Are you looking for a unique wildlife experience away from the crowds? Mokala National Park is a hidden gem in South Africa that offers an intimate and peaceful retreat.
Located near Kimberley, this malaria-free park is a perfect stopover between Cape Town and Johannesburg. You’ll discover wide open grasslands, Kalahari thornveld, and camelthorn scrub land, home to endangered species like roan antelope and sable antelope.
With its tranquil setting and conservation efforts, Mokala provides an authentic experience for nature lovers. You’ll enjoy exploring the park’s activities, accommodations, and learning about its conservation initiatives.
Discovering Mokala National Park: South Africa’s Hidden Gem
Mokala National Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in South Africa’s Northern Cape province. Located just outside Kimberley, the park offers a unique blend of diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Where Is Mokala National Park Located?
Mokala National Park is conveniently situated off the N12 highway near Kimberley, making it an accessible yet uncrowded destination. The park spans 27,500 hectares of diverse terrain, featuring open grasslands, Kalahari thornveld, and distinctive camelthorn scrubland dotted with isolated dolerite hills.
The Meaning Behind “Mokala” and Its Unique Landscape
The name “Mokala” is derived from the Setswana word for the camelthorn tree (Acacia erioloba), which is iconic to the park’s landscape. These trees range from small 2-meter shrubs to impressive 16-meter specimens, defining the park’s unique landscape.
Why Mokala Is Called “SanParks’ Best Kept Secret”
Mokala National Park earns its reputation as “SanParks’ best kept secret” due to its combination of biodiversity, accessibility, and remarkably few visitors. The park serves as a crucial breeding center for endangered species, supplying other national parks with rhino, buffalo, tsessebe, roan, and sable antelope.
Mokala National Park, South Africa: Best Things to Do – Top Picks
From wildlife viewing to stargazing, Mokala National Park provides an unforgettable experience with its top-notch activities. As you explore this beautiful national park, you’ll have the chance to engage in various exciting experiences that highlight the park’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Wildlife Viewing: Rare and Endangered Species
Mokala National Park is renowned for its rare and endangered antelope species, including roan, sable, and tsessebe. You’ll also spot buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra, and various wildebeest species in a less crowded environment compared to more popular parks. With at least 50 species of birds, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Sunset Game Drives: A Perfect Evening Activity
Experience the thrill of a sunset game drive in Mokala National Park, offered at half the price of similar experiences in Kruger. As the sun sets, you’re more likely to catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals like owls, bat-eared foxes, wild cats, and jackals, making for an unforgettable evening activity.
Water Activities: Fly Fishing and River Trips
The Riet River offers a serene setting for catch-and-release fly fishing for carp, barbel, and yellow fish. Alternatively, you can rent inflatable canoes for a relaxing trip downstream, enjoying the scenic beauty of the river.
Explore the 4×4 Trails: Mellifera and Merakeng
For the adventurous, Mokala National Park features two 4×4 trails, Mellifera and Merakeng, in the Lilydale section. With a permit, you can explore off the main roads and experience the park’s rugged terrain without facing serious technical challenges.
Stargazing Under the Northern Cape Sky
The Northern Cape’s dark skies offer spectacular stargazing opportunities. As night falls, the Milky Way displays in full brilliance, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors from urban areas.
Where to Stay in Mokala National Park
Your stay in Mokala National Park can be enhanced by picking the right place to stay. The park offers various accommodation options to suit different tastes and preferences.
Treetop Chalets: A Unique Overnight Experience
The Kameeldoring treetop chalet is a gem, offering views over its own waterhole. You can sit on your veranda and watch animals come to drink without leaving your accommodation. It’s a unique experience that brings you closer to nature.
Motswedi Bush Campsite: Privacy in Nature
The Motswedi Bush campsite provides a private and secluded experience with only six sites. Each site has its own kitchenette and ablution facilities, surrounded by camel thorn trees that offer natural shade and excellent bird watching opportunities.
Mosu Lodge: Comfort and Convenience
At Mosu Lodge, you can enjoy comfort and convenience with the option to book a catered braai under the stars among the acacia trees. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Mokala National Park surroundings.
It’s advisable to book ahead, especially for the popular treetop chalets, as they are becoming increasingly sought after by visitors who appreciate the intimate wildlife viewing experience.
Planning Your Visit to Mokala National Park
Mokala National Park is a hidden gem in South Africa, and with some planning, you can have an unforgettable experience. To get to the park, you can use one of the two entrances off the N12 highway: the first is about 37 km from Kimberley, leading to Lilydale, and the second is approximately 57 km from Kimberley, leading to Mosu Lodge.
While you can see many animals in half a day, it’s recommended to stay at least two nights to fully appreciate the park’s beauty and diverse wildlife. The best time to visit is during the cooler months (May to September) when animals are more active. You’ll have the chance to spot numerous antelope species, including eland, red hartebeest, and the endangered roan-sable antelope, as well as white and black rhinos, giraffes, and buffalo.
Don’t forget to pack binoculars for bird watching, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a good camera to capture the unique camel thorn trees against the sunset. It’s also advisable to book ahead, especially during South African school holidays or if you plan to stay in the popular treetop chalets.
