...The collection
Wild Places by Horseback
Exploring on horseback gives you an unparalleled view of the world.
Often heading into wild places inaccessible by any other means, a horse safari can be as exciting as it is pleasurable, from galloping alongside big game to quietly observing rare bird life.
NAMIBIA
Namibia Horse Safari
For those with a sense of adventure, this ultimate off-grid and truly mobile riding safari takes you across Namibia’s Damaraland to the Skeleton Coast, led by the gregarious and consummate horseman Andrew Gillies.
Embrace the opportunity to create a close bond with your trusty, sure-footed steed. Fall into the rhythm of camp life, where your horse’s comfort is paramount, and you are encouraged to participate in their care. Although the landscapes encountered are wild, the creature comforts are impressive for such a remote location… your G&T comes with ice, the food is creative and delicious and the desert dust is washed away by hot bucket showers. As the sun sets on each unforgettable day in the desert, the unpolluted night sky puts on an unrivalled spectacle as the Milky Way comes into focus.
“A profoundly humbling life experience, it was a privilege to ride under huge desert skies on the Skeleton Damara Safari. To disconnect in this modern world is a rare opportunity - turning my phone back on and reconnecting was the hardest part of all.” Sarah Parker
Your Trip
Days are challenging and fast-paced with long hours in the saddle negotiating ethereal landscapes – traverse undulating terrain with interesting geological formations, dry river washes and huge desert plains before ending on the Skeleton Coast.
BOTSWANA
African Horseback Safaris
The Okavango Delta is made up of a network of watery channels, lagoons, verdant islands and floodplains. Depending on water levels, it can be difficult to access by foot or 4WD so saddling up a horse means you’ll be on the frontline for wildlife sightings. African Horseback Safaris offer one of the most exhilarating riding adventures in the world.
The beauty of this outfit is being able to explore the incredible wildlife of the Okavango Delta before returning to camp each afternoon. Galloping across floodplains alongside giraffe and tracking big game are a daily highlight. Dining is always a relaxed affair – perhaps a surprise barbecue in the shaded woodland or a champagne breakfast in the bush.
“There are some moments you will never forget – for me it was a face-to-face encounter with a magnificent bull elephant, and swimming on horseback past huge water lilies in the Delta’s flooded channels – made possible by the flawless horses at Macatoo and their fun, experienced guides.” Ben Oxley-Brown
Your Camp
Macatoo Camp is located in a luxurious bush setting with raised tents replete with comfortable bedrooms and free-standing tubs. The swimming pool is found in front of the floodplain and regularly attracts game such as elephant, buffalo and zebra.
KENYA
Offbeat Riding Safaris
One of the first safari outfitters to offer multi-day riding and camping trips in Kenya, Offbeat have a fearless reputation for exploring the country’s game reserves, with unparalleled game viewing from the saddle. The Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Laikipia are Offbeat’s favoured destinations where you and your horse can immerse yourself in wilderness for days on end.
Lunch could be a lazy barbecue in the dappled shade of a thorn tree, overlooking the savannah below. Time for a siesta and then back in the saddle for an afternoon of exploration and game spotting. Incredibly well schooled horses, affable guides and extraordinary wildlife sums up this impeccable riding safari outfit in Kenya.
“I’ve known the Offbeat Safaris team for decades and have personally experienced all their horseback offerings - quite simply they are all first class. I can help you decide which one is most suited to your needs.” Ben Oxley-Brown
Your Day
As you ride out at dawn, your team of porters, chefs and staff will break camp, then overtake you to set up for the next overnight stop. In the meantime, ride up close to elephant, lion and buffalo, or gallop with zebra, cross rivers or even experience the spectacle of the wildebeest migration.
ARGENTINA
Los Poteros
Be welcomed into a family-run, working ranch near Cordoba, with over 6.500-acres of private land to play with. An authentic estancia, Los Potreros is your gateway into experiencing gaucho life first-hand while enjoying exceptional homecooked food paired with delicious local wines. The hills, lowland meadows and woodlands surrounding the estancia make for beautiful riding and hiking country, home to wild boar, deer, and diverse bird life from burrowing owls to the impressive condor.
Horse lovers and riders of all abilities are welcome and can enjoy the pick of well over 100 horses including Criollos, Peruvian Paso, quarter horses and polo ponies.
One of the many joys of staying at a working cattle ranch was the thrilling opportunity to help out on the estancia. With a large herd of cattle, there is always a job to be done, helping the team move the livestock, truly embracing the gaucho spirit, shouting and whooping as we cantered across the rugged landscape of the Sierra Chicas.’’ Sarah Woodthorpe
Your Day
Your day might include rounding up the young horses to protect them from pumas, riding into local villages, galloping the plains and practising your ‘stick and ball’ with a few chukkas on the polo field. Those that prefer not to ride will find plenty to occupy themselves including nature walks, swimming in natural pools and birdwatching.
ARGENTINAN PATAGONIA
Jakotanga
Known as one of the wildest places on earth, Argentinian Patagonia is an explorer’s paradise, backed by the snow-capped Andes. Many tend to hike the rugged pathways by foot but to gain extra ground in the remote Lake District, we recommend riding with the gauchos. This seven-day riding safari criss-crosses the 900,000-acres Lanin National Park, through conifer forests, thigh-high glacial-fed rivers, wildflower-strewn valleys and volcanic ridges.
Saddle up on Criollo horses, native of the Argentinian Pampas, renowned for their sure-footedness and stamina ensuring a smooth journey. By night, sleep in wooden cabins and mobile camps along the way. As well as exploring this wildly remote and sparsely populated land, learn from the gauchos and their unique way of life.
"Aside from the beret-clad gauchos who will accompany you on your ride, you’re unlikely to see another soul on this intrepid trip, deep into Patagonian wilderness.”
Your Day
Riding between three and eight hours a day from camp to camp on Criollo horses and Gaucho saddles, you should be comfortable even on challenging terrain and rocky accents. Valleys are a chance to canter with the wind in your hair. Come evening, settle down form an Argentine feast of barbecued steak and red wine.
The review
Sosian Lodge – Kenya
In the folds of the Laikipia plateau, Sosian seamlessly blends a luxurious safari experience with a beautiful working cattle ranch.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
Insight
Lessons From A Gaucho
The review
NIHI Sumba
