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Marakele, at the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, is a scenic destination in remote wilderness. The park is home to the Big Five, but sightings are hit-and-miss. A highlight is the vulture viewpoint where Cape vulture can be spotted. The park is divided into two sections: the first contains easy-to-drive gravel roads but not many animals; the second is far wilder but also richer in wildlife.
Best Time to Visit
The best wildlife viewing in Marakele is during the dry winter months from May to September. At this time animals gather around predictable water sources and are therefore easier to spot.
May to September –Dry Season – Winter
October to April –Wet Season – Summer
Scenery
Marakele lies in the transitional zone between the dry western and moist eastern regions of South Africa and is characterized by rugged mountain landscapes, rolling hills, and deep valleys. Magnificent yellowwood and cedar trees, beautiful suikerbos protea shrubs, five-meter-high cycads, and tree ferns are just some of the botanical delights.
From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day
From: May to September (Dry season)
From: Never (The park is little visited)
From: 670km² / 259mi²
Marakele has many safari animals, including the Big Five, though densities are low. Buffalo has been re-introduced and there is a fair chance of finding a white rhino. There are plenty of elephants in the park as well, but they tend to stick to the inaccessible northern area. Overall, sightings are scarce and Marakele’s appeal lies mostly in the rugged scenery and unspoiled wilderness.
Wildlife Highlights
The park is home to as many as 16 antelope species due to its variety of habitats. Some of the specials include reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, eland, tsessebe, and the stately sable antelope. This is a good place to see bat-eared fox, which is most easily observed when denning. A night drive offers a chance to see the elusive aardwolf and aardvark.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
A visit to view wildlife in Marakele is better scheduled during the Dry season. At this time, water in the bush dissipates leaving animals to search for available water. These sources of water are great for spotting wildlife, and the sparse plant life make it all the easier to do so. The Dry season occurs from June to September.
The wet summer months (October to April) are hot in Marakele National Park. Dry winters (May to September) are mild during the day, but cold at night and in the morning, making warm clothing essential.
Altitudes within the park vary from 983m to 1,986m (3,225ft to 6,516ft), and the climate follows suit. Even though the upper reaches are inaccessible mountain peaks, temperatures range widely within the park. The temperature lowers approximately 6.5°C per every 1,000m (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft) that you ascend.
Dry Season –May to September – Winter
Rainfall is scarce throughout winter. As a result, water sources dry up and become few, so animals tend to seek out and stay close to those that they do find. Greenery also shrivels, providing the best conditions for viewing wildlife.
Wet Season –October to April – Summer
Although the heat and humidity can get fairly stifling during the summer, it isn’t as uncomfortable as it can be at the coast. With average daytime temperatures of 28°C/82°F, afternoon rains are welcomed as they break the heat of the day.
Marakele National Park is located about 280km/175mi north of Johannesburg. This is mostly a self-drive destination and the drive from Johannesburg takes about 4 hours*. Most of the roads inside the park are passable in a 2WD car, but a 4WD is recommended.
Your point of entry into South Africa will most likely be O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, where you can rent a car and drive on to Marakele.
If driving to the upmarket Marataba Lodge in the concession area, note that it is about 30km/18mi further from Johannesburg than the main gate. It is also possible to organize a chartered flight to the Marakele airstrip. Charter flights are generally arranged by your tour operator as an inclusion to your safari package.
There are no scheduled flights to Marakele.
*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 O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and what tickets would cost.
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – South Africa page to learn about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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