DABCHICK EXPERIENCE

Rewilding in the African Bush

NEW! Dabchick’s Rewilding Programme

JANUARY 2026
NEW! Dabchick’s Rewilding Programme in the Waterberg, Limpopo

Dabchick Wildlife Reserve (DWR) has operated for more than thirty years and is dedicated to rewilding the Alma Valley and greater Waterberg District of Limpopo, South Africa. It has successfully rewilded 1 500 ha of formerly marginal and ecologically degraded agricultural land, transforming it into a comfortable nature-based retreat and an active learning environment where visitors can engage with rewilding, conservation practice and the complex ecological relationships that define the region’s biodiversity.

The DWR Rewilding Programme offers groups of up to 12 participants the chance to experience practical, hands-on rewilding in a functioning bushveld reserve.

Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)

Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)

Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)

African buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Seasonal Structure

Activities vary by season:

Spring–Summer (August to March): high biological activity; ecological monitoring; restoration tasks. Autumn–Winter (April to July): cooler conditions ideal for certain wildlife capture and veterinary work.

Core Activities

  • Animal rewilding: capture, care, release and monitoring of species such as antelope, rhino, buffalo, small predators, bushbabies, cranes, eagles, vultures, ground hornbills and selected reptiles.
  • Anti-poaching exercises: patrols, use of technology, fitness training and firearm-handling instruction.
  • Ecological management: pasture management, population management, harvesting and processing to maintain sustainability.
  • Alien plant biocontrol: initiation, implementation and monitoring of approved biocontrol programmes.
  • Parasite control: paintballing (green hunting) and other methods for large mammals.
    • Veterinary work: immobilisation for capture and relocation, emergency treatment and ID procedures.
  • Game counts: vehicle-based and drone-assisted surveys.
  • Habitat restoration: erosion control, veld management and biodiversity enhancement work.
Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)

Dabchick Game Capturing

Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)

Southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)

Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)

Dabchick Game Drive

Accommodation

Stay in a private, unfenced safari-tented camp with close wildlife viewing:

  • Five tents with two single beds each
  • One tent with a double bed
  • Solar power
  • Wi-Fi
  • Swimming pool
  • Mountain and bushveld surroundings

Kudu Tent

Kudu Tent

Choose your favorite way to learn

WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES

Guided Walks & Game Drives

Daily guided drives and walks explore the reserve’s fauna, flora and ecological processes.

MEALS

African-influenced cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced produce. Vegetarian meals available on request.

TRAINING & LEARNING SUPPORT

  • Rewilding field sessions led by trained and experienced guides.
  • Presentations available on rewilding, reserve history and ecological principles.
  • Extensive reference library covering natural history and the Waterberg region.
  • Summary notes provided as required.

PROGRAMME RATES

Per person per day (pppd)
Table format for ease of interpretation

Number of Persons Stay ≤ 14 Days Stay > 14 Days
1–3 R2 000 pppd R1 750 pppd
4–6 R1 750 pppd R1 500 pppd
6–12 (sharing) R1 500 pppd R1 250 pppd

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Airport transfers arranged by DWR
  • Big Five day visits to neighbouring reserves
  • Town trips for shopping or medical needs
  • Laundry service
  • Local alcoholic beverages

WHAT TO BRING

General

Participants should be reasonably fit and healthy.

Recommended Clothing

  • Light cotton or safari clothing (shirts, shorts, trousers)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Hiking boots and socks
  • Warm jacket for evenings and game drives
  • Tracksuit bottoms and fleece for winter
  • Swimwear and casual wear for poolside relaxation

Equipment & Essentials

  • Binoculars and camera
  • Personal medication
  • Sunscreen and protective lip balm

DWR Night Sky

CONTACT

For queries or reservations:
Mobile: +27 (0)82 821 6577 or +27 (0)82 822 7481

e-Mail: admin@dabchick.co.za or pete.pam@iafrica.com

Website: https://www.dabchick.co.za

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/dabchickwildlifereserve

BOOKINGS