Overview–southafrica

Mokala National Park

Mokala is a recently established national park, protecting sandy plains dotted with impressive camel thorn trees. The small park isn't a prime wildlife-viewing destination but offers a range of activities. Rhino, buffalo and several antelope species have been re-introduced, but numbers are relatively low, and animals are still quite skittish as they are getting used to their new environment.

Best Time to Visit

Although wildlife viewing is good throughout the year, the dry winter months of May to September are best. During this time animals gather at waterholes and rivers, making them easier to spot.

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

Best time for wildlife viewing
Daytime temperatures are comfortable
It is cold at night and in the morning
The sky is hazy with a lot of dust in the air

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

Beautiful landscapes and sunny skies
Newborn animals can be found
Migrant bird species are present
The heat can become unbearable
Some roads might become impassable in an ordinary 2WD car
Wildlife viewing is still good, but the Dry season is better

Scenery

Mokala's main habitat is sandy plains hemmed in by isolated dolerite (magmatic rock) hills. Camel thorn is the predominant tree in this arid, sandy environment. The main objective of the park is to protect the unusual interface of two biomes (large, naturally occurring communities of flora and fauna): the Savanna Biome and the Nama Karoo Biome.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Jan

Feb

Nov

Dec

Mar

April

Oct

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: May to September (Best wildlife viewing)

High Season

From: Never (Might be busier during school holidays)

Size

From: 196km² / 76mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Mokala is not a prime wildlife destination. There is a good variety of animals, but numbers are still increasing, and wildlife is still settling into the new environment since they have been relocated from Vaalbos National Park. Some of the animals you might encounter are rhino species, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and black wildebeest.

Wildlife Highlights

Mokala is home to some of South Africa's most unusual antelope species, such as tsessebe, sable, and roan antelope. The sandy environment is a prime habitat for brown hyenas, suricate, bat-eared foxes, aardwolf, and the very elusive aardvark.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Although wildlife viewing is good at any time, the dry winter months of May through September are best. The drought forces animals to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.

General Wheather

As with most semi-arid regions, Mokala National Park has a climate characterized by extreme variations in temperature and little rainfall. The Wet season occurs from October to April, but rainfall is low and droughts are common. Rain usually comes in stormy conditions. Due to its locale in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are experienced at opposite times to North America and Europe.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

Frost typically occurs during the night as it is very cold, and warm clothing is a necessity. Rainfall is extremely low during the winter season. Days aren’t very warm, but it’s pleasant in the sun.

May – It is cold in the morning with average temperatures of around 5°C/41F, but afternoons are mild at around 22°C/72°F. Summertime comes to an end.
June, July & August – It is essential to bring warm clothing. The average morning temperature is 3°C/37°F, but it can be much colder and frost is common. Pleasant afternoon temperatures are typical, with an average of 19°C/66°F.
September – Temperatures warm up to a daytime average of 25°C/77°F. Mornings aren’t as chilly, with temperatures around 8°C/46°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Temperatures are very high. Humidity remains low, causing the heat to be more bearable. Average daytime temperatures are around 31°C/88°F but can peak at 40°C/104°F and higher. Rains are typically in the form of torrential storms.

October & November – Temperatures increase and rainfall increases, although long periods of drought can happen. Rainfall usually comes in the form of afternoon downpours. Average temperatures hover between 13°C/55°F in the morning and 29°C/84°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – Peak temperatures occur during this time. The afternoon average is around 33°C/91°F, but temperatures can rise much higher. Early mornings are cool with temperatures around 16°C/61°F. Random showers bring a refreshing pause to the extreme heat.
March & April – Daytime temperatures average around 29°C/84°F. Nights are typically mild, averaging 11°C/52°F. Rain decreases rapidly in April.

Prons

Beautiful, unusual scenery with big camel thorn trees
Game drives including night drives available
Bush braais (barbecues) and bush breakfasts
Guided drives to rock art engravings
Little visited destination between Johannesburg and Cape Town
Self-catering accommodation and restaurant
Easy day trip from Kimberley

Cons

Not many typical safari animals present
Far away from South Africa's main tourist attractions

How To Get There

Mokala National Park is located 84km/7mi outside the town of Kimberley. The drive takes about 1½ hours*.

You will most likely enter South Africa by flying into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. You can hire a car and drive from either airport or take a connecting flight to Kimberley Airport (KIM).

The park is a convenient stopover en route between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The distance from Johannesburg is approximately 500km/310mi, while it’s 1,000km/620mi from Cape Town. Visitors to Mokala generally drive there on their own, and the park is accessible with an ordinary 2WD car.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to South Africa, and what tickets would cost.