Dinokeng Resort & Game Reserve

The sought-after Dinokeng Game Reserve is a unique paradise and wildlife haven amidst thousands of acres of the African bushveld and where the Big 5 roams freely. Dinokeng Resort and Nature Reserve is even more popular because you now don’t have to travel to the Kruger National Park to spot the Africa Big 5. Moreover, the reserve is Malaria-free.

Dinokeng Resort / Dinokeng Game Reserve

How to Get to Dinokeng Game Reserve?

Directions to The Dinokeng Resorts and Game reserve are pretty straightforward. It is mainly a tarred road, except for the last part. It is reachable by standard vehicle; therefore, you don’t need a 4×4 or off-road vehicle. Instead, rent a car at the airport or use a shuttle to get to Dinokeng resort. 

Directions to Dinokeng Resort and Game Reserve

From O.R. Tambo International Airport, take to Freight Complex R21, next to the N1 heading North for about 83.4km. Take the Hammanskraal/Boekenhoutskloof offramp – about 3,5km further turn right onto the R734 (1km). It is easy to get to Ngala Game reserve or most accommodation at Dinokeng Lodge from the entrance. From Johannesburg, 

• The resort is a mere 50 km and about 30 minutes drive by car from Pretoria.
• O.R.Tambo International Airport to Dinokeng is 83.4 km and just over an hour’s drive.
• Johannesburg Airport to Gautrain Centurion Train Station is 15.8 km.

The Dinokeng Game Reserve Entrance Fee  

For self-drive, the Conservation fees and self-drive permit are ZAR250. If not, the vehicle entrance fee is ZAR50. A Dinokeng Game Reserve Map is available at the entrance gate.

Dinokeng Holiday resort hours: The gate opens at 6 am and closes again at 6 pm.

The Dinokeng Game reserve contact details:  +27 012 7114391

12 Best Things to do at Dinokeng Resort

• Dinokeng Resort offers game drives by experienced game rangers in open safari vehicles,
• Experience Dinokeng Game Reserve on your own. Self-drive routes are allowable should you prefer to linger at your own pace in your vehicle.
• Bushwalks by qualified field guides are another exceptional experience that brings you closer to nature.
• Have a Picnic or an authentic South African braai at one of the hides along the African Safari route.
• Observe the abundance of bird species. Remember to pack binoculars and a bird book to identify the birds.
• Relax at the swimming pool while enjoying the South African sun.
• Go on an outride – Dinokeng resort horse-riding.
• Enjoy the peace and tranquillity on a sunset game drive. Watch the sunset while enjoying a sundowner away from the hustle and bustle of contemporary life.
• We played board games or read that book you wanted to read for a long time.
• Book a Dinokeng Resort night drive to spot bushbabies, African civet, aardwolf, owls, hyenas, and a Leopard if you’re lucky.
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the Dinokeng resort.
• At night sit around the Bush fire listening to wildlife sounds and the roar of Lions.

Guided Dinokeng game drives cost from ZAR 280. They stop at a picnic spot during the game drive to enjoy a sundowner while watching the African Bushveld sunset.

Read Travel blogger Lia’s review on her Dinokeng Game drive experiences.

Dinokeng Accommodation 

The Dinokeng Resort and Gauteng Game reserve offer a variety of accommodations. From luxury Dinokeng Lodges to self-catering and Dinokeng Camping. A person can book trouble-free by using the link below.

We personally always use Booking.com for Dinokeng Accommodation and Dinokeng resort prices, not because they have specials all the time but also for the following reasons:

• Excellent rates with no booking fees,
• Booking.com has more than 28 410 301 listings,
• You have the option of ‘free cancellation’ on bookings.

Elephant Waterhole

The famous Elephant waterhole offers self-catering accommodation as well as Dinokeng Camping facilities. All equipped with clean toilets, picnic spots, and Barbecue facilities. Besides the swimming pool, there is also a Cafe. For Bookings, here are the Dinokeng Game reserve contact details:  +27 012 7114391

Dinokeng Self-Catering

I suggest you check out all the Dinokeng self-catering options available at Dinokeng resort and Game Reserve before making a booking.

Check out all your options, prices and reviews on accommodation at Dinokeng resort, or Ngala Private Game Reserve, at Dinokeng Accommodation.

Dinokeng Camping

Camping at Dinokeng resort makes an ideal holiday or weekend breakaway. Sitting around the fire while listening to the roar of a lion is a blessing. The resort offers a swimming pool, and there are more than enough secure playgrounds for the kids. For those who are into fishing, there is a nearby dam.

• Dinokeng Game reserve Camping
• Looking Bush Camp is completely fenced in and offer campers a wash-up area, toilet facilities, as well as hot water showers,
• Thorn Tree Bush Camp, situated inside the Dinokeng Game reserve,
• Ngala Safari Lodge camping

Ngala Lodge Dinokeng Game Reserve

The exclusive Ngala Safari Lodge in the Dinokeng resort opened its doors in November 2018. This prestige Lodge is the brainchild of Stefan Vermaak and was born out of his love and passion for the African Bushveld. 

Built on the farm Pride of Africa, in the Dinokeng Game Reserve, Ngala Lodge is luxurious and charming. Rooms at Ngala Lodge are all designed to ensure maximum comfort, and each room offers a view over the breathtaking game reserve.

Watch out for animals like Kudu and warthogs who come close to the Lodge. Freddy, a waterbuck, walks around the Lodge and will even let you stroke him. There is a waterhole close by where wildlife comes daily to drink water. We had a much more enjoyable time relaxing, swimming and watching Dinokeng wildlife. The service at Ngala Lodge is impeccable. 

We are, as a species, addicted to the story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories – Jonathan Gottschall.

Where to Eat at Dinokeng Resort and Game Reserve

Tshikwalo Lodge Restaurant

The popular Tshikwala Game Lodge restaurant has a fantastic view over the plains and waterhole in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Come early and enjoy a sundowner on the wooden deck.

Tshikwalo restaurant is open Mondays to Sundays from 08hoo until 21h00. You can contact them at: 010 594 0457 & 060 9880 990  –  [email protected],

Ngata Smokehouse & Grill and Yankee Tavern

Contact no.  012 711 4010  –  [email protected], Pre-bookings are not essential.

Kingfisher Restaurant

Situated inside the Dinokeng Game Reserve, at Mongena Game Lodge, The Kingfisher restaurant offers spectacular views and the most delicious food.

They are open to the public from Mondays to Sundays.

• 07h30 – 10h00 for Breakfast
• 11h30 – 16h00 for light lunches
• 18h00 – 21h00 for Dinner
• Please note their kitchen orders closes at 21h00.

Lazy River Bush Pub – Located inside the Dinokeng Game reserve, nestled in the African bushveld next to the Boekenhout River. Tip: Don’t use google maps to find them. If you do, you won’t find them. Visit them to meet fellow travellers, and make new friends. Moreover, to watch a rugby game.

• Contact details 071 805 3849, 0r 082 902 4397
• Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12h00 till 10h00pm
• Fridays and Saturdays from 12h00 until 11h45pm

Disclosure:  Some of my posts may contain affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you. Should you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission.

Endangered Animals in Africa & Hunting SA

Poachers are killing rhinos at an alarming rate – if they continue like this, rhinos will disappear from our planet. The Zebra’s biggest threats are habitat loss due to ranching and farming, and water competition with livestock.

Historically, there were over 15,000 Grevy’s zebras. However, there are only about 2,500 remaining today. If you must hunt, contact Hunting at the SA hunters association.

Africa’s Answer to The Elephant Crisis

We are all aware of the severe threat posed by the Ivory trade. Shamingly, some 20 000 Elephants are killed in Africa each year by poachers. Sadly hundreds of wildlife rangers have lost their lives while trying to defend these animals from well-armed poachers.

Up until now, the EPI countries are committed to maintaining the international ban on the Ivory trade. Your support can help achieve a safer, secure future for elephants. To donate, go to Elephant Protection Initiative at Elephantprotectioninitiative.org.

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