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We’re planning a quick break away at Marakele (first time) soon and will be staying in Tlopi. I’ve been unable to find a map for Tlopi. Can anybody recommend a tent please or point me in the direction of a camp map?
At reservations, “fish eagle” was recommended.

Hello Blyde,

Maybe my answer is coming too late...I stayed in Marakele last year. I don't remember the tent name but it was the last one. And I think that it is the best one as it it really remote.You don't see your neighbours and you don't have any car coming along.

Thanks for the answer Papop. You’re right about the last tent. Unfortunately it was already booked.
The tent we stayed in, would be perfect in winter because it’s got no shade but never the less
it was an awesome experience.
The scenery is spectacular! We’ll go back just for that.
Saw very little game and none of the big five but boy oh boy the rest was pure magic.
(For my nits I’ll complete the standard feedback form
This park could become a real jewel with a little TLC.

Hi all,

I was at Tlopi years ago and the only way in was through a side entrance and then through about 8 gates that you had to open and close.

Is it still this way or is there another way to Tlopi now?

I'll be there this weekend. woo hoo!

cheers,
Kimberly

No more gates anymore .

But they were a good excuse to get out the car !

Enjoy the trip .

Ooooo Kimberly you lucky thing! It’s like mikev said. We used the side entrance with our OWN key (a month ago). How blooming special is that! I fell in love with
Marakele and the mountains. Send my love to Thlopi and the barbels. Annie.

Thanks Annie.
Will say hello for you!
You didnt catch a glimpse of the wild dogs did you?
I hope they are still there.

K

Another question for you guys.
On the map it looks like you can drive from Tlopi directly through to the main area?
Or must you still go out the side again and around to the other entrance?

thanks,
Kimberly

Kimberly, we were there with a 2x4. The first road on the left as you leave Thlopi, takes you to the tar road that goes up to the towers. I think it’s supposed to be a 4x4 route but we were sure that if you drive slowly and carefully a normal car can do it easily. Maybe somebody else knows better?

As for the wild dogs, they were released half an hour before we booked in but we failed to find them and we did spend a lot of time trying to find them (mostly because of the aircon in the car )

We will be visiting Tlopi camp next week. Can you tell me whether the two beds are double beds or single? I assume single.

We have heard that there are cycads in the area, could anyone confirm this. If so, where are they to be found and what type of encephalartos are they?

Encephalartos eugene-maraisii , up to 5m high , are found in the park.

I have asked the marketing manager from the region to respond

Marakele is wonderful-I think back to my last weekend there and that wonderful feeling of peace often!

Dianne

We spent a very pleasant 4 nights in Tlopi at the beginning of April. We saw very little game in either part of the park, but saw 75 birds (some lifers) and identified a number of trees - which was all rather fun. Some of the 4x4 tracks were quite serious (we had to use low range) and I wouldn't try them in a 2Xanything but good luck if you like walking in the great outdoors. Everything about the park and Tlopi was great with one exception - the floors SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK all the time and because the tents are quite close together you hear all the midnight toilet visits, etc.! Those who are looking for a romantic time away would best be advised to try elsewhere.

I was just wondering if anyone has experienced the gravel roads, east of Tlopi Camp, they are the worst roads I have ever been on, and I have been on some shockers!! It was absolutely fantastic!!! If you want to test your 4X4 out, this is the place to do it, if it doesn't cope, it can't be called a 4X4. Hopefully they haven't fixed the road, that would be a pity.
Other than that it's an exquisitely beautiful park.