Do Together
To gain a sense of perspective as they start their new life together, newly married couples may consider spending an evening with a family in Soweto or another township during their stay in South Africa. A truly unique experience even for world travelers, staying with a township family could be especially enriching for couples who plan to have children. By sharing hearty meals of traditional South African fare and exchanging stories of struggle and hope with parents who have raised children in a township, honeymooners can learn a great deal about family and the importance of love and spirituality.
Other ěcoupledî cultural experiences include visiting a living tribal museum such as Shakaland in the KwaZulu-Natal province, having lunch or dinner at a township restaurant such as Masandeís in Cape Town, joining a larger group for a township shebeen (pub) crawl, or shopping for local crafts at any one of the many flea-markets that spring up all around the country.
Horse Safaris
Lapalala Horse Riding ExpeditionThe Lapalala Horse Riding Expedition is an authentic wilderness adventure which traverses the pristine Lapalala wilderness reserve. Lapalala falls in the centre of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve which includes a vast area of 1.5 million hectares and is one of the last true wilderness areas of South Africa. Lapalala, renowned for its impressive biodiversity, is a stronghold of both the endangered black and white rhinoceros, and is home to the full spectrum of indigenous antelope. It also boasts a number of important sites where the San lived and painted their majestic rock art. Together this combines the joy of viewing wildlife in its' true habitat with a fascinating insight into the cultural history of the area. Game viewing on horseback is an amazing experience as you can get close to the wildlife without disturbing it.
These trips are not only about game viewing however, but also the challenge and shear excitement of trekking through an awesome wilderness area. Enjoy drinking directly from a stream, traverse hidden gorges and become immersed in the beguiling power of an unfettered wilderness. As the day draws to an end arrive at a secluded bush camp in time to watch the African sunset give way to a star filled sky. Relax and enjoy a sumptuous meal whilst listening to the music of the African bush. On the riding expedition, guests will cross the 18,000 hectare rhino sanctuary, camping with their horses in some of the most beautiful and unspoilt spots on the planet. Whilst on safari, guests will sleep in safari style two man tents equipped with stretcher beds, pillows and camp chairs. To add to your experience a bush bucket shower will also be provided. All meals will be prepared en-route and cooked on an open fire.
Dinaka Riding Safari
With literally thousands of animals in the reserve, this safari offers unsurpassed game viewing in South Africa. Species to be seen include not only white rhinocerous, hippopotamus, buffalo, giraffe, leopard, ostrich and two species of zebra, but also over 20 species of antelope, including the impressive eland and endangered sable.
Dinaka's fertile plains make it the ideal place to experience the thrill of galloping with large herds of game. Running with blesbok, zebra, impala and wilderbeest is a memory you will cherish forever. Dinaka riding safari is for "lovers of luxury" and those who want a guaranteed game viewing experience. The reserve contains literally thousands of animals. Dinaka is unique in the Waterberg due to its high carrying capacity and its resulting high concentrations of game. Situated on and below the Waterberg escarpment, it's views are mountainous while it's environment consists mainly of fertile plains. This gives the riders the opportunity to view the larger herds of game that would not normally occur in Southern Africa's bushveld. On the Dinaka riding safari, it is not uncommon to see herds of a few hundred antelope, together with 8 or 9 rhino, all in the same area. It provides a truly magical game viewing experience. Guests will stay in a stone and thatch lodge, set high on a ridge overlooking a picturesque lake with spectacular views across the plains. Accommodation is in four twin bedded, ensuite rooms with bath and shower facilities. Dinaka is owner-operated. It therefore also boasts incredibly welcoming hospitality and personal attention to detail.
Getting Here
The ranch is an easy two and a half hour drive north of Johannesburg International Airport. You may choose to make your own way to us by hire car, or we can arrange for a private transfer.
Weather
The hottest season is summer, from November to March. The rainy season extends from late November to January, 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.
Riding Ability Required
These trips will only be available to intermediate and experienced riders, as we will be covering large distances each day and riding through rhino country. Riding time each day will vary from 3-6 hours.
The Horses
You will find them a joy to ride and handle. They are highly responsive, well cared for and much loved. Our herd comprises mainly of Boerperds, a South African breed reknowned for its kind and honest temperement, its' sure footed nature and its hardiness. We also have Anglo-Arabs and Thoroughbred for those who prefer a hotter ride. The horses range in size from 14.1 to 16.3 with the majority being 15 hands. Many of our horses have been broken in and brought on by our highly skilled horseman Shane Dowinton. Shane uses round pen reasoning techniques and gentling methods to produce a herd of trusting, calm and happy horses.
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