Where is Dinokeng you ask?

This area is a hidden gem just north of Pretoria. It makes for a great weekend away LESS than 1 hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria, a criteria we all bound to because of time restaints and busy schedules.

The area has been under transformation over the past couple of years.. with the development of the BIG 5 Game Reserve, still in progress. The Greater Dinokeng area covers approximately 281 000ha of rural land incorporating Roodeplaat, Cullinan ,Rayton and open bushveld north of Moloto Rd.

The attractions are plentiful, with affordable bush getaways, adventure, culture and history therefore catering for all interest and occassions.

African Chapter recently joined a site visit to various "off the beaten track" highlights adding to a very informative insight to the area, which anyone can incorporate into your package.


This included a Refilwe Cultural Tour visit incoporating stops at Vukuzenzele Agric Project and Tshepong Centre, where many purchases took place in support of Beadwork crafts,a project operated by disabled people. Another fascinating historical stop is the Cullinan Diamond Tour where a surface tour is offered sharing information on the history of the mining of diamonds. An underground Tour is also offered with more indepth information and experience.

Currently African Chapter Tours offers the following in the area, with our preferred suppliers whom we have received many great reviews on, from clients who have visited.

• 4 star luxury Game Lodge Stay


• Animal Encounters and Sunset Game Drives


• Bush Spas


• Tented Accommodation, including walks & cycling in the area


• Astronomy Evenings.


• Hot Air Balloon Safari Experience


• Historical Hot Air Balloong over Cullinan

For your personalised quote or further assistance in experiencing any of the above experiences, contact our team for the lastest affordable offers.

View our DINOKENG SITE VISIT Album.

South African Heritage & History of a different kind

In line with Heritage Day in September, I wanted to share this historical experience of a different kind with you! With our many diverse cultures in South Africa, we have cultural villages that educate us and take us back to basics and traditions of our Zulu,Venda and Xhosa tribes for example, depicting their survival, family lives and historical artefacts relating.

Our team at African Chapter have recently been able to experience and discover memorablia from the mountains of Magliesberg and neighbouring Hartebeespoort Dam area. These are the remains , museums and historical sites dating back to the boer war in between 1800 and 1900's, part of our South African History and Heritage.

The Askari 4 star Lodge in Magaliesberg boasts one of the largest privage collections of oxwagons, carts and other animal drawn vehicles from the era. The main building was built in the 1800's and every effort has been made to restore this wonderful building to the splendour it was approximately 150 years ago! Their museum also tells the story of this area, where the British were defeated on the 13 December 1900 by the Boers led by Generals De La Rey, Smuts and Beyers.

You will also find trace of history going even further back in time, from the San Bushmen, with sightings of carvings and stone age tools found in this area, with much of these finding available for viewing in the history museum. Historical and bush walks into this richely fascinating heritage is available on request.

Another discovery is a quaint venue and hideaway, where you relive the romance of the early Pioneers and Jack of the Bushveld era. Expereince authentically restored oxwagon accommodation with Panoramic views from the Witswatersberg Mountains.On site walking trails, nature museum and history museum. Re live the boer tradition together with superb hospitality and good old fashion boerekos at the Oxwagon Lodge.

To experience this small part of our South African history, day trips & overnight stays are all possible. This makes for a great themed corporate event or conference or special occassion. Send us your preferences and we will put you in touch with this piece of boer heritage!

Malaria Free Big 5 Reserves

Malaria areas often deter us from visiting such locations in game reserves, especially if a last minute decision to travel, short stays or if you travelling with children. However there are many reserves that are malaria free and are home to our BIG 5 animals.
I recently visited Nambiti Game Reserve in Kwa Zulu Natal (being one of these malaria free reserves) and from Johannesburg it really is not such a long distance drive as it sounds - 3 hours and possible another 30 minutes to your lodge through the reserve, depending on the location. Durban residents are only 2 and half hours away.

The Nambiti Game reserve is a 20 000 hectare reserve located near Ladysmith and boasts over 30 species of game including cheetah, hyhena, giraffe, hippo, kudu and eland (and of course the big 5) in this natural bushveld with its many different vegetations and landscapes. The Reserve is also close to the famous battlefelds of the Anglo-Boer War and various other historic sites.

There about 10 lodges in the reserve to chose from, ranging from tented accommodation to luxury suite accommodation all at very affordable rates and great value for money.

I can highly recommend Lions Valley Lodge, 5 star service and luxury spacious suites for under R1800 per person fully inclusive. (oh and great for honeymoons and romantic weekends, each suite offers a jacuzzi on the deck overlooking the valley!) This is a great price for this standard of accommodation in a big 5 reserve compared to other regions where the going rates for such lodges ranging from R2500 to R4500 pp!

Send me you feedback and further experiences at any other of the Nambiti Game Lodges OR other Malaria Free Game Reserves, our team would greatly appreciate your comments and reviews!

South Africa you have done us proud as a nation!

South Africa you have done us proud. With the last week to go of the Soccer World Cup 2010, the tension rises as we await to see who will emerge as the Soccer Champions! In the meantime many of us have accummulated some awesome memories experienced in the last month whether you were lucky enough to experience a live match, a fan park or even just sharing these moments with friends and families, I am sure we are all proudly south african!
I came across this article posted by SA Goodnews, with interview between President Zuma and Fifa and thought I would share this with you. Interesting comments and views based on the success and magnitude of such an event and the positive effects still to come... it is not over, but it is the start of much more and in turn benefiting the future of South Africa.

Click on the title to read this article.

Alas, Welcome to South Africa, World Cup 2010 FEVER is here!

It is finally here... 10 days to go as of 31May 2010. The soccer fever has arrived!
All spirits are up, people are celebrating being simply and "Proudly South African". I think we are going to be blown away by the patriotism we are going to see in the next few weeks to come!

And the latest accessory... have you ever seen so many flags scattered all over from car bonnets to shop windows, it really is a colourful nation! There is a lot of excitement in the air despite the challanges and negativity that has been hovering over various issues that have arose over the last few months (which we do not need to get in to). Well Done South Africa, lets all rise the occassion and if anything make the most of showcasing our country even if you are not a soccer supporter! For non soccer fans check out the SPECIALS for June and July, you can still travel during this period it is not all fully booked!

Although this is a highlight never to be repeated, it is also the opening of many new doors and an overall boost to toursim in this country in years to come! So maybe you are not getting your piece of the cake this time round, but don't let this opportunity slip through our fingers. Do your little bit in whatever proffessional field you may be in and be proud and be part of it!

Lastly a little bit of fun.. if you dont already have the dance routine down to a tee, check out the DISKI DANCE Demonstration.

Happy Soccer Festivities!

So how do I become a responsible traveller?

So you ask what is responsible travel (tourism)? Everyone is asking us to act it out but how do we contribute as a traveller and be responsible?
Responsible travel is about putting back in travel what you get out of it. I did some of my own investigation and here are some simple points to consider next time you travel!

• When booking with supplier or operator ask to see their responsible travel policy or environmental policy.
• Help the local community by buying local produce rather than imported goods
• If bargaining to buy an item, bear in mind that a small amount to you could be extremely important to the seller, be realistic and fair!
• Use public transport, hire a bike or walk where convenient or possible, you will meet local people and get to know the place far better. Always be safe and considerate!
• Use water sparingly, it is precious!
• Use electricty wisely and switch off lights when you leave a room and uneccesary equipment. Play your part in reducing greenhouse emissions.
• Don't discard litter when you are in ,out of the way places and attractions, take it with you and dispose when you have reached somewhere to discard in a dustbin. Some rural areas and outlying attraction's waste disposal is a problem, so it seems like it will go unnoticed if you do the same - dont do it!
• Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods,shells from beach traders or ancient artefacts (which would probably be stolen anyway). Be aware of the source of the items,when buying products in curio and gift shops.
• Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places. For example - ask permission to take photos of local people.
• Do give the tourism industry feedback on your experiences, it helps us better services and assists with problem areas. It can even boost confidence where it is needed and appreciation for those putting that extra effort in!!

So do YOUR bit and be diligent in your travels and enjoy our splendid country and its offerings!

What is there to do in Joburg?

I am amazed sometimes when mingling with friends and just through general chit chat, local jozi's saying there is nothing to do in Joburg compared to living in Durban or Cape Town. Well where have you been the last 10 years!! Johnnesburg and surrounds is buzzing with activities and some stunning landscapes and scenery to see too. No its not the Indian or Atlantic ocean but come on, there is just not enough time to even visit all the happenings around us these days!

So let me put a few ideas foward and I dare you to explore less than an hour and a half drive (atmost) from Johannesburg/Pretoria! Our city should be explored by our residents not just our visitors!

Are you an Animal Lover ? Elephant Interactions and Rides, De Wild Cheetah Farm, Bushbaby Monkey Sanctuary, Hartebeespoort, Mystic Monkey and Wildlife Feather Park, Crocodile Farm Fourways, Lory Park Zoo(Midrand), Lion Park, Rhino and Lion Park, Plumari Game Reserve and Genius Loci Game Ranch.

Educational and Heritage Interest? Origins Centre, Maropeng, Sterkfontein Caves, Ancestors Day Tour, Planetarium., Lesedi Cultural Village. Ever indulged in african feasts at one of our local african restuarants - Moyo's Group being one of the better known group or even joined a local Soweto Tour?

History & Arts and Museums? Planetarium, Newton - SAB Museum, Museum Africa, Art Galleries, Gold Reef City, Lilliesleaf Farm Sandton, Apartheid Museum and Constitutional Hill.

Adventure & Sport for the Adrenalin? Golfers Paradise, Microlighting, Tree Canopy tour, Eco Friendly Quad Biking, Horseriding and Hot Air Ballooning and Motorsport

Family Times Needed? Leisurely Train Journeys to Magaliesberg or Cullinan, Local Festivals, Trout Fishing, Picnics and long leisurely lunches at "countryside" venues or a 1 or 2 night weekend break.

Need some pampering? The options of Day spa's are endless from City to African Wellness Centres.

So there is a basic overview for now (too mention a few), so pull out your list on a quiet weekend and do it like a tourist visitor and enjoy your own home town!

African Chapter Tours can assist with day trips or putting together special outings for whatever the occassion. We are passionate about our city and are waiting to share our knowledge with you . Let us assist you in adding this Jozi Chapter to your book of life!

Watch this space for our new and refreshed Day Outings and Day tours... coming soon.