The Big Five Safari
Sample itinerary
Day 1: Guests are met at the Information desk in the arrivals hall at Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Our driver will then transfer all guests to Dinaka, a stunning stone and thatch safari lodge set high above a large hippo dam, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding plains. Guests will arrive in time to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings and to meet with their guides and fellow safari group. A late lunch will be served to revive the weary travellers. Late afternoon, guests will have their first opportunity to acquaint themselves with their selected horse, 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. The day will finish with sundowner drinks and a sumptuous three course evening meal.
Day 2: Today, we will ride to the “Small Serengeti Plains”, where you will be able to observe and interpret the behaviour of various plains game species. Your guides will have a surprise of bush “games” up their sleeve. On the Dinaka plains riders will encounter the dense game populations this beautiful reserve is renowned for. Sightings of up to 15 rhino, together with 11 other species in your view, are not uncommon. The open plains provide great opportunities for fast riding. Riders are also able 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. This afternoon you may be able to go on a little cross country jumping or ride amongst beautiful big trees.
Day 3: Mountain exploration. After an early breakfast we will set out on a hunt for some of the reserves more elusive mountain species - leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboon, African rock python, rock dassie, klipspringer and Cape vulture. This ride ascends a valley that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment, following a crystal clear stream and passing several picturesque dams along the way. 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 a cooling swim and siesta. 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 for both horse and rider. A Dinaka guide will escort you on an informative game drive, where you will visit another area inhabited by 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 on a very special opportunity to approach and observe some of the rhino on foot. 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 5: In the morning there is a last chance to find any species not yet seen and enjoy one last gallop along the 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 10.30 to Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris – a transfer of approximately 4 hours. After crossing the mighty Limpopo River either by cable car or through the dry river bed, you arrive at the stunning Two Mashatus camp. Built in traditional Botswana style, two round huts with Lala palm roofs serve as lounge and dinning area under a majestic Mashatu tree. Your accommodation is A-frame walk-in tents with comfortable beds and an en-suite loo and shower. Guests are taken on an introductory ride in the afternoon to familiarize riders with their horses; with a stable of 34 horses we aim to find you the perfect match!
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 ride offers lots of possible game sightings such as giraffe, eland, kudu and zebra as well as the abundant elephant! The morning ride is 4-5 hours which will take you to your next destination- Zeederberg Wilderness Camp. A well-deserved lunch awaits you upon arrival. After a relaxing afternoon you can join your guide for a bushwalk around the area, following in the footsteps of legends such as Cecil John Rhodes. On return to camp sundowners await you around the campfire and dinner is served. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the African bush, interrupted only by the occasional calls of lion, hyaena and jackal.
Day 7: Today’s ride of about 4-5 hours takes you to Liana camp, descending from the Zeederberg Hills and on to the open Pitsani plains with the possibility of a fast canter with zebra, wildebeest or giraffe. This ride offers the opportunity of jumping some of the fallen logs pushed over by elephant. Lunch awaits you under another splendid Mashatu tree. A lunchtime siesta follows before heading out on a game drive with a Mashatu ranger, in the hope of seeing some of the big cats or African wild dogs. Enjoy the special situation of this campsite set in an old river bed overhung by the twisted Liana vines after which it is named.
Day 8: The dawn chorus will wake you to a light breakfast. Todays ride of about 4-5 hours will take you back to Two Mashatus camp, passing through the central game area where you will have a good opportunity to look for leopard in the Mashatu trees along 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 to the local village on a game drive or enjoying a relaxing sundowner along the Limpopo. Back at camp another delicious meal cooked over the fire is served, and as the night draws to a close, enjoy a night cap around the fire.
Day 9: After breakfast around the fire, you will head off in the direction of Nels Vlei with a good chance of catching a final glimpse of elephant as this is one of their favourite areas. Back at the stables, after a last pat and a fond farewell to your horse, you have the chance to have a good shower and enjoy lunch before heading off for the border and the 5 to 6 hours drive to JHB airport.
Please be aware that due to changes in weather and other unforeseen events the itinerary may be changed at the last minute. We will endeavor to keep everyone informed of any changes and the reason for them.
Please note that during the months of February, March and November the Botswana part of the ride will be based at Two Mashatus camp. Riders will be able to enjoy 4-5 hours a morning on horseback and leisurely game drives or walks in the afternoons as per the above itinerary.
Additional Information
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Transfers to and from JHB International at GB Pounds 200 per person
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Meeting point at Arrivals Hall at the Information Desk at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
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Maximum of 8 guests and minimum of 2 guests
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Rate is inclusive of accommodation, riding, meals, teas and coffees, drinks, game drives (at least 2), bush walks and laundry. Only transfers, tips and curios payable locally in cash.
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For experienced riders only
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Children under 16 not permitted
Our Horseback Safaris summary:
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