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The Nama Karoo and the Savanna Kalahari are two major biomes of the South African landscape and cover a large proportion of the central part of the country, also spilling over into neighbouring Namibia and Botswana.
These biomes are recognised by isolated, dolerite outcrops, large open and sandy plains, savanna thornveld and riverine vegetation. The Mokala National Park is in the transition zone between these two biomes, where magnificent specimens of picturesque Camelthorn trees can be found, therefor the park was given the name Mokala, which is the Setswana name for a Camelthorn tree, also known as the Kameeldoring (Acacia erioloba).
A rustic cottage as well as a few campsites can be booked in conjunction. There is no electricity at Haak-en-Steek, but solar lights are available.
View LodgeOffering classic safari-style accommodation, the Lilydale Rest Camp is located in the northern section of the Mokala National Park, overlooking the Riet River.
View LodgeA total of fifteen air-conditioned self-catering units offer accommodation at Mosu Lodge. En-suite bathrooms and outdoor barbecue facilities are available at each bungalow.
View LodgeOffering a unique experience in the Mokala National Park, the Motswedi Campsite is located in the western part of the Mokala National Park and not far from Mosu Lodge.
View LodgeSituated south-west of Kimberley and to the west of the N12 freeway, Mokala is roughly in the middle of the country. The area is important for the regeneration of a variety of animal species and covers 26 485 ha, with drainage lines from the hills forming tributaries that drain into the Riet River. Proclaimed in June 2007, Mokala replaces the Vaalbos National Park, which was de-proclaimed due to land claims and prospecting rights. The main purpose of this park is to conserve the interface of the two biomes, Savanna and the Nama-Karoo.
Many San rock engravings can be seen at Mokala and there are also remnants of some battlefields of the Anglo Boer War. Located in the semi-arid Northern Cape province of South Africa, this region is mostly dry and has fluctuating temperatures. The average rainfall of 400 mm per year is mostly brought by heavy thunderstorms which occur in the summer. Winter days are mild to warm, but nighttime temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees C. Summer days can exceed 40° C, mostly reaching between 33 and 36° C.
Mokala is located in a malaria-free region and offers the ideal stopover for people travelling between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Big game like elephants and predators like lions are not to be found here, which makes it a perfect place for families with young children.
Accommodation is offered in a range of accommodation types.
The Interpretation Centre offers informative tours for those interested in the history as well as biodiversity of Mokala National Park. Interesting artefacts and rock engravings are on display. Conference facilities are available at both Mosu Lodge and the Mofele Lodge.
Unfortunately there are no more restaurant facilities available in
Mokala, but guests can enjoy a picnic at any of the variety of picnic
sites available. Banks, filling stations and medical services are available
in Kimberley, which is just less than 90 km from Mokala.
Attracting families as well as travellers between Gauteng and the Western Cape, Mokala is centrally located at the transition of the Nama Karoo and Kalahari Biomes.
| Gate | Area/Town | Gate Entrance Road/Street |
|---|---|---|
| Mokala Main Gate | Near the Hayfield/Heuningneskloof crossing | From the N12 route to Cape Town, turn right at the Hayfield/Heuningneskloof crossing onto a gravel road, then travel 21 km to the gate. |
| Lilydale Gate | Near Modderrivier and Ritchie | From the N12 route to Cape Town, turn right at the Lilydale signboard onto a gravel road, then travel 16 km to the gate. |