The Dinokeng Region, Gauteng
Just north-east of urban Joburg and Tshwane lies the vibrant and warm, big-sky region of Dinokeng, where the world's largest diamond was discovered. Today the area is sparkling with natural, cultural and historical attractions. Marketed as the place the world’s largest diamond was discovered because of its proximity to Cullinan, Dinokeng lies about 45 minutes’ north-east of Johannesburg, and a mere 14 minutes from Pretoria / Tshwane.
Did you know? Dinokeng translates into 'place of two rivers' - in this case the Elands and Pienaars.
Referring to an area, rather than a particular town, Dinokeng is part of an initiative by the government to establish a tourist destination close to urban Gauteng that lies roughly in the catchments area of two rivers - the Elands and Pienaars - that subsequently flow into the greater Olifants and Limpopo Rivers.
Did you know? Once you've booked your hotel or Dinokeng accommodation, explore the town and destination pages below for info on attractions, activities and things to do when you visit the Dinokeng Region.
The land has witnessed a number of different cultures, which together form something of a melting pot of history. The Tswana, Pedi, Afrikaans, Ndebele, English and Tsonga-speaking people have all had significant effects upon the land and rolling grasslands of Dinokeng; and Anglo-Boer War blockhouses, battle sites, cemeteries and forts are all evidence of the conflicts that have left their mark.
There is a lot to do and see in the Dinokeng Region. Three dams lie in the area - Mkhombo, Rust de Winter and Roodeplaat; the historic homes of the Sammy Marks Museum, the village of Rust de Winter, and what remains of the Wallmansthal Mission all reflect the old ways of life; whilst Dinokeng is one of the country’s prime bird watching areas, second only to Ndumo in the St Lucia area in terms of the diversity of species.
The Dinokeng Game Reserve, part of the government’s initiative, is run by a non-profit company and combines about 270 property-owners’ land in what will be a 90 000 hectare game reserve that offers Big Five game viewing, a wealth of archaeological sites that take visitors back to the Stone Age, and a unique cultural experience in the form of art and craft studios for local artisans.
Find accommodation in Dinokeng
South Africa Accommodation / Gauteng Accommodation / Northern Gauteng Accommodation / Dinokeng Accommodation
NAKO Safari Lodge
Located in the Pride of Africa Nature Reserve, Dinokeng, NAKO Safari Lodge offers guests a 5 Star, Big 5 Safari getaway just 1 hour from Johannes...
Tshikwalo Guest House
Mokha Guest House is located near to Klipdrift, within the Dinokeng Game Reserve and offers comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests. Tshikw...
Siyaya Homestead
Siyaya Homestead is located on the malaria free Pride of African Nature Reserve within the Dinokeng Game Reserve. At Siyaya Bush Lodge you can en...
Ngala Lodge
Ngala Lodge offers accommodation in the peaceful malaria-free Dinokeng Reserve which is the first free-roaming Big 5 game reserve in Gauteng. The...
Thekwane Lodge
Situated within the Dinokeng Game Reserve, Thekwane Lodge offers both B&B and self catering accommodation options. The lodge overlooks a waterhol...
Abloom Bush Lodge and Spa Retreat
In the beauty of an undiscovered bush valley you can find accommodation in the 5 star equivalent Abloom Bush Lodge & Spa Retreat. Just outside of...
Mangwa Valley Game Lodge
Mangwa Valley Game Lodge is home to 3 of the Big 5, and and offers accommodation in a romantic setting where nature has inspired the development ...
Foreva Wild
Foreva Wild is situated 30 minutes or roughly 50kms north of Pretoria (Gauteng) in the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve. Choose from one of our deluxe...
Lookout Safari Lodge
Situated within the malaria free Dinokeng Game Reserve, Lookout Safari Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for up to 14 guests in a selection ...
Destinations in the Dinokeng Region
Boekenhoutskloof
Overnight? Boekenhoutskloof accommodation
About half an hour’s drive north east of Pretoria, nestled in the foothills of the Bobbejaans Mountains, lies Boekenhoutskloof, named, it seems, after the Boekenhout tree that is prevalent in the area.
It is hard to believe that it’s possible to achie...
Bronkhorstspruit
Overnight? Bronkhorstspruit accommodation
The little town of Bronkhorstspruit that forms the point of a triangle with Rayton and Bapsfontein, about 50 kilometres east of Pretoria, is a little farming community that deserves a visit for the sheer beauty of the area and because it is home to the Na...
Buffelsdrift
Overnight? Buffelsdrift accommodation
Lying on the western boundaries of the Dinokeng area, between the Roodeplaat Dam and the N1 highway, Buffelsdrift Conservancy has become a popular place to visit not only because it is so easy to reach, so close to both Pretoria and Johannesburg, but also...
Cullinan
Overnight? Cullinan accommodation
The charming little village of Cullinan that has managed to hold on to much of its mine village character - its historic stone and corrugated iron mine workers’ houses, offices and churches a throwback to the mining times of the early 1900s - lies 30 kilo...
De Wagensdrift
Overnight? De Wagensdrift accommodation
Head slightly north east of Pretoria for roughly 40 kilometres and you will find De Wagensdrift, an area dominated by farmland and wide open spaces; an ideal spot from which to experience a 'bushland' escape, whilst remaining close to the city.
De Wag...
Doornkloof
It is interesting, when you start tracing its roots, to realise that this part of northern Johannesburg, known as Centurion, has its heritage steeped in history despite being modern. Lying between Pretoria and Midrand it once had not only its own town ...
Hammanskraal
Overnight? Hammanskraal accommodation
Roughly 30 minutes from Pretoria, virtually on the border with the North West Province, the little town of Hammanskraal lies just off the N1 - the R101 runs directly through it. It’s not a particularly pretty town by any one’s standards. Its neglect is a ...
Leeuwkloof Valley
Overnight? Leeuwkloof Valley accommodation
For visitors to South Africa that want to enjoy all of the conveniences of the big city, but prefer to stay overnight outside Johannesburg and Pretoria, there are gorgeous spas, weekend retreats and lodges in the Leeuwkloof Valley.
This beautiful vall...
Rayton
Overnight? Rayton accommodation
Not far from the historical village of Cullinan is the little town of Rayton, another settlement to have evolved from the discovery of diamonds in the area.
With the opening of the Premier Mine in the vicinity, many diamond diggers made their way to t...
Roodeplaat
Overnight? Roodeplaat accommodation
The Roodeplaat Dam was constructed in 1956 and was initially called the 'Pienaars Rivier Dam'. The Dam supplied the surrounding landowners with irrigation and was later developed into a tourism destination.
Rich with abundant fish, bird and wildlife, t...