From the top of Lenong Viewpoint, you may spot soaring Cape vultures and take in some of the most spectacular panoramic scenery of the surroundings. It is an ideal spot for a small picnic, or just some quiet time taking in the scenery. Yes, Marakele National Park is worth a visit! It may not be as famous as the Kruger National Park, but this does not matter. It is the closest South African National Park to Johannesburg, so great for a weekend away, or a longer visit. The park lies in the shade of the Waterberg Mountains near the town of Thabazimbi and means ‘place of sanctuary’.
On paper, the park is home to the Big Five (elephant, leopard, lion, rhino, and buffalo). I would not visit the park with the expectation of seeing them all on a single trip as that might be unreasonable. Despite this, I would visit Marakele any time because you don’t have to see every animal to get the most out of your trip.
Wildlife in Marakele National Park
Marakele National Park is home to a wide variety of animals. Look out for the klipspringer on the way to Lenong Viewpoint. It is said that a resident leopard lives near the top of the mountain too. Maybe one day I will be lucky enough to see it. Gracious giraffes call the Marakele National Park home, and they are always special to see. Sable, tsessebe, and waterbuck occur in the park too, while kudu and impala antelope are frequently spotted on game drives. Chacma baboons and vervet monkeys can be a nuisance and must be watched, especially near the accommodation and picnic areas. I once had a run-in with a vervet monkey and got bitten for not wanting to feed it. Feeding wildlife basically signs a death sentence for them as they start associating humans with food.
Birding in Marakele National Park
Birders will love the variety of the birdlife in the park. The park is most famous for its large Cape vulture breeding colony, one of the largest in the world. The best way to spot the Cape vultures in Marakele National Park is to drive up to the Lenong Viewpoint early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Apart from this, Marakele National Park falls in a transition zone. This zone splits South Africa’s dryer western side and the wetter eastern side of the country. The park is a great birding destination with many different species. Apart from a few great raptor sightings, I spotted my first crimson-breasted shrike in the Marakele National Park. If you stay at the Tlopi Tented Camp, you could see or hear the African fish eagle. I once watched one fish eagle hunt, or that is what I thought. Instead of grabbing the fish and flying off, it simply fell into the water. It then swam to the side using its wings. Unfortunately, it was a bit far to capture on camera, but someone told me years later that they do this to get rid of parasites.
Game drives in Marakele National Park
For a self-drive getaway, there are a few points of interest in the park. Lenong viewpoint is not to be missed. Apart from spectacular views, it brings you near the Cape vulture colony. This is one of the largest breeding colonies in the world. Most roads in the park are accessible by a sedan. I have visited the park with a Hyundai i10 and a Suzuki Celerio. After heavy rain, the road may be a little rougher. Take it slow and you will be fine. There are a few offroad tracks in Marakele National Park where you need a 4×4, but they are marked on the maps.
Book a guided game drive if you have it in your budget. This is a great option as you get to sit back and relax in a raised open safari vehicle, with a knowledgeable guide to educate you about all aspects of the Marakele National Park – fauna and flora. Marakele also offers guided walks, which is a brilliant way to explore the park.
Things that make the Marakele National Park special
The park also features other special things, such as unique vegetation. One is the Waterberg cycad (Encephalartos eugene-maraisii), named after poet and author Eugene Marais. The plant is endemic (native/restricted to an area) to the Waterberg region and occurs nowhere else in the world. These cycads are not just visible in large numbers in plain sight. This is probably good since cycad poaching is so prominent in South Africa. The Matlabas Wetland is home to another special plant, a predator plant. I once wrote an article about this when I was still a journalist at the SANParks Times. The wetland is visible in the distance as you drive down from the Lenong Viewpoint.
Where to stay in the Marakele National Park
There are a couple of accommodation options in the park. A special option is Tlopi. You can unwind next to tranquil waters at this tented camp. You can sit back and watch the surroundings, including elephants and other wildlife visiting for a drink. It is my favourite accommodation option in the park. It offers an equipped kitchen, a braai area, and two single beds in a tent. The accommodation is on the water and sunset can be something special.
Bontle Rest Camp is situated near the reception and entrance gate. It offers tented camps and a campsite for those who want to spend a night under the stars. The site is lovely and animals (not those in the Big Five area) can move through the camp. You will frequently find zebra grazing nearby, or an ostrich visiting the campers.
The fenced Motswere guest cottage (an old farmhouse) is a great choice for groups seeking privacy and peace of mind. I have been fortunate to have stayed at every accommodation option mentioned in this blog post.
Family-friendly escape?
Marakele National Park is a great destination for families. Families staying at Bontle can walk around in the camp area and in March 2023, the SANParks Honorary Rangers assisted with a swimming pool and jungle gym in the park.
More information
Plan a break in the park for a lovely getaway. The driving distance is not too far from Johannesburg. The easiest way to get to the Marakele National Park from Johannesburg is via the N1 highway to Bela-Bela. From here, take the R516 via Mabula and Thabazimbi. The park entrance and office are approximately 12km outside Thabazimbi. Visit www.sanparks.org for details and bookings.
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