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I'm thinking about visiting Marakele and Mapungubwe in April 2012. Some of my questions may have been asked before, but I really don't have time to wade thru 20+ pages of "advice"

First, does anyone have a better map of Marakele? None of the ones on the website show either where the camps are located (I'd be staying at Tlopi) or the tourist roads (I won't have a 4x4). A map of Tlopi camp would also be helpful and/or suggestions for which would be the "best" tent to choose for both privacy and a nice view.

Second, looking at my RSA roadmap, it looks like the best way to reach Marakele from Joburg (Melville) will be to take the R511 all the way? And then to continue on to Mapugubwe, the R510 and then the R572. Any suggestions for better routes?

Third, rather than shop IN joburg, is there a good supermarket en route to Marakele (along the R511 or in Thabazimbi?) And what about a supermarket en route from Marakele to Mapungubwe? Is Alldays my best bet?

Returning from Mapungubwe, I'd like to spend a couple of days at Nylsvley. Is travelling all the way from Mapugubwe to Nylsvley in one day overambitious, or reasonable if I make an early start?

I'm sure I'll have more questions as my plans firm up, but many thanks for any help with these queries for starters

Nice plan!

Here is the best map I could find. Roads have changed a lot in the recent past. Most roads in Marakele nowadays are accessible by sedan, and the 4x4 roads are clearly marked.

The R511 used to be the logical route, but it is in a bad state of repair. I drove it a few weeks back, and would avoid it in the future. Maintenance is being done, but not fast enough and sections are in such a state that it should be rebuilt. It can be done, but absolutely not at night.

Rather take the N1 to Warmbaths (Bela Bela) then the R 516 which joins the R 511 at Koedoeskop. From there the R511 to Thabazimbi. This road is generally in good condition.

I would be adventurous and take the suggested R 510 and R 572 from there to Mapungubwe. I haven't driven those roads, so someone else should give advice on their state. The N1 to Polokwane (Pietersburg) and then the R521 to Alldays is an excelent alternative.

There are some good supermarkets in Thabazimbi where you can stock up for both legs of your trip. Don't bet on getting too much in Alldays. Polokwane, should you go that route is obviously well stocked.

Neylsvley is easily reachable from Mapungubwe.

WoW, thanks Imberbe for the excellent and helpful map and all you advice. I'll check about the R511 closer to the time. Great to know that there are good supermarket choices in Thabazimbi and that Nelsvley is an easy trip from Mapangubwe

Hi Arks,

I can give you advice on the R521 from Polokwane to Alldays. The road is fine up to Vivo, but thereafter there is not much left of the road on section between Vivo and Alldays. Expect to travel 60km/h so that you can stop in time for large pot holes.

If you not traveling past Polokwane and N1, Thabazimbi will be the best for shopping. I am not too familiar with the R510/R572, but that might have been my option as well to avoid the highly tolled N1. If you however decide on the N1 you can try the road south of the park via Rankins pass and Alma connecting to R33 towards Modimolle ( old Nylstroom) (close to Nylsvlei) and then N1.

Agree that the best route towards Thabazimbi is the advice from Imberbe. Also plan your trip to leave Jo'burg early to get to Pretoria around 5 am - 6 am. There are roadworks on the N1 close to Zambesi drive and by 6 am the traffic can be hectic.

A completely alternative route can be via Rustenburg and taking the R510 past Pilansberg and Northam before reaching Thabazimbi. This is a good option if you are staying west of Jo'burg, e.g. Muldersdrif area.

Living near Zambezi I can tell you that the traffic should not be a problem as you will be travelling in the opposite direction of the very hectic traffic. In the mornings the majority of movement is towards Johannesburg and the lanes heading North is in comparison rather quiet.

Hi Arks. Nine tents all with great views facing the dam.
We’ve seen most animals drink at the lower end of the dam towards the last tents.
Lourie, No 9 the last tent is most private. Also most difficult to book.
Third from last is Cormorant No7 the 2nd most private and Fish Eagle also relatively private but with almost no shade.
The R511 is horrific. Also everything Imberbe says.

Thanks for all this very helpful feedback! I'll check again on road conditions closer to the time.

Hey Everyone,

Scrolling through everyones advise has been most helpful. So thank you.
Just a quick question, I have seen it mentioned a couple times that Lourie is the best tent, followed by cormorant and barbet.
But, how do you go about booking a specific tent? Or do you have to rely on luck of the draw.

Thanks again.

Rob

Any further input/updates on the road conditions? (Imberbe posted in early November, nearly 5 months ago, so perhaps there have been improvements?) Is the R511 still best avoided? I'll be traveling to Marakele on Easter monday (morning), which I think is a holiday (family day)? Would that make any difference in which route to choose?

I'm fairly used to secondary roads, actually prefer them to motorways, so will definitely be adventurous and take the R510/R572 route from Marakele to Mapungubwe. And unless the R511 is still considered to be in a really terrible condition, I may risk that

Any and all current advice will be much appreciated! I'll be heading to Marakele in less than two weeks!