Dinokeng Day Trip
The malaria-free Dinokeng Game Reserve is located on the north eastern quadrant of the Gauteng Province. It is situated just north or Pretoria and is only an hour and half drive from Johannesburg. It is therefor a great option for a quick getaway from city life.
South Africa recently moved to lockdown level2 and full domestic leisure travel is once again allowed. So on the 19th August 2020 myself and a few team members decided to get away from the “covid-19 lockdown blues” and take a day trip to Dinokeng. Apart from escaping the frustrations of lockdown and restrictions, we wanted to learn more about the reserve and the lodges that offer accommodation and game drives in the area.
The name of the Dinokeng Game Reserve (DGR) is derived from the languages of the traditional native people that inhabited the area. Donokeng means “a place of rivers”, and it lies in the catchment area of two rivers that flow into the Olifants and Limpopo rivers.
Dinokeng is a curious mix of farmland, conservation and wildlife. It is a success in Eco-tourism and sustainable land use. Most of the farms have been converted into game lodges and most have taken down fences so animals can roam more freely.
After we entered the reserve we headed for our first stop, namely Mongena game lodge. There were a surprising number vehicles and the place was busier than we expected. Seems some other people had the same idea and also took advantage of the relaxed domestic travel restrictions. The lodge was rather busy for a weekday and this was good to see.
Mongena is a semi-luxury 4 star lodge. It is an impressive lodge that is professionally managed. I can well see some Safari With Us guests enjoying an overnight stay at Mongena. There is plenty of on-site parking for people who want to self-drive to the lodge. The reception area is welcoming and leads on to a lounge type area where you can relax, order drinks and refreshments.
Mongena has a total of 29 rooms and that can accommodate 59 guests. The outside Lapa is next to the bar area and can be used for barbecues and related outdoor functions.
Large well-kept gardens add to the spacious feel of the lodge. There is an onsite restaurant with views over a small dam. Mongena also has conference rooms and related facilities.
We met with the management team at Mongena to discuss future collaboration and business. One of the great things about Mongena are the activities on offer. These include
- Guided game drives in the Dinokeng Reserve
- Bush Walks with armed ranger
- Sunset boat cruises on the Mongena Lake
- Bass Fishing (catch and release)
It was a productive meeting and we now offer day trips as well as overnight stays to Dinokeng and Mongena.
You can see details of our 3 day Dinokeng luxury safari by following the weblink below.
We also offer offer 2 day trips as well as a day safari.
We then went on an impromptu 1 hour open vehicle game drive. The Mongena lake is one of the highlights of a guided game drive from Mongena. Our guide had extensive knowledge of the bush, its habitat and wildlife. At the dam we also saw crocodiles, hippos and several bird species including a giant eagle owl. Along the route we came across general game such as kudu, zebra and impala.
After our game drive it was time to leave Mongena and explore some self-drive areas of the reserve. You can drive along the winding self-drive route, linger at a bird-hide and enjoy a barbecue or snacks at one of the picnic sites.
During our self-drive safari we came across several antelope including impala, kudu, waterbuck and eland. We also had sightings of zebra, giraffe and bandit mongoose. Along the route made a quick stop at the microlight field from where adventurous traveler can experience and exhilarating aerial safari.
Our next stop was a lodge called Tsikwalo. We stopped for lunch at their onsite restaurant. The food was good and the ambiance warm and inviting. After lunch we met the lodge manager who showed us around the lodge.
This is a small cozy lodge 4 star lodge and great getaway option for couples, families and friends. It is also a bush venue that is ideal for functions such as birthdays, anniversaries, year-end functions and more. Their accommodation is a mix of standard chalets, luxury chalets and family units. They offer both fully catered and self-catering options. They also have a small campsite for those who want a cheaper option and enjoy the excitements of camping.
We will definitely be sending guests to Tsikwalo as well.
This was a productive day trip to Dinokeng Game Reserve. The reserve is malaria free, home to the BIG 5 and within easy driving distance from Johannesburg and Pretoria. The 2 lodges we visited are suitable for discerning guests, whether international or domestic travelers.
If you want an exciting getaway to Dinokeng, we can help. You can see our current options by following the weblink below
