Gauteng

Dinokeng Game Reserve


Dinokeng is the only free-roaming Big Five reserve in Gauteng and was established in the early 2000s as a community-driven conservation initiative. Its accessibility and flexible safari options make it ideal for short stays, weekend getaways and first-time safari experiences.

BushBreaks & More offer the Best Rates & Special Packages for gauteng game lodge bookings at luxury safari lodges in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. View all Dinokeng Game Reserve accommodation specials listed below.

The Dinokeng Game Reserve is the first free-roaming Big Five game reserve in Gauteng next to an urbanized area. It is a private/public initiative for which planning and development started in the early 2000’s. It was officially opened on 22 September 2011 after the introduction of four of the Big 5. The last of the Big 5, the buffalo, were introduced in late 2012 and they have settled into the game reserve well.

The Dinokeng Game Reserve is situated near Hammanskraal, a mere 40 minutes from Pretoria and 1.5 hour easy drive from OR Tambo International Airport and Johannesburg. The Reserve is also the only game reserve in the Gauteng Province that houses the Big 5 (elephant, lion, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard). It also boasts cheetah and brown hyena and a big variety of general plains game and giraffe.

At a glance

Location Gauteng, near Pretoria/Johannesburg
Getting there ±1–1.5 hours from Johannesburg/Pretoria
Size ±18,500 hectares
Ownership Public-private reserve
Game experience Big 5
Malaria risk Malaria-free
Safari style Self-drive and guided safaris
Landscape Bushveld plains with river systems
Wildlife highlights Big Five sightings close to urban centres
Best for Easy-access Big Five safaris near the city

Accommodation & specials in Dinokeng Game Reserve

Save 42%
Little Mongena Tented Camp
Gauteng, Dinokeng Game Reserve

From R2,743

Last Minute Rate book within 14 days - Min 2 nights

From 01 Dec 2025 to 30 Nov 2026

Save 42%
Mongena Private Game Lodge
Gauteng, Dinokeng Game Reserve

From R2,743

Last Minute book within 14 days - Min 2 nights

From 01 Dec 2025 to 30 Nov 2026

Save 45%
Nako Safari Lodge
Gauteng, Dinokeng Game Reserve

From R4,400

Last Minute book within 60 days

From 05 Jan to 31 Oct 2026

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