Discovering Dinokeng with Michelle Luffman
Cape Town to Johannesburg
It is serious time for a getaway – getaway from Covid blues, restrictions, lockdowns and stress. I decided to travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg where i have extended family and from there also go on safari for a few days. On Sunday, 27 June 2021, i boarded a SAFAIR flight to Johannesburg. It was a jam packed flight that touched down on time at OR Tambo International airport. I was excited about the adventure ahead.
The first 2 nights i stayed at Airport Inn. A nice, comfortable and affordable lodge close to OR Tambo airport.
I was so happy to see some familiar as well as some new faces. Some years ago i booked an adventure with Safari With Us, and now am joining them for another adventure. It was good to see that my previous driver, Thabo was still there. On this safari he will be my driver again.
I enjoyed my stay at Airport Inn, also known as Emerald Guest House.
They implement the proper Covid protocols, which is important for safe travelling in these trying times. My room was comfortable and i enjoyed the garden areas and outside spaces. During my stay at Airport Inn i took the opportunity to visit my extended family in Randburg. It was a pleasant visit but time-strapped as we had to get back to the hotel before the 9 pm curfew.
Now the day of my safari approached.
Dinokeng Game Reserve – A great Getaway close to Johannesburg
I had pre-booked a 3 day Dinokeng safari through Safari With Us. I was glad to travel with my favorite driver, Thabo. We left mid-morning and arrived at the Dinokeng gate around midday. It was only 90 minutes drive from Johannesburg. From there it was a short drive to the lodge, Mongena. I did not know what to expect. I love surprises and left it to Safari With Us to book the lodge. I could feel the excitement building inside me as we entered the Mongena gate.
Mongena Game Lodge
My first impressions surpassed my expectations, by far. At reception there was a sanitizing station. Below i signing in at the sanitizing station.
And this is me at the reception entrance.
I received a warm and friendly welcome. I felt right at home.
Here is my lovely chalet where i stayed.
My room was well-appointed with all the amenities one would expect from a 4 star lodge.
After checking into my room, i could not wait to explore. I was struck by the sweeping lawns dotted with thatched cottages and shady trees. Monkeys scattered up the trees and various gazelle and antelope grazed around on the sprawling lawns.
A lovely pool added the finishing touch to this picture perfect place.
They also have an on-site restaurant, bar area, boma area, pool table and lounge area.
The lodge is beautiful, the food is great and the service is 5 star. But the main reason I came here was to experience wild life.
Game Drives at Dinokeng Reserve
There is something special about experiencing a game drive in an open sided jeep as opposed to a closed vehicle. You feel closer to nature and the experience is more intense. The elevated position allows allows for better game viewing.
The game drives led by our professional ranger, were fantastic. As we departed on game drive, the green of the camp gave way to the brown and greys of the winter bushveld.
It was not long before a rhino and her calf surprised us.
As did a couple who got engaged in the middle of the bushveld during our rest stop!
On the morning drive we had blankets, hot water bottles and beanies to help keep out the cold.
We heard the stomach-churning roar of a male lion in the distance.
Then we spotted the lioness with 5 little cubs. It was a precious site.
Other sightings included giraffe, kudu, elephant, aardvark, jackal, and plains game.
Our guide, Francois, was truly excellent. He kept us informed and offered fascinating insights into wild life and even covered finer details of the bushveld.
Boat Cruise at Dinokeng
Another great experience was the boat cruise on Boekenhout Lake.
Our sunset cruise on the lake was unforgettable. Winding waterways keeps you in suspense as you wait to see what is around the next bend.
An enormous crocodile and some water lizards were sunning themselves catching the last of the fading day’s rays. Noisy white breasted cormorants perched on trees guarding their nests and fledglings. Snorting hippos were around and an enormous bull bared his jaws to warn us off. The far-off cry of a fish eagle reminded me that the call of the wild is profound.
The boat trip ended with a beautiful sunset.
Back to Johannesburg
29 June was sadly the last day of my safari adventure. And what an adventure it was! For those who want to travel i say do so. Don’t let covid restrictions stop you from adventures such as this. You can travel safely and when you are at a safari lodge such as Mongena, you are safer in all ways than in a city setting. So go and experience your adventure. Don’t lose out because of unfounded fear!
