Dinokeng –‘the place of rivers' – is so-named because it is traversed by two major rivers – the Elands and the Pienaars (also known as Moretale) Rivers – which feed the surrounding bushveld and grasslands. This is also an important catchment area, with the waters of both rivers eventually ending up in the Limpopo, the Pienaars/Moretale River doing so via the Olifants River.

Besides their contribution to agriculture and to the provision of domestic water supplies, the three dams in the area – Mkhombo, Rust de Winter and Roodeplaat – offer water-based recreational activities for the whole family.