Marakele National Park

As one of South Africa’s youngest and smallest national parks, Marakele invites you on an exciting adventure off the beaten path! Here, you can enjoy scenic game drives through the stunning Waterberg Mountains, spot the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape vultures, and keep an eye out for the elusive Big Five. Sure, spotting wildlife might require a bit more patience than in larger parks like Kruger, but it just adds to the thrill—each sighting becomes a treasured moment. Marakele is a treasure trove of surprises, where every twist and turn unveils a new stunning landscape!

Marakele National Park sits at the magical crossroads of South Africa’s dry west and lush, humid east. This unique mix means you’ll spot some unusual wildlife pairings—like impalas hanging out with springboks or tsessebes sharing the scene with red hartebeests! But it’s not just the animals that make Marakele special; the park boasts a botanical treasure trove of over 765 plant species, including rare beauties like yellowwood trees, tree ferns, and the endemic Waterberg cycad! As you journey through the park, you’ll find the landscape shifting from woodlands and rolling hills to marshlands, highveld grasslands, and rugged mountains, each more breathtaking than the last.

A place of refuge

Originally established as Kransberg National Park in 1994, Marakele National Park has long been a place of refuge, even before receiving its beautiful Tswana name. Legend has it that long ago, the Batswana people sought refuge in the area, hiding with their livestock from Zulu attacks. Today, the park offers refuge once again—this time for endangered species like the Cape vulture and the critically endangered black rhino. With most of the continent’s large mammals, 16 antelope species, and over 360 bird species calling it home, conservation is at the heart of the park’s mission. One of Marakele’s most remarkable moments? The rehabilitation of nine young Tuli elephants in 1999, giving them a new chance at life after enduring horrific conditions. It’s a park that proves you don’t have to be big to make a big difference!

The world’s largest breeding colony of Cape vultures

Calling all bird lovers! With around 800 breeding pairs of Cape vultures, Marakele National Park is your ultimate destination for spotting these raptors native to southern Africa. Grab your binoculars and hit the scenic drive up to Lenong Viewpoint, where adventure awaits! Keep your eyes peeled along the way for playful baboons and sun-basking dassies. The winding mountain road might have you on the edge of your seat, but the breathtaking views at the top are absolutely worth it! Once there, you’ll be treated to the sight of majestic vultures gliding effortlessly on thermal currents. It’s a birdwatching experience you won’t want to miss!

Activities in Marakele National Park

• Birding
• Bush braais
• Hiking trail
• Cycling trails
• 4×4 Eco Trail
• Morning and sunset bush walks
• Morning and sunset game drives
• Admiring the world’s largest breeding Cape vulture colony at the Lenong Viewpoint
• Bird and Game viewing at the Bollonoto bird hide and at the Bollonoto/Bontle/Tlopi dams

How to get there

Marakele National Park is located in the picturesque Limpopo Province, near the town of Thabazimbi, which conveniently lies at the park’s southwest entrance. Thabazimbi offers a range of amenities, including shops, hotels, restaurants, medical services, public telephones, and petrol stations—everything you need before your adventure! 

By air: The nearest airport is OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Besides, there’s a daily shuttle flight service to the Marakele airstrip, and private charter flights can also be arranged.

By car: Marakele lies approximately 250 km north of Johannesburg (approximately 5-hour drive) and 220 km north of Pretoria (under 4-hour drive).

Climate

Marakele National Park experiences a warm temperate climate, with rainy, hot summers and dry, mild winters. Summer stretches from October to April, while winter occurs between May and September. In summer, daily maximum temperatures range between 26-30°C, while in winter, daily minimum temperatures range between 1-6°C.

Pack both cool and warm clothing, as mornings and nights can be chilly, despite the pleasant daytime temperatures. Also, keep in mind that weather can change quickly due to the park’s mountain topography.

Best time to visit Marakele National Park

The best time to visit Marakele National Park is during the dry winter months, from May to September when wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources and vegetation thins out. However, if you don’t mind a little bit of rain, the summer months offer a different charm. From October to April, the park is lush and green, making it the best season for bird-watching, as migratory birds arrive, and it’s also a prime time to see newborn animals.