Dinokeng

Description

Dinokeng is popular tourist destination that is rich in traditional culture, history, and wildlife. Best of all, it is only a short distance from the cosmopolitan hub of Pretoria and Johannesburg. With over 275 tourist attractions, from quad biking and fishing, to fireside theatre and drumming workshops, there is something for everyone. To experience South Africa in a day, book your next holiday accommodation in Dinokeng.

Dinokeng lies in the catchment area of the Olifants and Limpopo Rivers. The name means “a place of rivers” and comes from the languages of the Batswana and Bapedi people who have traditionally inhabited this region. According to some African cultures, a catchment area such as this is regarded as a sacred place with healing powers. Whether you believe this or not, Dinokeng is indeed a tranquil haven for anyone’s soul.

Covering over 200,000 hectares, the Dinokeng region includes the Roodeplaat and Rust De Winter dam areas, as well as the towns of Cullinan, Hammanskraal, Rayton, Moloto, and Refilwe. It lies approximately 75km from Johannesburg and 25km from Pretoria, making it an ideal destination to escape the concrete jungle and enjoy a relaxing getaway in natural splendour. De-stress the African way with a rejuvenating experience at one of the many spas and wellness centres. More unusual healing practices include Reiki, drumming circles, angel and crystal healings, and a foot-cleansing ritual with rose petals and tea tree oil that is administered to the sound of a Zulu blessing.

Dinokeng’s natural beauty is food for the soul. An abundance of wildlife can be found on the grasslands conservancies, including zebra, hyena, giraffe, buffalo, and eland, while the Big 5 can be spotted at the DinokengGame Reserve. The region is a bird watcher’s delight, with a wide variety of birds being attracted to the water, grassland, and bushveld. Enjoy game drives, walking and photographic safaris, game viewing by horseback, or more hands on experiences on various geological, ecological, and archaeological trails. Adrenaline junkies keep returning to Dinokeng for its range of outdoor activities. Enjoy a relaxed day of fishing or experience the thrill of mountain biking, motorcycling, quad biking, river-rafting, hot air ballooning, and a daring micro flip.

Dinokeng is rich in culture and history, particularly of the Setswana, Sepedi, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, English, and Xitsonga people. Find out about African farming and medicine, try some local delicacies, enjoy local hospitality, listen to cultural music, see traditional dancing, jewellery-making, weaving, and storytelling, and don’t miss out on the incredible experience of fireside theatre or a tour of township life. Pay homage at Anglo-Boer blockhouses, battlesites, forts, and cemeteries, or honour the soldiers of more recent wars at the memorial at Zonderwater. Historic homes and museums, such as the Sammy Marks Museum and the remains of the Wallmansthal Mission, can be found throughout the region. The small town of Cullinan offers an interesting look into the beginning of South Africa’s diamond boom.