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Mark Davies Injured Riders' Fund and
Waterberg Welfare Society – South African Equine Challenge
13TH TO 24TH MARCH 2007
Location
The Waterberg Trail is a special challenge specifically designed for the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund ( www.mdirf.co.uk ) and the Waterberg Welfare Society. You ride through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Waterberg plateau in the Northern Province of South Africa. This is an area of great natural beauty, breathtaking vistas, mountain gorges, clear streams and rolling hills alive with a variety of bird and wildlife.
You will also experience superb game viewing on horseback at a stunning private reserve which literally teems with game. Not only do they have over 30 Rhino on the property but also a wide variety of plains game including the impressive Buffalo and elusive Sable.
The challenge combines the comfort of staying at the lovely Windsong Cottage at the Triple B ranch and at Dinaka Lodge, as well as five nights camping in the bush. If you don't mind a few nights without luxuries, this ride will be an exciting equine challenge through a very beautiful and unspoilt part of South Africa.
The Riding Available
The area lends itself to superb riding: the going is easy, the horses run unshod on perfect sandy soil, and though in places the bush is thick, much of the country is open and flat lending itself to extended canters.
You should be a fit and competent rider, comfortable at walk, trot, canter and gallop on trained horses.
The Horses and Tack
Your first two nights are at Windsong Cottage at the Triple B ranch in the Waterberg. Here you will be able to ride the horses from Horizon Horseback Adventures, a specialist riding operation, also based at Triple B Ranch. They offer some of the best horses and horsemanship you are likely to come across.
The horses are a mixed herd of anglo-arabs, thoroughbreds and boerperde - a hardy South African breed with a responsive, kind and honest temperament. Each is excellently cared for under the leadership of Shane Dowinton, Horizon's head stockman and guide. You ride in South African stock saddles which are based on the American McLellan military saddle and provide comfort for many hours of riding.
Itinerary
Please note that the following itinerary is subject to variation if local conditions or weather dictate.
Day 1: Depart London Heathrow early evening.
Day 2: You will be met on arrival at Johannesburg airport and transferred to Triple B ranch, where lunch will be waiting for you. You will get a chance to meet the fellow members of your safari group and relax and unwind after the flight. In the late afternoon you have your first ride. The first ride out is a gentle introduction to the farm as well as riding in ‘The Bush' and an opportunity to see some of the wildlife that inhabits the ranch. Overnight at Windsong cottages on Triple B Ranch for two nights.
Day 3: After a light breakfast, there is another chance for you to ride a different horse which helps you to make a suitable horse selection for the safari. You will return to the ranch for brunch, and then a trip into the local town of Vaalwater. Here you will visit one of the township school Creches, The Hospice and The Youth Centre. There will also be a chance to meet the founders and organisers of the Waterberg Welfare Society . Return to the ranch in time for afternoon tea and a pre-ride session on the correct use of McClellan saddles, hobbles and saddlebags. Then one last ride out.
Day 4: The Trail begins…. all equipment and saddlebags will be packed and after a light breakfast, the expedition begins. The first day of travelling takes you to the boundary of Triple B Ranch and beyond. You travel for about 3 to 4 hours in the morning, stopping en-route for a picnic lunch under a shady tree in the bush and then well-deserved relaxation for you and the horses. The afternoon will find you riding to a spectacular area know as ‘God's Window' where your new home "the camp" will be set up and waiting for you. From this high and beautiful vantage point you will be able to survey The Waterberg and the land you will be crossing over the next 5 days.
Day 5: Camp is dismantled and saddle bags packed and the journey continues. Today you travel through six different properties, traversing numerous game reserves and farms as you progress deeper into the Waterberg's famous escarpment. You arrive at the camp, set up next to a scenic dam, hopefully with time for a quick swim with your horse before dinner. Tonight, away from the dangers of rhino, will be your first opportunity to sleep out under the stars (if you wish it).
Day 6: Another full day of travel through several properties until you reach yet another stunning dam, with perhaps a chance for a swim with your horse. Tonight you will have the comparative luxury of staying in an old refurbished farmhouse homestead, with flush loos! Also the comfort of beds and a hot shower.
Day 7: Today's ride will end at a place known as ‘Geelhout Koppie' where the remains of an old Boer War Fort stand out on the horizon as one of the highest spots in The Waterberg. The 360 degree panoramic views from this site are amazing and the night will be a wonderful opportunity to leave the tents and sleep out under the stars (if you wish). As the evening draws in you should witness a spectacular sunset and as the new day dawns 12 hours later you will be in the perfect position to watch the splendour of this daily wonder.
Day 8: Today's ride will lead through the Waterberg Mountains along a narrow valley descending to the Plains at the base of the Waterberg escarpment. Here you enter the Dinaka Game Reserve.
This 20,000 acre reserve was one of the first to re-introduce game into the Waterberg. Dinaka now offers unsurpassed game viewing in South Africa. The reserve literally contains thousands of spectacular animals. Species on the reserve include; not only Rhino, Hippo, Buffalo, Giraffe, Leopard, Ostrich and two species of Zebra, but also over 20 species of Antelope, including the impressive Eland and Sable and the exquisite Steenbuck and Springbuck. Dinaka is unique in the Waterberg due to its high carrying capacity resulting in heavy concentrations of game. You will set up camp at the base of the mountains ready for your journey through the mountains to the Lodge the next day.
Day 9: Packing up camp for the last time you take a half-day mountain valley ride deep into the Dinaka Reserve which follows one of the valleys that leads through the Waterberg escarpment. The trail follows a crystal clear stream and passes several picturesque dams, laden with water lilies. You then arrive at the luxurious Dinaka Lodge in time for a long hot shower before lunch which can be followed by a well earned afternoon siesta in the comfort of a bed! Your horses of the last five days will be returned to the ranch and new horses will be waiting for you allowing for some fast and exhilarating rides on fresh mounts. The late afternoon ride is the first opportunity to experience the long sandy tracks, abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. On the ride, you are likely to experience the thrill of riding at close quarters with White Rhino.
Day 10: A ride to another area of the reserve, where Dinaka runs its highly successful breeding programme for highly valued species, which include White Blesbuck, Sable Antelope and Bontebok. En-route the ride crosses a particularly fertile plain where hopefully you may experience the exhilaration and thrill of cantering amongst herds of game, with many different species galloping together across the plains. The afternoon proves a welcome break to both horse and rider. A Dinaka guide will escort you on an informative 4 x 4 game drive in an open Landrover, where you will visit another area inhabited by the Buffalo and some unusual Red Wildebeest. The guide, who is responsible for the feeding and monitoring of the Rhino on the reserve, will accompany you for a very special opportunity to approach and observe some of the rhino on foot.
Day 11: One last opportunity to enjoy riding on this stunning reserve and with its amazing array of wildlife. A final gallop along the endless sandy tracks before returning to the lodge to enjoy another of their infamous brunches. Later transfer to Johannesburg airport for your flight back to London.
Day 12 Arrive London Heathrow early morning.
If requested at the time of booking, it is possible to extend your stay either at Horizon or within South Africa and In The Saddle can make these arrangements for you. To change flight dates once your booking has been confirmed will usually involve cancellation charges of at least £100.
Game Sightings
While at Horizon and at Dinaka, you may encounter game such as rhino, buffalo, sable, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, impala, eland, blesbuck, hartebeest, warthog, bush pigs, baboons and many smaller species of antelope. The bird-life is also abundant with over 200 species identified at Horizon alone.
Viewing game on horseback is an enriching experience since the animals are less fearful than if one were to approach on foot.
This is some of the game which has been sighted on the Reserves. You should see most, if not all, of these during your challenge, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodation
Your accommodation is at Triple B Ranch (Windsong Cottage), Dinaka Reserve and five nights camping.
Windsong comprises one two-bedroomed family cottage with a shared bathroom and the main house consists of two en-suite bedrooms and two bedrooms with adjacent bathrooms. Windsong is in the heart of the main Triple B homestead. There is a large swimming pool and tennis court which is available for guests to use.
Dinaka Lodge has five en-suite twin rooms all looking out over the river and onto the plains. The lodge is situated high on a ridge overlooking a breathtaking lake and with spectacular views across the plains. This is a prime spot to relax whilst observing the activities of passing wildlife, and the occasional antics of the hippo in the water below.
While camping, you will sleep in two-man tents, which will be erected for you. Stretcher beds, sleeping bags, a bush shower and camping loo will be provided.
It is not possible to guarantee a single room or tent and you must be prepared to share with someone of the same sex.
Meals
All meals are included. While staying at Windsong or Dinaka, the day begins with an early breakfast of tea with toast or cereals to keep you going for the morning ride. Soon after your return, a hearty brunch is served, followed by tea in mid afternoon before the afternoon ride. Dinner consists of a three-course meal served with South African wine.
While on the trail, you will likely have a full cooked breakfast before you set off and a picnic lunch along the way. You will be pleasantly surprised at the quality and variety of food cooked around the camp-fire.
Please notify In the Saddle on booking if you have any specific dietary requirements.
Children
This trail is more suited to adults, but teenagers aged 16 and over, who are experienced riders are welcome. There is no reduction in the price.
Weather
Since the seasons are the reverse of the UK, the ride takes place in the South African summer. Day time temperatures will be warm to hot, perhaps rising to the high 20ºC's. The evenings will be cool, but not cold (10 – 15ºC). Due to the altitude it is never too hot to ride. It is possible that there may be rain (the main rains are from the end of November to January but it only rains on average about five times a month).
Getting There
Your flights are from London Heathrow to Johannesburg. It is possible to depart from certain regional airports for an additional amount (c. £80) and connect with the rest of the group in Heathrow (please request on your booking form) Horizon is a two and a half-hour drive from Johannesburg International Airport.
Passport Visa and Health Information
You must be in full possession of a valid passport to visit South Africa. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date and have at least two blank pages. British or Irish passport holders do not need a visa for South Africa.
Currently, there is no inoculation or malaria protection required as the Waterberg is considered a non-malarial area. However you should seek medical advice from your doctor prior to travelling.
Group Size
The maximum number on the challenge is ten and you will be accompanied by two riding guides and supported by camp and cook staff.
Rate
£2,195 per person plus a minimum of £500 to be divided between the two charities.
Travel insurance is £80 per person (if purchased in 2005. Thereafter rates to be confirmed.)
Includes international flights from London Heathrow; transfers from Johannesburg; all meals; two nights accommodation at Windsong at Triple B ranch; five nights camping and two nights at Dinaka; alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; horse and guide; sleeping bag and camping equipment; vehicle support for transporting equipment and food.
Excluded gratuities (suggested at R50 per day); items of a personal nature; supplement for regional departure; additional nights at Horizon, if you wish to stay longer.
How to Book
To confirm your place on the Challenge, please contact Lyn How:
Email: lynmhow@aol.com
Tel: 01273 833 623
Fax: 01273 834 233
Or write to: Lyn How, Mallards House, Mill Lane, Sayers Common, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9HL.
In The Saddle will then contact you and ask you to complete a booking form giving details of your riding experience etc. You will be sent a detailed Equipment list with the confirmation of your booking.
In The Saddle
This ride is arranged through the specialist equestrian travel company In The Saddle who are fully bonded members of ABTA and ATOL for your security.