Ranches & rides with a wow factor
Ranch Rider is a specialist with almost twenty years in the saddle, so the exciting additions in the tour operator’s latest brochure should come as no surprise. New portfolios include Kansas and Oklahoma, options to go gourmet on a working ranch or sleep in an authentic Native American Teepee being major highlights.
For those who really need a break from reality there is also ‘island ranching,’ and four new wilderness rides in Argentina and Botswana appear in the 2011 collection.
Steeped in history, Tiger Mountain Ranch in Oklahoma takes its name from a legendary vision quest, led by a great chief. The Native American narrative lives on through Moses Little Bear, story-telling and even tomahawk throwing featuring on the list of activities. After rounding up the cattle, guests can choose to spend a night in an authentic and comfortably furnished teepee that has been crafted using traditional methods from the late 1800s. Set on a private lake, the location is also ideal for kayakers, and off ranch there are options to visit Geronimo’s grave. 7 -nights from £929pp (based on two sharing). Transfers excluded and gratuities left to guests’ discretion.
The owners of the Flying W know there’s more than one way to experience Kansas. Guests can participate in real cattle work, hitch a ride on the Prairie Drifter to view historic sites in the Flint Hills, and join in the annual burning of the prairies. A working ranch that has “upped the steaks” when it comes to cuisine, the menus include everything from campfire cookouts to prix fix gourmet dining. 7 -nights from £1,059pp (based on two sharing). Transfers excluded and gratuities left to guests’ discretion. Departures April through October.
The farm to market road that leads to the Island Guest Ranch is not located on any Oklahoma maps – a sure sign that the homestead is off the beaten track. Covering 5,000-acres, the landscape is filled with abundant wildlife and many of the birds are native to the island. A fourth generation property, visitors can brand, tag and doctor the cattle or sign up for a lesson in roping. 7 -nights from £595pp (based on two sharing). Transfers excluded and gratuities left to guests’ discretion.
An all-inclusive estancia, the Huechahue, situated in Argentina’s Patagonia region is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Andes. Rugged and wild, the challenging terrain features water meadows, craggy climbs and valleys formed many years ago by glaciers. Working with the gauchos is all part of the programme, the stay culminating in the ‘Aparte Campero,’ a traditional separating of the cattle competition. Guests can also ride out to view ancient petroglygphs at the Tehuelche Indian caves or opt for a more adventurous pack trip (three to five days), eagles and majestic condors soaring above. 7-nights £1,799pp (based on two sharing, if willing to share). 8-nights (including 3-day pack trip) £2,059pp. Year round departures.
An alternative pack trip from the very same estancia, is available for the more experienced equestrian, the journey taking horseback enthusiasts across the Andes to Chile. Spending up to eight hours in the saddle each day, riders will traverse the Andean Steppes, pass through Indian reservations and encounter magnificent rocky gorges before reaching the Puente Barras. The stunning lakes and volcanoes en route to Chile make the landscape a photographer’s paradise. 9-nights £2,995pp (no single supplement, if willing to share). Transfers included. Year round departures.
Ranch Rider has also added three new options to its horse-safari collection in Botswana. The Limpopo Lodge Ride is ideal for the more intrepid explorer, the itinerary featuring the Northern Tuli Game Reserve: an unfenced wilderness filled with lions, elephants, leopards and cheetahs. An upgraded mobile safari, all of the lodge based accommodation is family owned with an added touch of luxury. 7-nights £2,450pp (no single supplement, if willing to share). Transfers extra £245pp.
Alternatively, riders can opt for the Tuli Safari. The ‘Land of Giants,’ is famous not only for its huge herds of elephants, but also for its baobab-studded plains. Guest accommodation is based mainly in wilderness camps, but a major highlight of the trip is camping out in a ‘kgotla’ (an old tribal court), and sleeping under the stars. 7-nights £2,100pp (no single supplement, if willing to share). Transfers extra £245pp. Departures April to October.
For more information and bookings, visit: ranchrider.com
