Marakele National Park, Waterberg Mountains

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 moisture eastern regions of South Africa. Marakele has all major safari animals, including the Big Five. Several small herds of Buffalo have been reintroduced and there is a good chance of finding White Rhino. There are plenty of Elephant in the park as well, but they tend to stick to the inaccessible, northern area. Overall, sightings of flagship species are rather scarce. Marakele's appeal lies more', in the rugged scenery and unspoiled wilderness. The park is home to as many as 16 Antelope species due to its variety of habitats. Some of the specials include: Reedbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Eland, Tsessebe and the stately Sable Antelope. This is a good place to see Bat-eared Fox, which is most easily observed when denning. A night drive offers a chance to see the elusive Aardwolf and Aardvark. A visit to view wildlife in Marakele is better scheduled during the Dry season. At this time, water in the bush dissipates leaving animals to search for available water. These sources of water are great for spotting wildlife, and the sparse plant-life make it all the easier to do so. The Dry season occurs from June to September. South African Parks and Reserves, maintain a very high standard regarding safety and crime is unlikely. Small thefts within the Park are always a possibility, just like anywhere else. However, other crimes are a rarity, and violent crimes are unheard of. In our opinion, it’s a safe destination for visitors to South Africa. If you aren’t planning on visiting other areas in South Africa where malaria is a risk, then you will not have to bother with antimalarials since Marakele is outside the malaria zone. It is advisable, however, to check into the various vaccinations required for travel to South Africa. You will have to receive these prior to your visit. Visitor Tips- Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen lotion. Also remember to take along medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites. Cool clothing for summer and warm for winter - the region is subject to sudden changes in weather, particularly in the mountains. As outdoor lighting in camps is limited, a torch/headlamp is required when walking outside at night. Remember charcoal or wood, as this is not available in the park. Overnight Visitors- No driving at night is allowed in the Park. As outdoor lighting in camps is limited, a torch/headlamp is required when walking outside at night. No collection of firewood. You will be warned at reception about roads that are inaccessible in the Park. Should you drive on these roads and get stuck we will contact a towing company for you and you will be charged for recovery expenses. Fines will be given if you drive off the roads. Your vehicle can be searched at exit points! Be aware of BABOONS and VERVET MONKEYS. Keep your tents closed when driving around and lock food in the tent’s cupboard. You may even turn the fridge slightly so that the door does not open easily. Don’t let anything lie around. Please do not feed the animals. Vervet Monkeys will soon become habituated to this and create serious problems in the future. You are not allowed to get out of your vehicle, except at places indicated to you on the map, by the receptionist! No pets are allowed in the Park. A general speed limit of 30 km/h must be maintained within the Park’s boundaries. Firearms must be declared at reception. You have to vacate the tent at 10:00 on the day of departure. The key for the gates must be returned to reception on the day of departure. Please keep your entrance permit with you while driving in the Park! No fishing is allowed in the dam. Check-in and Check-out times are: check in 14:00 and check out 10:00. The Office Hours of the Reception; opens 07:00 and closes at 18:00 from 1st Sept to 30th April. Reception opens 07:00 and closes at 17:30 from 1st May to 31st August Day Visitors Entrance from 07:00 to 16:00. No need to book in advance. Currently there is no limit on number of people per day. 4x4 routes as well as routes for sedan vehicles are open to day visitors. No visitors are allowed at the back of open vehicles. Your vehicle can be searched at exit points! No collecting of firewood. Day visitors have certain areas and roads where they can drive. You will be warned at reception about roads that are inaccessible in the Park. Should you drive on these roads and get stuck we will contact a towing company for you and you will be charged for recovery expenses. Fines can be given should you drive off the roads. People are not allowed to get out of their vehicles, except at places shown on the map by the receptionist. No pets are allowed in the park and firearms must be declared at reception. A general speed limit of 30 km/h must be maintained within the park’s boundaries. Office hours are from 07:00 in the morning until 16:00 in the afternoon. The gates close at 18:00 in summer time and at 17:30 in winter. If you are still inside the Park after the gates have closed you can be given a fine. Tour operators must be licensed with FGASA and SATOUR to operate in National Parks. A proper game-drive vehicle will be required. Tour operators will pay a set entrance price – check details with park. Tour operators must be registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and be in possession of a valid Deat membership card as proof. **Should you be uncertain as to the interpretation of a rule, please enquire at reception!**