What Is the De Wagendrift Route
The De Wagendrift Route is a cluster of venues, farm stays,
and activities in the De Wagendrift, Leeuwkloof, Cullinan area, close to
Dinokeng Game Reserve (Gauteng, South Africa). It offers a quieter, more rural
/ bushveld alternative to big lodges, combining nature, local culture,
self-catering stays, markets, and outdoor adventures.
Key Venues & Accommodations
Here are some of the mainstays and hubs along the Route:
|
Venue |
What it Offers |
Location & Highlights |
|
Dikgomo Cottages |
Self-catering cottages (refurbished dairy) sleeping ~4
people. Off-grid and solar-friendly appliances. Amenities: 2 bedrooms,
kitchen, lounge, braai area, splash pool. Also, Olive-Tree Camp &
BushCamp options for camping/family stays. |
In a small farm in Leeuwkloof Valley, De Wagendrift, ~22
km north of Cullinan. Quiet, peaceful, good for a breakaway from the city. |
|
Wagendrift Lodge |
Working farm + lodge. Offers garden cottages & lodge
rooms. Activities: birdwatching, hiking, 4×4/ game-drives on farm roads,
scenic views, mountain biking. Some wildlife is visible from lodgings at
night. Swimming pool, braai areas, etc. |
In the De Wagendrift area (Cullinan vicinity). Good for
groups/family stays, especially those who want nature & mild adventure
but not full safari intensity. |
|
Rusty Rhino Bushveld Market |
Market / farm-stall / meeting place. Offers food, locally
made goods, craftsmanship, etc. (jams, preserves, gift items). Hosts a
regular craft/bushveld market. Shop, café-style offerings, place to relax,
connect, shop locally. Support conservation efforts. |
Located in the heart of Dinokeng Game Reserve, at De
Wagendrift, Hammanskraal. Great stop-over or destination in itself for locals
and visitors. |
Activities Along the De Wagendrift Route
These venues support a range of activities, especially outdoor, nature-based, and relaxed rural/bush experiences. Some of the things you can do:
- Farm
walks: At places like Dikgomo, you can take walks around the farm, see
indigenous cattle (Nguni), jackal dens, and natural features of the
Leeuwkloof Valley.
- Birding
/ Wildlife Viewing: Wagendrift Lodge has prolific bird life (200+
species recorded), and game visible from cottages or on 4×4 trails.
- 4×4
/ Scenic Drives: Wagendrift has marked game roads/trails, 4×4 routes,
etc.
- Relaxation
& Rural Retreat: Splash pool, braai, boma fires, enjoying the peace
of the bush, watching animals at night.
- Markets
& Community: Visiting Rusty Rhino for its bushveld market days,
artisanal goods, and farm-stall food. Social gathering, shopping, and connecting
with local craftsmen.
- Family-friendly
activities: Backyard style stays, places where kids can run, explore,
maybe small pools at the camps, etc. Wagendrift Lodge has kids’
playgrounds, etc.
Who It’s Good For
De Wagendrift is great for:
- Weekend
escape-ers: Those who want to get out of the city quickly but still
feel like they’re in nature.
- Self-driving
& self-catering groups/families: Places like Dikgomo, where you
can cook, be independent, and relax.
- Nature
lovers who don’t need big lodges: Birders, hikers, those who enjoy
watching wildlife but not necessarily a deep safari all day.
- Markets
& local culture seekers: People who enjoy artisan shopping,
farm-stall food, and supporting local projects.
Suggestions / Tips for Visiting
- Best
time: Check market days for Rusty Rhino (so you can catch them).
- Book
ahead during holidays, especially for cottages and camping.
- Bring
essentials: Some places are off-grid or solar-powered; power cuts
(load-shedding) might occur, so check what’s available.
- Transport:
Having a car is useful. Some venues are rural and may have dirt roads.
- Combine
visits: Since several of these places are within reasonable driving
distances, you can base yourself at one (e.g. Dikgomo or Wagendrift Lodge)
and visit Rusty Rhino for a day, do hikes/drives locally, etc.