The Lindani Game Reserve in the Waterberg Mountains is an idyllic bush escape only 2,5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Spanning 3 000ha of savanna, mountain, and the Melk River, it’s home to diverse wildlife, including giraffe, kudu, wildebeest, zebra and jackal, as well as African wild dogs crossing the property.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation, including luxury self-catering lodges, a tented camp, and a campsite. Popular with safari, nature and outdoor enthusiasts, activities include game drives with accredited guides, 70km of hiking and cycling trails to spot plains game in their natural habitat, rock climbing, birding, and fishing.

The game reserve is also known for its conservation activities, and hosts the annual African wild dog conservation weekend in aid of the Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative (WWDI), a non-profit organisation dedicated to their protection.

This year’s event takes place from 3 to 6 July. Guests will be accommodated in the secluded Motseng Village, comprised of three cosy units, with a shared swimming pool and volleyball court, and the trails and river nearby.

Protecting one of SA’s last free-roaming populations

African wild dogs are among the world’s most endangered mammals and the Waterberg is home to one of South Africa’s last free-roaming populations.

The dogs traverse a vast area, but during denning season, from May to September, packs select a site where females give birth and the pups are raised. During this time, the packs hunt in the immediate area, sometimes causing conflict with game and livestock farmers.

To mitigate this, the EWT initiated an ecotourism project several years ago that compensates landowners impacted by denning. More recently the WWDI became involved.

Through this project, tourists can view African wild dog packs (safely away from the dens), with proceeds from these excursions channelled back to the landowners supporting the packs during this time.

Additionally, fresh carcasses are regularly supplied to feed the dogs, minimising predation on livestock and game.

Painted wolf wines

In 2006, Painted Wolf Wines was launched in the Western Cape with the intention to make exceptional wine while raising funds for African wild dogs.

From initiatives like Pedals 4 Paws, to the beautiful artwork on the wine labels and product range called The Den, The Pack and Lycaon Pictus (the dogs’ scientific name), it’s all about these canines. A supporter and partner of the EWT, the winemaker also donates around 4% of their sales to organisations protecting these dogs.

Four years ago, the collaboration for the wild dog weekends kicked off, bringing together Lindani, Painted Wolf Wines, the EWT, and the WWDI. From a humble trial run to going public three years ago, the weekends have seen repeat business from tourists.

The package includes the bush retreat at Lindani plus meals, wild dog excursions, expert-led talks from the EWT, WWDI and a carnivore vet, ‘generous quantities’ of Painted Wolf wine (as per their flyer), and curated tastings. At the same time, tourists give back to conservation efforts as the weekend includes a donation to the WWDI.

This year, guests can also visit the nearby Welgevonden Game Reserve, home to the world’s first dedicated wild dog holding facility.

For more information email Lindani at [email protected]. to book for the wild dog weekend (space is limited) | email Painted Wolf Wines at [email protected]; or visit lindani.co.za.