Well, do we have good news for you! We’ve been searching for so long for a beautiful private house in the Big Five Dinokeng Game Reserve, and we’ve finally found a perfect bush hideaway in every sense of the word. Once you’ve spent some time here, of course, you understand that this is a safari gem in more ways than one: for busy weekenders it’s a mere 50km north of Pretoria, but for international guests flying in (or for Capetonians like us) it couldn’t be easier and quicker to get to from OT Tambo (literally an hour away), which means that it makes the perfect last stop before heading home, or a very chilled beginning to a South African holiday – whether you’re continuing onto the Greater Kruger or starting out on a road trip.
With 7 000ha traversing rights within the 22 000ha reserve, game drives are rewarding but if you’re a seasoned safari goer, you can do things differently here too. Besides chilling round the pool or boma at the house, there are mountain bikes to enjoy within the inner fenced reserve and hot-air ballooning nearby. Loveman Jack, the guide, was superbly knowledgeable of the area and great company on game drives and Timo Mlezakwimba, the chef, managed to work magic with our ingredients, presenting delicious meals with a beaming smile.
The bush house is a luxurious home-away-from-home, with a self-contained safari unit that sleeps four plus three additional and separate bedroom suites all linked to the house by wooden walkways. From the earthy cedar and wild bergamot scent of Cape Island’s Safari Days to divinely comfy beds, each suite is a private cocoon with its own deck area to enjoy – ideal for weekends away with friends when you also cherish some quiet time to breathe in deep lungsful of African bushveld air, all the while pinching yourself that it takes only a little longer to get here than it does to the office. So what are you waiting for?
What we love!
- Proximity to the airport – honestly, this is the closest you’re going to get if your time is limited to see the Big Five!
- That you can leave the office and be there before sundown. And if you’re working from home now, the house is close enough to use as a base for a long-stay because you can drive in for essential meetings – it’s only 1-1.5 hours from most areas of Joburg.
- That you can make this a destination holiday in itself as it’s so peaceful.
- Having a chef to prepare and cook makes all the difference to a holiday!
- It is possible to book the house for a private wedding of up to 30 guests as there is additional accommodation in the reserve. Multigenerational gatherings work well here too as the accommodation for each couple is spread out, giving maximum privacy.
What you need to know…
- Please note Dinokeng Private Bush House can only be booked for sole-use by you and your loved ones, and not on a room-by-room basis.
- That you can book the self-contained safari suite on it’s own (ask us for details) and don’t have to book the whole house, but you share the pool so it’s better to book the whole house with friends if you’d like privacy. Our rate is exclusive use.
- It’s fully serviced with a chef who will prepare and cook your food for you. You may also request menus if you wish to order meals ahead or pre-shopping.
- Each room has it’s own television and DSTV is included. Wifi is good.
- Hot-air ballooning should be booked ahead and boating on the dam or electric bikes can be organized. Cullinan is also relatively close by if you’re keen on the history of diamonds.
- Children are welcome but the pool isn’t covered. If children are young, the safari unit is best for little ones. Additional children may stay on request. Under 6s may not go on game drives but the bush house is fenced within in 170 hectares. Bike riding is possible within this fenced area and there are four bikes available to guests.
Reviewed by Michelle Snaddon
