Dinaka Lodge sits in a wonderfully remote location on the northern boundary of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, within its own vast 40,000-hectare private conservancy. The name "Dinaka" means "horns" in the local language, and this intimate safari camp offers one of the most authentic Kalahari experiences you'll find in Botswana.
What makes Dinaka particularly special is its position within a private reserve, which allows for far greater flexibility than lodges within the national park itself. Here you can enjoy night drives to spot elusive nocturnal creatures like aardwolf, aardvark, and even the rare pangolin, as well as guided bush walks that simply aren't possible in the restricted areas of the CKGR.
The lodge was acquired by respected safari operator Ker & Downey in 2017 and underwent extensive refurbishments to bring it up to the same exceptional standards as their Okavango Delta properties. With just seven spacious tented suites raised on wooden decks overlooking a permanent waterhole, it accommodates a maximum of fourteen guests, creating a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. There's also a dedicated two-bedroom family tent, making it genuinely child-friendly.
The ever-changing desert landscape here is home to remarkable biodiversity – from the magnificent black-maned Kalahari lions and cheetahs to springbok, oryx, giraffe, and the elusive brown hyena. Birdwatchers are in heaven with over two hundred species recorded, including the spectacular kori bustard and crimson-breasted shrike.
A unique highlight is the elevated sleep-out deck where guests can spend the night under the vast, star-filled Kalahari sky – an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most pristine wilderness areas. The camp has even been awarded five-star status by the Botswana Tourism Board.
