Dinaka Luxury Riding Safari; South Africa

The Dinaka Luxury Riding Safari is an 8-day safari in a location teaming with game and served by a stunning luxury lodge, which is perched on the edge of cliff overlooking a beautiful lake and the plains beyond. The 20,000 acre reserve was one of the first to reintroduce game into the Waterberg mountains. It encompasses a wide diversity of habitats, from towering mountains to secret valleys, wetlands and wide open plains criss-crossed by patches of denser bushveld. Due to the fertility of the plains, the reserve is home to literally thousands of animals. This safari offers unsurpassed game viewing on horseback in South Africa.

Species include white rhinos, hippos and buffalo, giraffe, leopard, ostrich and two species of zebra. In addition over 20 species of antelope are present, including the impressive cape eland and sable, the exquisite steenbuck and springbuck, and the rare black impala. The wide open spaces and sandy tracks makes this the ideal place to experience the thrill of galloping alongside herds of game. Rushing headlong across the African savannah in the midst of herds of blesbok, zebra, impala or wilderbeest is a memory guests will cherish forever.

DAY 1: Arrival. Guests will be transferred from the airport to Triple B Ranch in time for lunch and a chance to relax and unwind and meet with fellow members of the safari group. Late in the afternoon you will have your first opportunity to experience a ride on one of Horizon’s horses. The first ride is a gentle introduction to riding in the bush and an opportunity to see some of the wildlife that inhabits the ranch.

DAY 2: Horse Selection. A chance to enjoy more riding on Triple B Ranch and to try different horses in order to be able to make a suitable selection for the safari.

DAY 3: Transfer to Dinaka. A morning ride on Triple B Ranch followed by a sumptuous brunch. Guests and horses are then transported to Dinaka reserve in time for afternoon tea. On the late afternoon ride you will experience this wonderful riding country with its long sandy tracks, abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. On the ride you are very likely to encounter your first white rhino. A warm welcome dinner is served in the lodge boma.

DAY 4: 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.

The open plains provide great opportunities for fast riding. Riders are also able to experience cantering 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 sociable creatures interact and play in the heat of the day. The afternoon ride goes to the buffalo and sable territory. Refreshing drinks watching one of the awe inspiring sunsets the Waterberg is famous for rounds off the day.

DAY 5: 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 6: 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 7: Buffalo encounters. In the morning there is a tranquil and scenic ride which meanders in the foothills of the mountains. There is always an element of surprise, including a visit to “jackal dam” where the horses have a chance to splash in the water lilies. The afternoon provides a welcome break for horses and riders, as a Dinaka guide escorts you on an informative game drive to the buffalo sanctuary. There is also the chance to approach and observe some of the rhino on foot. That night there is a “braai” evening where guests can relax around the fire, enjoy the African night sky and toast their experiences while a feast is served.

DAY 8: Farewell ride. One last opportunity to enjoy riding on this wonderful reserve with its amazing array of wildlife. 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.

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris

Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris operates as a concessionaire on Mashatu Game Reserve which is located in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve - the eastern tip of Botswana. Mashatu is 30,000 hectares within a greater area of 70,000 hectares.

Mashatu is home to great herds of elephants, estimated at least 800 just on Mashatu. As well as numerous cats, including leopards, lions, cheetahs, African wild cat and some cerval. The Tuli block is known as The Land of the Giants for good reason with the magnificent Baobab tree, huge sandstone outcrops, and magnificent plains and of course the Mashatus trees prevalent along the great Limpopo River.

The area is perfect for riding; good going with natural ditches and logs to jump gives an exhilarating ride. Regular game sightings not only of the elephants and cats but also of antelopes, jackals, bat eared foxes, giraffe and the occasional canter with zebras and wildebeest across the plains leaves you with an unforgettable holiday.

This ride is unique in southern Africa. Moving every day enables you to cover vast tracts of the Mashatu and surrounding game reserves. This safari has an old style feel to it. Excellent guiding and horsemanship combined with attention to detail and comfort make for an unbeatable experience.

An early start makes the most of the day and you will be in the saddle for at least 4 to 7 hours a day. Riding is varied and you can take the opportunity to enjoy lots of canters winding through the bushveld, jumping small logs with the occasional gallop across the open Pitsani plains!

You arrive at you camp for lunch which after a cool drink is very welcome! After an afternoon rest you go for a walk to stretch the legs and take in the smaller sights and sounds. If you are lucky you will see the small 5!

Back at the camp sundowners are enjoyed around the fire before settling down to a scrumptious 3 course meal by candlelight.

Day 1: Upon arrival at the Pont Drift Border Post or Limpopo Valley Airfield, you will be met by your guide, Cor or West, and transferred to Two Mashatus Camp. After a light lunch it is time to get acquainted with your horse. You will then embark on an introductory ride along the banks of the mighty Limpopo River. Your first evening is spent enjoying sundowners at the Stable Bar whilst watching the horses roll in the setting sun, before a delectable dinner is served in the beautiful Lala Palm Rondavel.

Day 2: The day begins at sunrise with tea/coffee brought to your tent, followed by a light breakfast. Mount up and head off in a northwesterly direction for Jwala Camp on the banks of the Jwala River. Six to seven hours are spent in the saddle enjoying the abundance of game and the magnificent scenery synonymous with the Land of the Giants. After arriving at Jwala Camp, lunch is the order of the day followed by a guided afternoon walk, examining the bush around you in detail. Dinner is prepared over an open fire by Martha or Grace – our truly brilliant chef whose “bush cuisine” is renowned far and wide. Retire to your spacious tent where you will experience the “music” of the African bush as it gently serenades you to sleep.

Day 3: An early wake up call heralds a new day and tea/coffee and a delicious light breakfast is served around the log fire. Test the amazingly sure footed Boerpherd as we cross over basalt ridges following age-old elephant trails, and enjoy long sustained canters to make up for the lost time traversing the ridges. This ride will be about six to seven hours. Camp is at the Kgotla Camp. This is an old tribal court from a nearby community that was relocated to the banks of the Mocloutse River on the western periphery of Mashatu. The open-air traditional African enclosure is made of leadwood logs in the shade of a century old Mashatu Tree. Sundowners are enjoyed from a sandstone kopje overlooking the Mocloutse River as it meanders and disappears into the African landscape. Guests enjoy dinner around a large log fire. The night is spent sleeping under the stars in the cacophony of sound generated by the African bush orchestra.

Day 4: We spend another night at Kgotla Camp, enjoying a full day exploring the sandstone formations including the famed Solomon’s Wall. Ancient civilizations harbored their wealth among these hills, where two mighty rivers meet; the Limpopo and the Mocloutse. This day’s riding will be about four to five hours, leaving time to explore the surroundings on foot in the afternoon.

Day 5: Another early rise and a good breakfast around the log fire will set the morning off to a good start. Today you wind your way through the mopane bush before reaching the more open plains. This will probably be your longest day of riding, about eight hours. On arrival at Liana Camp you will be welcomed by a well-deserved drink and a refreshing lunch. Tonight is your opportunity to explore Mashatu from a game drive vehicle; you will try and locate the elusive leopard, cheetah and lion the area is well known for.

Day 6: This morning will begin a little slower, as this day will be spent exploring the banks of the Mojale and Matabole Rivers, following their courses north towards Zeederburg site. The day will offer riding up and down river banks in riverside forest, game sightings and plenty of opportunities for more fabulous photo footage. Today’s riding will be about five to six hours. Lunch under the bows of an old Mashatu tree, where a century past, Zeederberg transport riders had their midday break before finally reaching Fort Tuli. Spend the afternoon at leisure before you embark on a guided walk into the bush. The evening is enjoyed with sundowners around a log fire and a delicious meal sees the close to another exhilarating and rewarding day.

Day 7: This ride is rich in history and offers a variety of interesting tales of the past. The open Pitsani plains so characteristic of this area are perfect for a really good gallop, hopefully with zebras and wildebeests! You head in the direction of the Mojale and Limpopo confluence where lunch awaits you upon return to the Two Mashatus camp. This ride is about five to six hours. Dinner is in the Lala palm Rondavel. A dreamless sleep no doubt awaits you as the final day draws to a close.

Day 8: Today is your last day in the bush and begins with your final early morning tea/coffee and breakfast snack over the open fire. The morning is spent riding along the Limpopo River. We head back to Fort Jameson’s, a shorter ride about two hours giving you some time to get ready for departure. After a fond farewell to your horse, you head back to Two Mashatus for a quick brunch and then it’s off to Pontdrift in time for your return transfer.

Dinaka Luxury Safari: GB Pounds £1512

Tuli Safari: GB Pounds £1575

All transfers return from Johannesburg: GB Pounds £175 per person (or less if we hire a 13 passenger van)

Total for 16 day safari: GB Pounds £3262 per person, double occupancy

At today's rates, that translates to $6,473.11 U.S. dollars

Please call immediately if you are would like to join us in South Africa and Botswana for this spectacular riding holiday!

Pushkar Fair Custom Riding Holiday; Rajasthan, India

Few places in the world offer the exotic charm and colorful pageantry of Rajasthan. Here is a fascinating culture as ancient as Europe's with unsurpassed architectural achievements. Our customized itineraries include justly famous tourist attractions like Delhi, Udaipur and Jaipur, but the way to visit this intriguing country is on horseback. Most of the horses are Marwaris which in former times were superb war horses, greatly prized by their owners; many of the ones we ride are now polo ponies.

The palaces or castles where we stay have been converted to hold modern comforts without losing any of their ancient charm. The service is outstanding and the food excellent. Age-old traditions still flourish, along with arts and crafts, and shopping opportunities are varied and irresistibly tempting. The Pushkar Camel and Horse Fair is one of the great historical and colorful events of India. For untold centuries tribesmen have met at the full moon to trade camels, cattle and horses. Of late years there have been some 50,000 animals.

2008

Oct 28: Arrive Delhi. Hotel Vasant Continental. ( Diwali Festival on this day )

Oct 29: Noon flight to Jodhpur. Drive to Rohetgarh. We will stay at Rohet Garh (castle) which belongs to the former chief of Rohet. He is the 12th direct descendant of its first ruler and he and his family are our hosts. Rohet stands on a lake shore and is an oasis amid the sandy dryness of the surrounding Marwar country. The architecture is a blend of traditional Rajput and colonial. Comparatively few tourists come here and we will have a warm welcome. One can roam freely around the village, visit local craftsmen and see a good example of authentic rural Rajasthan.

Oct 30: A.M.: Ride in and around Rohet. We have a chance to try out our horses in open country. We can also visit some smaller villages nearby inhabited by other religious sects with very different customs, and may have a chance to visit local craftsmen. P.M.: At leisure. Overnight Rohetgarh .

Oct 31: Ride to Sardar Samand. Where we will lodge at the Sardar Samand Lake Resort (about 25 kms) - a "mini" palace owned by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Built in the 1930's, this palace is beautifully situated at the edge of the lake. There will be many birds around the lake, some of them arriving from their summer homes in Siberia. Overnight Sardar Samand Palace.

Nov 01: Ride to Sodawas. Ride for about 46 kms to Sodawas, traversing several small villages on the way which give a wonderful sense of rural India. Water buffalo, cows, pigs, camels and poultry are everywhere. Sometimes one sees oxen turning wheels to bring up water. The villagers are extremely friendly and show the greatest interest in us. (A jeep has been hired for those not feeling up to this long day in the saddle) Lodging tonight will be in a very comfortable, two-story farmhouse located about one km. from Sodawas. This property is owned by relatives of the Royal Family of Jodhpur and has a lovely sitting room, dining hall and terrace. The home is furnished with antique furniture and photographs of the royal family. An eight ft. wall surrounds the property and there is stabling for about 18 horses. Overnight Sodawas Kot.

Nov 02: Ride to Kotri. Overnight Kotri Raola/Castle. Ride about 43 kms. from Sodawas to Kotri village. The country is open scrub with a few small villages along the way. Kotri is a somewhat larger village on the side of a hill with caves and temples. We will stay in the home of the local chief. Bathing and toilet facilities must be shared here, but we feel it is worth it because the place has tremendous charm. This is ancient India at its most picturesque.

Nov 03: Ride to Ranakpur. We will ride the 30 kilometers from Kotri to Ranakpur, located on the edge of the Aravalli Hills which are the highest in India after the Himalayas. There is a beautiful and intricate 14th century Jain temple which we will visit. Overnight at the Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat. This is a small hotel with cottages in the midst of an orchard and belongs to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Overngiht Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat.

Nov 04: Ride to Kumbhalgarh. Ride about 20 kms. to the fortress of Kumbhalgarh situated at about 3,000 ft. on top of a hill in rugged country. The ride traverses hilly country in the wildlife sanctuary of Kumbhalgarh which is inhabited by leopard, sloth bear, sambhar deer, four horned antelope and wild boar. Parts of the sanctuary are heavily forested. The path we take is an ancient camel and horse road closed to vehicles. The fortress itself was built by Maharana Kumbha of Mewar. It is famous for its parapets that are 36 kms. in circumference. The location is a spellbinding one and well off the normal tourist routes. The architecture of the castle is fascinating and it appears totally impregnable. Overnight in a small hotel nearby. See the Fort and drive to Udaipur (about 02 hrs drive). Overnight FATEH PRAKASH PALACE.

Nov 05: In Udaipur. After a leisurely breakfast, drive 80 kms. to Udaipur where we will spend the afternoon shopping and sightseeing. Lodging will be in the luxurious Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel, or similar.

Nov 06: Drive to Pushkar (about 5 - 6 hrs ). Overnight Pushkar Resort. Explore the Pushkar Horse and Camel Fair

Nov 07: In Pushkar. Overnight Pushkar Resort. Explore the Pushkar Horse and Camel Fair

Nov 08: Drive to Jaipur (3 hrs). Jaipur in the morning for sightseeing and shopping in this fabulous "pink city". Overhight at the Alsisar Haveli

Nov 09: P.M.: Drive to Dundlod (3 hrs). Overnight Dundlod Fort. We will have dinner and spend the night in the Castle/Palace at Dundlod. This old building has been beautifully maintained and now has some modern comforts. It has a huge banquet hall and each bedroom is different with its own charm. The palace is located on the edge of a small village of the same name.

Nov 10: Ride in and around Dundlod. Overnight Dundlod. We will spend the day riding around Dundlod and spend the night there. The region is called Shekhawati and is named after Rao Shekhaji who declared his independence from the rulers of Jaipur in 1471. The entire area is famous for its frescoes and has many ancient villages, forts and castles.

Nov 11: Ride from Dundlod to Mandawa. On the way we will visit the havelis; mansions which have some of the finest frescoes in the world. They were almost unknown until a few years ago and are just becoming famous. We will have dinner and spend the night at the converted hotel/palace of Mandawa. It has rich furnishings and modern conveniences.

Nov 12: Ride from Mandawa to Nawal Garh. We will stay either in the palace hotel or in a hotel of more modern construction built in the same style as the old houses of the area.

Nov 13: Ride to Bhairon Ji Temple. (about 25 kms.). Today ride passes through farmland and several villages and then follows a dry river bed running parallel to the Aravalli Hills. Camp overnight near a small temple.

Nov 14: Ride to Bajore. Then after lunch drive to Samode. We ride through marginal farm land, and stop for lunch near a small village. In the afternoon we will leave the horses for this portion of the ride and drive about two hours to Samode to spend the evening and have a gala banquet in the huge and sumptuous dining hall of this magnificent castle.

Nov 15: After lunch, drive to Delhi (about 4 hrs) where there would be 2 rooms for wash and change before leaving for the International Airport in time for flight for abroad.

Cost in US Dollars on double/twin sharing basis based on a minimum of 8 paying clients.

8 clients and above : $6,355 per person

Single Supplement : $1,955

Join Lari on international riding vacations during our winter/spring months. We have journied to Australia nine times, three times to Kenya, and once each to India, Argentina, France, Italy and Portugal. For descriptions of these exotic holidays, and to read articles about them Lari has had published in a variety of magazines, click on! To be included in emailings notifying you of such treks in the future, please email Lari with "foreign rides" in the subject line.