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Horseback riding tours
Rides in South Africa
Intro to South Africa
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Africa Overview
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Zimbabwe
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Dinaka Riding Safari
Waterberg
South Africa
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 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.
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!
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Meeting:
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Dinaka
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Airport:
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Johannesburg
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Transfer:
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Johannesburg Airport
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Rating
Travel Stories
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Lodge Stay - all meals, drinks and all activities at the reserve, laundry.
| A | 2009 | 5 day trip, AP | 5d / 4n | £1040 | $1780 |
| Single supplement (requested) | £210 | $360 |
| additional days at Triple B Ranch before - pp/day | £185 | $320 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Johannesburg return pp at set times
- to be paid locally
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£
100
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$175
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2009
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Private Transfers each way - per car (1-3)
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£
150
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$260
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Pick up from the Johannesburg airport is at 10 AM. Arrival back in Johannesburg at the end of the trip is between 4 and 5 PM.
Rates do not include:
Gratuities.
Day 1: Guests will make their way to the Johannesburg Intercontinental Hotel. Here guests can enjoy a choice of full English or continental breakfast and can relax whilst their fellow companions arrive. At 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, and sad goodbyes you will depart the Dinaka lodge at approximately 11.am and head to your next destination.
Meeting:
Dinaka
Airport:
Johannesburg
Transfer:
Johannesburg Airport
Distance:
300 km 2.5 hours
Pick up from the Johannesburg airport is at 10 AM. Arrival back in Johannesburg at the end of the trip is between 4 and 5 PM.
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Tack:
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McClellan saddles and English saddles
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Horses:
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SA Boerperd, Thoroughbreds, Arabs, and Crossbreeds
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Pace:
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You must be a confident and competent rider at all paces.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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If you prefer not to wear a riding helmet, you can sign a waiver form
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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.
You should have a firm seat and in control at all paces.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart. Passport Note Passport must have at least two blank page. more
May to August days are clear and sunny.
Early mornings and evenings can be cold.
From October onwards day time temperatures time can rise to high 30s.
December to February are the main rainy months.
The hottest season is summer, from November to March. The rainy season extends from late November to February, with short showers in the late afternoon, and an occasional evening thunderstorm. The winter months of June, July and August are warm and dry, but evenings are chilly so it is advisable to bring warm clothing.
We suggest bringing the following:
* Your own well-fitting hard hat - the wearing of hard hats is MANDATORY.
* Short boots and chaps. Long rubber boots are not advised. Handmade full-length chaps
* Lightweight rain coat.
* Sun protection cream factor 20 or higher.
* Camera and battery charger.
* Swimming costume.
* Light weight long sleeved shirts.
* A good book.
The Waterberg is a malaria-free area, but please check with your doctor or travel bureau for the latest advice.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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..view other reports for different trips
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!
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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.
You should have a firm seat and in control at all paces.
|
Tack:
|
|
McClellan saddles and English saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
SA Boerperd, Thoroughbreds, Arabs, and Crossbreeds
|
|
Pace:
|
|
You must be a confident and competent rider at all paces.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
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.
You should have a firm seat and in control at all paces.
Passports
Passport valid for at least 30 days after the intended date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart.
Passport Note
Passport must have at least two blank pages for entry stamp. This cannot include the 'endorsement' page at the back. Passengers who also require a visa must have a passport with two blank facing pages, one for the visa and one for their entry stamp. Anyone attempting to enter South Africa without the required pages will be returned to their country of origin.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days for business and tourist purposes, except:
1. nationals of Cyprus, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic who may stay for up to 30 days, and nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovenia who do require a visa, unless transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (advance notice of overnight stay is required).
Visa Note
(a) Proof of financial means may be required. (b) Unaccompanied children under the age of 18 years must hold written consent from their parents when travelling alone. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses). (d) After entry, extensions of stay may be sought from the Department of Home Affairs.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visa fee: £35. UK nationals are exempt from visa fees.
Validity
Dependent on length of stay requested. Permits may be extended if done so 30 days prior to expiry of original permit.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission); see Contact Addresses. Applicants in countries where South Africa is not represented may send their applications to the embassy in the nearest country.
Working Days Required
Five to 10 days.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
Some |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Dinaka Riding Safari
Tour Code: IT-SASR04
5 days /
4 nights
~$1,780.00
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
McClellan saddles and English saddles
Horses:
SA Boerperd, Thoroughbreds, Arabs, and...
Pace:
You must be a confident and competent ...
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport:
Johannesburg
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