DINAKA LUXURY SAFARI - SOUTH AFRICA
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Dinaka is for "lovers of comfort" and those who want a guaranteed game viewing experience. The 20,000 acre reserve contains literally thousands of animals. Species to be seen 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 steenbok and springbuck. Although the views are mountainous, the environment consists mainly of fertile plains. This gives riders the opportunity to view the larger herds of game that would not normally occur in Southern Africa's bushveld areas. It is not uncommon to see herds of a few hundred antelope, together with 8 or 9 rhino, all in the same small area. In some situations, one could take a photo with rhino, kudu, blesbok, impala and springbok all in the same frame. It provides a truly magical game experience. On this amazing horse riding holiday, guests will stay in a stone and thatch lodge, set high on a ridge overlooking a picturesque lake offering spectacular views across the plains. Accommodation is in four twin bedded, ensuite rooms with bath and shower facilities. There is a comfortable communal dining area, veranda over the lake and a large reeded outdoor barbecue area. Dinaka boasts incredibly welcoming hospitality from your hosts Kobus and Saskia, and personal attention to detail.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - DINAKA LUXURY SAFARI
Day 1
Guests will be transferred from the airport to Dinaka in time for lunch and a chance to relax, unwind and meet your hosts and fellow members of their horse riding safari. That afternoon they will have their first opportunity to experience the awesome riding country of Dinaka, with its long sandy tracks, abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. On the ride, guests are likely to experience the thrill of riding at close quarters with white rhino.
Day 2
We will take you on a ride to visit the ‘Small Serengeti Plains’ where you will be able to look and interpret the behavior of various plains game species. Your guides will have a surprise of bush “games” up their sleeve. This afternoon the you may be able to go on a little cross country jumping or ride amongst beautiful big trees
Day 3
The mountain valley ride. This half-day ride follows one of the valleys that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment. It is the most taxing, but also the most rewarding ride, in terms of terrain and scenery. The trail follows a crystal clear stream and passes several picturesque dams, laden with water lilies. A surprise bush breakfast is served by the edge of one of the dams. Guests can relax and sip champagne, whilst absorbing the beauty of their surroundings. The afternoon is a gentle pre-sunset ride to one of the larger dams hosting some of the many hippos on the reserve.
Day 4
A ride to another area of the reserve, where Dinaka runs its highly successful breeding programme for highly valued species, which include white blesbuck, sable antelope and bontebok. En route the ride crosses a particularly fertile plain where riders can experience the exhilaration and thrill of cantering amongst herds of game, with many different species galloping together across the plains.
The afternoon proves a welcome break to both horse and rider. A Dinaka guide will escort you on an informative game drive, where you will visit another area inhabited by the buffalo and some unusual red wildebeest. The guide, who is responsible for the feeding and monitoring of the rhino on the reserve, will accompany the guests for a very special opportunity to approach and observe some of the rhino on foot.
Day 5
Today the group will have a chance to explore the Waterberg further, this time in a vehicle and join a big five game drive. Guests will be given the option of visiting a nearby game reserve (about a 45 min drive from Dinaka) this beautiful reserve is home to The Big 5 and offers wonderful opportunites to view lions and if we are lucky elephants from the safety of a vehicle.
Day 6
Today guests depart the lodge with a picnic lunch and make for the top of the mountains. The views along the way will be etched on your memory forever and the ride gives riders the chance to look back over the Waterberg in all its splendour.
Day 7
This morning’s ride includes a visit to the local junior school. It is a pleasure to meet the children, who are always eager to entertain visitors with an uplifting African song. Riders return to the lodge for brunch and a chance for a siesta, or cool off in the bubbling plunge pool. . The afternoon ride has proved a favourite, and is delightful for photography. A visit to ‘jackal dam’, which is a particularly attractive spot in the late-afternoon light, where the horses splash amongst the water lilies. 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.
Day 8
One last opportunity to enjoy riding on this stunning reserve and with its amazing array of wildlife. A final gallop along the endless sandy tracks, before returning to the lodge to enjoy another of their infamous brunches. Guests then depart after brunch.
The weight limit for this ride is 17 st/242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation, all riding and other activities mentioned, guides, all meals and drinks (alcoholic or otherwise).
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Flights to South Africa, return transfers from Johannesburg. A single supplement of 50% will be charged only to guests not willing to share with someone of the same sex.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
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