Elephant  Rides

Elephants, the largest land animals in the world, inspire a feeling of awe and respect in most people. Weighing up to 6 tons (11 000lb) and reaching speeds of up to 40km/hr, this giant of the animal kingdom has an impressive presence. Elephants are extremely agile for their size. They can walk along narrow paths through a jungle and climb steep hills without loosing their balance. A ride on elephant will provide memories that last a lifetime. The elephants are prepared with a comfortable saddle  so all you have to do is hold on and enjoy the ride. One of the places where you can have this ride is Chiang Mai, Thailand. Chiang Mai is in the northern, mountainous part of the country, and elephants have been working here for centuries. Lately, more elephants are working as trekkers instead of logging help due to tourist demand. Being surrounded by these enormous animals and moving along with them is a truly wonderful experience. Being immersed so deeply in nature and interacting with such powerful creatures is deeply rewarding and satisfying and is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Camel Ride

While camels are are widely acknowledged efficient pack animals. Their long strides and strong humps make a camel ride a fast and fun experience. A good portion of them are used for labor and transportation, but a fair share are used in eco-tourism and soft adventure tours, mostly in the Middle East. The problem with camels, besides their disposition, their body odor and tendency to expectorate unexpectedly, is the way they walk. Camels, on the other hand, lift both front and back hooves of the left side, then front and back of the right side. This creates a very powerful swaying motion from right to left. Considering that most camels are about 6.5 feet (2 meters) tall, and the passenger sits on top of the hump, which is another 12 inches (30 cm) upward, that’s a lot of motion high in the sky. If you really want to ride camel, high chances for this are in Egypt. Camels are relatively emotional and intelligent animals and respond best to familiar handlers. Be sure to ride a domesticated camel under the supervision of someone who knows how to control the animal.

Ostrich Rides

If you’re ever in South Africa and would like to do something different, try riding an ostrich. It can be a fun and exciting activity, assuming you’re up for the challenge. Ostriches are the tallest living birds on the planet. The Ostrich is a large, flightless bird – the largest living bird on earth. When fully grown it weighs over 120kg pounds. Ostrich have long necks, small heads, large eyes, long, powerful legs, and two toes on each foot. Ostriches have great vision and because of their strong legs can run at 70 km per hour. Ostriches are inquisitive birds that will peck anyone or anything. You will certainly feel the peck but it doesn’t hurt. But, be cautioned, beware of their claws! They kick forward, not backward, and their claws are sharp enough to inflict wounds. Especially the males who become aggressive as they get older.

Dog Sledding

Sled dogs, known also as sleightman dogs, sledge dogs, or sleddogs are types of dogs that are used to pull a wheel-less vehicle on runners (a sled or sleigh) over snow or ice, by means of harnesses and lines. Several distinct dog breeds are in common use as sled dogs, although any medium-sized breed may be used to pull a sled. Purebred sled dog breeds range from the well-known Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute to rarer breeds such as the Mackenzie River Husky or the Canadian Eskimo Dog (Canadian Inuit Dog). Dog drivers, however, have a long history of using other breeds or crossbreds as sled dogs. In the days of the Gold Rush in The Yukon, mongrel teams were the rule, but there were also teams of Foxhounds and Staghounds.  If you want a ride like this, go to Bern, Switzerland.

Ox-Cart Rides

For those who love old ethnic traditional way of transportation, can drive in an Ox- cart. This will give you an experience of the unique mode of transport. Ox Carts, Carretas, are the true traditions. They’re not great on the freeway, but for short stretches, riding an ox-cart is a great experience. It will take you through Nepal’s rugged, rural terrain, but also on a trip back in time.