SANParks.org Forums

I've been searching (for years literally) for a decent map of Marakele National Park, but have not yet found one.

The best I could find on the internet is this one on SANParks' website. This map is not on the main Marakele Maps section (for the life of me, I can't understand why not), and I found it by chance in the 4X4 eco drive section!

Even this one did not really give me the detail and information that I want - so I decided to create my own, using Google maps, Google earth and other maps of Marakele that I could find.

I have created two maps - one for Marakele National Park (the whole park) and one for the Western Section with more detail.

I have placed these maps on my website (AfricaBliss). If you you go to the MARAKELE INFORMATION page and scroll down you will find the small images. Click on the images to open a larger pdf file.

Notes: These maps are my own creation, and are not sanctioned, approved or verified by SANParks. I have taken measures to make them as accurate as possible, but I cannot be held responsible for any errors. Some of the roads (especially in the Western Section) may have been closed by SANParks. Do not drive on "No-Entry Roads" because they show up on my maps!

Johannes,

The best map I could find on Marakele on the SANParks site was also the one under activities/ 4x4 route. Its also strange that since 2006 no better map could be placed on the park home page. Its a pity because such advice makes the difference when deciding to visit a park. I am sure I've received a good map from the office indicating where you allowed to drive. Surely that map needs to be place on the home page.

Your maps look good, but I was just wondering about the start of the 4x4 tracks. My memory is maybe not that good but I thought it was when you going off the tar that the road is already 4 x4 or did the park improve on the old roads from 2007.

Son godin,

The gravel roads (yellow on my maps) are all suitable for sedans and does not require 4X4. That is not saying that they are always in good condition. There can be times when these gravel roads can be pretty bad and washed out or corrugated, but not bad enough to make 4X4 a prerequisite.

I do not have the new 4X4 eco trail on my map. I will have to go drive it first before I can comment on it.

Johannes,

You're correct. I remember now it was the top section north of the dam that was difficult and took some time, but no road building required (maybe a 3).

The new 4x4 trail is only guided and looks a bit tough for my 4x4. Some very mudding sections I heard, but must be great for the real 4x4's. Enjoy the trip and take lots of pics.

Dear Johannes,

This main map page gives you 3 types of maps for Marakele:
http://www.sanparks.org/parks/marakele/tourism/map.php - could any of these be of use?

In terms of the map being placed on the Marakele home page - we do not place maps on the home page - however - we do place a visible link on all park right-hand columns direct to the map page:


Kind regards,