There are some weekends that remind us exactly why we do what we do. Last weekend’s 4th annual Waterberg, Wine & Wild Dog Weekend was one of them. 
Lindani was honoured to once again partner with Painted Wolf Wines to host a truly memorable weekend dedicated to celebrating great wine, extraordinary wildlife and the passionate people working tirelessly to protect one of Africa’s most endangered predators.
Guests arrived on Thursday afternoon to a warm Waterberg welcome before gathering on the lawn for a wine tasting hosted by Painted Wolf Wines winemaker, Jeremy Borg. As the sun set over the bushveld, the evening continued with a delicious dinner and an insightful talk by Mari-Su de Villiers from the Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative (WWDI), who shared the remarkable story of the African wild dog and the collaborative conservation efforts helping to secure its future.
Friday offered a rare behind-the-scenes experience as guests visited the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Carnivore Holding Facility, guided by Eugene Greyling. Seeing the 14 wild dogs currently being cared for at the facility gave everyone a deeper understanding of the challenges these incredible animals face and the dedication required to protect them. After a packed lunch, guests returned to Lindani for another relaxed afternoon of exceptional wines before enjoying dinner and an inspiring presentation from Joseph Hlako about the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Livestock Guardian Project, highlighting how conservation and farming communities can successfully work together.
Saturday was all about enjoying the peace and beauty of Lindani before what became the unforgettable highlight of the weekend. Guests were taken to view the Mokolo wild dog pack, currently denning on a nearby farm. Opportunities like this are exceptionally rare. Watching these beautiful, intelligent animals moving freely through their natural habitat was a privilege few people ever experience, and a moment that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to witness it.
After a farewell breakfast on Sunday, guests departed with wonderful memories, a greater appreciation for these remarkable animals and a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting them for generations to come.
A heartfelt thank you to Jeremy Borg and Amanda Irving (Painted Wolf Wines), Mari-Su de Villiers and Clinton Venter (Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative), Eugene Greyling and Joseph Hlako (Endangered Wildlife Trust), wildlife vet, Zoë Glyphis and every guest who joined us in making this year’s event such a meaningful success.
At Lindani Lodges, our commitment to African wild dog conservation extends far beyond a single weekend. We remain proud supporters of the incredible work being done by WWDI and EWT, and we believe that bringing people closer to nature creates ambassadors for its protection.
Together, we can help ensure that these extraordinary animals continue to roam the Waterberg for many years to come.