Met at the airport
The Ranch arranges your pickup from Colombo or Batticaloa and can quote for a driver for the whole trip, so you are not left to find transport in a country you may not know.
Riding solo
Riding alone in Sri Lanka
A Signature Riding Holiday is booked for one private party, and a party can be a single rider. For women planning to ride in Sri Lanka on their own, this page explains how a solo stay at Vonfidel Ranch works, from the airport to the last ride.
At a glance
What a solo booking includes
The terms are the same as for any Signature Riding Holiday. Prices are per rider.
- PriceThe same per-rider price as a group: from US$814 for three days with three rides, or US$1,866 for seven days with five riding days
- Your partyYou and a Ranch guide. A booking is never joined to another party
- Women wranglersExperienced women wranglers stay at the Ranch from time to time and often lead rides. Availability is not guaranteed
- Where you stayA Ranch house reserved for your booking alone, with a bedroom, living area, bathroom and two patios
- IncludedAll meals, tea, coffee, snacks and mineral water, laundry, Starlink Wi-Fi and transport to and from the riding areas
- Getting therePickup arranged by the Ranch from Colombo airport, about 5 to 6 hours by road, or from Batticaloa airport after a Cinnamon Air flight, about 45 minutes. Quoted separately
- Riders18 and over, intermediate level or above, able to walk, trot and canter independently in open country. Maximum current body weight 75 kg
- SeasonSecond week of January to mid-October
How it works
A solo stay, step by step
What happens between landing in Sri Lanka and flying home.
A house to yourself
The house is yours for the length of the stay, with air-conditioning, hot water and fast Wi-Fi. You return to it after every riding day, and the Ranch drives you to and from the field camps where the horses are kept.
Riding with your guide
Your horse is chosen for you after the Ranch has reviewed your riding background. The guide sets route and pace, and a support team stays on standby during every ride with first-aid equipment and radio contact.
Days off the horse
A seven-day stay keeps two days free of riding. Two hosted local evenings are included, usually village life and street food or a simple outdoor barbecue. Excursions are quoted separately.
Booking without risk
A request costs nothing and does not commit you. The reservations team reviews it personally and replies with dates and a quote. A hold lasts up to three days, and 50% is due before written confirmation.
What to bring
Your own fitted riding helmet where possible, though Ranch helmets are available on request. Travel insurance that covers horse riding is strongly recommended.
Guests
Riders at the Ranch
Guests riding during their stays at Vonfidel Ranch.
A red-earth track near the Ranch.
Under the palms on a morning ride.
Open country in the Eastern Province.
Is there a single supplement?
No. Solo riders pay the same per-rider price as riders in a group.
Will I ride with people I don’t know?
No. Each booking is a private party, and parties are never mixed with other guests.
Will a woman lead my rides?
Sometimes. Very experienced women wranglers stay at the Ranch from time to time and often lead riders. Their availability is not guaranteed, so ask when you request dates.
Next step
Send your dates
Share your dates and riding background, and mention that you are traveling alone, whether you want airport pickup and whether you would like a woman to lead your rides if one is available.