The 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.
The park is characterised by contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys.
Rare finds of yellowwood and cedar trees, five metre high cycads and tree ferns, are some of the plant species found here and Marakele supports 765 plant species.
The mountain top towers are a must. A narrow tar road takes visitors up to the top of the Waterberg massif. Views and scenery are spectacular. |
Leopard Marakele National Park |
Marakele is home to most of the large mammals synonymous with the African bush, including elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, leopard and cheetah.
Large Predators such as cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, leopard and now also lion, occur in the park. The wild dogs have been the first of these re-introductions.
Resident antelope include, sable, kudu, eland, impala, waterbuck, tsessebe and many smaller species.
Chacma baboon and vervet monkey are two species to be watched carefully for mischief, particularly around the rest camps.
Accommodation
Marakele National Park offers various types of excellent accommodation:
Jackalberry Lodge: This is a standard safari lodge is situated in Thornybush Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park.
Kapama Lodge: This is a luxury safari lodge situated in Kapama Game Reserve near the Kruger National Park.
Kapama Buffalo Camp: This is a superior safari camp situated in Kapama Private Game Reserve, near Kruger National Park.
Tlopi Tented Camp: The camp is found in the spectacular Waterberg mountain range and consists of 10 delightfully furnished 2 bed safari tents that are fully equipped with private bathroom and kitchen. Sundowners and barbecue’s can be enjoyed on the tent’s very own veranda where golden African sunsets can be enjoyed overlooking the dam. |
Marakele National Park View |
Safari Tents have 2 single beds cooled by fans. Fully equipped kitchen with stove and fridge, W/c and shower. Verandah with table and chairs and barbecue.
Bontle Camping Site: “Bontle” a word that means beautiful in Tswana, and a name that was bestowed upon a splendid camping site in the Marakale National Park. Bontle Camping Site is an intriguing camp as visitors get to camp without the restrictions of fences, allowing the wild African spirit to enter the dwelling.
Accommodation at Bontle comprises of 38 campsites, electrified camp sites set into 3 clusters with one communal ablution block per cluster. Bontle Camping Site is situated adjoining the park's reception entrance gate by the picnic area at Kwaggasvlakte.
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