed and the other can be a twin or a double. These can be booked as one suite, or as 2 separate rooms.
The Davidson Suite is on the ground level of the main lodge – just along the corridor from the large open fireplace to snuggle up next to before bed. The suite has two en suite bedrooms, both opening onto the lush garden. One bedroom has a four poster double bed and the other can be a twin or a double. These can be booked as one suite, or as 2 separate rooms.
Ant’s Hill was designed from scratch and built on the side of the mountain with large views overlooking the plains and perfect for couples, friends or even families looking for something a bit more luxurious.
The Davidson Suite is on the ground level of the main lodge – just along the corridor from the large open fireplace to snuggle up next to before bed. The suite has two en suite bedrooms, both opening onto the lush garden. One bedroom has a four poster double bed and the other can be a twin or a double. These can be booked as one suite, or as 2 separate rooms.
The Davidson Suite is on the ground level of the main lodge – just along the corridor from the large open fireplace to snuggle up next to before bed. The suite has two en suite bedrooms, both opening onto the lush garden. One bedroom has a four poster double bed and the other can be a twin or a double. These can be booked as one suite, or as 2 separate rooms.
Found at the southern edge of Zambia, bordering the Zambezi River, is an expansive area of African wilderness. Simalaha, (said Sim – a – la – ha) meaning ‘come together’, is a fitting name for the area, as the Simalaha Community Conservancy (part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) has worked hard to protect and preserve the local wildlife and promote sustainable tourism. Started in 2012 by the chiefs of the Sekute Chiefdom, together with support from Peace Parks and local operators such as Dough and Gail, the project has introduced over 1,100 animals into the conservation area including zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and waterbucks. The aim is to provide a sanctuary where wildlife and people can co-exist as they did in the past.
As the mighty Zambezi River crashes over the gorge, it drops 108 metres into a powerful whirlpool, forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world – Victoria Falls. Traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (meaning the ‘Smoke that Thunders’) it is a sight not to be missed. Staying at Chundukwa River Lodge, on the Zambezi River offers a unique experience, away from the hustle of the touristic towns, but close enough to experience the magic of the falls. Staying on the Zambian side also offers visitors the chance to swim in the renowned Devil’s Pool – a unique swim on the edge of the falls!
Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for the quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses at Simalaha and Chudukwa are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. Our horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:
Please let us know if you have any more questions about this.
Endurance Training Programme
