best pet friendly campsites gauteng
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10 Best Pet-Friendly Camping Sites in Gauteng

By July 1, 2026July 3rd, 2026No Comments

Gauteng may be South Africa’s smallest province by land area, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to pet-friendly camping.

From the Big Five bush of the Dinokeng Game Reserve to the rolling hills of the Magaliesberg & the quiet riverbanks near Cullinan, there’s no shortage of great spots to escape the city with your dogs.

This guide rounds up the top 10 pet-friendly camping sites in Gauteng, from rustic bush campsites & self-catering farm stays to glamping tents: all welcoming to pets.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Gauteng’s pet-friendly camping options span Big Five bush camps in the Dinokeng, farm stays in the Magaliesberg & riverside sites near Cullinan & Meyerton.
  • Jakkals Asem is the pick for Big Five seclusion, Wagondrift Lodge for a malaria-free bush farm near Pretoria, & Thabametsi Farm for families seeking a working farm with on-site activities.
  • Size restrictions apply at some sites: Riverside Paradise & Klipdraai limit dogs by size. Always check the specific pet policy before booking.

Top Pet-Friendly Camping Sites in Gauteng

This list spans the Dinokeng Game Reserve, the Magaliesberg & the Cullinan area; all within easy reach of Johannesburg & Pretoria. 

The options range from rustic bush campsites & self-catering farm stays to glamping tents & caravan stands with electricity, so there’s something here for every type of camper & every kind of trip. 

All sites on this list welcome pets, though conditions vary; always confirm dog policies directly with the camp before you book.

1. Jakkals Asem Private Bush Camp

Location: Plot 24, Klipdrift 80, Dinokeng Nature Reserve, Hammanskraal, Gauteng

Tucked inside the Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng’s only free-roaming Big Five reserve, Jakkals Asem Private Bush Camp is one of the most secluded & authentically wild camping sites north of Pretoria. On a quiet night here, the sounds of jackals drift through the African bush. 

The camp is compact & owner-run, with a handful of private campsites set well apart in open terrain; a minimal-footprint setup that keeps the focus on the reserve rather than the facilities.

Dogs are welcome on request & have the run of the open bushveld surrounding the camp. Jakkals Asem operates at a quiet pace that suits pets & their owners equally well. 

Visit the Jakkals Asem website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • Four secluded bush campsites to choose from: Indaba, Skilpad, Duiker & Maroela; the Maroela site includes a private wood-fired hot tub, private ablutions & the option of electricity
  • Communal ablution facilities (warm showers & flush toilets) are shared across standard sites
  • A central boma & braai area for shared use; bring your own firewood or purchase on site
  • No fixed electricity at standard campsites; ideal for guests who want to fully disconnect
  • Small & intimate; maximum capacity of around 20 guests across the camp

  • Rates from approximately R450 per campsite per night for 2 guests; additional adults & children are charged separately. Confirm current pricing on the Jakkals Asem website
  • A deposit is required when booking to reserve your stand
  • Dogs are welcome on request; contact the camp directly to confirm conditions before booking

  • Located approximately 90 minutes from both Pretoria & Johannesburg
  • Cell signal is very limited on site; come prepared & ready to unplug
  • The nearest shops are in Hammanskraal; bring all food, water & supplies with you
  • Bookings fill up fast on weekends & long weekends; book well in advance
  • Ideal for small groups, couples & families with well-behaved dogs
  • Check-In: From 14:00. Check out: From 10:00 – 11:00.
Small dog at Jakkal's Asem private bush camping ground

2. Soetdoring Vakansie Plaas

Location: Helena Van Zyl Street, Sonland Park, Vereeniging, Gauteng

Tucked into a quiet corner of Vereeniging, Soetdoring Vakansie Plaas is a traditional camping farm shaded by the indigenous Soetdoring trees that give it its name. The farm sits within a game reserve, giving it a genuine bush character that most Gauteng campsites can’t match.

No day visitors are admitted, which keeps the atmosphere unhurried & the facilities from getting stretched. Quad bikes aren’t permitted either, so the only sounds you’ll contend with are birds & the occasional wildlife call from beyond the fence.

Visit the Soetdoring Vakansie Plaas website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • The farm has 60 stands in two sizes (10m × 10m & 6m × 6m), with a mix of paved & natural surfaces; most have good shade from the tree cover throughout the grounds.
  • Each stand has its own plug point, so bring a 15m+ extension cord to reach it comfortably.
  • Water taps are at or near each stand & may be shared between up to 3 sites; consider bringing a splitter if you need a dedicated supply.
  • Each stand has a braai area; bring your own grid.
  • Communal ablutions include hot water showers, basins & flushing toilets, with a separate disabled & family bathroom on site.
  • A scullery is available for washing dishes, & laundry facilities (washing machine & dryer) are on site.
  • An outdoor heated swimming pool is available for guests.
  • Game drives can be arranged with management; hiking, mountain biking, birding, outdoor chess, putt-putt, a trampoline & a playground are also on site.
  • The kiosk stocks wood, charcoal, firelighters & ice.

  • R350 per site per night (out of season); R400 per site per night on long weekends, Easter & December holidays
  • Maximum 6 people & 1 vehicle per site; children under 6 stay free
  • Self-catering unit from R600 per night (basic 1-room brick structure; bring your own cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils & bedding)
  • Monthly rates from R2,500 for 2 people (water & lights included); R3,000 for more than 2 people
  • Pensioner discount available for Sunday to Thursday stays; not applicable on long weekends, Easter & December
  • Dogs by prior arrangement; contact management before booking to confirm conditions
  • Payment by EFT, cash, or credit card

  • Soetdoring is about 50 minutes south of Johannesburg, making it a practical option for campers from the Vaal Triangle & southern Gauteng.
  • There is no on-site restaurant; the nearest restaurants & takeaways are 2–5km away towards the R82, & Arcon Park Shopping Centre is 10km away.
  • The road to the entrance is tarred all the way, & internal roads are fully paved, making it accessible to caravans & trailers of all sizes.
  • Cell signal is available on site, but there is no WiFi.
  • The site is popular with pensioners & long-stay campers, so book well ahead for school holidays & the festive season.
  • Check-in is from 14:00.
Dog in a camping tent in the bush

3. Riverside Paradise

Location: De Wagendrift, Cullinan District, Gauteng

Situated along the Elands River just outside the historic diamond-mining town of Cullinan, Riverside Paradise is one of Gauteng’s most consistently popular pet-friendly campsites. The river is the heart of the experience: stands sit right on the water’s edge, & the lush, green setting feels genuinely removed from the city.

Dogs are well catered for here, with open space to roam along the riverbank & an unhurried atmosphere that suits pets & their owners equally. 

Visit the Riverside Paradise website for more information, to check stand availability, or to make a booking.

  • Caravan & camping stands are situated along the Elands River; fully equipped chalets are also available for guests preferring self-catering accommodation
  • Braai facilities at every stand; communal ablution facilities on site
  • Electricity on all stands; a practical, well-equipped setup for families & groups
  • Open riverside setting; canoeing on the Elands River is available free of charge, along with swimming, picnicking & the on-site Zebra Trail hiking route (under 5km, easy to moderate).
  • A swimming pool is on site; guests can also swim in the Elands River, which the venue describes as one of the cleanest rivers in South Africa.

  • Tent stands (no electricity) from R230 per night; caravan & tent stands with electricity from R290 per night
  • Self-catering rooms from R650 per night; Chalet 1 (2-sleeper) from R1,050 per night; Chalet 2 (4-sleeper) from R1,350 per night
  • Bookings are confirmed via advance EFT or online payment; cash is also accepted on arrival. A refundable breakage deposit applies to chalets: R300 for Chalet 1 & R500 for Chalet 2, payable in cash on arrival.
  • Dogs are welcome on leash; Riverside Paradise does not permit dogs larger than a Labrador, & pets are not allowed in the ablutions or pool area

  • Located approximately 45 minutes from both Pretoria & Johannesburg
  • The historic town of Cullinan is just minutes away, & is worth exploring if you’re extending your stay for the weekend
  • The nearest shops are in Cullinan town centre; stock up before heading to the site
  • A popular weekend destination; book well ahead for long weekends & school holidays
  • Ideal for families, couples & groups with dogs; well suited to both camping & caravanning
Riverside Paradise walking trail

4. Piesangkloof 4x4 Trails & Bush Camp

Location: Foothills of the Magaliesberg, Brits, North West (~1 hour from Johannesburg)

If you’re after a proper outdoor adventure rather than a polished resort experience, Piesangkloof 4×4 Trails & Bush Camp in the rugged Magaliesberg foothills is exactly what you’re looking for. It draws a loyal crowd of 4×4 enthusiasts, mountain bikers & hikers who appreciate a destination that doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: wild, open & uncompromising.

Pets are welcome on the farm, & the wide-open terrain makes it a natural fit for dogs who like space & freedom. 

Visit the Piesangkloof website for trail details, site information, or to make a booking enquiry via WhatsApp.

  • The bush campsites are set in the Magaliesberg foothills, a self-catering, adventure-first setup with no frills
  • Braai facilities & communal ablution facilities are on site
  • Electricity is available at some stands; other sites are fully off-grid
  • Quad biking, hiking trails & 4×4 routes are available on the farm
  • This is a working farm, not a resort; the main draw is the outdoor experience

  • Camping, tents & rooftop tents: R150 per person per night; Bush Camp Wendy Houses: R200 per person per night; Wild camping (mountain): R200 per person per night
  • 4×4 Trail 1 (short): R300 per vehicle; 4×4 Trail 2 (long): R400 per vehicle; day visitors: R50 per person
  • Group bookings confirmed on receipt of deposit; book well ahead for weekends
  • Pets are welcome; arrange upfront with management before finalising your booking

  • Located near Brits in the Magaliesberg foothills, approximately 1 hour from Johannesburg. The nearest shops are in Brits. Stock up before heading to the farm
  • Cell signal is poor on the farm; plan your route & contacts before you leave home
  • Bring everything you need, including sufficient food & water; facilities on site are basic
  • Bookings are managed via WhatsApp; book early to secure your preferred dates
  • Best suited to active groups, 4×4 owners, mountain bikers & hikers with dogs who love open terrain
Piesangkloof wild campsite overlook view

5. Wagondrift Lodge

Location: R573, Cullinan, Gauteng

Wagondrift Lodge takes its name from the ox wagons that once traversed this stretch of Cullinan countryside. Set on a private game farm east of Pretoria in a malaria-free area, the property has a genuine bush feel: game wanders freely through the grounds, including past the campsites themselves.

Pets are welcome at the campsite, & the farm’s open grounds give dogs plenty of room to roam. With quiet Cullinan bushveld on all sides & very little between the sites & the surrounding game farm, it has the feel of a proper bush escape at a much shorter distance from Pretoria than you might expect.

Visit the Wagondrift Lodge website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • There are 15 campsites in total; the named individual sites (Porcupine, Warthog, Bushpig & Hedgehog) each have a private ablution block with a separate toilet, shower & wash-up area, as well as braai facilities & a lapa; the Jumbo site accommodates up to 10 caravans & has shared bathrooms, wash-up areas & a communal boma & lapa.
  • A Bush Camp is also available for a fully off-grid stay, with its own ablution (shower & toilet), a donkey boiler for hot water, a boma & space for a maximum of 10 people.
  • All campsites are grassed & shaded, with a power point per stand; the property is accessible via a gravel road & caravans of all sizes are welcome.
  • Activities include hiking, mountain biking & bird watching; a cold-water swimming pool, lawn chess, trampoline & a big screen TV entertainment area are also on site, & an on-site spa offers massages & body treatments.
  • Wildlife commonly spotted on the property includes impala, kudu, zebra, warthog, wildebeest, waterbuck, red hartebeest, blesbuck, porcupine & caracal, as well as fish (carp & tilapia) in the dam.
  • Self-catering chalets, cottages & glamping tents are also available for those who prefer not to camp.
  • Firewood is available from reception at R50 per bag & ice at R30 per bag.

  • Campsites are priced at R600 per stand per night for up to 8 people; no gate or entrance fee is charged.
  • A once-off surcharge of R150 applies to single-night bookings.
  • An additional fee of R100 per night applies during the Easter weekend & from 15 to 31 December.
  • A pensioner’s discount is available; long-stay camping rates can also be arranged on request.
  • Wagondrift does not offer cash refunds for cancellations; the outstanding booking amount is held as a credit valid for up to 1 year from the date of booking, with the forfeited deposit applied as a cancellation & administration fee.
  • Pets are welcome at the campsite; contact Wagondrift before booking to confirm any conditions that apply to your visit.

  • Wagondrift is approximately 43km east of Pretoria via the R573, making it a practical option for campers from Pretoria & the eastern Gauteng corridor; it is roughly 100km from OR Tambo International Airport.
  • The final stretch to the property is a well-marked gravel road off the R573; follow the signs to reception once through the gate.
  • The property is a working farm, so trucks, tractors & maintenance teams operate during weekday business hours.
  • Day visitors are only permitted when visiting a registered guest, at a cost of R150 per person.
  • The nearest town is Cullinan, approximately 42km away.
  • Book well ahead for school holidays, long weekends & the festive season.
  • Check-In: 14:00 – 17:00. Check-out: By 10:00 AM.
wagondrift lodge cullinan gauteng

6. Bush Inn Caravan Park

Location: 9 Vlei Road, Grootvaly, Springs, Gauteng

Bush Inn Caravan Park sits among mature trees & well-kept gardens in Grootvaly, Springs, on the East Rand. It has more on offer than a typical caravan park; the facilities stretch well beyond the basics, with enough on-site to fill a full weekend without leaving the property.

Pets are welcome, & the spacious, shaded grounds give dogs room to settle in. It suits families particularly well, but it’s a comfortable option for couples & groups too.

Visit the Bush Inn website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • There are 41 stands across two surface types: 23 paved sites & 18 grass sites, each spacious, shaded & fitted with an electrical power point.
  • Communal ablution facilities are modern & well-maintained, with hot water throughout.
  • An indoor heated swimming pool & an outdoor swimming pool are available to all guests.
  • The hot tub & jacuzzi are reserved for guests aged 30 & older.
  • Private braai facilities are available on request from reception.
  • Padel courts are 50 metres from the campsite & can be booked at reception.
  • Catch-and-release fishing is available on the property.
  • A jungle gym, trampoline, volleyball courts & pool tables are also on site.
  • The on-site tuck shop stocks cool drinks, snacks & camping essentials.
  • 24-hour security & secure parking are in place throughout the property.

  • Camping sites start from R420 per night for 2 people & R470 per night for up to 4 people.
  • Cancellations made more than 1 week before arrival receive a full deposit refund. Cancellations more than 48 hours before check-in receive a 50% refund. No refund is given for cancellations within 48 hours of check-in.
  • A pensioner discount is available; long-stay rates can be arranged on request.
  • Contact Bush Inn directly before booking to confirm the pet policy & any conditions that apply.

  • Springs is about 35km from Johannesburg & 20km from Benoni, making Bush Inn a practical option for campers from the East Rand & Joburg East.
  • The property is on a tar road & accessible to caravans of all sizes.
  • Cell signal is available throughout the property.
  • Book well ahead for long weekends & school holidays.
  • Check-in is between 14:00 & 19:00; check-out is at 10:00.
bush inn caravan park

7. Thabametsi Farm

Location: Magaliesberg, Greater Johannesburg, Gauteng

Set on 132 hectares of scenic Magaliesberg farmland about an hour from Johannesburg, Thabametsi is a working farm where horses, donkeys, goats & chickens wander the property alongside guests. 

Dogs are very much at home at Thabametsi, & the variety on offer makes it one of the more rewarding pet-friendly destinations in the Magaliesberg.

Visit the Thabametsi Farm website for more information, to view accommodation options, or to make a booking.

  • Self-catering cottages & camping stands with electricity are both available, catering to a range of budgets & group sizes.
  • Communal ablution facilities are available on site & well maintained.
  • Activities on site include canoeing on the dam, swimming, hiking trails & tractor rides.
  • Open green spaces stretch throughout the property, with plenty of room for dogs to roam freely.
  • The farm is home to horses, donkeys, goats & chickens; these animals move freely around the property & are a central part of the experience, particularly for children.

  • Camping is priced at R700 per site per night for the first 2 nights (up to 4 guests) & R550 per site per night from the third night onwards; additional guests are charged at R200 per person per night.
  • Cottage & self-catering unit rates vary by accommodation type; check current pricing via the Thabametsi Farm online booking portal. Midweek & out-of-season discounts are available.
  • A 50% deposit is required within 24 hours of booking to secure your reservation; a refundable breakage deposit of R500 (R600 for Squirrel’s Nest) is payable in cash on arrival.
  • Cancellations made 14 or more days before arrival are free of charge; cancellations within 14 days, or no-shows, forfeit 100% of the deposit paid.
  • A minimum stay of 2 nights applies over weekends & 3 nights over long weekends.
  • Pets are welcome; bring your own pet bedding, bowls & covers for beds & couches.

  • Located in the Magaliesberg, approximately 1 hour from Johannesburg.
  • The nearest shops are in Magaliesberg town; stock up on supplies before arriving on the farm.
  • Cell signal can be patchy in parts of the Magaliesberg; download maps & bookings in advance.
  • It’s a popular destination during school holidays & long weekends; book well ahead for prime dates.
  • Book via the Thabametsi Farm online booking portal
  • Check-in is from 14:00; check-out is at 10:00; gates are locked at 20:30.
thabametsi farm

8. Klipdraai Caravan Park

Location: Rothdene, Meyerton, Gauteng (~1 hour south of Johannesburg)

Klipdraai Caravan Park sits along the Klip River in Meyerton, & its position right on the water is the main draw. The site draws a consistent crowd of campers, caravanners & families looking for a no-fuss weekend escape south of the city.

Pets are accepted, & the open riverside terrain gives dogs plenty of space to roam. Confirm current pet conditions directly with the camp before booking, as policies can change.

Visit the Klipdraai Caravan Park website for more information, to check availability, or to make a booking.

  • Grassed, shaded camping & caravan stands each include a 220V power point, water connection & braai facilities; communal ablution facilities with hot showers & flush toilets are shared across the site
  • On-site activities include fishing on the Klip River, go-karting, putt-putt, a driving range, gelsoft battles, a mechanical bull & trampolines; the resort caters to a wide range of ages & group sizes
  • Two swimming pools & a dedicated kids’ play area on site; arcade games available as an indoor option for children
  • Self-catering chalets & jacuzzi glamping rooms are available for guests who prefer not to tent; a popular option for couples & smaller groups
  • Quiet hours are from 22:00, & a catch-&-release policy applies to fishing on the Klip River

  • Camping is priced at R780 per night (1–4 guests) from August to May, & R550 per night in June & July; a midweek rate of R630 per night applies Monday to Thursday outside school holidays & public holidays. Additional guests are charged at R150 per person per night (R75 for children under 12), with a maximum of 6 people per site.
  • Self-catering chalets are available from R1,100 per night (2-person) to R1,400 per night (5-person), with midweek rates from R990 per night; note that no pets are permitted in the chalets.
  • A non-refundable 50% deposit is required within 48 hours of booking; the balance is due at least 48 hours before arrival.
  • A minimum stay of 2 nights applies over weekends & public holidays, & 3 nights over long weekends.
  • Small dogs are welcome on campsites only; pets must be kept on a leash when outside your tent or caravan & are not permitted in or around the swimming pools. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets & for any damage caused.

  • Located in Rothdene, Meyerton, approximately 1 hour south of Johannesburg.
  • Check recent reviews before booking; management & facilities have changed in recent years, & the latest guest feedback provides the most current picture.
  • The nearest shops are in Meyerton town; stock up on supplies before heading to the site.
  • The site draws a consistent weekend crowd; book ahead for long weekends & school holidays, & arrive early to secure a good riverside stand.
  • Caravan & camping stands suit families & groups; the jacuzzi glamping rooms are a popular pick for couples or guests who prefer not to tent.
  • Check-in is between 14:00 & 16:00; check-out is between 08:00 & 10:00.
klipdraai resort caravan park

9. De Rust Caravan Park

Location: Klipdrift 121 JR Portion 18, Dinokeng Game Reserve, Hammanskraal, Gauteng

De Rust Caravan Park sits on the banks of the Pienaars River inside the Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve, north of Pretoria. It is one of the few Gauteng campsites that operates without a fence between the camping area & the surrounding bush; game moves freely through the site at any hour.

Pets are welcome with conditions; the camp runs at a quiet, unhurried pace & the open riverbank setting suits dogs well.

To view the park layout, check availability & make a reservation, visit the De Rust Campsite website.

  • Stands are grassed & available in three types: river stands along the Pienaars, bush stands set further into the reserve, & inner camp stands; all stands include electricity & braai facilities.
  • Three stands have private ablution facilities; the remaining stands share communal ablutions equipped with hot showers & flush toilets.
  • Elephants, various antelope & other game move freely through the campsite; the absence of a perimeter fence means close-range wildlife sightings from your stand are common.
  • De Rust is a notable birding destination; six of the seven kingfisher species have been recorded on site, & the rare African Finfoot is a regular visitor along the river’s edge.
  • A communal swimming pool is available on site; it is unheated, making it best suited to the warmer months.

  • Rates are charged per person per night: river stands are R165/person on weekends & public holidays (R155 weekdays); inner camp stands are R155/person on weekends; bush stands are R145/person on weekends. Children aged 3–16 are charged at R85/night. 
  • A 7-night package is available from R1,500 for 1–2 people; midweek pensioner discounts of 25% apply Sunday to Thursday. Long-stay rates (30+ nights) start from approximately R107/person/night.
  • A 50% deposit (or full payment) is required within 48 hours of booking to secure your reservation; failure to pay within this window will result in the booking being released. Full payment is required on arrival. EFT, cash, PayPal & Zapper are all accepted.
  • Small dogs are welcome by prior arrangement; power breeds are not permitted. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times & are not allowed in communal areas. Contact De Rust before booking to confirm the conditions that apply & to arrange your pet’s stay.

  • De Rust Caravan Park is located approximately 35km north of Pretoria; allow around 30–45 minutes from Pretoria & an hour from Johannesburg.
  • The access road from the N1 Hammanskraal off-ramp is a dirt road for several kilometres; a standard vehicle handles it well in dry conditions, but allow extra time after rain & follow the De Rust markers from the entrance.
  • Self-drive game permits for the broader Dinokeng reserve are available at the main Ndlovu gate on the way in & are charged separately from the campsite fee.
  • Stock up on food, water & supplies in Hammanskraal before entering the reserve.
  • The camp is busiest on long weekends & during school holidays; book ahead to secure a river stand, as these fill first.
  • River stands can be prone to flooding during the rainy season due to flash floods in the Roodeplaat dam catchment area; guests visiting in summer or after heavy rainfall should consider booking a bush or inner camp stand instead.
  • Check-in is from 11:00; check-out is at 10:00. No day visitors are permitted.
de rust caravan park

10. Koedoesrus Boskamp

Location: Dinokeng Game Reserve, Hammanskraal, Gauteng

Koedoesrus Boskamp sits inside a fenced section of the Dinokeng Game Reserve, about 45 minutes from Pretoria. The camp is enclosed by an electric fence, but the wildlife doesn’t stay far away: zebras, kudus, blue wildebeest & giraffes move up to the boundary during the day, & jackals are a fixture once the sun goes down.

The camp is small & owner-run, with hosts who get strong, consistent praise from returning guests. Dogs are welcome on a leash within the camp, but can’t join guests on game drives.

Visit the Koedoesrus Boskamp website for more information, to view site options, or to contact the hosts directly.

  • Two site types: main camp sites near communal ablutions, a boma & washing facilities, & bush camp sites with private ablutions (shower, toilet & basin), set further from the main house & more secluded
  • Electricity & a braai at every stand; wood & ice for sale from the host
  • A small splash pool at the main camp  a playground for children aged 3–10
  • Borehole water on site is safe to drink. 
  • There is no load-shedding backup, so you must bring your own power source if needed
  • Portable swimming pools are not permitted on stands.
  • Bush camp sites A (Olifant) & B (Renoster) have a minimum of 10 guests; all other sites work for couples & smaller groups

  • Camp sites start from R360 per person; rates vary by site type. Book via Nightsbridge for current availability & pricing
  • A pensioners discount is available
  • If you cancel more than 1 month before arrival, 50% of your deposit is refunded. Cancellations between 2 weeks & 1 month before arrival receive a 25% refund. No refund is given for cancellations within 2 weeks of check-in
  • Dinokeng Game Reserve conservation fees are not included: R100 per adult & R80 per child (ages 3–13), paid once. Purchase your self-drive permit & conservation fee online at Dinokeng Game Reserve before arrival, or pay at the gate. 
  • If you only pay the conservation fee initially, you can upgrade to a self-drive permit online at any point during your stay

  • 45km from Pretoria; about 1 hour from Johannesburg via the N1
  • Cell signal is weak inside the reserve; download your booking confirmation & directions before you leave
  • Stock up in Hammanskraal before entering the reserve
  • Weekends & long weekends fill up fast; book well ahead
  • Have your conservation fee ticket ready (printed or on your phone) for the TAU boom gate on arrival
  • Check-in: 11:00–17:00; check-out: 10:00
koedoesrus boskamp

Final Thoughts on the Best Pet-Friendly Camping Sites in Gauteng

From Big Five bush camps in the Dinokeng through Jakkals Asem, De Rust & Koedoesrus Boskamp, to farm stays in the Magaliesberg, riverside escapes near Cullinan & south of Johannesburg, & the bush farm character of Wagondrift Lodge near Cullinan, there’s no shortage of quality options for pet owners across the province.

Before you head out, it’s worth remembering that pet policies vary from site to site & do change over time. A quick call or message to confirm the dog’s conditions before booking is a simple step that can prevent a lot of disappointment on arrival.

Whether you are planning a weekend camping trip, a longer local getaway, or everyday life with your pet, having pet insurance can offer added peace of mind. Compare MediPet’s pet insurance plans or get an obligation-free quote online in seconds today.

If you love exploring the outdoors with your dogs, you might also enjoy our guide to the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Gauteng. Now grab your tent, pack the treats & head out for an adventure your furry friend will never forget.

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