Big 5 Safari in South Africa & Botswana

Day 1

Guests will be met and transferred from the Johannesburg Intercontinental Hotel (adjacent to Johannesburg Airport) to the Dinaka lodge, a stunning stone and thatch safari lodge set high above a large hippo dam, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding plains. Lunch will be served on arrival and then there is a chance to relax and unpack. In the afternoon, guests will have their first opportunity to acquaint themselves with the horses, to take in the wonderful open spaces around them, and to go in search of game in the soft afternoon light. This ride will give guests their first taste of the stunning variety of game on Dinaka. After the ride its back to the lodge for sundowner drinks overlooking the lake and a traditional African evening meal. (L,D)

Day 2

Today you will ride to the 'Small Serengeti Plains'. On the Dinaka plains riders will encounter the dense game populations this beautiful reserve is renowned for. The open plains provide great opportunities to experience that dream canter alongside herds of antelope as they gallop and pronk across the open savannah. Back at the lodge guests can sunbathe above the hippo dam and watch these family orientated creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. The Afternoon ride will take you out with the explicit purpose of tracking the majestic white rhino, these prehistoric animals are one of the incredible success stories of the Dinaka reserve, which holds one of the oldest breeding herds in the country. Being next to these magnificent creatures is a highlight of any safari but being with them on horseback is a truly unforgettable experience. (B,L,D)

Day 3

This ride will take you along the base of the mountain that follows a valley that will lead you deep into the heart of the Waterberg escarpment. Here we will be on the lookout for the breeding colony of the Cape Vulture's and some of the reserves more elusive mountain species - leopard, mountain zebra, klipspringer and the yellow spotted rock hyrax .The path follows a crystal clear stream and passes several picturesque dams along the way. Here is also the chance to spot the odd African rock python bathing in the sun. The bush is dense and full of birdcalls. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at one of the dams along the way, returning to the lodge in the early afternoon in time for afternoon tea. That afternoon guests are free to sooth away ones weary muscles in the Jacuzzi or those more energetic can join the guides for an afternoon bush walk and a chance to study in depth the flora and fauna of the area. (B,L,D)

Day 4

A ride to another area of the reserve towards the western boundaries. Here you will experience the unending views that Dinaka has to offer with the foothills of the seven sisters in the background. These long and winding tracks offer the perfect opportunity for fast and exhilarating riding. The afternoon provides a perfect photo opportunity and a break to both horse and rider. A Dinaka guide will escort you on an informative game drive where you will get the chance to learn more about reserve management and get up close and personal with Cape buffalo and rhino. The guide who is responsible for the monitoring of the reserve rhino population will give you a very special opportunity to approach and observe these prehistoric creatures. The drive also offers the chance to catch a glimpse of some of Dinaka's nocturnal animals such as brown hyena, springhare porcupine and aardvark. The last night is the final braai evening where guests relax around the fire, enjoy the African night sky and toast there experiences whilst a feast is served. (B,L,D)

Day 5

In the morning there is a last chance to find any species not yet found and one last gallop along these endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch, and sad goodbyes, guests are transferred to their next destination - on the other side of the Botswana border! You will depart the lodge at approximately 10.am to Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris - a transfer of approximately 4 hours. On Arrival at the Botswana border post, called Pontdrift you will be meet by your guide West or Cor and transferred to the Two Mashatus camp by open game drive vehicle, a drive of about 30 minutes which is a good opportunity to spot some game along the way. Upon arrival at the camp a light lunch will be served and guests will have a chance to settle in and relax. Guests will be taken by vehicle to the stables for an introductory ride to familiarise riders with their horses, followed by sundowners at the stable bar. Upon return to the Two Mashatus's camp, you will be met by the luxury of a hot shower under the stars. The well renowned bush cook serves dinner before retiring to your very comfortable beds set up in the comfort of your tent. Let the night bush sounds serenade you to sleep. (B,L,D)

Day 6

After an early rise and a light breakfast you will head out to explore the Limpopo Valley, including a natural marshland called "Nels Vlei", the Majale island which is guaranteed to keep you on your toes, as this is where the Majale Island pride of lions hang out. Possibly you will pass by giraffes, elands, kudus and other game which sometimes browse on the mopane bush, as well as ample elephants! The morning ride is 4-5 hours as you explore the area teeming with game, while heading in a northerly direction to Zederburg camp. After arrival at the camp, and a well deserved lunch, your guide will enlighten you to the wonder of following tracks and signs of the bush during a bush walk. On return to camp sundowners await you around the campfire and dinner is served. Enjoy the peace and quiet interrupted only by the occasional sounds of lions, hyenas and jackals. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Todays ride of about 4-5 hours takes you to the Liana camp. The ride is coming down from the Zederberg Hills and on to the open Pitsani plains with the possibility of a fast canter with zebras, wildebeest or giraffe. This ride brings the opportunity of jumping some of the fallen logs, pushed over by elephants. Lunch will await you under a splendid Mashatu tree, and then after a lunchtime siesta you head out on a bush walk. Back at the camp, dinner is served under the stars. Enjoy the comfort of sleeping under the baboon vines that the camp is named after, in an old river bed. An unbeatable experience! (B,L,D)

Day 8

The dawn chorus will awake you, as a sumptuous breakfast is prepared over the fire. Todays ride of about 4-5 hours will take you back to the Two Mashatus camp. This ride goes through the central game area and you have good opportunity to look for Leopards in the Mashatu trees overlooking the Majale river. Follow the course of the river and enjoy the winding canters through the bush. This afternoon you have the choice of going on a game drive, in search of the cats which you will no doubt prefer to see from the safety of a vehicle! Sundowners are enjoyed in the bush, usually overlooking a Kopie, and you can soak up the atmosphere of a true African experience. Back at camp another delicious meal, cooked over the fire is served, and as the night draws to a close you can enjoy a night cap around the fire. (B,L,D)

Day 9

After a final breakfast around the fire, you will head off for a final ride in the direction of Nels Vlei, a good chance to catch a final glimpse of elephants here, as this is one of their favorite areas. Back at the stables a last pat and a fond farewell to you horse, you have the chance to have a good shower and lunch before heading off for the border and the 5.5 hours drive to Johannesburg airport. (B,L)