Dinaka Safari
8 days - Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Take everything you expect from a riding safari in Africa, exceptional game viewing, endless horizons, good company, great food, excellent hosts and exceptional horses. Put all of this into a 9000 hectare game reserve hidden amongst the majestic Waterberg mountain range and you have the Dinaka safari.
Dinaka is unquestionably for "lovers of luxury" and those who want a guaranteed game viewing experience. This reserve was one of the first to reintroduce game into the Waterberg and now offers some outstanding game viewing. The reserve contains literally thousands of animals. Species on the reserve include; not only rhino, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, leopard, ostrich and two species of zebra, but also over 20 species of antelope, including the impressive eland and sable and the exquisite steenbuck and springbuck. Dinaka is unique in the Waterberg due to its high carrying capacity and the resulting heavy concentrations of game.
Situated along the Waterberg escarpment, its views are mountainous whilst its environment consists mainly of extensive plains. This gives riders the opportunity to view larger herds of game not normally seen in montane bushveld. On Dinaka it is not uncommon to see herds of a few hundred antelope, together with 8 or 9 rhino all in the same view. Each visit provides a truly magical game experience.
During your stay at Dinaka you will ride through beautiful mountains where the rare and endangered Cape Griffon nests; gallop across open sandy tracks; canter for miles looking at the wonder of nature surrounding you; take your horse for a refreshing swim in the cool water of one of the many lakes; jump the natural obstacles and enjoy hacks through thick woodlands.
- Day 1 (B,L,D)
- Guests are met at the Johannesburg Intercontinental Hotel at the airport. Here you can enjoy a choice of full English or continental breakfast, a shower or just relax until you fellow companions arrive. You will then be transferred to the Dinaka lodge arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon ride will introduce you to your horse and ensure the perfect match before the more challenging riding begins.
- Day 2 (B,L,D)
- Ride along the foothills of the Seven Sisters mountain range, through thick woodland areas to the western boundaries. Here you will have your first experience of the never ending sandy tracks and glimpse the panoramic views of the Dinaka plains and the abundant herds. You will arrive back at the lodge in time for a late brunch and a chance to siesta by the pool. The afternoon ride will be a fast and exhilarating ride along the Sand river, this area is prime waterbuck and hippo viewing territory.
- Day 3 (B,L,D)
- This mornings ride is to an area renowned for its abundant and varied species, known as 'Small Serengeti'. Riding back to the lodge your guides will introduce you to some of the bush skills essential to those living in the African wilderness. Lunch time brings another chance to siesta or perhaps a chance to view the hippo at play in the dam in front of your bedroom window. The afternoon ride will be in woodland with the added challenge of jumping natural obstacles.
- Day 4 (B,L,D)
- The morning ride will take you out with the explicit purpose of tracking 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. After lunch at the lodge you will pack your toothbrush and few chosen items before departing on your overnight wilderness experience, this camping expedition will take you to an ancient refuge used by Mizilikatse as he and his people fled the wrath of the warlord Shaka. This will be a true African experience taking you up into the remote mountain pass with minimal equipment and no vehicle backup with your canopy being simply a star filled night.
- Day 5 (B,L,D)
- After waking up to the smell of coffee boiling on an open fire and the sound of your horse munching contentedly bedside you, your route off the mountain leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment. The trail follows the game paths made by the giant eland and mountain zebra, it is a tough but rewarding ride, across almost inaccessible terrain and stunning scenery. The ride brings you back to the lodge in time for lunch and a hot shower. The afternoon gives a chance to rest weary bones and experience game from a whole new perspective with a guided bush walk.
- Day 6 (B,L,D)
- Today you will have a chance to explore the Waterberg further. Guests will be given the option of doing a game drive in a nearby game reserve, which offers wonderful opportunities to view lions and if you are lucky, elephants from the safety of a vehicle. After lunch enjoy a further ride, this time to visit 'jackal dam', where the horses can splash amongst the water lilies.
- Day 7 (B,L,D)
- A full days ride to another area of the reserve, where Dinaka runs its highly successful breeding programme of rare species, which include white blesbok, red wildebeest and bontebok. A packed lunch is enjoyed en-route at the reserve's only known hippo free lake giving riders a chance to experience the thrill of swimming with their horse in the African bush. After lunch the ride crosses a particularly fertile plain where riders can experience the exhilaration and thrill of cantering amongst large herds of game, with many different species galloping together across the plains. You then make your way back to the lodge in time for afternoon tea and a welcome break to both horse and rider in the form of a game drive. A Dinaka guide will escort you on an informative drive, where you will visit another area inhabited by yet more rare species such as buffalo, sable and black impala. This drive ends with dinner in the bush where you can relax around the fire and enjoy the African night.
- Day 8 (B)
- A final gallop along the sandy tracks, before returning to the lodge for brunch. After brunch transfer back to Johannesburg Airport.
- Cost per Person:
- Ride Only: £1,640
- Includes: Return transfers from Johannesburg, accommodation and meals as indicated, locally made drinks and all riding.
- All Inclusive: From £2,290 depending on the season.
- Includes: All flights, taxes, transfers from Johannesburg, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
- Single Supplement: None if prepared to share.
- Departure Dates: 19 Jan, 16 Feb, 07 Mar, 11 Apr, 26 Sep, 24 Oct, 22 Nov, 06 Dec. Departures from UK are one day earlier.
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The Accommodation:
Guest accommodation is in twin-bedded, luxury thatch lodges, with en-suite bathrooms. The lodges are situated high on a ridge overlooking a picturesque lake below and have spectacular views across the plains. This is a prime spot to relax whilst observing the activities of passing wildlife, or the occasional antics of the hippo in the water below. As rides are taken during the cooler hours of the day, when the game is more active, there is plenty of time to relax and cool off in the plunge pool.
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Food & Drink: Good quality home-style cooking. Breakfast is a light meal comprising of cereals, toast, yoghurt and fruit. Lunch normally includes home made breads, salads and a pizza or quiche. Dinner is always a 3 course meal. Locally made drinks are included.
- Laundry: Is included.
- Children: Not suitable for children under 16 years of age.
- Non-Riders: Not suitable.