Marakele is a national park of mountains, wildlife and wide-open bushveld, but there is more than one way to experience it.
Bernard DUPONT/Wikimedia Commons
In the Waterberg Mountains of Limpopo, Marakele National Park feels a world away from city life, despite being a relatively accessible bush escape from Johannesburg. Its name means ‘place of sanctuary’ in Tswana, and the park lives up to it, with dramatic mountain scenery, rich biodiversity and an impressive concentration of wildlife. It is home to 91 mammal species and 314 recorded bird species, including a significant Cape vulture colony.
Here are three ways to do Marakele.
1. The luxury way: A private safari escape
For the ultimate Marakele experience, book into Marataba Safari Lodge, a luxury lodge situated on a 23 000-hectare private concession within the greater Marakele landscape. Here, the emphasis is on combining the wilderness experience with the comforts of a high-end safari stay.
This is the option for travellers who want the bush without having to worry about cooking, packing a cooler box or planning every game-viewing outing themselves. Spend your days on guided drives, looking for elephants, rhino and predators, then return to camp for meals and time to appreciate the Waterberg surroundings.
Marakele is particularly rewarding for birders, too. Look skywards for Cape vultures soaring over the cliffs and mountains. The park sits in a transition zone between South Africa’s drier western regions and wetter eastern landscapes, creating an unusually varied environment for both plants and animals.
Best for: couples, special occasions, milestone trips and travellers who want a classic luxury safari.
2. The family-friendly and budget-friendly way: Self-cater and explore
You do not need a luxury lodge to enjoy Marakele. One of the park’s strengths is that visitors can stay in self-catering accommodation and build their own safari experience.
Bontle Rest Camp has both campsites and permanent tented units. The tented units have private verandas, fully equipped kitchens and outdoor braai facilities, making them a practical option for families who want a little more comfort without committing to a full-service lodge.
For another option, Tlopi Tented Camp overlooks the Apiesrivierpoort Dam. Its furnished tents have kitchens, private bathrooms, electricity and verandas, while two stretchers can be added for children.
The self-drive approach also gives families the freedom to set their own pace. Pack binoculars, snacks and a picnic, then spend the day exploring the park’s designated roads and looking for wildlife. For South African residents, the current conservation fee is R73 per adult and R37 per child aged two to 11, although rates are subject to change.
Remember that this is a wild environment. Visitors must remain in their vehicles except at designated areas, and the park has a 30km/h speed limit.
Best for: families, first-time safari-goers, campers and travellers watching their budgets.
3. The adventurous way: The road less travelled
For something considerably more rugged, sign up for Marakele’s 4×4 Eco Trail, a three-day, two-night journey through the park’s primitive wilderness zone.
This is not a gentle scenic drive. The trail requires a capable 4×4 vehicle with low-range capability and appropriate ground clearance, and participants drive their own vehicles while following a ranger-led convoy. The route crosses rugged Waterberg terrain, with steep sections, muddy patches and changing road conditions.
Over three days, you will camp at unfenced wilderness camps, cook your own food and carry your own supplies. In return, you get an immersive experience in the less-developed parts of the park, with opportunities to encounter wildlife, examine spoor and learn about the different ecosystems from the accompanying ranger.
If three days off-road sounds like too much, guided bush walks offer another adventurous way to experience Marakele. Qualified field guides lead morning and sunset walks tailored to guests’ preferences and fitness levels.
Best for: experienced 4×4 travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, keen photographers and anyone wanting to get deeper into the Waterberg wilderness.
Pick your Marakele
The beauty of Marakele is that you do not have to choose the same safari experience as everyone else. Luxury travellers can settle into a private concession, families can self-cater and explore at their own pace, while adventurous visitors can head into the mountains on a challenging 4×4 trail.
Whichever route you choose, the landscape remains the star: rugged Waterberg peaks, open bushveld, soaring vultures and the possibility of seeing some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife.
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