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Marakele National Park is located in the Waterberg Biosphere, in the northern province of Limpopo, in South Africa. The Waterberg escarpment stretches in an arc of 150 km from Thabazimbi in the west to Mokopane in the east and is characterised by massive sandstone outcrops and buttresses and includes wetlands, streams and rivers – hence the fitting name of Waterberg. The beauty of the landscape and breathtaking scenery provide a pristine habitat for a wide variety of birds and wildlife, including the Big 5.
The name of the camp – Bontle – means beautiful, which is a fitting description of the rustic camp which is covered in shade trees in summer, offering unobstructed views of the mountains and unspoiled bush.
View LodgeComfortably furnished tents offer accommodation to two persons each at Tlopi Tented Camp. Stretchers are available to accommodate children with their parents.
View LodgeThe Tswana name Marakele, means Place of sanctuary, which is fitting for this park where guests can relax while exploring mountain landscapes, grassy hills and deep valleys, while offering a safe sanctuary for a wide variety of African wild animals.
In 2001 UNESCO approved the area for biosphere reserve status, which gives credibility and international importance to the park and focus on environmental and social problems. The vast open vistas provide a remarkable wilderness quality to the Waterberg as there has always been limited development of infrastructure such as roads and power lines as well as mining, industries or forestry. Important historical and cultural sites, including San rock art and remnants of iron-age settlements, are scattered throughout the Waterberg.
Marakele falls in the summer rainfall region where thunderstorms occur during the hot days, bringing a rainfall average of 500 to 700 mm per year. Summer days are hot and temperatures vary between 26 degrees Celsius to the mid-30’s. The veld is green and lush during summer, but the winter months of May to August is the dry season. Winters are moderate and frost occurs in low-lying regions. Mornings and nights can be cold, but the days are pleasant.
Several vegetation types occur at Marakele, including Waterberg Moist
Bushveld Vegetation, Mixed Bushveld as well as Sweet Bushveld. The Waterberg
Cycad is a rare and threatened plant species – Encephalartos eugene-maraisii
- which was named after the naturalist, author and poet Eugene Marais
who lived in the Waterberg where he did research and found inspiration
for his books “Soul of the White Ant” and “Soul of
the Ape”, amongst others. This area is the southernmost extent
for the Baobab, Anaboom and Paperbark False Thorn. Yellowwood and Camel
Thorn trees are amongst the 765 plant species to be found here.
Accommodation is offered in two Camps. The Bontle Campsite is located in the western part of the park while the Tlopi Tented Camp is on the eastern side, on the banks of the Apiesrivier Poort Dam.
To minimise the impact on the ecosystem in Marakele National Park, as little as possible facilities have been developed inside the park. Thabazimbi town is located 12km from Marakele and a wide variety of amenities and facilities are available in town.
Attracting visitors who are interested in game viewing and birdwatching, the Marakele National Park is located in a unique area of South Africa, with a wide range of wildlife and birds, especially raptors, to be seen.
Travelling from:
| Gate | Area/Town | Gate Entrance Road/Street |
|---|---|---|
| Main Entrance Gate | Thabazimbi, Limpopo | R516 road leading from Thabazimbi |
| Marataba Main Gate | Thabazimbi, Limpopo | Within the Marataba section of the park |