Dinokeng Resort

Dinokeng Resort

Valk Gravel Road Portion 24,25 & 32 of, FARM Welgevonden124JR, Dinokeng Game Reserve, Tau tar road, Hammanskraal 0049 South Africa
This is one of the warm swimming pools, very comfortable.
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Family and Play Areas (1)

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About

#15 of 15 lodges in Hammanskraal
3.7 of 5 bubbles
Location
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Value
2.3 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
1.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
3.5 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
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Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans
Property amenities
Free parking
Pool
Indoor pool
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids' outdoor play equipment
BBQ facilities

Location

Valk Gravel Road Portion 24,25 & 32 of, FARM Welgevonden124JR, Dinokeng Game Reserve, Tau tar road, Hammanskraal 0049 South Africa
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Detailed Reviews
KellyG wrote a review Jan 2020
Pretoria, South Africa
+1
2.0 of 5 bubbles
A nice quick drive from Pretoria, only 45 minutes. Self catering chalet accommodation is average, the biggest issue is the room (Tsukudu) is it is as hot as an oven and could definitely use an air conditioner and place to pack your groceries.

The camping sites are rather large and ablution blocks are nice and close, loads of taps and electric points available which is super convenient.

The pools are lovely and clean. The super tubes need some maintenance however, they are a little damaged (probably from normal day to day and the sun wear and tear). The on site shop and take away food are good and stock the usuals.

The new addition of the childrens play are is an absolute winner however... There definitely needs to be more maintenance and care taken as the grounds are full of thorns from the thorn trees (little children feet and huge white thorns are not a good combination) and there is also a large amount of rubbish beneath the trampoline.

All in all, I would recommend the camping over the self catering Chalets.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda Williams wrote a review Apr 2021
Gauteng, South Africa
2.0 of 5 bubbles
This place is shocking. Besides the fact that they think there is no COVID 19 in the world. No staff wear masks. No masks needed in the shops or bars. Not enough hand sanitizers for clients to use. But the public Indoor heated pool is closed due to COVID.

There is no consistency in this resort at the pools or water slides. On public holidays there is no life guards to control kids. But after two days of playing and having fun. They now implant 4 life Guards with no masks, that threaten kids when they have done something wrong. “I will make you stand by me for 20mim if you don’t do as I say.

Staff in particular the life guard working on 3rd April. Saturday which only arrived just before 12 after the park has been open since this morning at 9 or 10am and the ever so friendly Johanna that’s supposed to be the manager and control The park. First of all also arrives by me with no mask. Which tried to make excuses for the none existing Implantation of rules for the first 2 days. She has no manager skills and also does not know how to deal with clients.

If you don’t implement rules from the start with kids. How do you implement it after words. Note. You never will.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela Buckle wrote a review Dec 2021
South Africa
3.0 of 5 bubbles
I have camped all over South Africa for many years and recently decided to try the Dinokeng Resort during the almost '4th wave' with the pandemic because it was close to Joburg, they do not allow Day Visitors and its quite secluded.

So let's begin with the bitter...

Most schools I'm aware of, have cancelled all tours, class parties and excursions so you can but imagine the surprise when 2X busloads of young teenagers arrived, 2 days in a row with most not wearing masks, no evident adult supervision or any Covid protocols being put into place. Under the Dinokeng Resort's website 'About Us' it says, "Dinokeng Resort does not allow day visitors so make sure to book book book in advance!" Yes, if you search under all the extra content, you eventually find that school excursions are allowed. Not sure the difference and their meaning of Day Visitors? Point is, I would have appreciated as a PAYING guest that we would have received courtesy communication asking if we were still comfortable at staying at the resort considering the recent Presidential address so we could make better decisions accordingly.

What made matters worse is on my way to the camping guest ablution block, I couldn't use the bathroom as the entrance was blocked with dressing teenagers and inside was crowded with them unmasked getting ready for the pool. No staff or management were on duty to prevent the day visitors using our ablutions that are so close to the pools or redirecting them to bathrooms allocated.

In that moment, I bumped into Joanna (General Manager) and spoke to her about my valid concerns and her attitude was quite unexpected... I conveyed to her:

- About the lack of communication to her guests regarding the busloads of kids visiting the resort. (I can confirm that I met with more than 10 guests that were incredibly upset and complaining, even sending emails of which the same responses were given).

- The camping ablution facilities being packed with day visitors and this posing a risk to the guests. After I mentioned that her guests comprise of so many elderly and its putting them at risk, she proceeded to say, "that's their problem"! Sure, the elderly can choose to not go to the pool but how do they not go to the loo?

- One of my biggest concerns was the fact that not one mask was being worn by staff or anyone in her small shop. (Never mind her lack of mask when she was attending to guests who were complaining about the noise in camp after hours). There is a sign at the shop stating 'no mask, no entry' but if your own staff (6 were in the shop that I recall) can't even follow this rule, how do you expect anyone else to respect it? There were queues of people, all close to one another and no protocols were being followed. (I wonder if her staff get Covid, which is highly likely, do their salaries even still get covered when they are not able to work?)

In regards to the above, her response to me was, "well then don't go to the pools or shops- that's your choice". (~stunned~). I would have at the very least expected, "I understand your frustration, why not try this particular secluded pool in the resort" or "we will make sure the day visitors use the swimming pool bathrooms rather". Not even the slightest sympathy for the troubling situation. Clearly gaging from her response- Covid doesn't access the premises. I was hoping that after the conversation she at least would have spoken to the staff at the shop to follow more hygienic protocols, instead she sat on a nearby table chatting to whoever, barely caring about all her guests' frustrations that were unfolding around.

Other concerns were that the waterslides need some maintenance as another guest sliced his arm wide open which needed stitches and even, I got quite badly hurt on a slide from the sections not being connected properly. The indoor heated pool, which is enclosed and a tiny space was still open to everyone to use which in my opinion, should have been closed. I would suggest a lifeguard on duty at the large pool when the area is busy. There only seems to be 2X lifeguards for such a large area who were chatting and spending time together at the one set of slides instead of focusing on the area.

Not wanting to compete with the small crowds of guests and now huge crowds of day visitors with the pandemic, my family and myself had to make the RESPONSIBLE decision to find another quiet pool by the chalets until 3pm when we could finally use the facilities we have paid for. It was here where we met with other frustrated guests, who too had a terrible experience with Joanna and had concerns regarding their Covid protocols.

Now I'll finish with the sweet...

If you are able to look past the terrible management and attitudes... the camping stands are clean, well maintained and the grass is so soft that you don't even need ground covers! I was impressed with the dustbins and braai's being cleaned daily and the ablution block was kept clean with shower areas larger than normal. The bird sightings around the campsite, including the frequent visit from the Woodlands Kingfisher, was spectacular.

The little time the kids actually had around the swimming pool slides etc, they really enjoyed. For a parent with smaller children, most of the large pool and the outside heated pool is undercover so it protects the young ones from the harsh sun.

The takeaway kiosk serves really reasonably priced and delicious food.

I loved hearing the lions roaring early in the morning and the walks around the property are pleasant. My kids really enjoyed fishing at the dam which radiates picturesque displays during sunset.

My suggestion for the resort- you have lovely facilities and such a gem of a location but spend more time in upskilling your staff in regard to hospitality and that detailed service and you could be more than average. Considering our tourism industry has been hit incredibly hard during all the lockdowns, perhaps start taking seriously the protocols needed to be put in place to ensure to the best of your ability, your guests' safety. People are tryin to make calculated decisions (knowing there will always be a risk), keeping safety in mind whilst supporting the industry so they also want to feel that the destination is doing the best they can to ensure that safety which starts with the small details. I see that negative reviews regarding similar problems and people have been carrying on for a while, at what point does that start being taken seriously before people start choosing alternative options in the Dinokeng that cater to those needs?

I've been in this industry for decades and one thing I know is, you can have the most amazing facilities but what separates one from the other is level of hospitality and service!!!
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Date of stay: December 2021
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: The normal camping stands are much larger than the private!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jade wrote a review Feb 2023
Bela Bela, South Africa
1.0 of 5 bubbles
1/5

The resort has made no arrangements for load shedding, not even one battery operated light in the chalets.
The water stops running when load shedding happens so no showers or flushing toilets.
If only the new management would spend their time looking to
Improve the experience at the resort instead of nit picking the guests.
I watched the manager and his wife be incredibly rude to a group of guests, going so far as to radio the male staff of the resort to surround the guests to intimidate them and try look powerful.
The look in the staff faces was of annoyance and confusion for having been called at 9:30pm for no real reason.
What a shame to see a nice resort go downhill due to bad management.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annette W wrote a review Aug 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We arrived on 13/8/2023 and are leaving on 25/8.
Such a fantastic place to camp and spend time. Colleen is very friendly as well as the other staff. Concerns are addressed immediately and the resort is very well managed.The take away food is very tasty, the pools are clean and the braai’s and litter holders are emptied every day
We are regulars and will always support them .
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky A wrote a review Feb 2021
Lephalale, South Africa
+1
1.0 of 5 bubbles
We decided to go to Dinokeng Holiday Resort for the weekend. The slides were super nice, but the accomodation is defenitely not worth it. The curtains is white, just one rail, therefore daylight in the room day and night. The dirt in the place is stuck!!! Need to be cleaned with brushes. Place was painted 2 colours of grey, on one wall. Seems like they have run out of paint.
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Date of stay: February 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Purplestorm83 wrote a review Feb 2023
Benoni, South Africa
1.0 of 5 bubbles
The new managers at Dinokeng have unfortunately ruined the entire vibe at the resort. The husband and wife team are very rude and spoke to us as if were were school children, instead of paying customers.

None of our group of 33 people will return. There was a noise complaint about our birthday party which when a fellow camper asked for the music to go down we complied & apologized. Most of our group were in bed by 22:00.

The manger & his wife barged into our camp in the morning to shout at 2 of our group who had nothing to do with the music.
Then at 11am came back to scold us & ruin our afternoon because we played soft music over brunch. (As many other campers were doing)

The audacity of blaming us for noise when we were woken by a leaf blower at 6:45am , the refuse collection happening first thing in the morning! That is completely unnecessary noise for a Saturday morning. We have to tolerate their noise and many screaming toddlers, so little bit of soft music in the afternoon is not much to ask.

Three other camp sites were playing music and weren’t reprimanded. The managers aren’t focused on making the camp a pleasant experience blowing a whistle at the swimmers. They choose who to bully to try show their prowess as managers.
We saw huge changes from our last visit and it could even be seen on the faces of the many staff at the camp.

They even picked on our kids for splashing in the pool.
We’ve been here many times before and never been treated like this.

We then watched the manageress point our group out to other campers and smirk as she walked passed. This woman is a toxic addition to a normally welcoming atmosphere.
Her whistle and walkie talkie should be confiscated immediately!

My friend has been a frequent and loyal customer to the camp site over the past 6 years and was spoken to in an unacceptable manner in front of all his friends.
The manager threatened to remove my friend and called him arrogant, when he was nothing but polite & apologetic. 14 of us witnessed this appalling behavior from a resort manager who clearly has no experience in the hospitality industry.

These managers have cost the resort untold future earnings.
None of us will return! There are many other lovely resorts that welcome you instead of this shocking treatment we all experienced.
Talking to the campers near us they were shocked at what was going on.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JayDawgZA wrote a review Feb 2023
1.0 of 5 bubbles
I decided to write this review because as a business owner myself, I was appalled by the way the manager and manageress spoke to customers at this resort. If these managers were in my employment, they would be fired!
Both the manager and manageress were extremely rude and belligerent to paying guests. They had no people skills whatsoever and upon chatting to other staff onsite we learned that they were demotivated and downtrodden having to work under them. Having spent just a weekend with these so-called managers was enough for me, imagine the poor staff working with them day in and day out!
As a business owner, bad representation of your business can and will lead to its demise. I hope you act quickly to try and salvage your reputation.
“The way you treat your employees is the way they will treat your customers.“
– Richard Branson
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bellsyoungleson wrote a review Mar 2020
Edenvale, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had the private ablution camp sites and could not fault them. Big bathrooms, lovely big paved areas and portable braai’s supplied.
The pools were great and the kids were entertained the whole weekend - we will define be back!
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katjab88 wrote a review Oct 2021
Cheltenham, United Kingdom
1.0 of 5 bubbles
-5 was our experience.

When booking I did advise I had two children under the age of two. We were booked in a upstairs unit. No assistance was given when we arrived to help carry our stuff up stairs this made it from the start of our stay difficult. No manager came to check how our stay was during our time there.

The only braai facilitie was down stairs were we had to continuously walk up and down carrying everything. Once again making it difficult with the kids.

As the kids went to bed we couldn't enjoy our time at the fire either as ther was a balcony with no key to lock so it was a continuous walking up and down checking if the kids were okay.

The kitchen was not well equipped. No cupboard space to unpack groceries.

Very disappointing stay we will not be back!!
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan B asked a question Sept 2023
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Hairdryer as part of amenities or must I take my own?
Answer from Sandy R
Pretoria, South Africa76 contributions13 helpful votes
Yes you can take alcohol in. They also have a bar and restaurant on the premises, but as campers or if you are visiting the chalets you can take cooler boxes with your refreshments - you cannot drink out of glass at the pool areas.
Marjorie H wrote a tip May 2023
Cape Town, South Africa27 contributions1 helpful vote
1.0 of 5 bubbles
"If the gate keeper rules the roost, you are in for trouble."
Read full review
Pamela Buckle wrote a tip Dec 2021
South Africa21 contributions2 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"The normal camping stands are much larger than the private!"
Read full review
Sandy R wrote a tip Feb 2019
Pretoria, South Africa76 contributions13 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Chalets closer to the camping area are a better choice, they are also close to the swimming pools and small shop."
Read full review
750katherinec wrote a tip Jan 2019
JHB71 contributions12 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"None! Just avoid them all!"
Read full review
Isabel V wrote a tip Sept 2018
1 contribution5 helpful votes
1.0 of 5 bubbles
"dont go there badbadbad"
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LOCATION
South AfricaGautengHammanskraal
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DINOKENG RESORT - Lodge Reviews (Hammanskraal, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about Dinokeng Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Dinokeng Resort?
Nearby attractions include Dinokeng Activities (6.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Dinokeng Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free parking, and kids activities.
What food & drink options are available at Dinokeng Resort?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Dinokeng Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Dinokeng Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Kingfisher Restaurant, Arlington Brewery & Cidery, and The Slide Dinokeng.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Dinokeng Resort?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool during their stay.