Dinaka is a 40,000-hectare private wildlife conservancy bordering the northern edge of Botswana’s Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This exclusive safari destination offers one of the most unique biodiversity experiences in Southern Africa, where desert-adapted wildlife thrives alongside more common savannah species. The camp was acquired in 2017 and has since been elevated to a five-star lodge, providing an exceptional start or end to any Botswana itinerary.
The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons, from arid golden grasslands to lush green plains after the rains, creating year-round opportunities for wildlife viewing. Guests enjoy a choice of day and night game drives, guided walks with San Bushmen, and birding excursions that reveal over 200 species, including the striking Crimson-breasted Shrike and the impressive Kori Bustard. Dinaka’s design incorporates uninterrupted views over a permanent waterhole.
With just eight tents, including a dedicated family unit, the lodge ensures privacy, exclusivity, and personalised service. Signature experiences include the Sleep Out Deck, where guests can spend a night beneath the vast African sky, and the underground photographic bunker, allowing for extraordinary close-up wildlife photography.
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Wildlife
- The conservancy is home to an impressive range of predators including Kalahari lion, leopard, cheetah, brown hyena, honey badger, African wildcat, bat-eared fox and black-backed jackal.
- Plains game is abundant, with regular sightings of springbok, gemsbok (oryx), kudu, impala, eland, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra.
- Elephant and buffalo appear seasonally, particularly after the rains when fresh vegetation draws them into the area.
- Nocturnal species such as porcupine, aardwolf, aardvark, Cape fox and small-spotted genet are often encountered on night drives.
- Birding is exceptional, with over 200 species recorded, including Kalahari specials like Kori Bustard, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Pale Chanting Goshawk and Secretary Bird.
- The skies host an array of raptors, from martial and tawny eagles to numerous owl species.
Rare sightings of brown hyena and honey badger are considered a highlight for many visitors.
Game Drives
- Conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles with a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle.
- Morning drives focus on predator tracking and plains game sightings.
- Afternoon drives often extend into night drives to search for nocturnal wildlife.
- Window seat guarantee and camera mounts available for all guests.
Activities & facilities
- Morning and afternoon game drives.
- Night drives
- Walks with San Bushmen
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
- Hides and underground bunker
- Sleep Out Deck (seasonal)
- Star gazing
- Dining room, bar, and lounge overlooking a permanent waterhole
- Swimming pool with sundeck
- Underground photographic bunker
- Sleep Out Deck.
- Library
- Wheelchair-accessible walkways and tent access
Highlights
- Exclusive 40,000-hectare private wildlife conservancy on the northern boundary of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, offering diverse habitats.
- Home to a rare combination of desert-adapted species and more commonly seen savanna wildlife.
- Awarded five-star status by the Botswana Tourism Board and EcoTourism Certified.
- Year-round waterhole attracts wildlife directly in front of the camp, ideal for photography and birdwatching.
- Unique underground photographic bunker provides exceptional, low-angle wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Sleep Out Deck for a unique overnight experience under the stars, available between April and November.
- Intimate camp with only seven safari tents and one two-bedroom family tent, each with en-suite facilities and outdoor showers.
- Educational San Bushman walks for cultural insights into traditional survival skills and Kalahari history.
Location
- Dinaka Camp is located on the northern boundary of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana.
Getting There
- The best way to get to Dinaka Camp is to fly from Johannesburg to Maun, followed by a flight via light aircraft to the Dinaka private airstrip.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Maun: 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Flight time from Maun to Dinaka private airstrip: 30 minutes.
- Accessible via self-drive or road transfer from Maun or Ghanzi.
- Inter-camp air transfer options are also available.
Special Offers
- 5–6 nights: 10% off for stays in Low season
- 5–6 nights: 5% off for stays in High & Peak seasons
- 7-8 nights: 13% off for stays in Low season
- 7-8 nights: 7% off for stays in High & Peak seasons
- 9+ nights: Enquire for discounted rates
Child Policy
- Dinaka Camp welcomes children from 6 years.
- Family tent available for private accommodation.
- Children 6 – 15 years pay 70% of the adult rate.
- Low and high season: Child rate is available to a child sharing with one or two full-paying adults in a twin, triple or family tent.
- High season: Child rate is only available when booked into the family tent(s) with two sharing adults.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Included: Daily activities, all meals, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, laundry, and park entry fees.
- Excluded: Premium brand drinks and anything of personal nature.
Rates
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 35% applicable.
- There is no single supplement from 07 January – 28 February.
- Rates displayed are valid until 06 January 2027.
Seasons
- Peak season: 01 – 08 April, 1 June – 31 October & 15 December – 06 January
- High season: 01 – 30 March, 09 April – 31 May & 01 November – 14 December
- Low season: 07 January – 28 February
Your Safari, Expertly Curated
Our dedicated travel specialists craft seamless, tailor-made journeys – every detail designed around you.
Safari Tents
Seven spacious tents are raised on wooden decks for privacy and uninterrupted views of a permanent waterhole. Each features twin or double Read more beds, a writing desk, and ample storage. En-suite bathrooms offer a walk-in shower, twin basins, and flushing toilet, plus an outdoor shower with a view. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 1,465per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 1,100per person per night |
| Low Season | $ 735per person per night |
2-bedroom Tent
Ideal for families or small groups, this unit sleeps up to five guests in two bedrooms sharing a large en-suite bathroom. Facilities include Read more a walk-in shower, twin basins, and outdoor shower, all raised on a deck with the same panoramic waterhole views. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 1,465per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 1,100per person per night |
| Low Season | $ 735per person per night |
