Dinokeng Game Reserve Information
Weather
Activities
Places To Stay
Quick Q&A
Entrance Fees
Opening Hours
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Situated north east in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, it comprises approximately 20 000 ha. The name of the Dinokeng Game Reserve is derived from the languages of the baTswana and baPedi people who traditionally inhabited the area and ittranslates as “place of rivers” being the catchment area of the Elands- and Pienaars- that subsequently flow into the greater Olifants and Limpopo Rivers. It is a unique reserve that incorporates private landowners into the game reserve, supported by the government who has funded any infrastructure necessary in its creation.
It is also the only residential Big 5 game reserve in the world that is located within the boundaries of a metro city.
Dinokeng centres around conservation and developed the concept that eco-tourism could become the source for upliftment of rural communities through sustainable employment. This allows for conservation conscious guests, who not only respect nature, but are also curious about the culture and customs of the region to enjoy this wonderful reserve.
Guests have the opportunity to spot free-roaming elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino, as well as jackal, cheetah, hyena and a huge variety of other amazingly beautiful African wildlife and birdlife.
This Game reserve is easily reached, via the N1, with a 30 min. drive from Pretoria, and a 60 min. drive from OR Tambo International Airport or Johannesburg.
Dinokeng Game Reserve is Malaria-free!
Accommodation
Although you can visit the reserve as a day visitor, to fully appreciate the Dinokeng Reserve we recommend at least an overnight stay. Many accommodation options mean that there is an offering to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
With a choice of over 30 Bush Lodges, Tented Camps, Self-catering Chalets, B&B style accommodation, to fully catered luxury lodges, such as the “Jewel of Dinokeng” the 5-Star graded Golden Impalas Bush Resort, that offers a good base for safaris.
This intimate luxurious boutique hotel is suitable for couples and families offering 1-bedroom villas and 2- bedroom suites, on an all-inclusive basis. Enjoy direct bush views, a private patio, a private splash pool and a private outdoor shower. Indulge in fine dining as well as African Bush Braai’s in the Boma or just relax in the Spa by gazing out at the African bush and wildlife.
The Lodge also offers day trips for international guests wishing to enjoy the warmth and culture of the South African people. These include trips to local markets, World Heritage sites (Soweto, Apartheid Museum, Cradle of Humankind) and many other historical and cultural experiences.
Activities
Due to the great number of rivers and wetlands, the game reserve has an abundance of birdlife and among the indigenous flora is the protected Tamboti tree, however, the reserve is most famous for the Big 5.
In addition to guided game drives, the reserve also has a self-drive route. Other activities include horse riding, hiking, quad biking, hot-air balloon rides, sunset boat cruises, guided bush walks, bush lunch picnics, bass fishing and luxurious spa treatments.
Should you wish to venture a bit further, take a tour of the historical Cullinan Diamond Mine, renowned as a source of large, high-quality- as well as the rare blue diamonds. Or, hike around the amazing Tswaing meteorite crater searching for fragments of rock, which do not originate from our planet, followed by a picnic lunch.
Self-drives
What better way to explore the reserve by means of a self-drive along more than 140km of winding tracks, mostly suited to sedan vehicles, although some parts are not suitable, where a high clearance vehicle is needed. Permits must be purchased at the gates on arrival, where you will also receive a handy detailed map, which has numbered reference points and places to stop for comfort breaks, meals or picnics and will guide visitors along the route.
Guided Game Drives
Enjoy a game drive in an open 4×4 safari vehicle and be enriched by the wealth of knowledge and experience of a qualified, English speaking field guide. You are served morning coffee with home baked rusks or early evening sundowners on the afternoon drives, in a secluded area, surrounded by bush or on a riverbank.
Guided game drives come with age restrictions for children. Bottled water is included on the drives.
Day trips can be arranged for pick-ups from Johannesburg and Pretoria hotels.
Guided Bush Walks
There is no better way than to dig your heels into nature and follow a tracker and guide into the bush.
These walks are conducted in very small groups by two especially trained guides and it is all about tracking animals and observing them in their natural habitat. You will need to wear appropriate footwear, clothing, a hat and carry enough water. A certain level of fitness is required for a 3-4 hr walk.
Bush walks are not suited for children as their size and behaviour may fall into prey patterns of the predators.
Weather
Operating Times
Entrance Fees
(as of 5 March 2020)
A once off vehicle entrance fee of R50 is payable for day visitors. Self-drive guests need to purchase a permit upon entry, which includes the R50 entrance fee. Permits are per vehicle
- 1-day Permit: R250
- 2-day Permit: R320
- 3-day Permit: R380
- 7-day Permit: R450
Pensioners Permits:
- 1-day Permit: R125
- 3-day Permit: R190
- 7-day Permit: R225
Conservation Fees applicable R80 per adult R50 per child (2-12 years).
Please note all gate entrances are cashless.
Questions & Answers
How big is this Game Reserve?
The Dinokeng game reserve is approximately 20,000 hectares. It is the only wildlife sanctuary in Gauteng with free-roaming Big 5.
Which animals can I expect to see?
Dinokeng Game Reserve is a home to the big 5.
You can expect to see any of the following animals although some are seen whilst others are more shy:
Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Black Rhino, White Rhino, Cheetah, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Impala, Kudu, Blesbok, Waterbok, Rooi Haartebeest, Zebra, Eland, Wartog, Banded Mongoose, Aarvark, Porcupine, Black back Jackal, Hyena.
Leopard can be spotted from time to time.
Is Dinokeng Game Reserve malaria free?
How big is Reserve's self-drive route?
The reserve’s self-drive route is 140km.
Which province is Hammanskraal?
Hammanskraal is located in Gauteng province.
How far is Dinokeng Game Reserve from Pretoria?
This Game reserve is located 45km north of Tshwane (Pretoria).
How far is this Game Reserve from JHB?
The Dinokeng Game reserve is located 90 km (1 hour) from Sandton, Johannesburg.
Where can I find the map for th Dinokeng Game Reserve?
You can download our own Dinokeng Game Reserve Map here.