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. Areas of Special Interest A narrow tar road takes visitors up to the top of the Waterberg massif. Views and scenery are spectacular. One is also in the proximity of the vulture colony and these large birds will soar past at close quarters. 5 Things to Seek - Cape Vulture – the park hosts one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of this endangered species. While birds may be seen in the air catching thermals anywhere in the park, the drive up to the Sentech Towers is nearest to the colony and close encounters with these enormous birds will leave visitors breathless.
- African Elephant – while some elephant had been previously reintroduced into the park, it was the release of the Tuli elephants in 1999 that captured the public’s and media’s imagination.
- Rhino – Marakele has a high density of both rhino species and most visitors should see these animals, particularly the more gregarious and diurnal white rhinoceros.
- Kudu – as browsers these antelope are in their element at Marakele. Look out for the bulls with their magnificent spiral horns.
- The not-so-often-seen-elsewhere antelope species such as reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, eland and tsessebe can be found here.
Rules and Conditions of Marakele National Park: - No open vehicles are allowed in the park.
- No collecting of firewood.
- Day visitors must use certain areas and roads
- Visitors are not allowed to get out of vehicles, except at places shown on the map by the receptionist.
- No pets are allowed in the park
- Firearms must be declared at reception
- General speed limit in the park is 30 km/h
- Tour operators must be licensed with FGASA and SATOUR
- A set entrance fee will be paid by tour operators
- Driving in the park at night is restricted
- No open vehicles are allowed
- Nearest town will full range of services is Thabazimbi
- Be aware of Baboons and Vervet Monkeys. Guests must store food in secure places at all times and keep tents locked when out on game drives.
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Welgevonden Game Reserve Species List Mammals: 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.
Birds: Arguably the Park’s biggest birding attraction is the largest colony of Cape Vultures in the world (around 800 breeding pairs). However the park is also appealing to birders as it falls within the transition zone between the dry western regions and the moister eastern regions of the country. Read More
Madikwe Game Reserve Madikwe is a Big Five Game Reserve covering some 75,000 hectare. It is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. Read More
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Gate Hours Entrance from 7:30am to 4:00pm
In summer gates close at 6:00pm
In winter gates close at 5:00pm
Handy HintsRemember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen lotion. Take along medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites. Cool clothing for summer and warm for winter are advised as the region is subject to sudden weather changes, particularly in the mountains. Remember charcoal or wood as this is not available in the park. Visitors should also remember to take a torch along as the camp has no illumination at night.
Office hours 7:30am - 5:00pm – 1 May to 31 August
7:30am - 6:00pm – 1 September to 30 April
Wheelchair AccessMarakele is a wilderness area with limited tourism facilities for everyone. Much of the park requires a 4x4 vehicle. The safari tent camp has 10 units, one of which is accessible to people in wheelchairs, equipped with an access ramp and adapted ablution facilities (roll-in shower). No accessible facilities are available at the Bush Camp. The new reception block comprises of a unisex ablution block for the use of people with mobility impairment. One of the 3 circles at the camping sites is also equipped with access facilities.
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