Spanning the convergence of the Karoo and Kalahari biomes is South Africa’s newest national park, Mokala. The arid landscape is a haven for antelope, small predators, and rhino, and is an enchanting place to visit.
Established in 2007, Mokala National Park is easily accessible from Kimberley in the Northern Cape. A relatively short 70 km drive swaps the hustle of the former diamond mining capital for the slow pace of wide-open grassy plains and scrubland, where equally precious treasures can be found.
Mokala is a refuge for a variety of antelope species, some of which are facing population decline. Sable and red hartebeest graze alongside black wildebeest and zebra, while tsessebe roam the plains alongside dense herds of one of Africa’s largest antelope, the roan. Also found in Mokala are both white and black rhino, as well as giraffe and zebra.
While large cats aren’t resident in the park, there are still a number of smaller predator species to look out for like African wild cat, caracal, Cape fox and black-backed jackal.
Mokala is an interesting place for bird watching. Its location at the intersection of two biomes means that species from both can be seen – examples include the black-chested prinia and its Karoo equivalent, the rufous-eared warbler. Other interesting residents include the melodious lark, short-toed rock thrush and red-crested korhaan, while the list of raptors includes the regal Marshall eagle, as well as jackal buzzard, peregrine falcon, and giant eagle owl. A bird hide at Stofdam gives visitors the chance to see crimson breasted shrikes, kingfishers and more at the water’s edge.
Taking in all the sights at Mokala can be done as part of a guided game drive, which can be arranged for mornings, afternoons and evenings. A perfect way to cap off a day at Mokala is a bush braai (BBQ) and the chance to enjoy a lazy dinner in the open African wild after an evening game drive.
Adding to the Mokala experience is the opportunity to visit ancient rock art engraving sites, with a guide to help you discover more about the area’s cultural heritage. As well as that, catch-and-release fly fishing is a popular activity at the Lilydale, De Krans and Kleinbek rest camps.
Accommodation options include Mosu Lodge, which features fully equipped self-catering units, while Lilydale is a slightly more rustic offering with views over the Riet River.
Haak en Steek Camp can accommodate four guests in an off-the-grid cottage, with exclusive use of the nearby campsite for larger groups.
At Motswedi, each camping site has its own ablution and cooking facilities, as well as a braai area with views over the nearby watering hole.
For bigger groups, the Mofele Environmental Centre has nine en-suite rooms, that can accommodate 60 guests in a rustic, farm-style setting.
Mokala also offers some unique accommodation options in the form of a single night stay at Stofdam bird hide, or a minimum two-night stay in the Kameeldoring, Motswedi and Dinokeng Tree Top Camps, where your closest neighbours are the park’s wild residents.
- A chance to experience nature in unique tree top camps
- A bush experience in a secluded and tranquil part of South Africa, often considered a ‘hidden gem’
- The stretch of the Riet River near Lilydale that offers a meditative fly fishing experience
- The establishment of Mokala required the relocation of around 1200 animals from the Vaalbos nature reserve, which had been de-proclaimed
- Mokala’s breeding programmes were instrumental in the re-establishment of previously endangered antelope species like roan and sable
- The quiver tree (kokerboom) got its name ‘choje’ because the San people hollowed out its branches to make quivers for their arrows
- There is no fuel station within the park’s borders, but there is one 20 km from Lilydale rest camp
- Ask for a wildlife list at reception so you can keep track of your sightings
- There are no longer any restaurants in the park so best to go prepared with all essentials
