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

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.
The Ranch looks over a beautiful lake and consists of a tastefully restored old farmhouse togetether 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.
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.
Languages: English
Health requirements: No specific health requirements
Age limit: None
Tuition: Tuition can be arranged for certain activities
Included: Riding, food, drinks, accommodation and activities
Not included: Transfer & flights to South Africa
Direct flights from the UK to Johannesburg can be booked with the following airlines:
London Gatwick to Johannesburg - Nationwide Airlines
London Heathrow to Johannesburg - British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
Indirect flights from a number of regional airports can be booked with KLM, Lufthansa and Air France.
On arriving to Johannesburg those booked on safaris will be asked to make your way to the Premier Arrivals Lounge situated in the Airport Sun Intercontinental Hotel. Facilities here include eleven luxury shower suites (complimentary toiletries and hair dryer provided), suit valet service and internet access. You will also be offered a complimentary full English breakfast. Please note this is not included in transfers for the Lodge Based Stay or the Family Programme.
Private transfers:
1-3 persons £110 per car
1-4 persons £175 per car
4-7 persons £200 per car
8-10 persons £275 per car
Lodge Based Activity Week & Family Programme: £45 per person
Arrival day transfers depart from Intercontinental Hotel Saturday at 10am.
Departure day transfers leaves the lodge at 2pm.
Dinaka Safaris: £100 per person
Arrival day transfer departs from Intercontinental at 11.am.
Departure day transfer leaves Dinaka lodge at 1pm.
Big five Dinaka safari: £200 per person
This includes: arrival day transfer at 11am from Johannsburg international airport (JIA) to Dinaka
Fifth day transfer at 11am from Dinaka to LVHS
Departure day transfer at 11.30am from LVHS to JIA
Private transfers for all programmes:
1-3 passengers Polo type sedan - £90 per person
1-4 passengers Condor - £140 per person
4-8 passengers seven seater mini bus - £150 per person
Airport: Johannesburg (JNB)
|
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: 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. |
|
| 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: | 2009 Dates: 16-20 January, 23-27 January, 5-9 February, 1-5 April, 15-19 April, 8-12 October, 6-10 November, 4-8 December |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
|
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. |
|
| 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: | 2009 (Static/Fixed camp): 31 January- 8 February;11-19 February, 17-26 February, 21 February- 1 March, 26 February- 6 March, 3-11 March, 8-16 March, 13-21 March, 20-28 March, (Mobile Camps): 18-26 June, 8-16 July, 24 August-1 September, 8 August-5 September, 10-18 September, 14-22 September, 20-28 September, 24 September-2 October, 29 September-7 October, 3-11 October, 14-22 October, 19-27 October, 29 October-6 November, (Static Camps) 11-19 November, 16-24 November, 21-29 November, 26 November- 4 December 2009 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
|
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. |
|
| 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 |
|
Your hosts at the lodge understand the need for family holidays to be flexible and therefore do not impose a fixed itinerary. However, to allow you to appreciate the many activities on offer an example itinerary is detailed below. This is by no means set in stone and can be individually tailored to suit the needs of every member of the family. Activities are designed to meet specific interests so that a number of options are availble for both riders and non riders. These include guided bush walks, volleyball, game drives, swimming - with or without your horse; farm and cultural tours, baseball and visits to the local rhino museums and orphan rhinos. The large selection of horses here is perfect for family holidays with a mount to suit every age and ability. Your hosts have a philosophy of working calmly and gently with their horses creating a relationship that is based on trust and confidence. This results in contented, calm, responsive and honest horses; ready and waiting to guide you through this extra special area of Africa. Your hosts will match every horse and rider perfectly with experienced riders to enable them to enjoy exhilarating rides on intelligent and forward going horses. The novice or less confident rider will be matched with an experienced and genuine horse who will build confidence as they share with their riders this extra special experience. Your hosts, with years of experience and a daughter themselves provide a genuine and welcoming atmosphere that allows for fun and excitement as well as relaxation. As they welcome you into the lodge your hosts will share with you its life and beauty along with the community of the Waterberg. In fact, after spending their holiday in such a welcoming retreat many guests become lasting friends. Day one: Arrive in time for lunch and a chance to unpack and relax. Enjoy a first ride in the game area in search of plains game such as giraffe and zebra. End the day with sundowner drinks. Day two: The group can be split into adults and children. The youngsters can go off to muster cattle and try their hand at cutting whilst the adults ride to the ranch owner’s homestead at Boschdraai for a tour of the farm, school and crèche. After lunch those interested can take the staff on at baseball, basketball or volleyball. Others can simply enjoy the joys of an African siesta. In the afternoon there is a chance to try the crosscountry course or perhaps ride around the hippo pools. Day three: An introduction to polocrosse, this fun and addictive game can be enjoyed by all. Splitting the group into teams of three, basic instruction is followed by the fun of the game. This is then followed by a cooling swim with the horses. After lunch some of the party may like to visit the goat cheese farm or the rhino museum, returning to the lodge in time for a short afternoon sundowner ride. Day four: You will embark on a two-day wilderness safari. Here rides will be in search of a wide variety of game. This is a wonderful experience where you will be taught the signs of the wild and medicinal values of the bushes and trees. Tonight will be spent at a rustic bush camp on the banks of the Melk River. Dinner is served from an open fire whilst your canopy is the star filled Africa sky. Day five: A quick campfire breakfast and then it’s off with your picnic lunch to explore the reserve and its wildlife, resting at the river mid-morning for a swim and a chance to cool off. This afternoon you will ride back to the homestead in time to relax before dinner. Day six: Today offers the option to join an excursion to one of the local big five game reserves for a game drive or perhaps to go elephant back riding. This can be followed by a visit to the curio shops in the local town arriving back at the lodge in time for a late lunch and siesta. In the afternoon you can enjoy another session of polocrosse. Day seven: A morning of EQ, a homespun bushveld sport that involves orienteering and accomplishing a set of challenges such as river crossing and target shooting. It’s a fun morning and one enjoyed by all ages. In the afternoon you can again break into smaller groups to explore the wilderness area or enjoy one of the long and fast rides on the ranch’s many kilometres of sandy tracks. Day eight: For today's treasure hunt the teams will compete to be the first to solve the clues, which will eventually lead to a champagne breakfast in the bush. This is followed by a short ride back to the ranch followed by a swim with the horses. Those keen can then join those at the main house's tennis court and heated pool. The afternoon ride can be one last chance to see the giraffes and the hippos. Day nine: Last ride of your choice and departure after lunch. |
|
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Beginners to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Based rides |
| Total riding time: | Flexible |
| Departure dates: | Please contact the office for 2009 dates |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |