BIG 5 COMBO - SOUTH AFRICA
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Combine four nights in the Tuli Block, Botswana and four nights in the Waterberg, South Africa for an unforgettable Big Five riding adventure.
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.
The Tuli Block in Botswana is known as "The Land of the Giants". It is also home to a multitude of wildlife species such as lion, leopard, elephant and hyena 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 Botswana part of the safari can now be done either enjoying the added comforts of a static camp (Feb/March departures) or as traditionally on mobile camping safari (Apr-Nov departures).
SAMPLE ITINERARY - BIG 5 COMBO
Day 1
Guests will be transferred from the airport to Dinaka lodge (approximately a 3 hour drive). Guests will arrive in time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This first ride provides an opportunity to acquaint yourself with the horse chosen for your safari and settle into riding in the African bush and gives a good opportunity to view the hippo. The day will finish with sundowner drinks on a viewing platform positioned high over the Palala river. What a fabulous way to start your horse riding holiday!
Day 2
Today we head off with a saddlebag lunch and spend the full day exploring the reserves. The riding today will be fast and will give us a chance to find the larger herds in search of that that dream ride of cantering with the antelope. The aim of the day will be to find the buffalo and rhinos; these wonderful animals are almost prehistoric to look at and interacting with them from horseback is an incredible experience.
Day 3
A tranquil and scenic ride which meanders along the banks of the Palala River and enables yet another rare chance to ride alongside the endangered and hugely impressive white rhino. In the afternoon riders will depart for an overnight camp in the African bush, the meals will be prepared on the fire and the camp beds set out under the stars. Tents will be optional for the not so brave. You will be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the African night.
Day 4
Guests will head towards and across the Palala river exploring kloofs and valleys in search of giraffe and other plains game. After the ride you are welcome to relax by the salt water pool or simple enjoy the luxuriant surroundings. The afternoon ride will take us to one of the highest spot in the reserve where a short hike will being you to some of the best bushman paintings in the Waterberg.
Day 5
On Arrival at the Botswana border post, called Pontdrift you will be meet by your guide West or Cor and transferred to the Two Mashatus camp by open game drive vehicle, a drive of about 30 minutes which is a good opportunity to spot some game along the way.
Upon arrival at the Two Mashatus’s camp a light lunch will be served and guests will have a chance to settle in and relax. Guests will be taken by vehicle to the stables for an introductory ride to familiarize riders with their horses, followed by sundowners at the stable bar. Upon return to the Two Mashatus’s camp, you will be met by the luxury of a hot shower under the stars. Our well renowned bush cook serves dinner before retiring to your very comfortable beds set up in the comfort of your tent. Let the night bush sounds serenade you to sleep….
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 Majale island which is guaranteed to keep you on your toes, as this is where the Majale Island pride of lions hang out. Possibly you will pass by giraffes, elands, kudus and other game which sometimes browse on the mopane bush, as well as ample elephants! The morning ride is 4-5 hours as you explore the area teeming with game, while heading in a northerly direction to Zederburg camp. After arrival at the camp, and a well deserved lunch, your guide will enlighten you to the wonder of following tracks and signs of the bush during a bush walk. On return to camp sundowners await you around the campfire and dinner is served. Enjoy the peace and quiet interrupted only by the occasional sounds of lions, hyenas and jackals.
Day 7
Todays ride of about 4-5 hours takes you to our Liana camp. The ride is coming down from the Zederberg Hills and on to the open Pitsani plains with the possibility of a fast canter with zebras, wildebeest or giraffe. This ride brings the opportunity of jumping some of the fallen logs, pushed over by elephants. Lunch will await you under a splendid Mashatu tree, and then after a lunchtime siesta you head out on a bush walk. Back at the camp, dinner is served under the stars. Enjoy the comfort of sleeping under the baboon vines that the camp is named after, in an old river bed. An unbeatable experience!
Day 8
The dawn chorus will awake you, as a sumptuous breakfast is prepared over the fire. Todays ride of about 4-5 hours will take you back to the Two Mashatus camp. This ride goes through the central game area and you have good opportunity to look for Leopards in the Mashatu trees overlooking 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 on a game drive, in search of the cats which you will no doubt prefer to see from the safety of a vehicle! Sundowners are enjoyed in the bush, usually overlooking a Kopie, and you can soak up the atmosphere of a true African experience…Back at camp another delicious meal, cooked over the fire is served, and as the night draws to a close you can enjoy a night cap around the fire.
Day 9
After a final breakfast around the fire, you will head off for a final ride in the direction of Nels Vlei, a good chance to catch a final glimpse of elephants here, as this is one of their favorite areas. Back at the stables a last pat and a fond farewell to you horse, you have the chance to have a good shower and lunch before heading off for the border and the 5.5 hours drive to JHB airport.
Note: Accommodation in the Waterberg in South Africa will be at Dinaka Lodge. Accomodation in Botswana in February and March will be at teh static camp offerinf slightly more luxury. The other dates will take the form of a mobile safari covering more ground in the reserve.
NOTES - BIG 5 COMBO
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights below are some options.
GETTING TO Johannesburg Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 16 st/220 lb/100 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, drinks.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights to Johannesburg, transfers, tips and items of a personal nature. A single supplement of 50% will be charged only to guests not willing to share with someone of the same sex.
CLIENTS WHO BOOKED THIS RIDE ALSO ENJOYED :-
- Tuli Safari Trail
- Glacier Trail
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