Dinokeng Game Reserve, Hammanskraal: Hours, Address, Dinokeng Game Reserve Reviews: 4/5
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Dinokeng Game Reserve
4
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Dinokeng Game Reserve is a big 5 game reserve 50km north of Pretoria (30 min drive). The reserve has a variety of accommodation, restaurants and activities to choose from.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Dinokeng Game Reserve and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
12 within 5 kms
Thunder Bay Spur Steak Ranch
13
3.7 kmRR - RRR • Steakhouse • Fast food • Barbecue
Nando's
2
3.7 kmFast food • Grill
Debonairs Pizza
2.2 km
Steers
2.3 km
KFC Kudube (Hammanskraal)
2.4 km
Fishaways
2.4 km
Pie City Kopanong
2.6 kmR • Fast food
KFC Jubilee Mall
3.8 km
McDonald's
3.8 kmR • Fast food
Pie City
3.8 kmR • Fast food
Attractions
2 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
300 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
113
Average
45
Poor
18
Terrible
23
fumpo
South Africa60 contributions
We enjoyed a night drive and an early morning Drive both facilitated by Mongena Lodge. Excellent all round
Written 20 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Zunaid
1 contribution
Couples
This was a waste of time and money. What has been advertised is not what you get. It's definitely not worth the drive. I have been to better game reserves around Johannesburg. You rather save the money and do Kruger park where you know it will be worth it. Food was horrible and facilities were bad. Do not buy the Map for R30. Staff that even work there complained how in accurate the routes are. Word of advice... don't waste your time and money.
Written 3 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Suresh A
11 contributions
Family
Very convenient getaway in Gauteng. Lovely game drives in the reserve as well as self drives. A 4x4 is not necessary at all. Perfect weekend getaway for family.
Written 24 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim000000
Cape Town Central, South Africa50 contributions
We had a fantastic weekend at Dinokeng Game Reserve. We stayed and the Golden Impalas Resort, which was absolutely fabulous. We went on two game drives a day and had the most amazing ranger...he went out of his way for us and was very informative on the many animals that we got to see...this included, lion, cheetah (on both days), hippos, rhino, giraffes (quite alot), tons of warthogs, zebra, jackals, mongoose and so many more. The terrain is beautiful - we really loved the bushveld and were quite sad to have to leave so soon.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christiaan
1 contribution
Couples
Don't expect to come see the Big 5, as they are not where you expect them to be.
They all across the main road of Boekenhouds kloof, 8000 hectares on the private game reserve area where Mongena Game reserve is situated, and no self-drive vehicles allowed, Dinokeng should be reported for their false advertising, as they fully aware you have 0 chance seeing these animals
They all across the main road of Boekenhouds kloof, 8000 hectares on the private game reserve area where Mongena Game reserve is situated, and no self-drive vehicles allowed, Dinokeng should be reported for their false advertising, as they fully aware you have 0 chance seeing these animals
Written 25 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
F S
10 contributions
Couples
First, every one in Dinokeng knows that the Elephants & Buffalo's are on the other side of Dinokeng where there is no roads or access to visitors. This is the case for more than 10 months. Therefore zero percent of viewing any of these animals. The camps, resort & game drives still promote this as Big 5 which is not the case, especially with this steep entry fee... Very sad.
A nice trip if you are interested in Impala & Giraffe...
A nice trip if you are interested in Impala & Giraffe...
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lollyholly374
Johannesburg, South Africa82 contributions
Couples
60 minutes from Jozi brings you to Dinokeng Game Reserve, we stayed at Kyleu Bush Camp which was wonderful! Bring your own tent, they have lovely ablution facilities on each site which caters for about 8 people. You in the big 5 section with no fences so bring plenty firewood for the evenings.
Self drive around the park, there are plenty of roads to take with picnic spots and restaurants to lunch at. Don’t miss Arlington Brewery, great food and craft ne’er too! Quiet, rustic and just so peaceful, we loved it and will definitely be back!
Self drive around the park, there are plenty of roads to take with picnic spots and restaurants to lunch at. Don’t miss Arlington Brewery, great food and craft ne’er too! Quiet, rustic and just so peaceful, we loved it and will definitely be back!
Written 22 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Randburg
Randburg, South Africa304 contributions
Family
We spent a nice morning in the reserve. The entrance fee, including an optional map book, was R520 for two adults and two children. This was perhaps a little expensive, but we have not been to Dinokeng before and decided to see whether the fee is worth it.
We found the roads inside the reserve to be accessible for a car with low clearance. However, if you have a car with low clearance stay away from the dirt roads leading into the reserve and rather opt for one of the tarred options like the N1. Roads are well-marked inside the reserve and a map is recommended.
There were a few restaurants and picnic areas which looked nice as well.
The reserve is not the Kruger in terms of number of animals, but well worth a visit if you are already in the area.
We found the roads inside the reserve to be accessible for a car with low clearance. However, if you have a car with low clearance stay away from the dirt roads leading into the reserve and rather opt for one of the tarred options like the N1. Roads are well-marked inside the reserve and a map is recommended.
There were a few restaurants and picnic areas which looked nice as well.
The reserve is not the Kruger in terms of number of animals, but well worth a visit if you are already in the area.
Written 5 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jacques B
Pretoria, South Africa119 contributions
I believe the general entrance and "conservation" fees are much too much for the size of the park. It can easily cost up to R500 for a family of three and then you only entered the park without eating somewhere or buying something to drink. Luckily we stayed at one of the lodges for the weekend so we bought a permit from them for much cheaper and was able to stay longer in the park.
With all the rain lately the bushveld is beautiful and lush, but due to this it is difficult to spot all the animals. One side of the road is much more open and we spotted more animals that side so make sure you do the self-drive on both sides of the road. Just remember, you are in the bush looking for animals. They are not going to come to your vehicle when they spot you so if you don't see all the animals you hope for don't blame the reserve.
With all the rain lately the bushveld is beautiful and lush, but due to this it is difficult to spot all the animals. One side of the road is much more open and we spotted more animals that side so make sure you do the self-drive on both sides of the road. Just remember, you are in the bush looking for animals. They are not going to come to your vehicle when they spot you so if you don't see all the animals you hope for don't blame the reserve.
Written 1 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jonathan
1 contribution
A very disappointing day. Bad roads. Worse signage. Confusing road layout. Not a Big 5 animal in sight. Very expensive. Misleading marketing on website. Please do not waste your time and rather visit elsewhere.
Written 29 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AETL2003
Melbourne, Australia53 contributions
I noticed a few people complain about the lack of big game, also some reviews mention that only certain roads can be used, while some of the camps provide Game drives and don'
t permit self drives. Can you please provide some clarity on this, as I get the feeling that this may be part of the reason why not much game is spotted. Your advise on this will be much appreciated.
thank you and kind regards,
Andre.
Raymond W
Kempton Park, South Africa40 contributions
there are a lot of different options in Dinokeng. You can self drive or take a guided tour. There is only one gate for the day visitors to access. I have spotted a Rhino and her baby at the entrance of this gate. The private resorts have there own gates into the park, so you wont pay an entrance. Day visitors and stay over visitors that dont have free access need to pay. I have done several self drives and two guided tours. Me and the wife have seen a lot of game. The big cats are hard to find but they are there. Elephants, Rhinos and the big bucks you wont battle seeing. Depends on when you go and how thick the bush is. I still highly rate Dinokeng. It is also closer than Pilansberg for me
Good day May I please have a qoute on a family package 2 adults and 2 kids for the monthend of July...also may it include a game Drive... for 1 weekend check in Friday checking out Sunday
dgr_4391
Hammanskraal, South Africa
Good day, kindly contact our information office and we will gladly assist you with a quotation
Do they have heated pool?
dgr_4391
Hammanskraal, South Africa
Good day, it will depend on the lodge you visit. There are 50 lodges here
George B
4 contributions
Hello we are planning a weekend at mooplasie and we have a Honda jazz. We want to know if our vehicle will be good on the self drive routes? Also, if we are checking in on Saturday and leaving Monday morning, how much will all the permits and conservation fees be please? Thanks
dgr_4391
Hammanskraal, South Africa
Good day, yes your vehicle will be sufficient, just stay on the sedan routes. Please take into consideration that all tracks are gravel road and more like bush tracks. Single Day Permits: R250 per vehicle (with up to ten occupants).
Two or Three Day Permit packages are also available at a cost of R380.00 or R450.00 respectively. So depending if you would like to buy a 2 or 3 day permit.
The conservation fees are a once off levy and is R30 per adult & R20 per child (2-12)
sabercore
Krugersdorp, South Africa4 contributions
What are the accommodation options?
dgr_4391
Hammanskraal, South Africa
Good day,
We have numerous accommodation options. Depending on what you are looking for. Self-catering, Fully catered, Camping, Luxury tented camps. You can visit our website to get more info
Christopher N
Cape Town3 contributions
Let me detail my requirements.
1. There will be group of about 20 people max. More likely 16 or so. Mixed sexes. No children
2. Accommodation needs to be simple and comfortable. 3/4 people to a room is acceptable
3. Self catering. No liquor.
4. Exclusive use and privacy
5.We would want to walk a lot.
6. Access to natural water. Preferably a river/stream or at least a dam..
7. We would be there for a week. Saturday to Saturday. Potential dates March 26 to April 1
8. Central kitchen and dining area.
9. An area where we can work. This could be the dining area or preferabl a boma type structure.
10 We will come and go by bus.
dgr_4391
Hammanskraal, South Africa
Good day, thank you for your inquiry - we will be able to source you a quote. Please contact our office
cornelias475
Heidelberg, South Africa2 contributions
Hi,
We will be visiting the park in August 2016. Is there a all in one map that will show where we stay and where the restaurants are and where to drive
dgr_4391
Hammanskraal, South Africa
Hi Cornelia, we are busy finalizing our "all in one map", showing all the lodges. Where will you be staying? Then I can send you the relevant information
MRRJr
Sydney, Australia134 contributions
Hi, I will be having a few days stopover in Johannesburg and want to see the Big 5 while there, so Dinokeng sounds like a great way to do it. I don't plan to hire a car to drive through the reserve. Are there any organized tours I can just join, coming out of Johannesburg? Like a day trip or two-day trip? What are the costs?
DrhermanK
Benoni, South Africa1Â 276 contributions
Hi, we went to the Reserve because it offered a self drive facility. I saw that there are paid game drives but I do not know if they provide transport from Johannesburg. My experience is that you have to get to the Lodge or Camp and then you will be taken on a game drive.
Elsabe707
Pretoria, South Africa
Can we visit the park for one day only?
Richard100848ZA
Pretoria, South Africa57 contributions
Yes indeed.
Elsabe707
Pretoria, South Africa
We are staying in Pretoria and want to know if it is possible to drive through the reserve for a day
Michelle P
Johannesburg, South Africa8 contributions
Yes it is
Frequently Asked Questions about Dinokeng Game Reserve
- Dinokeng Game Reserve is open:
- Sun - Sat 08:00 - 16:00
- We recommend booking Dinokeng Game Reserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Dinokeng Game Reserve tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Dinokeng Game Reserve:
- Half Day 'Big 5' Dinokeng Safari, minutes from Johannesburg (From RÂ 2Â 034,95)
- Safari Game Drive - Dinokeng Game Reserve (From RÂ 2Â 489,34)
- 2 Days/ 1 Night - Dinokeng Safaris and Cullinan tours (From RÂ 5Â 172,68)
- Private 'Big 5' Dinokeng Safari minutes from Johannesburg (From RÂ 8Â 390,56)
- 3 Day 'Big 5' Safari and Soweto Short Break (From RÂ 10Â 488,24)
- Hotels near Dinokeng Game Reserve:
- (0.02 km) Owl Spot
- (0.02 km) Tshikwalo Game Lodge
- (3.48 km) Abendruhe Lodge
- (7.15 km) Golden Impalas Bush Resort
- (3.69 km) LookOut Safari Lodge
- Restaurants near Dinokeng Game Reserve:
- (3.72 km) Thunder Bay Spur Steak Ranch
- (8.43 km) Kingfisher Restaurant
- (3.71 km) Nando's
- (12.66 km) Arlington Brewery & Cidery
- (2.20 km) Debonairs Pizza
- Attractions near Dinokeng Game Reserve:
- (2.85 km) Big Sky Ballooning
- (4.29 km) Carousel Casino & Entertainment World
- (10.24 km) International Primate Rescue
- (4.34 km) Big 5 Ballooning
- (2.41 km) Makopa Reptile Park