Dinaka Safari

Day 1

You will be met at the Intercontinental Hotel adjacent to Johannesburg airport. From here you will be transferred by road to 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 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

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 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

Today's ride will take you along the base of the mountain that follows a valley and leads you deep into the heart of the Waterberg escarpment. Here you 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. In the afternoon guests are free to sooth away 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

Today you will 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, Spring Hare, porcupine and aardvark. The last night is the final braai evening where guests relax around the fire, enjoy the African night sky and toast their experiences whilst a feast is served. (B,L,D)

Day 5

This morning there is a last chance to search for any species not yet found and one last gallop along the endless sandy lanes. After a hearty brunch, you will depart the Dinaka Lodge and transfer back to Johannesburg airport or head to your next destination. (B)

If you would like to extend this itinerary, we can easily arrange additional nights at the beautiful Triple B Ranch. Alternatively, you may wish to combine the Dinaka Safari with the Tuli Safari in Botswana, this makes the ultimate 'Big 5 Safari' - please enquire for further information.