Horizon Dinaka Luxury Lodge (South Africa)/ The Limpopo Valley (Botswana)

“Big 5” Safari 2006

For an unforgettable, big five riding adventure combine four nights in South Africa with Horizon Horseback Safaris’ Dinaka Safari and four nights in Botswana, with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris. This horseback safari combines responsive well-loved horses with the magic of riding with game in stunning wilderness areas.

Horizon is in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Safaris are based on private reserves 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, giraffe, ostrich and zebra, brown hyena, hippo. In addition riders will encounter a wide variety of antelope, including the impressive eland and sable and the exquisite steenbuck.

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris is in the Tuli Block, home to Mashatu Game Reserve and known as "The Land of the Giants". This is an area of great diversity, magnificent vistas and land formations as ancient 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 safari experience is complemented by the prevalence of regularly sighted species such as lion, leopard, elephant and hyena.

Day 1: HEATHROW/JO’BURG SA235 1800/0705 (next day)

Day 2: You will be met at the airport and transferred from Johannesburg airport to Dinaka, ( a 2 to 3 hour road transfer) 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. 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. (standard room accommodation and local brand drinks included. Laundry facilities available but not included.).

Day 3: Rhino spotting. 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. The afternoon ride is to the buffalo and sable territory and the day is rounded off with sundowner drinks.

Day 4: 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, baboons, African rock python, rock dassies, klipspringers 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. 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. That afternoon guests will be given the choice of relaxing at the lodge watching the animals come to the dam to drink or a leisurely afternoon ride.

Day 5: Fast riding and drinks the bush. Distances covered this day are quite large 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. The afternoon will bring the option of a game drive to some of the further parts of the reserve, with sundowner drinks en route, the drive back to the lodge is then a good opportunity to look for the nocturnal species such as aardvark, porcupine and brown hyenas.

Day 6: 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, guests are transferred to their next destination - on the other side of the Botswana border! You will depart the lodge at approximately 11.00 to Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris – a transfer of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival at the stunning camp afternoon tea will be served and guests will have a chance to settle in and relax. The afternoon will also bring a introductory ride to familiarize riders with their horses, as well as to give a little taste to just what is in store over the next four days. The ride returns to camp in time for sundowners around a log fire, cantered 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. (wooden chalet accommodation. Drinks and laundry not included).

Day 7: After an early rise and a light breakfast we will head in an easterly direction along the Limpopo river in thick riverine forest to the Majale-Limpopo Confluence. 'Arouse the explorer within you as you gallop on the Pitsani plains along side the Majale river' This is a fast and exhilarating ride and 4-5 hours will be taken up exploring the open plains teeming with general game. Lunch will be enjoyed back at Fort Jamesons under the giant Mashatu tree with a chance for swimming and relaxing. The afternoon ride can bring one of two things: either the thrill of a pre-novice cross-country course or a leisurely ride to Nyslvlei where elephant can often be seen grazing in this non-perennial marshland. On return to camp sundowners await you around the campfire and dinner is served under the Mashatu tree.

Day 8: This ride follows the Zeederburg Stagecoach Trail from Rhode's Drift past the eastern 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. Today's ride will be approximately 6 hours, the longest of the 3 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 for following Africa’s big cats on ‘the hunt’.

Day 9: 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 areas abundant in shepard's trees. Following this four-hour ride, lunch and an afternoon swim can be enjoyed. Alternatively, some quiet time can be spent sitting in the 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 wildebeest and zebra. A short stop at Pete's Pond will provide an opportunity for some fascinating bird watching and wildlife approaching to quench their thirsts.

Day 10: After a final chance to encounter elephants on horseback, and a relaxed last brunch under the Mashatu tree you will depart Limpopo at 12.00 and be driven to Johannesburg Airport for your onward flight – a 5.5 hour journey. JO’BURG/HEATHROW SA236 2210/0720 (next day)

Cost: £1995.00 + airport tax per person (LOW SEASON COST ONLY)

Cost includes: all flights (economy), transfers, std lodge accommodation and safari as listed – subject to availability.
British/Eu passport holders do not require a visa for entry into South Africa and Botswana but passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.

E & O E

' We had a fantastic holiday, very very special memories'  - Mr & Mrs McDowell, Ireland