Watch the clouds drift by as they stage an ever-changing play, duplicated in the water's reflection. Thrill to the sight of the Cape vultures as they effortlessly ride the currents, looking down on yellowwood trees, ancient cycads and tree ferns. Be filled with wonder as the fiery orange sun changes into a spectacular blood red ball and languidly dissolves into burnished copper as it sets behind the moutains and an air of tranquillity descends. Set in the heat of the Waterberg moutains, Marakele National Park is home to some rare yellowwood and cedar trees and the world's largest colony of Cape vultures. The big game species flourish in this transitional zone between South Africa's dry and moist regions where the highest ramparts of the Waterberg escarpment meet the acacia savannah. with its temperate climate and good summer rainfall, the park provides an ideal setting for a bush experience.

Facilities and Activities

Get close to nature and enjoy the novelty of staying in an unfenced safari camp. The furnished tents sleeping two each are situated on the banks of the Apiesrivierpoort Dam. extra strechers for children are available on request. All safari tents, one of which has been adapted for the mobility impaired, are self-contained with a fullly-equipped kitchen, bathroom and barbecue facility. Camping and caravan sites are arranged in three clusters with communal facilities located in the centre of each cluster. One of the communal facilities in the camping terrain is adapted for the mobility impaired. The rustic bushcamp is equipped with A-frame huts each sleeping two. It has communal amblution, basic kitchen and barbecue facilities. Although the Park can currently be accessible by 4x4 vehicles or vehicles with sufficient clearance.

How to get there

The park is situated in the Waterberg moutain range within Limpopo, close to the town of Thabazimbi. Marakele is located 250 km north of Johannesburg in a malaria-free area. The Park can be accessed by either taking the N1 to Warmbaths and from there following the R516 via Mabula and Leeupoort to Thabazimbi or travelling to Brits and following the R511 via Beestekraal to Thabazimbi.