SANParks.org Forums

Hi
We are coming to KNP again in July/August and will be traveling from Mokala, I wondered what is the best way to travel? Shortest looks to be on R31 Barley West to Kuruman then stay on this all the way. I know its unpaved but how bad is it how long will this take?
Alternative is via N14 and Upington
Any advise on which is quickest route?

What vehicle are you driving?

If a sedan then go the Upington route, but if you are in a 4x4 or even 4x2, and want a more scenic route then via Kuruman. Which is quickest depends on your vehicle and how heavy your right foot is.

Hi

thanks for the reply
We will be in a 4x4 but it is a hire car, do you know if the road is very bad? we have been on some unpaved road in RSA that were fine and others that were like assault courses!
Coming from the UK we are not used to the distances as well, can you give me an idea of how long it would take?

thanks again
maureen

From Kimberley via Upington it's about 7 hours to Twee Rivieren. Via Kuruman between 7 and 8 hours, depending on the condition of the R31. The road seems to be in decent condition at the moment (this is from reports and not first hand info).

I would have opted for the Upington route via Griquatown and Groblershoop if I have to drive the total distance (between Mokala and Twee Rivieren) on the same day.

Hi,

Can anybody give me directions to Mokala National Park?
I hear that it is not very well sign posted.

Thanks,

Samantha

Hi Samantha,

Don't worry it is well signposted and not difficult to find :

You can find a map here and a description here, just follow these directions and at the Hayfield crossing on the N12 you will see the brown tourism boards indicating the park.



Hope this helps!

Hi,
We are doing a trip to KTP in Sept 2010 and on the way back to Durban have booked to spend a couple of nights in Mokala at Lilydale camp. We have seen on the map that the Lilydale camp is seperate to Mokala. We would like to know if we would have to travel past the Lilydale turnoff and go to Mokala to check in and then head back to Lilydale? We are coming from just outside KTP - so this sounds like a lot of extra driving. Has anyone done this - or got any advice to clarify.
Many thanks

Hi Mustang.

We have just spent a wonderful long weekend at the "main" part of Mokala.
Well worth visiting - we will be returning! Trip report etc. to follow.

While there we were given a Mokala brochure. I quote "Visitors booked at Lilydale don't need to drive to Mokala's main gate; they may proceed directly to Lilydale". It is a long drive from the Lilydale turn-off on the N12 - another 20km on tar then 21km on dirt.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

Hi Mustang, we have just come from the same trip. At Upington take the N10 then onto the R64. at Campbell take the R385 (gravel raod) to Douglas, from there the R357 to Kimberley. About 55km out, take the turnoff to Richie (gravel road), carry on till you get to the N12. Turn right towards Hopetown +- 2km down you wil see the turnoff to the NPB Lillydale. That road takes you to the gate +- 16km where you anounce yourself on the radio, to open the gate.

Mustang, the gravel road to Lilydale is not exclusive to the park, and used by public, especially by adjacent farms. Please bear this in mind when you travel there, that the road conditions might not be 100%, but once inside the gates, you will have a wonderfully peaceful visit.

Lilydale has some of the friendliest staff in SANParks and they are very helpful. If it is just you and a SO going there, ask for the chalet with the double bed - it has a nice corner bath as well! (Think it is number 5?) There is also a sparkling pool at reception and a cosy bar/lounge area at the main building.

If you can, try to squeeze in a visit to Mokala as well - it is really an amazing Park with some beautiful landscapes and awesome trees! (Remember to ask Lillydale's receptionist to facilitate this for you, as visits must be arranged prior to arrival).

Enjoy our new and youngest SANPark!

plse can someone advise which route to take

thanks
boskabous

Hi boskabous,

I'm sure you are referring to Mokala and not Makolo? The two best options from my point of view to get from Jhb to Kimberley is either 1.) the N12 via Potch, Wolmaranstad, Christiana, Kimberley, or 2.) take the N1 to Bloemfontein and then go to Kimberley from there.

Option 1 is shorter however there are some roadworks - the last time I took that road (2 months ago) there were only 2 stop-go signs so I would suggest this road.

Option 2 may be a bit longer but the N1 is in good condition and the road to Kimberley not too bad.

For years I took the N1 and just before the Vaalplaza tollgate I took the R57 to Parys, Viljoenskroon, Bothaville, Hoopstad, Hertzogville, Boshoff, Kimberley - the best road but unfortunately today this is one of the worst roads in the country due to all the potholes! Avoid that!

From Kimberley it is another +- 60km to get to Mokala turnoff on the N12 towards Cape Town, and another 20km on a dirt road to the gate.

Hope this helps!

we are tempted to include a sidetrip to Mokala on our way from JOH to KTP and I was wondering about the distances (not necessarily the travel times, we have our own pace) between O.R. Tambo and Mokala as well as between Mokala and TR

thanks

In Oct/Nov 2009 it took me about 8hrs going from a hotel near JNB A/P to Mokala due partly to traffic arond Jo´burg and numerous road works delays. My return about two weeks later after a second stay in Mokala took abot 7,5 hrs.
I have not driven from Mokala to KTP but will be driving from KTP to Mokala next March.
Mokala in my opinion is well worth a visit for more than an overnight stay. I have booked for five nights on my next visit.