MARAKELE NATIONAL PARK
General Information
Mountain landscapes, hills and valleys in addition to the abundant
wildlife species mainly characterize this park. Its name is derived
from one of South Africa's local dialects, Tswana, and it means
"in the heart of the Waterburg Mountain"
The park is divided into two sections: Kwaggasvlakte
section covering an area of 2500 ha and the Greater Marakele. A
public gravel road known as the Hoopdal road divides these two.
Viewing game and other treasures of the park is
best done in a 4 by 4 vehicle. The park is located 250km north of
Johannesburg in the heart of the Waterburg mountain range.
Getting There
The main access road is to the park is from a town called Thabazimbi,
which is 250km north of Johannesburg.
Major Attraction
The park is host to a wide variety of wildlife. Large mammals such
as the elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, leopard and cheetahs
abide within. Predators such as the lion and wild dog can also be
spotted. The latter are currently in a holding facility soon to
be released after a predator- proof fence is put up.
The less aggressive animals include sable, kudu,
eland, impala, waterbuck and tsessebe. The chacma baboon and vervet
monkey in all their mischief live in the park particularly around
the rest camps.
Bird species such as the Black African Hawk, vultures
that are the world's largest colony of endangered birds. Of strategic
importance as far as birding is concerned is that the park falls
within the transition zone between the dry western regions and the
moister eastern regions of the country. Reptiles such as the black-
breasted snake and brown snake are also common in the park.
Areas of special interest are the tops of Waterburg
mountain ranges. The view and the scenery here is magnificent. At
close proximity to the vulture colony is also a good spot where
visitors can be treated to vultures flying at close range. Vegetation
in the park is characterized by various tree species such as the
rare yellow- wooded tree, huge cedars and high cycads.
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