The Dinokeng Game Reserve is a surprising
addition to South Africa’s game reserve scene. Situated in the north of
Gauteng, a 30 minute drive up the N1 from Pretoria, and only slightly further
from Johannesburg, this reserve is unique for being a free-roaming wildlife
reserve so close to a residential area.
Dinokeng, which means ‘Place of Rivers’,
gets its name from its location at the confluence of the Olifants and Limpopo
Rivers. It lies within a culturally rich area of 200 000 hectares which
has over 200 tourist attractions. The reserve was strategically established by
the Gauteng Provincial Government as part of its tourism agenda.
Dinokeng Game Reserve was officially
established in September 2011. Starting with an accoutrement of buck and other
animals, it has increased its wildlife offering, and in 2012, with the arrival
of buffalo, the reserve’s Big 5 complement was made complete.
This means that in addition to a wealth of
birdlife, you can also stand a chance of spotting leopards, lions, giraffe,
elephants, kudu, impala and other animals when you visit the Dinokeng Game
Reserve.
For a quick and convenient city escape,
Dinokeng makes an ideal destination, with a number of lodges within the reserve
offering self-catering, catered and camping accommodation. There are also
conference facilities there.
The types of activities offered in the
reserve depend on the respective game lodges, although guided game drives are
standard. Depending on the lodge you can also go on a boat cruise on one of the
dams, take a guided walking safari or go bass fishing.
In short this is a great if unexpected
wildlife destination a stone’s throw from Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling distance.