If you dream of leaving behind the routine of life, the boring job and wish to discover a simpler way of life, in harmony with nature, in rhythm with the worlds around you, breathe air that is clean, meet people from other cultures and explore far away places you, horseback or camel riding adventures may be for you.
Horseback Riding Adventures
These rides can be physically challenging: high altitudes, long hours and fast changing conditions, requiring a level of fitness and good sense of humour but in return you are one of the privileged few to travel through truly remote and breathtaking scenery and be welcomed by fellow horsemen in little known cultures. This type of travel is reserved for intrepid travellers and explores routes followed for thousands of years by tradesmen, warriors, pilgrims and explorers.
Valle de Bravo, Mexico
The ride circles the beautiful lake of Valle de Bravo. The route takes one high into the surrounding mountains, through a magnificent forest of Montezuma pines, with spectacular views of the azure lake far below. Guests stay in a lovely villa with charming hosts. The horses and tack compare well with the best European rides.
Masai Mara, Kenya
For sheer excitement and adventure, this ride through the Masai Mara in Kenya wins hands down. Flat-out gallops on excellent polo ponies, alongside zebras and wildebeests, past elephants, giraffes, lions, and dozens of other animals is a thrilling experience that one could never get from inside a Land Rover. Hemingway-style camping and superb service are other pluses. Close contact with the proud Maasai in remote areas adds to the fascination.
Loire Valley, France
The great castles of the Loire Valley are arguably among the finest legacies history has left us. Chenonceau, Cheverny, and Chaumont are outstanding examples of the tremendous flowering of French culture of the period. The history is brought alive by staying each night in real castles still in private hands and riding into courtyards over drawbridges like knights of old. Especially lovely: a long, wild gallop along the tree-lined banks of the Cher River heading for Chenonceau.
Tuscany, Italy
A ride through this stunning part of Italy is a happy combination of idyllic Tuscan landscape seen from the backs of fine horses and a chance to study some of the world’s great art treasures in Florence and Siena. The renovated castle (Castello di Tocchi) where guests stay keeps the ancient charm while providing modern comfort. The host, who also runs a cooking school, is marvelously entertaining, and the preparation of food and choice of wine are celebrated here with near religious fervour.
Quebec, Canada
We often forget that Quebec is something of a foreign country within Canada itself, with a different language and culture that is basically French. The Inn to Inn Ride on the Gaspé Peninsula on the Gulf of St. Lawrence passes through magnificent forests, skirts the seashore, and overnights in a string of inns. The fall foliage season with the blazing maples is one of nature’s wonders.
Camel Riding Adventures
There are a number of ways to take in the desert landscapes of the world. However, walking is exhausting and riding through the endless sands in a vehicle leaves something to be desired. This leaves only one option – camel riding. A leisurely trek swaying back and forth on the back of the camel is easily the best way to experience any desert. Camel riding tours are popular in Africa and the Middle East, but camel tours are also pretty well known in some places in the world that visitors might not expect.
Morocco
With a history of nomadic Berbers that lived and died on camelback, Morocco is still the number one place to go for camel riding tours. Not only will visitors find them in plenty, but a trek through Saharan dunes that rise as high as 50 metres off the ground is a thrilling experience.
Egypt
Right alongside Morocco, Egypt is one of the most well known destinations for camel trekking in the world. Visitors can enjoy camel treks as they weave between the Great Pyramids, trace along the Nile River or travel deeper into Egypt than most people ever see. One of the biggest highlights of a camel trek through Egypt’s Sinai desert is visiting one of the few oasis areas.
Australia
As one of the most surprising places to find camels, Australia actually has quite a herd at their disposal. Camels where brought to the island nation during early colonization due to their advantage over horses in dry climates. Today, the tradition of camel riding through the outback remains a strong one. While Broome in Western Australia is the most popular place for camel rides, a trip to the Northern Territory is a must. Treks through the Northern Territory are literally off the beaten path, as there really is no path to follow.
China
Although many popular camel treks take place just to the north in the Gobi desert, the lush country of China outside of the desert also holds a fascinating camel trek of its very own. Visitors to China can trace the country’s Silk Road on camel back the same way many ancient merchants did. While taking in the rare sights of China, the camel treks down the Silk Road make stops at the ancient town of Dunhuang, the ruins of Tumenguan and concludes in the southern town of Hechang, just outside of the metropolis of Chengdu.
Kenya
Kenya is world famous for its amazing array of wildlife. It offers an absolutely stunning array of safari experiences that allow visitors to spot elephants, lions, zebra and much more. However, one of Kenya’s best kept secrets is its incredible opportunity for camel safari. Touring the area around Ngorongoro Crater, the five day camel safari is the perfect experience for those that crave real adventure. Visitors can choose to walk beside their camel mounts or ride them the entire way as they spot Kenya’s native wildlife at a safe distance for both man and camel. Unlike other camel tours, visitors will be treated to the constant sounds of African wildlife as they ride and make camp for the night. It is an experience that they will find on no other camel trek throughout the world.
For information on riding adventures, please contact your favourite Lloyds Travel Agent!