WHAT AWAITS YOU IN MARAKELE?

This is a land immemorial where nature’s way has survived, San rock art and Iron Age sites preserve a rich heritage, and untamed animals roam its 67 000ha. Among them are all of the Big Five, offering a rare chance to encounter the critically-endangered black rhino. Marakele, at the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, is a scenic destination in remote wilderness. A highlight is the vulture viewpoint where Cape vulture can be spotted.

The park is divided into two sections: the first contains easy-to-drive gravel roads but not many animals; the second is far wilder but also richer in wildlife. Birders will delight in over 360 species, including the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures. And when the wildlife’s shy, there’s always the scenery to marvel at.

 

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FACTS

WHERE IS IT?

Limpopo Province of South Africa.
The capital is Polokwane.

CLOSEST AIRPORTS

Pilanesberg International Airport [Pilanesberg]
Polokwane International Airport [Polokwane]
OR Tambo International Airport [Johannesburg]

GEOLOGY AND WILDLIFE

Marakele is a relatively new national park. Many large animals have been introduced, including lion, cheetah, elephant and buffalo, but numbers are still low. White rhino is spotted regularly, and black rhino is present, but rarely seen. Several interesting antelope species can be encountered, including the rare tsessebe.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?

The wet summer months are hot and the dry winters are mild during the day, but cold at night and in the morning, making warm clothing essential. The winter months runs from May to September [low season] while the summer runs from October to April [high season]. The summer averages 29C [84F] while winter temperatures average 25C [77F].

LOCAL LANGUAGES

English, Pedi and Afrikaans

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?

Rand [ZAR]
US Dollars are not accepted.
Foreign exchange services are available in big cities and airports.

PERFECT FOR

Cape Vultures
Mountain Landscapes
Wildlife and Birding