South Africa ~ Saddlebag Safaris

Saddlebag Riding Safaris offers exciting 4, 7 and 8 night itineraries which explore some of the Waterberg's wonderful private game reserves and also take you further afield to ride in the Tuli Block in south eastern Botswana. 4 night Dinaka Safaris are based on a 20,000 acre private Dinaka Reserve in the Waterberg in South Africa's northern Limpopo province (formerly the Northern Transvaal) and are a great choice for those who want to combine game viewing with the luxury of a comfortable lodge at the end of a day's ride. 7 night African Explorer and 8 night Combined Big 5 Safaris, run in conjunction with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana's Tuli block, combine either 3 nights at Camp Davidson or four nights in Dinaka Lodge with four nights in Botswana, either based at the comfortable Two Mashatus camp, or using mobile camps. This is a great option for those wishing to ride in two different regions and to see big game.

Saddlebag safaris are run from set dates throughout the year.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 4 to 8 hours per day.

Horses: farm / locally bred, TB, Arab crosses.

Pace: moderate.

Riding ability: intermediate and above.

Weight limit: about 95kg (15 stone) but please call us to discuss if your weight is close to this.

Accommodation: private game lodge, 4Δ camping.

Group size: maximum 8.

For Saddlebag safari testimonials click here

The horses include local breeds such as South African Boerperde crosses, as well as Thoroughbreds, part Thoroughbreds and Arab crosses - there are also some Shire crosses on the Botswana part of the Combined Big 5 Safari. They are between about 14hh and 16.2hh and there is a good selection for the experienced rider as well as horses to suit someone with less experience. All are responsive to ride, extremely good natured and well mannered. They are also used to the bush and are very sure footed, coping easily with varied terrain. There are grooms on hand to look after the horses. Saddles are Maclellan style with some English saddles available. Maximum group size is 8 guests.

Hours: There is usually between 4 and 6 hours a day.

Pace and experience required:The riding is often at a good, energetic and varied pace and these safaris are aimed at riders of an intermediate standard and above who are comfortable on a horse at all paces from a walk to fast canter in open country.

Dinaka safaris include 4 nights at Dinaka and Combined Big 5 Safaris include 4 nights at Dinaka and 4 nights in the Mashatu reserve. Dinaka is a stone and thatch lodge, set high on a ridge overlooking a picturesque lake with spectacular views. The lodge is well designed and very comfortable and bedrooms all have their own bathrooms. The first 3 nights of the African Explorer Safari are spent at Camp Davidson where accommodation is in big African walk in safari tents set on wooden decks with proper beds and shower / loo attached. On the second half of the Combined Big 5 Safari, on the Mashatu Reserve, accommodation for fixed camp safaris is at Two Mashatus tented camp. For mobile safaris the first night is at Two Mashatus and the following 3 are in wilderness camps on the reserve. Two Mashatus camp has big walk in safari tents with attached showers and long drop loos for each tent. Wilderness camps are a little more basic, with shared showers / loos, 'A' frame tents (or sometimes sleeping out under the stars). There are comfortable stretcher beds to sleep on, with linen provided and camps are all well equipped with tables & chairs, and a back up team including a cook.

Rates 2012	Dinaka Safaris 4 nights - £1210; single supplement - £216 NB - Rates include £130 road transfers Combined Big 5 Safari (8 nights)- £2680; single supplement - £716 NB - Rates include £320 road transfers NEW African Explore Safari (7 nights) - £1825 single supplement - £750 NB - Rates include £320 road transfers Single supplements are not charged if you are prepared to share a room with another guest if necessary Rates include - all riding and other activities, twin accommodation, all meals and drinks, and transfers by road from / to Johannesburg. Rates exclude - flights to Johannesburg, personal medical insurance (compulsory), any visa fees, personal extras and tips. Single supplements (not charged if you are prepared to share a twin room / tent if necessary). Camp Davidson Safaris - £150 per night Includes all riding, meals and drinks; does not include transfers from / to Johannesburg
Dates 2012	Set dates for Dinaka / Combined Big 5 safaris or arranged on request for groups. Dinaka Safari 9th to 13th March 9th to 13th August 13th to 17th August 14th to 18th September 5th to 9th October 31st October to 4th November 16th to 20th November Combined Big 5 Safari (8 nights) 18th to 26th March* 22nd to 30th March* 14th to 22nd April 18th to 26th April 15th to 23rd June 19th to 27th June 23rd June to 1st July 4th to 12th September 8th to 16th September 19th to 27th September 10th to 18th October 14th to 22nd October 5th to 13th November* 9th to 17th November* * = fixed camp African Explorer Safaris Departures begin one day after all Combined Big Safari departures listed above. Camp Davidson Safaris - On request (excluding Easter and Christmas periods) (other dates on request for groups and extra dates sometimes set mid-season - please enquire).
Season	year round

The nearest international airport is Johannesburg. British Airways, South Africa Airways and Virgin all have direct overnight flights from London to Johannesburg arriving the next morning. For an economy return flight from London budget about £650 to £900 per person (varies with the season and availability).

	Itinerary in Brief - Combined Big 5 Safari
Day 1	Arrive Johannesburg and transfer to Dinaka Lodge, about 3 hours drive north of Johannesburg. Lunch or tea when you arrive, meet the horses and a first ride in the African bush, returning to the lodge for dinner and the night.
Days 2-4	Three full days with morning and evening rides out on the reserve exploring the open grasslands and also the hidden valleys and foothills of the Waterberg escarpment. Herds of antelope, often several species gazing alongside one another, frequently gather on the Dinaka plains and there should be good chances to canter with the game across the open grasslands. 3 nights at Dinaka Lodge.
Day 5	A final ride on the reserve followed by brunch. Met and transferred by vehicle across the South Africa / Botswana border to Botswana’s Limpopo Valley (about 4 hours). Tea when you arrive at Two Mashatus Camp and then a short drive to meet the horses. Mount up and set off on a short first ride to try the horses and for a first view of the area. Dinner and night Two Mashatus Camp.
Days 6-8	Three full days in the Mashatu reserve, riding out to explore the Limpopo valley area. The terrain varies from thick riverine forest, a favourite retreat of the many elephant, to rocky hills punctuated by huge baobab trees. There are open plains and sandy river beds for faster riding and there will be chances for game drives to see some of the big cats. Three nights in tented camps, either riding from camp to camp or, in summer months, using the comfortable Two Mashatus Camp as base.
Day 9	A final early morning ride, returning to Two Mashatus Camp for brunch. Transfer back to Johannesburg airport (about 5 ½ hour drive) for your flight home.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions