Discover the Hidden Magic of Dinokeng: Where the Big Five Roam Without the Crowds—Your Next Adventure Awaits!

After decades of hopping between safari lodges across Africa, I’ve come to realize that every place has its own unique charm—some stun you with wildlife, others with breathtaking scenery, a few impress purely on convenience, and then there are those rare gems that instantly feel like home. On my latest South African adventure, NAKO Safari Lodge in Dinokeng Game Reserve managed to check every single box on that list. Now, isn’t it wild to think you can dive into a true safari experience just over an hour from Johannesburg’s bustling airport? Especially when you have just one night to spare and a family eager for a taste of the wild! With a seamless airport pickup, cozy two-bedroom suites perfect for my three sons and me, and a steady parade of rhinos, giraffes, and even a cheeky civet right outside the pool, NAKO proved that sometimes the best safari surprises come closer than you expect. Ready to feel the pulse of the bush without the logistical headaches? Let’s plunge into how this inviting lodge stitched convenience, luxury, and raw nature into an unforgettable 24 hours. LEARN MORE

After many decades of staying at safari lodges across Africa, I’ve learnt that some places stand out for their wildlife, some for their scenery, some for sheer convenience – and others, simply because they make you feel completely at home.  On my most recent trip to South Africa, NAKO Safari Lodge in Dinokeng Game Reserve managed to tick all of these boxes!

Normally when I go to Southern Africa, I always book at least 3 nights for any safari to ensure we get two full days and enough time out in the bush to see some quality game. 

However, on this particular trip, we were gathering primarily for a family reunion … visiting three different locations over just ten days for my father’s 80^th Birthday celebrations – and I unfortunately had only one night available to take my three sons, aged 20, 15 and 15 on safari.

A short skip to Dinokeng

Given our safari needed to be on the very first night of our trip, I was not overly keen to hire a car and self-drive after two long flights via Addis Ababa with very little sleep. It would also mean travelling to an area I had never been before, and navigating my way in the dark as our Ethiopian flight was landing at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo at 4am! Yikes.

So, on discovering that Dinokeng Game Lodge was just over an hour away from the airport – and that NAKO Safari Lodge could fetch us from the airport, take us straight to the lodge in a lovely comfortable vehicle and drop us off with our family in Pretoria the day after was very appealing! Everything worked like clockwork and we were delighted to arrive at NAKO in time for breakfast – already fully in safari mode, having spotted a red hartebeest (first time for me in 50 years of safaris!) and some beautiful rhinos- and that was just on our way to the lodge from the Pride of Africa Nature Reserve gate!

I was mildly sceptical of what the game viewing would be like so close to Johannesburg – but boy did we pack an awful lot of sightings into 24 hours – spotting four of the Big Five plus enjoying a really lucky cheetah sighting! 

Where the wildlife comes to you

One of the things that immediately struck us about NAKO Safari Lodge was its beautiful setting, tucked amongst some beautiful big trees and our warm welcome from management couple Choert and Tanya.

I think our favourite thing about it was probably the waterhole right in front of the rim-flow pool (which is slightly heated), just the other side of the fence.  We even saw a civet come down to drink!

We spent the morning relaxing around the pool and lounging  in our suites watching the wildlife come and go including giraffes, wildebeest, kudus and a herd of Cape buffalo.  The warthogs were particularly entertaining, adopting the waterhole as their own personal spa, happily wallowing in the mud baths.  The birdlife in camp was also phenomenal (350 species recorded in the reserve) – with plenty of southern, yellow-billed hornbills (Zazu birds) hopping about the surrounding gardens. 

It was a lovely reminder that you don’t always need to be bumping along a dirt track to game view. A wonderful way to wildlife watch after a long flight for sure! NAKO means time in Tswana, and it certainly fits this space. I just wished we had more of it!

Family safari, made easy

We were travelling as a family of four, and were generously allocated two two-bedroom suites, which gave us plenty of space, privacy and flexibility. We could have easily shared one unit, so it felt like a real treat.   The suites were very spacious with air conditioning, desk area, a well-equipped tea/coffee station with mini bar fridge, stocked with drinks, a patio with chairs and even a private fire pit area. Beautiful ensuite bathrooms offered double vanities, a freestanding bath with a view, indoor shower plus an outdoor shower. 

We were the only guests staying that night, so we literally had the whole place to ourselves.  Even when the lodge is full though, it only caters for up to 18 guests in total across its five suites, so it always feels very personal.

My boys also loved that there was a games room where they could play a few games of pool, table tennis and air hockey to burn off some energy. They also operate an honesty bar by the pool ad in your rooms for drinks which adds to the lovely, relaxed vibe. This area is also malaria free which is great for families.

Game drives in The Pride of Africa

With just one night at NAKO, we only had time for two game drives – yet the wildlife sightings were pretty impressive!  We encountered a huge herd of buffalos with lots of calves, towers of giraffes, a sweet little black-backed jackal and saw three separate crashes of white rhinos.

Our guide, Choert, was a big part of what made the experience so enjoyable. His tracking expertise, knowledge of the reserve and ability to read the bush added another dimension to the drives.  The free jokes were just a bonus lol

There is something particularly satisfying about following spoor and slowly piecing together where an animal might be – rather than simply being driven to a sighting that’s been called out to everyone on a radio.  After following some tracks I spotted a lion in the distance, standing right on the road ahead, which quickly disappeared into the bushes as we approached – but Choert had a gut feeling said male lion was making his way down to the waterhole so we drove ahead and waited at a particular crossing spot –  and sure enough, he came sauntering out and he followed us down the track for a good way before walking right past our vehicle and vanished back into the bush!  We all held our breaths and it felt so special!  Best of all – zero other vehicles!

Sundowner and coffee stops are always a big highlight for me and Choert found us a lovely spot on Mongena dam where we watched the sun set with Amarulas in hand! Bliss!

Dinokeng means “place of rivers” and it was launched in September 2011 so it is only 15 years old. Itis the closest free-roaming Big Five destination to Joburg.   Shaing some quality time with a breeding herd of elephants on our morning drive, crowned by seeing a cheetah right near the camp as we were heading back meant we left NAKO feeling like we’d really scratched that safari itch!

Come hungry

Chef Tanya’s cooking was one of the unexpected highlights of our stay.  The food was fabulous, and crucially, it passed the “three-hungry-boys test” with flying colours. We enjoyed delicious hamburgers and chips for lunch – whilst dinner was more fine dining style.   Breakfast started with muesli and yoghurt, fresh fruit, a homemade muffin and some cheese and crackers followed by delicious omelettes.  I could rave for days about Tanya’s rusks and cookies served with coffee/tea/hot chocolate (dash of Amarula anyone?) during our game drives. 

NAKO Safari Lodge has a Stay 4/Pay 3 offer, valid from 1 November 2026 until 31 October 2027 season, excluding peak periods.

Perhaps the best measure of a safari lodge is how reluctant you are to leave. NAKO reminded me that you don’t always have to travel far to enjoy a memorable safari. Sometimes, the wild is much closer than you think!

Have you experienced Dinokeng? If so, please share your experiences in the comments below.

Claire Roadley

Claire Roadley is Founder of Umlingo. Umlingo promotes authentic, sustainable hotels and safari eco lodges across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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