A Big Five game drive in Dinokeng

A small-group game drive in Dinokeng, Gauteng's free-roaming Big Five reserve north of Pretoria, with the transfer included. Pick it for a second day: it's the closest real safari to Cullinan, and it's malaria-free.

About this experience

The listing describes a small-group safari in Dinokeng Game Reserve with pickup available, over about 5 hours. Dinokeng covers 19,000 ha about 45 km north of Pretoria, and gauteng.net calls it Gauteng's only free-roaming Big Five reserve. It's malaria-free, which matters if you'd rather skip the tablets.

This page sits on a Cullinan site because the reserve is on the same side of Pretoria as the mine, and the two make a good pair over two days. There's no mine visit on this tour. On the mine day, remember that no Cullinan tour goes underground since 30 April 2023 (Petra's statement); every option is a surface tour.

Five hours is a half-day safari, not a Kruger trip. Sightings depend on the animals and the day, and the listing does not promise particular species. If you want the Big Five near Johannesburg without flying anywhere, it's the sensible choice.

A Big Five reserve about 45 km north of Pretoria
Malaria-free, according to gauteng.net
Transfer included
Small group
Pairs with a Cullinan mine visit on another day

How the day runs

StartPickup
The listing includes the transfer. Confirm the pickup time and place after booking.
On the wayNorth to Dinokeng
The reserve lies about 45 km north of Pretoria.
Main partGame drive
A small-group drive through the 19,000 ha reserve. What you see depends on the day.
EndBack to your hotel
The transfer back after about 5 hours in total.

What's included

Included

Transfer, according to the listing
A small-group game drive in Dinokeng
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Not included

Any visit to the Cullinan mine
Guaranteed sightings of any species
Meals (not listed)

Who it suits

Book it if

You want a Big Five reserve near Johannesburg and Pretoria
You'd rather avoid malaria areas
You're spending two days in the area and have done the mine
You have only half a day for a safari

Skip it if

You came for diamonds: book the walking tour or a Pretoria and Cullinan day
You want a multi-day safari
You need guaranteed sightings
You want the mine and a safari on the same day

Tips before you book

Bring a warm layer in winter. Highveld mornings are cold from May to August.
Pack binoculars and a hat. The sun is strong all year.
Plan the mine on a separate day and see our day trip guide for the options.
Ask the operator about age limits for children before you book.

Read next:

Day trip

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dinokeng Game Reserve?

About 45 km north of Pretoria, according to gauteng.net. It covers 19,000 ha.

Is Dinokeng malaria-free?

Yes. Gauteng's tourism board describes it as malaria-free.

Can you combine Dinokeng with the Cullinan mine?

Better on separate days. This tour is a 5-hour game drive with no mine visit; book a Cullinan tour such as the half day from Pretoria for another day.

Does this tour include a Cullinan mine visit?

No. And on any Cullinan tour you book, the visit is a surface tour, because underground tours were suspended on 30 April 2023.

Ready to book

Book Dinokeng Big Five safari

A small-group Big Five game drive in malaria-free Dinokeng, north of Pretoria, with the transfer included.

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