Adventures & Safaris - Horizon, South Africa
Programmes
Programmes
Horses
Type of horses:
Anglo Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Boerperds and cross breeds
Nature of horses:
Honest forward going and highly responsive
Height of horses:
11.0 -16.3 h
Weight limit:
110 kg
Tack type:
McClellan saddles, English & Australian Stock saddles also available
Weather
Current Conditions:
Clear, 5 C
Forecast:
Fri - Clear. High: 21 Low: 7
Sat - Sunny. High: 18 Low: 6
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Dinaka Luxury Safari
2010 Price (per person) includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis. Does not include flights or travel insurance.
There is a four day or seven day programme.
Four Day Programme:
1 March - 31 December £1040 per person
5-9 March special discounted price of £840
Seven Day Programme:
1 March - 31 December £1680
Please note guests wishing to book single accommodation will be required to pay a supplement.
Big Five Limpopo Safari
2010 price (per person) includes all riding and accommodation on a full board basis.
(9 days 8 nights)
Big Five Mobile Safaris - £2040
4 nights Dinaka - £1040
4 nights Botswana - £1000
Special offer 17-25 February & 22 February - 2 March for 2 client bookings the second place is half price.
There is a 50% surcharge for single supplement on this safari but no supplement is charged if you are prepared to share with a person of the same sex.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Lodge Based Activity Week
High Season - 14 March-30 April 2010, 1 July-10 January 2011
£185 per person per night in 2010. £150 (under 16)
Low Season - 10 January - 13 March and 1 May - 30 June 2010
£150 per person per night. £123 (under 16)
These prices include accommodation, all meals, snacks, drinks, riding and laundry. Transfers and staff gratuities, flights and travel insurance are not included.
There are three lodge rooms available that we can allocate without single supplement. Please note this is a first come, first served basis.
Surf & Turf
Price per person £1660 (based on double room accommodation)
9 day 8 nights
4 nights Dinaka safari
4 nights mobile camping Wild Coast
Guest should try to purchase the internal flights as an add-on to their international flight. It is much better to have it all on one ticket and is usually cheaper this way.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Overlooking a beautiful lake, the ranch is situated in the Waterberg in northern South Africa's Limpopo province. The ranch offers two riding safari options on some of the most impressive game farms in the Waterberg Bio-Sphere Reserve. While the emphasis is on high quality game viewing on horseback, riders have the assurance that they are riding horses cared for and trained on the ranch and guided by expert and sympathetic guides. Furthermore, since the horses are chosen from the entire ranch herd of seventy, guests can be expertly matched to their mount. Each safari option offers a unique element of riding with game but the location in each case is truly exceptional.
New family programmes make this destination perfect for children, riders and non riders. There are several ponies used by the hosts children which are available for children to enjoy safe riding at this wonderful destination.
Outrides and game viewing take you through countryside which is mostly open, flat and perfect for extended canters. The topography consists of gently rolling hills leading to picturesque views on both sides. The occasional rocky koppie provides an ideal vantage spot from which to appreciate the vastness of the Waterberg plateau. Swimming the horses in one of the many dams is an excellent way to cool down after a long morning ride. Outrides within the private game reserve on the ranch offer the opportunity to ride with species such as giraffe, zebra, impala, red hartebeest, eland and reed buck as well as many of the smaller mammals such as jackal, baboons, monkey and warthog.
Viewing game on horseback is a deeply enriching experience as the animals seem to have little fear enabling you to get closer than you ever thought possible. The guides will show you how to follow game tracks and learn local bush lore. Leisurely viewing of the energetic resident hippo family always proves to be a popular interlude to a ride.
For those wanting extended game viewing opportunities, the Born Wild Safari is a two day safari crossing the Melk Rivier into neighbouring properties. The area boasts many species of game including white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, ostrich and a host of antelope. On these trips meals are served from the camp fire and accommodation is in thatched huts sleeping up to three people, each with en suite facilities.
For experienced riders, the challenging cross country course ranges from training level log piles to over thirty taking open jumps. The ranch hosts an annual international three phase event affiliated to the Horse Society. The course was designed by South Africa's top course builder Johnny Perreira.
An amalgam of polo and lacrosse, polocrosse is easy to learn and is one of the most exhilarating sports on horseback. To guests who have never played before we introduce the game slowly, running through the basic rules and showing the tricks of the trade when it comes to stick work. Then it is "in at the deep end" with a full game. One chukka is usually all it takes to bring out the competitive spirit. The game is so addictive that many of our previous guests have taken it up upon returning home.
The 1200 strong cattle herd on the ranch are stud Bonsmaras, a hardy South African breed bred for their quiet temperament, beef production and disease resistance. Guests can join in the daily routine of herding and yard work, checking the progress of calving cows or drive the herd between wildly spread pastures. Given their non aggressive nature these cattle are the ideal animals with which to experience the challenge and excitement of mustering cattle. Herding cattle also stimulates you to work closely with your horse and gives a rewarding purpose to a morning ride.
Those interested in yet another challenge on horse back can join in the fun of Western games. Barrel racing and pole bending are fun ways of schooling yourself in the art of light command and quick responses.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The Ranch looks over a beautiful lake and consists of a tastefully restored old farmhouse together with a cluster of thatched cottages each with a character of its own. The large colonial verandah is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the South Africa bush. The bird life is profilic and at dusk guests can listen to the haunting sound of hippo or black backed jackals from the farmhouse.
A jetty extends onto the lake and offers a secluded tanning spot. A plunge pool in the garden enables guests to cool off during hot summer days. With no TV or newspapers, the Lodge is the ideal place to escape from it all and completely relax.
Guests are accommodated in double rooms in the main house or the luxury thatched cottages all with en-suite facilities. Each cottage is set slightly away from the main house offering a private and homely place to relax after an active day in the saddle.
After the horses, food is your hosts' second passion. Before an early morning ride, guests are offered a light breakfast. After working up an appetite on your ride, lunch is served under the giant syringa tree in the garden followed by afternoon tea at about 3 pm.
Dinner is a sociable and sumptuous affair, during which the day's adventures or misadventures are accounted with great delight. The carefully planned three course menus are accompanied by a selection of fine South African wines. Fresh vegetables and home grown herbs are used in all recipes with home made bread and cakes which are baked on a daily basis.
Activities
Why not take the opportunity to enjoy a guided bush walk with one of the guides or a farm tour with the great character, Charles Baber, original owner of the ranch.
We also encourage guests to meet members of the local community living in one of the villages on the ranch and to visit their children at the farm creche or school. The children love to see foreign faces and are bound to sing a delightful African song for their visitors.
There is also fishing.
Further Details
Languages: English
Health requirements: No specific health requirements
Age limit: Minimum riding age 8 years except family weeks where any children are accepted
Tuition: Tuition can be arranged for certain activities
Included: Riding, food, drinks, accommodation and activities
Not included: Transfer & flights to South Africa
Travel Information
There are several airlines flying direct to Johannesburg. Many leave the UK in the evenings and after an overnight flight you will arrive the next morning hopefully without any jet lag! We will arrange your safe transfer.
On arrival we ask that clients make their way to the information desk of the
arrivals hall to meet their driver who will have a sign with their name on it.
Lodge Transfers:
Leaving JIA 10 am Departing Horizon 3 pm £55 per person each way.
Dinaka return transfers
Arrival Day - leaving JIA 10 am
Departure Day - leaving Dinaka at 1 pm (arriving JIA at approximately 4 pm) £120 per person
Big Five return transfer
Leaving JIA 10 am to Dinaka
5th day transfer at 11 am from Dinaka to LVHS
Departure day transfer at 11.00 from LVHS to JIA (arrival at 5 pm) £230 per person
Surf & Turf Transfers
Arrival day we advise clients to land on the 6.30 or 6.55 flights and make their way to the domestic terminal for the onward flight to East London SA471 departing at 10.00 am.
Day Five leaving JIA at approximately 1.30 pm. Driver will meet clients in the domestic arrivals hall directly from the flight.
Departure transfer leaving Dinaka at 1 pm arriving JIA at approximately 4 pm
Private Transfers to or from JIA and Horizon or Dinaka
1-3 people £150 per car each way
1-4 people £200 per car each way
4-8 people £250 per vehicles each way
Airport: Johannesburg (JNB)
Programmes
Dinaka Luxury Safari
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Day one: 11.00 am. Guests are met at the Johannesburg Intercontinental Hotel. Here guests can enjoy a choice of full English or continental breakfast and can relax whilst their fellow companions arrive. The driver will then transfer all guests to the Dinaka lodge in time for a late lunch. The afternoon ride will introduce guests gently to the awesome riding country of Dinaka and will be used to assess the riders with their chosen mounts. It will give everyone the chance to ensure the perfect match before the more challenging riding begins. The day will finish with sundowners and then followed by a delicious three course evening meal. Day two: Today you will have your first experience of the inviting sandy tracks and glimpse the unending views of the Dinaka plains and the abundant herds of antelope. The open plains provide wonderful opportunities for fast riding.You will arrive back at the lodge in time for a late brunch and a chance to siesta by the hippo dam and watch them enjoying the sunshine. The afternoon ride will be through beautiful big trees where you may be able to try some jumping before returning to the Lodge for sundowners and dinner. Day three: After an early breakfast your rider will follow a valley that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment. You will follow a stream and several dams. The bush is dense and boisy. Hopefully you may see mountain reedbuck, baboons, klipspringers, cape vultures and mountain zebra. After a picnic lunch you will return to the lodge in the early afternoon in time for a swim and siesta.In the afternoon you may just wish to relax watching the animals coming to the dam for a drink or you may take a guided bushwalk. More sundowners and another delicious dinner. Day four: After break fast today you will mount up and ride to a different part of the reserve in order to see bontbok and sable antelope. You will enjoy some long canters across the open plain and after a morning of hard riding you will return to the Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you will the opportunity of a game drive deeper into the reserve and on the way back you may see aardvark porcupine and brown hyenas. Day five: If you have booked a four day safari then this is your last morning of riding and a chance for one last gallop through this wonderful country. After brunch you will be transferred to your next destination or onto the airport. Those fortunate enough to have booked the seven day safari will have further days of riding from this stunning lodge. |
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| Accommodation: |
Accommodation is in the luxurious, owner-operated Dinaka lodge offering warm hospitality and attention to detail. Meal times are an event in themselves and provide an array of impressive dishes. Afternoon tea is served daily and is an irrefutable delight. Guest accommodation is in luxury thatched cottages, each with en-suite bathrooms. Situated on a high ridge the lodges overlook a picturesque lake and spectacular views across the plains. This makes for the perfect relaxation spot whilst observing the passing wildlife or occasional antics of the hippo in the lake below. |
| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Riders should be experienced and comfortable in all paces and have a reasonable level of fitness. |
| Type of ride: | Safari |
| Total riding time: | As itinerary |
| Departure dates: | 2010: 18 -25 - 29 April, 13 - 17- 25 October |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Big Five Limpopo Safari
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The Tuli Block, home to Mashatu Game Reserve and known as "the land of the giants" is an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas and land formations as old as time itself. It is also home to a multitude of wildlife species and remains untouched by the invasion of man. The riding trails cover both the riverine terrain and the true African mopane bushveld, including the famous sandstone formations of the Tuli. The richness of the Mashatu horse riding experience is complemented by regular sightings of lion, leopard, elephant and hyena. The itinerary may vary dependent on circumstances. DAY 1: Arrive at the airport and make use of the facilities at the airport Intercontinental Hotel. Perhaps enjoying a full English Breakfast. Transfer from Johannesburg International Airport at 11.00 and drive to Dinaka. The impressive stone and thatch lodge, set high above a large hippo dam with sweeping views of the surrounding plains, will be your home for the next four nights. You will arrive in time to relax the explore the wonderful surroundings and then meet your fellow guests at lunchtime. Your early evening ride will follow the base of the Waterberg escarpment with long extended canters along unending sandy tracks. This ride will provide you with the first tantalising taste of this stunning game sanctuary. Sundowners will be followed by a delicious three course meal. DAY 2: Rhino Spotting. On the Dinaka plains riders will encounter the dense game populations for which this beautiful reserve is renowned. It is not uncommon to have sightings of up to 15 rhino, together with 11 other species all in your view at one time. It is an unforgettable experience to encounter on horseback the endangered and hugely impressive white rhino in its natural environment.Sightings of up to 15 rhino, together with eleven 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 in search of some of the reserve’s more elusive mountain species – leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboons, African rock python, rock dassies, klipspringers, black eagles and cape vultures. This ride follows a valley that leads deep into the Waterberg escarpment. The path follows a crystal clear stream and passes several picturesque dams along the way. At one of the dams a picnic lunch will be enjoyed. The bush here is dense and full of birdcalls and there is a particular excitement when a shy animal is suddenly spotted. You will return to the lodge in the early afternoon in time for a cooling swim and siesta. In the afternoon you will be given the choice of either relaxing at the lodge watching the animals come and go to the dam, or go on a leisurely ride out on the open plains. DAY 4: Fast Riding. Distances covered this day are relatively great so expect some fast travelling and long canters. After a good morning of hard riding you will return to the lodge for lunch and another chance to relax by the pool. In the afternoon there is the option of a game drive to some of the further parts of the reserve, with drinks en route. On the drive back in the early evening you will use a spotlight to look for nocturnal species such as aardvark, porcupine and brown hyenas. DAY 5: Transfer to Limpopo Valley Safaris. In the morning there is a last chance to search for any species not yet seen and one last gallop along the endless sandy tracks. After brunch you will board your transfer to the Botswana border and the Tuli Block. The transfer will take approximately four hours and crosses a rugged and striking area of Limopo province. Upon arriving at the stunning camp at Fort Jamesons, guests will have a chance to settle in and relax before the afternoon’s introductory ride that will give just a little taste of what is in store over the next four days. The ride returns to camp in time for sundowners around a log fire, centred in the beautiful gardens. Once the sun has disappeared a hearty dinner is served. The evening will draw to a close with a nightcap at the bar. DAY 6: Plains Riding. After an early rise and a light breakfast we will head along the Limpopo river in thick riverine forest to its confluence with the Majale river. This is a fast and exciting ride and four to five hours will be taken to explore open plains teeming with general game. Lunch will be enjoyed back at Fort Jamesons, followed by a chance to swim and relax. In the afternoon you can enjoy either the thrill of a pre-novice cross country course or a leisurely ride to Nylsvlei, a non-perennial marshland where elephant are often seen grazing. Sundowners around the campfire await you on your return to camp. DAY 7: Stagecoach Trail. This ride follows the Zeederberg Stagecoach Trail from Rhode’s Drift past the e astern side of the Boer War battle site at Nylsvlei and up to the remnants of Bryce’ s Store. This fascinating ride will focus on the history of the area with interesting tales about the Anglo-Boer War. The day’s ride will last approximately 6 hours, the longest of the four days. A picnic lunch will be provided. Large herds of antelope are encountered in this area. After a time to relax, the ride will return to Fort Jamesons for tea and a scrumptious snack under an impressive mashatu tree. In the afternoon guests will be taken on a game drive. Spend the late afternoon and evening on the “hunt” for the beautiful and awesome cats which are so much a part of the Mashatu experience. Sundowners are enjoyed on a great koppie and at nightfall the spotlight is used to search for and follow the nocturnal predators. DAY 8: Elephant Encounters.Excellent elephant sightings are practically guaranteed on this day’s ride that passes through a range of vegetation types: riverine forests, savannah acacias, terminalia shrubland and area abundant in shephard’s trees. Following this four hour ride, lunch and an afternoon swim can be enjoyed. Alternatively, some quiet time can be spent sitting in a hide overlooking the watering hole. The afternoon ride will head towards the rocky outcrop close to Rock Camp where waterbuck, rock dassies and black eagles are likely to be spotted. This ride brings a bit of pace and adventure, with lots of small jumps and an opportunity to explore the open plains and enjoy the exhilaration of riding among herds of galloping wilderbeest and zebra. A short stop at Pete’s Pond will provide an opportunity for some fascinating bird watching. DAY 9: Farewell ride. After a final chance to encounter elephant on horseback, you will be driven to a local airfield to catch your flight to Johannesburg International Airport. |
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| Accommodation: | The impressive stone and thatch lodge, set high above a large hippo dam with sweeping views of the surrounding plains, will be your home for the first four nights. The stunning luxury lodge, which is perched on the edge of cliffs overlooking a beautiful lake and the plains beyond. The accommodation has four twin bedded rooms all with ensuite bath and shower facilities. There is a comfortable communal dining room and also a large reeded outdoor barbecue area. There is a verandah overlooking the lake perfect for sunset drinks. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Riders need to be comfortable at all paces and expect some fast riding. You need to be riding fit for this safari. |
| Type of ride: | Safari |
| Total riding time: | Long hours in the saddle |
| Departure dates: | 2010: Static camps: , 28 Oct - 5 Nov, 2 - 10 Nov, 6 - 14 Nov, 17 - 25 Nov, 22 - 30 Nov. Mobile camps: 8 - 16 April (Fully booked), 27 June- 5 July, 2-10 July, 25 August - 2 Sept, 30 August - 7 Sept, 13 - 21 Sept (one place left), 18 - 26 Sept, 29 Sept-7 Oct, 4 -12 Oct, 9-17 Oct. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Lodge Based Activity Week
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The riding country on this ranch is superb. The horses run unshod on perfect sandy soil and although the bushveldt is thick in places, most of the countryside is open, flat and perfect for extended canters. There are gently rolling hills leading to picturesque views on all sides. The occasion rocky koppie provides an ideal vantage spot from which to appreciate the vastness of the Waterberg plateau. Swimming the horses in one of the many dams is an excellent way to cool down after a long morning ride. Outrides within the private game reserve offer the opportunity to ride with species such as giraffe, zebra, impala, red hartebeest, eland and reedbuck as well as many of the smaller mammmals such as jackal, baboons, monkeys and warthog. Viewing game on horseback is a deeply enriching experience as the animals seem to have little fear enabling you to get closer then you ever thought possible. Guides will show you how to follow game tracks and learn local bushlore. Leisurely viewing of the energetic resident hippo family always proves to be a popular interlude to a ride. For those wanting extended game viewing opportunities, a two day safari that crosses the Melkrivier into neighbouring properties is included. The area boasts many species of game including white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, ostrich and a host of antelope. On these trips, meals are served from the camp fire and accommodation is in thatched huts sleeping up to three people each with en-suite facilities. Experienced riders will enjoy the challenging cross-country course which ranges from log piles to over thirty taxing open jumps. The course was designed by South Africa's top course builder, Johnny Perreira. Those interested in yet another challenge on horseback can join in the fun of western games. Barrel racing and pole bending are fun ways of schooling yourself in the art of light commands and quick responses. Polocrosse is an amalgam of polo and lacrosse and is easy to learn. It is one of the most exhilarating sports on horseback. Guests who have never played before are introduced to the game slowly, running through the basic rules and showing the tricks of the trade when it comes to stick work. Then it is 'in at the deep end' with a full game. One chukka is usually all it takes to bring out the competitive spirit. The game is so addictive that many of our previous guests have taken it up upon returning home. The 1200 cattle herd on the ranch are stud Bonsmaras, a hardy South African breed bred for their quiet temperament, beef production and disease resistance. Guests can join in the daily routine of herding and yard work, checking the progress of calving cows or drive a herd between widely spread pastures. Given its non aggressive nature, these cattle are the ideal animals with which to experience the challenge and excitement of mustering cattle. Herding cattle also stimulates you to work closely with your horse and gives a rewarding purpose to a morning ride. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Riders of all abilities will enjoy this ranch stay |
| Type of ride: | Ranch based activities |
| Total riding time: | Ride time dependent upon chosen activities |
| Departure dates: | Dates to suit. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Surf & Turf
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Experience a safari that offers one of the most unforgettable and diverse horse back adventures ever. Combine exhilarating rides along the wild east coast, with the rush of riding in a 20,000 acre game reserve hidden amongst the majestic Waterberg mountain range. This safari offers breathtaking coast lines and excellent game viewing. Experience the endless beauty of your surroundings with good company, great food and exceptional horses. The 4 night wild coast horse safari takes you along the exhilarating and exciting Transkei Wild Coast. One sweeping bay after another, rolling hillsides, river crossings and warm lagoons ensure adventure filled days of fabulous horseback riding. You will be enthralled by the wonderful combination of endless beaches and unrestricted cross country riding! . Dinaka is in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Safari is based on a private reserve in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in a UNESCO biosphere reserve, one of the last true wilderness areas of South Africa. Species to be seen include rhino, hippo, buffalo, black impala, giraffe, ostrich and zebra. In addition riders will encounter a wide variety of antelope, including the impressive eland and sable and the exquisite steenbuck. 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 taking you on a mystical ride. Dinaka is unquestionably for “lovers of luxury” and those who want a guaranteed game viewing experience. Itinerary: Day 1 : The shuttle service will collect you from the East London airport and transfer you to Kei Mouth. Your flight should be scheduled to arrive at 12.30 at the latest. We recommend you book the SA471 currently scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 10.00 and arrive East London at 11.30. A light lunch will be served and you will be able to change into your riding clothes at the country club. You need to be in the saddle by 3pm to make the crossing across the Great Kei River on a pontoon! Your African adventure has begun with a canter down a deserted beach. This afternoon’s ride through to Trennerys is just long enough to blow the cob webs away, you can breathe in the salt air and feel the pounding hooves on wet sand – welcome to the Wild Coast. Please note in the event of your flight to East London being delayed then you will overnight in Morgans Bay and ride through to Trennerys early on Day 2 to catch up with the rest of the group. Day 2 :After a lazy breakfast you set off for Wavecrest Hotel. The tide dictates your pace and path but along the way you will stop at the wreck of the Jacaranda. Rolling slay paths take you at a steady trot and canter to the mouth of the Kobonqaba river. Once you are here, you either cross at the mouth or if the tide is high we detour inland getting to Wavecrest around lunch time. This afternoon you explore the rolling countryside and sandy coves surrounding Wavecrest. There is always something new to discover and intriguing paths to follow. (For those inclined for a little pampering we will make sure that you have time for a spa treatment or massage!) Day 3 : Your departure time this morning is dictated by the tide. It’s a full day ride either up the beach and back across country through rolling hills and traditional villages or the other way around. Either way you can take advantage of the hard wet beach at low tide – the gallops are exhilarating!!! You will take a picnic and stop at a secluded beach for lunch. Day 4 :This morning you make our way back towards Kei Mouth. Rolling hills, villages, deep river gorges, and sandy paths meander their way back along the coast and get you to Seagulls Hotel for a pub lunch and a much needed cold drink! The last ride along the beach gets you to the paddocks in Kei Mouth around 4pm. Overnight in Morgan’s Bay or the Cock Inn (or if just 2 or 3 in the group at the horsebase Farm).Enjoy a delicious dinner. Day 5 : After a leisurely breakfast, the shuttle will be ready to transfer you to East London airport at 9am for your flight SA1404 departing East London at 11.05 and arriving Johannesburg at 12.40. From here you will be taken care of by the team at Horizon Horse Safaris. Guests are met from their flight and transferred 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. Tea and cake will be served on arrival, after which guests can change into their riding gear for 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. Day 6 :We will take you on a ride to visit 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.. Day 7 : 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 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. 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. Day 8 : 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, 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 there experiences whilst a feast is served. Day 9 : 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 you will depart the Dinaka lodge at approximately 11 am and head to your next destination. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Varying hours in the saddle |
| Departure dates: | 2010 dates: 19 - 27 September, 6-14 November, 23 November - 1 December, 29 November - 7 December |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |