KwaThabisile Bush Retreat

In the heart of Dinokeng, you will find KwaThabisile Game Lodge nestled in the 200 ha Leeuwkloof Valley Conservancy. Here, Alexandra and Kay welcome you to their own ‘Out of Africa’. Enjoy sundowners and magnificent sunsets over the Leeuwkloof Valley and hear the night sounds come to life over the soft crackling of the boma fire. Enjoy sumptuous poolside breakfasts overlooking the magnificent Leeuwkloof Valley, wander down to three dams and eight springs, or enjoy invigorating walks through the bush. The songs of abundant birdlife accompany your every move. KwaThabisile is the ideal venue for exclusive group breakaways: friends and family get-togethers, conferences, team building, parties, bachelor parties. Here we have a no music policy unless you book the lodge exclusively (min 22 people) to respect our guests’ privacy who come to break away from the hustle and bustle of city life! KwaThabisile Bush Retreat is a true sanctuary, a mere 1 hour from Johannesburg and OR Tambo Airport, and only 30 minutes from Pretoria / Tshwane. The 7 exclusive units at KwaThabisile are a celebration of rustic African chic. Crisp percale cotton linen sheets and feather pillows are all beautifully complemented by a stylish collection of personal mementoes from Alexandra and Kay’s travels across Africa. The Antelope, Bushbaby and Chameleon units are within an old farmhouse steeped in history, having been built by Italian prisoners of war. The Duiker, Eland and Flycatcher units are to be found within the old Thatch House, full of rustic charm and character. The Giraffe unit is the old barn converted into a quaint open-plan cottage. All 7 units are fully self-catering, with a total of 11 bedrooms. We can accommodate 11 singles, 22 sharing, or up to 45 people (dormitory style), depending on your group’s configuration. We can tailor-make meals for you should you prefer to be catered for. This is the perfect venue for couples on a weekend getaway or for young families and friends getting together. We have two bomas: one caters for 20 people (Bushbaby unit) and a larger boma (Eland unit) which can cater for up to 65 people. Here, you experience the charm of the African night sky with the boma lit by paraffin torches and lamps, adding an unforgettable charm as you sit around the fire with friends, family, or colleagues.

Area Info

Just an hour north-east of Johannesburg and Pretoria lies Dinokeng, a warm and expansive region known for its big skies and rich heritage. Famed as the source of the world’s largest diamond, Dinokeng sparkles with natural beauty, cultural depth, and historical significance. The name Dinokeng, meaning “a place of rivers,” reflects the area’s abundant water sources and its deep connection to the land.

The Greater Dinokeng Area is home to a wealth of attractions, making it a unique destination in northern Gauteng. Among its highlights is the historic town of Cullinan, where the world’s largest rough gem-quality diamond was discovered in 1905, a place steeped in mining history and old-world charm. Nature lovers are drawn to Roodeplaat Dam, a haven for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts. For wildlife seekers, the Dinokeng Game Reserve offers a rare opportunity to experience Gauteng’s only free-roaming Big Five reserve. At the heart of it all lies Dinokeng Central, a hidden gem in itself and the ideal base from which to explore the surrounding hubs.

Units and Rooms

Antelope

Guests: 6
Max Adults: 4

The unit has 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a fully equipped open-plan kitchenette, and a comfortable lounge and dining area. The bedrooms have single beds or a king bed. The unit boasts a wide verandah with private braai facilities.

Bushbaby

Guests: 6
Max Adults: 4

The unit has 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a spacious lounge and dining area. Rooms have single beds or a king bed. Small verandah. Access to a large boma with braai facilities.

Chameleon

Guests: 4

This cosy unit has two bedrooms with one bathroom, a fully equipped open plan kitchenette, lounge and dining area. Each bedroom has 2 single beds or a king bed. It also has a verandah with braai facilities.

Duiker

Guests: 4

This warm, spacious unit features a large open-plan bedroom with two double beds, a lounge, dining area, a separate fully equipped kitchenette and bathroom. Duiker includes a verandah with private braai facilities for outdoor relaxation.

Eland

Guests: 4

This unit has 2 bedrooms and one bathroom shared on the upper level; only accessible by stairs. The lower level has a large, fully equipped kitchenette, lounge and dining area, which opens onto a large open-air boma.

Flycatcher

Guests: 4
Max Adults: 2

This stylish, funky unit features an open-plan bedroom with two double beds, en-suite bathroom, fully equipped kitchenette, lounge, dining area, and a private verandah with braai facilities—perfect for relaxed, self-catering stays.

Giraffe

Guests: 2

This unit is a standalone unit, originally the old barn, which is cosy and full of charm. This is a self-catering unit with an en-suite bathroom. It has an open plan bedroom, lounge, kitchenette, dining area, verandah and braai facilities.