The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, as its Tswana name suggests, has become a 'place of sanctuary' for an impressive variety of wildlife due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa. Contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys characterize the park. Rare finds of yellowwood and cedar trees, five metre high cycads and tree ferns, are some of the plant species found here. All the large game species from elephant and rhino to the big cats as well as an amazing variety of birds including what’s probably the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures (more than 800 breeding pairs) in the world, have settled here.
Marakele National Park is currently divided into two parts (namely the +/- 2500 ha ‘Kwaggasvlakte’ section and the Greater Marakele National Park), by a public gravel road (the Hoopdal Road). Most parts of the park are only accessible by 4x4.
Accommodation
Tlopi Tented Camp
Tlopi is the name that the locals call the river, which feeds the dam on which the camp is situated. The name Tlopi is derived from the word Motlopi, which is the Tswana, name for the tree, Boscia albitrunca or “witgat”. This tree is quite common on the banks of the Tlopi river. This tented camp was formally located some 15 km to the northeast on the banks of the Matlabas River. It was moved partly for contractual reasons, but also to concentrate the park's accommodation on the park periphery.
Each tent has two beds (two stretchers are available which are more suitable for children), private bathroom (shower, wash basin and toilet), and a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator/freezer, two-plate stove and electricity. Each tent has a veranda with table and deck chairs and barbecue facilities. One tent has wheelchair access. The camp is unfenced and is approximately 17 km from the Reception Office.
Bontle Camping Site
Bontle is also a Tswana word that means beautiful. This camping site is located adjacent the park's new reception and administration offices. These are located at the former entrance gate to the picnic area at Kwaggasvlakte.
These names are the outcome of a consultative process locally and park management feel that the names are very applicable.
38 campsites with power arranged into 3 clusters with one communal ablution block per cluster.
NB. Most parts of the park are only accessible with 4x4 vehicles.
* All information is taken from the relevant source SANP.
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