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800-232-5658
info@greatadventuretrips.com
South AfricaSpecials / Self-drive
/ Family / Walking
/ Romance / General
Tours Horseback Riding Safaris
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Great Adventure
Trips
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800-232-5658 info@greatadventuretrips.com
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The
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 rhinocerous, 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.
DAY
3: The horses and all equipment will be loaded onto trucks
and sent ahead to the far western boundary of Lapalala. Guests
will then have a light brunch before following. Horses and riders
will commence the expedition at about 2.30pm and set off towards
“Uitsoek” in the southern rhino sanctuary. Uitsoek is
on a plateau of thick bushveld and small clearings where the wildlife,
particularly rhino, often congregate. This ride will explore the
area, with great opportunities for game sightings. Your first
night will be spent at ‘Fig Tree’ camp situated underneath
one of the majestic old giants of the bushveld. 
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. 
DAY
4: After an early breakfast riders will set out on a day’s
safari following up one of the valleys that lead 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. Lucky guests might even have a glimpse
of the elusive leopard! A saddlebag lunch will be enjoyed at one
of the dams along the way, with a leisurely afternoon ride returning
to the lodge in time for dinner. 
DAY
7: The morning and afternoon rides will be spent exploring
the escarpment searching for the more elusive species; such as
leopard, mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboons, African rock
python, rock dassies, klipspringers and cape vultures.