Dinaka: Our full report
Dinaka, previously known as Dinaka Safari Lodge, is located in its own 200km² game reserve on the northern ...
... border of Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The reserve itself is home to a broad range of game, from oryx and springbok to predators that include lion and brown hyena. As Dinaka is on private land, the range and flexibility of activities here is greater than that offered in the neighbouring CKGR.Despite being quite an established lodge, the original family-run Dinaka was for many years largely under the Expert Africa radar: whilst we had heard of it, we knew little in terms of detail. This changed in mid-2017 when the lodge was bought by one of our long-term partners and reliable safari operator Ker and Downey Botswana. Though no one from our team has yet visited the lodge, this is what we know so far.
Between December 2017 and March 2018, Dinaka is undergoing extensive refurbishments. Once re-open we expect it to offer the same high standards as its sister properties, Shinde Camp, Okuti and Kanana, which we've found to be well run, with consistently good service and accommodating and friendly staff. That said, the environment and wildlife of the Kalahari will result in a very different experience to that at Dinaka’s sister camps in the Okavango Delta.
Dinaka will have eight safari tents, including one family tent, in part reworked and revamped from the original lodge. Each of these will be raised on wooden decking, affording views over a permanent waterhole. The twin/double tents will be en suite, while in the family tent, two tented rooms will share a deck and bathroom. All the bathrooms will have hot and cold running water, flush toilets and both indoor and outdoor showers.
In contrast, we know little about the new main area, perhaps alluding to a more significant refurbishment; we will be intrigued to see the final results. We do know that the main area will front the waterhole and include a bar, lounge and dining area. Furthermore Dinaka will be wheelchair accessible, with all areas of the lodge to be linked by wooden walkways.
Dinaka's activities will centre around day and night game drives and nature walks. From our previous experience of the area we don't expect large densities of big game, though we would expect the birding to be excellent, with over 200 bird species reportedly spotted on the reserve. We understand that the lodge will have one or more photographic hides, allowing both big game and birding enthusiasts the chance to watch and photograph whatever may pass by.
Like the neighbouring Deception Valley Lodge and Haina Kalahari Lodge, Dinaka is fenced to protect the wildlife within the reserve. Conversely, this also disrupts the natural migration of game in the area, so you will not observe the usual migration-centric fluctuations in game numbers that you would find in the CKGR. Dinaka's game, confined to the reserve boundaries, follows a more similar cycle to the Okavango Delta and viewing is at its peak in the dry season (June to October), once the vegetation has died back.
Our view
From what we know of the new owners of Dinaka and their other Botswana properties, we expect to find a well-run and smart camp, with friendly service and high-quality guiding. The Kalahari experience at Dinaka will almost certainly make a good addition to time spent in Botswana and will offer a stark contrast to any time spent in the wetter Delta or Chobe areas.
Country manager: Botswana
Geographics
- Location
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- Two–three nights is probably the optimum stay here.
- Directions
- Dinaka will usually be accessed by light aircraft, although it could also be visited as a part of a privately guided trip.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Drinks included
- We expect that drinking water, as well as local and South African soft and alcoholic beverages such as beer, cider, house wines and spirits will be included at Dinaka. Fine wines, imported spirits and liqueurs will likely come at an extra cost.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The child policy at Dinaka has not yet been finalised, but with a family tent it would seem that the lodge is aiming to be a family-friendly destination.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Based on Ker and Downey's child policy elsewhere we are expecting Dinaka to welcome children of 7 years and above.
- Notes
- Given that the lodge buildings will be raised off the ground, and the tents and walkways will not be fenced, we would recommend that children are supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Dinaka
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Dinaka have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
80% success
40% success
20% success
20% success
20% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Maun, a drive of at least four hours. Medical evacuation is available in case of emergencies.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
Other lodges in Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Tau Pan Camp
The comfortable Tau Pan camp inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve offers some of Botswana's best summer game viewing and birdwatching.
Kalahari Arms Hotel
Kalahari Arms Hotel, in the town of Ghanzi, is a practical overnight stop for travellers crossing the Kalahari to or from Namibia.
Kalahari Plains Camp
Kalahari Plains Camp, situated in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, is a traditional tented camp offering some of Botswana's best summer (Dec–Mar) game viewing, and an introduction to authentic Bushman culture.
Edo's Camp
Edo's Camp is a small camp with only four spacious tents overlooking a permanent waterhole. Surrounded by 20,000 hectares of private game conservancy you can expect to see white rhino, springbok, oryx and eland here.
Deception Valley Lodge
A private reserve on the border of the CKGR, Deception Valley Lodge offers more flexible activities than within the reserve and a particularly good Bushman experience.
Gham Dhao Lodge
Gham Dhao Lodge is one of a number of lodges located on the northern boundary of the CKGR, offering a year-round Kalahari experience.
