Take everything you expect from a riding safari in Africa, exceptional game viewing, endless horizons, good company, great food and exceptional horses. Put all of this into a 20,000 acre game reserve hidden amongst the majestic Waterberg mountain range and you have the Dinaka safari.

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 as well as the exquisite steenbuck.

Dinaka is unquestionably for “lovers of luxury” and those who want a guaranteed game viewing experience. This 20,000 acre reserve was one of the first to reintroduce game into the Waterberg, starting in 1976. Dinaka now offers unsurpassed game viewing in South Africa.

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 taking you on a mystical ride.

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.

Dinaka is owner-operated, boasting warm hospitality and personal attention to detail. Meal times are an event in themselves and provide an impressive array of dishes. Daily afternoon tea is an irrefutable delight!

The Horses
The horses are all handpicked for their temperament and ride-ability. Breeds include the SA Boerperd, Thoroughbreds, Arabs, and Crossbreeds. Our horses are our pride and joy and we are sure by the end of the week you will love them as much as we do.

Sample Itinerary
Day 1: 10.00 am our driver will transfer all guests 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. Lunch will be served on arrival 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.

Day 2: 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 3 : 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 we 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 4 : 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 5: 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 you will depart the Dinaka lodge at approximately 11.am and head to your next destination.

What is included in this tour:
• Fully inclusive of all accommodation, activities, meals, beverages (within reason), transfers to and from Jo’burg airport and Dinaka and VAT

What is NOT included in this tour:
• Visas, travel and medical insurance - which is essential
• Transport from your home to Jo'burg and return
• Gratuities for camp staff and guides
• Purchases from the “bush boutique” such as caps, shirts and toiletries

ALL OUR TOURS CAN BE ENTIRELY CUSTOM MADE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR VISIT OUR HORSE BACK SAFARI PAGE.