Tsessebe and red hartebeest look up attentively as a family of warhogs scamper by, leaving small dust-storms in their wake. A group of giraffe lopes across the road in their distinctive way, curiously eyeing their surroundings and the human visitors. Some eland make their leisurely way towards a waterhole, accompanied by the shrill sound of the tiny male cicadas. Tucked along the Vaal River lies the approximately 23 000 hectare Vaalbos National Park. Named for its 'vaalbos', the dominant camphor bush, the park conserves a part of the transitional vegitation zone where typical Karoo, Kalahari thornveld and grassveld meet. Once the heart of the alluvial diamond diggings, large raptors and the exquisite crimson-breasted shrike now attract visitors to this historic region. The Park serves as a breeding centre for endangered African herbivores such as rhino, roan, sable and disease-free buffalo.

Facilities and Activities

Guest can be accommodated in either a rustic camping site or quaint four-bed family cottage with a loft that can sleep an additional two children. Power for lights and fans is provided by solar panels (no electric plugs ). Pleas note, there are no shops in the park. Visitors driving vehicles with high ground clearance, which have a differential lock mechanism, can reserve their participation on the Vaalbos self-drive Eco-Adventure on their arrival in the park. Alternatively, on arrival in the park, an Eco-Adventure drive conducted in a Park's vehicle accompanied by a ranger can be arranged.

How to get there

The park lies 20 km from Barkly West and 52 km from Kimberley with its airport and car rental services.