Are you wanting to book the safari adventure of a lifetime? Are you eagerly anticipating the thrill of venturing into the African wilderness, hoping to spot the Big Five?
Whether you are a first-time visitor to South Africa, or a local nature lover wanting to explore this magnificent country, the thrill of an early morning game drive in an open safari vehicle in a Big 5 game reserve is, hands down, the best experience ever! And- the beauty of it is- in just a little over an hour’s drive from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you can immerse yourself in true African wilderness within the blink of an eye.
Dinokeng Game Reserve (Big Five Safari in Gauteng):
Location and landscape:
Dinokeng Game Reserve is the only free‑roaming Big Five game reserve in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Covering an area of approximately 21 000 hectares, the reserve is located an easy 40 minute drive northeast of Pretoria, and an hour to an hour- and- a- half’s drive from Johannesburg (depending on traffic) so it is really easily accessible and perfect for a quick break in the bush!
Dinokeng (meaning “ a place of rivers” in the local BaTswana / BaPedi languages) was formally opened in September 2011, and is a public‑private partnership involving local landowners and the Gauteng government- driven by conservation and ecotourism goals with the emphasis on community upliftment..
The reserve is malaria-free, (which is a definite bonus- not having to take horrible tasting malaria tablets!) and lies in the catchment area of rivers that eventually flow into the Olifants and Limpopo rivers. The reserve contains several rivers, dams, and wetlands and its habitat consists mainly of extensive grasslands, savannah, and dense bushveld. The terrain is relatively flat to gently undulating, with rocky outcrops and rolling hills in some areas.
Wildlife in Dinokeng Game Reserve:
In addition to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo and rhinoceros), the reserve is home to a vast array of wildlife such as cheetah, giraffes, zebra, the rare brown hyena and tsessebe, wildebeest, kudu, red hartebeest, eland, monkey, impala,hippos, and many others, so there is always plenty of wildlife to see and keep the kids entertained on game drives.
And, for the bird enthusiasts, more than three hundred species have been recorded and Dinokeng Game Reserve may be counted among South Africa’s premier bird watching sites. Species of birds include ostrich,martial eagles, snake eagles, the endangered blue crane( and South Africa’s national bird), herons,kingfishers, African skimmers, rollers, shrikes, starlings, stilts, thrushes, weavers, waxbills and woodpeckers (to name a few), making Dinokeng a birder’s paradise.
Reptiles such as the enormous Nile crocodile, water and rock monitors, snakes, agamas, tortoises, chameleons and terrapins are also found in the reserve, as well as a huge variety of insects, arachnids and amphibians.
What to Experience: (Activities and ways to see wildlife)
There are multiple ways to try to spot the Big Five and enjoy the bush experience at Dinokeng. Each has pros and cons and depends on your time, budget, energy levels, and wildlife expectations.
Self-Drive:
You simply purchase a day permit and a handy detailed map guide indicates 140kms of winding tracks and well sign-posted routes to follow, at your own pace. It is full of interesting animal, bird and plant information that is ideal for keeping the children interested.
Should you wish to take a break, there are a couple of unfenced picnic sites as well as bird hides.(Please note that picnic facilities are used at your own risk.)
Self-driving is ideal for photographers and for people travelling with young children, as you can go at your own pace and stop whenever you choose. The advantage is that it tends to cost less than fully guided options. Sightings, however, are not guaranteed and often the best sightings come with guided drives, while vehicles with a higher ground clearance may help with visibility into the bush.
Time needed varies- even a half day (approximately 3‑4 hours) will give you a taste of the peace and tranquility of being in the reserve, but to improve your chances of adding to your animal checklist, a full day or overnight stay is better. Multiple drives in the early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals tend to be more active, increases the likelihood of spotting the Big 5.
Guided Game Drives:
Should you decide not to self-drive, you can opt to take your nature experience to the next level with a guided game drive in an open 4×4 safari vehicle.The advantage of a guided drive is that the field guides are very experienced, know animal behaviour and tend to know the best routes to follow in the search for the Big 5.
Guided game drives tend to cost more than self-driving, and you are restricted to following a schedule. The guides, however, are very knowledgeable about the animals and plants found in the reserve, and have eagle-eyes when it comes to spotting wildlife, greatly improving your chances of encountering the Big 5.(Please note that some lodges will not allow very young children on guided game drives. Please check child age policies with your lodge before booking)
Guided Bush Walks:
Walking with an armed guide- typically early in the mornings- offers the ideal opportunity to have a more tranquil and rich wildlife experience.You’ll see the fascinating, smaller things that make up the African bushveld (that you don’t always notice when you’re in a vehicle), such as animal tracks, insects and birds, and learn about ecology at close range.
Whilst you are less likely to see the larger mammals at close quarters, guided bush walks provide excellent photographic opportunities and a chance to appreciate the sounds of the bush.
Bear in mind that the walks generally require good footwear, a level of fitness; and are only feasible at certain times for safety reasons. Most lodges will not permit children under the age of 16 years to go on guided walks.
Accommodation in Dinokeng Game Reserve:
It stands to reason that the more time you spend in the reserve, the greater your chances are of spotting the Big 5 and other animals. Staying overnight in Dinokeng allows you to fully appreciate the sights and sounds of the bush as nothing comes close to hearing a pride of lions roaring whilst you’re sipping a G & T and watching the sun slowly sink behind the horizon!
The reserve offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges, to comfortable self-catering chalets and campsites that allow visitors to explore the reserve at their own pace and budget.
Some lodges are fully inclusive and include all meals, game drives (and sometimes night drives or riverboat cruises) and occasionally guided bush walks in their pricing, whereas others will be less expensive and offer self-catering options.
If you are travelling with young children, look for lodges that offer Child Safari programmes and plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied- perfect for allowing the kids to blow off steam after sitting in the car on game drives- and be aware that some lodges may not permit children at all.
Whether you’re looking for a rustic bushveld experience or a lavish retreat, Dinokeng definitely has something available for every type of traveller.
The Best time of the year to visit Dinokeng Game Reserve:
The best time of the year to visit Dinokeng Game Reserve in terms of climate and game viewing is during the dry season which is during the winter months of April through to the end of September. During this period, the day time temperatures are a lot cooler at around 18°C (64°F) with sunny, cloudless afternoons,and mornings and nights being very chilly. Winter is generally the best time to spot animals as they tend to congregate around permanent water sources and the foliage is less dense, making them easier to see.
The summer months can be very hot with daytime temperatures frequently in excess of 30°C (86°F) Afternoon thunderstorms are common and the bush is also very dense and lush, making it quite difficult to spot wildlife. Summer, however, is when most of the migratory birds return to South Africa and the birding is excellent, and it is the season when most of the baby antelope are born- making for some amazing sightings indeed.
A Sample Itinerary:
Here’s what a weekend trip might look like:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Day 1 | Depart early, get self‑drive permit / meet guide; do early game drive | Lunch, relax at lodge / visit restaurant or bird hide; afternoon game drive or bush walk | Dinner at lodge; maybe night sounds or star gazing |
| Day 2 | Pre‑dawn guided bush walk or game drive | Breakfast, pack; maybe short drive or birding; lunch | Head back home, possibly with a final sunset drive on the way out |
If you’re only doing a day‑trip, aim for one guided drive (morning or late afternoon), plus self‑drive or short walk, and lunch at a picnic site, if possible
(And remember– be patient! The wildlife is free roaming and nothing is guaranteed, so enjoy the other things the bush has to offer such as the birds, landscape, vegetation, and, above all, the peace and quiet).
What to bring:
Photography gear — bring a zoom lens; beanbag; possibly a tripod; extra batteries; and binoculars.
Personal gear — sun protection; insect repellent; water; comfortable walking shoes; warm layers of clothing for morning and evening game drives (especially on drives in open game viewers as it can be very chilly in the winter months); rain gear in summer; swimming costume.
In conclusion:
If you’re based in Gauteng; on a tight schedule; or want a budget- friendly, malaria-free, Big 5 safari experience without travelling far, Dinokeng Game Reserve is a great option!
In conclusion:
If you’re based in Gauteng; on a tight schedule; or want a budget- friendly, malaria-free, Big 5 safari experience without travelling far, Dinokeng Game Reserve is a great option!