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And how many black rhinos do they have??? i love black rhinos so much!!!!!
Do they have night drives? and if they do how long the drive is???? does any one have pics of there trips. I would love to see them!!!!

Hi Marissa,

Have a look here, you'll find quite a few Trip Reports to read. When booking in, page through the sightings book on the counter, you'll get a good idea of what is around.

I'm not sure how many lions there are but they seem to keep more to the north of the park which does not have roads but there has been a few sightings never the less. Your best chance of seeing leopard would be to travel the tared road up to the top of the mountain very early in the morning or late afternoon. Elephants are spotted regularly but the bush is pretty dense so just keep your eyes peeled. For white rhino, pour yourself a sundowner, sit in front of your tent and wait.

Marakele is a park which offer so much more than only the big 5, it's a complete wholesome experience with nature. Enjoy the trip, you'll come back feeling completely rejuvenated.

Yes, you can drive on your own, or you can book a game drive at reception. All night drives are done by SANParks guides.

There are lots of white rhino around, and they even come and walk between the tents at the camping site. There are black rhino as well ... I have been part of a group that was chased by one...

Nothing to keep you honest and fit like being chased by black rhino

Hi Onewithnature, Glad you are sold on the place. I love Kruger but when we do not feel like driving but being able to rest with a book and be “onewithnature” then Marekele is the place to be.

Marissa – I am sure you too will love Marekele as long as you not expect big exciting sightings.

On one of our trips we had about fifteen baby inpala sleeping right behind our caravan for the night. Warthog feeding on the grass, a few feet from our ground sheet. A small tortoise crawled right across our groundsheet. How much closer can you get to nature?

Marissa - Marakele is another of SANPARKS "hidden gems". It is NOT Kruger and you have to realise that. It has its own special qualities.

We stayed in the tented camp - Tlopi - at the end of June 2009. The tent decks are right over the edge of a dam. I think we were there the coldest night of the winter - heavy frost - luckily we took extra bedding (though the tent comes with plenty for normal temperatures).

One day we had a breeding herd of 29 elephants come down to drink and play at the dam. We heard lion one night and I'm sure I heard a leopard nearby another night. We had various buck come down to drink, too. We did not see much game - the vegetation is rather thick. However, we enjoyed the landscapes (you must drive up to the viewpoint at the top of the mountain) and the vegetation.

Marakele is definitely a place to visit. Hope you enjoy it, Marissa.

Marakele - I also need some help please.
Does anyone have a map of Marakele?
Can you tell me where the entrance gates are.
What it costs.
Should one book a day visit or is that not necessary?
Is it worth a visit??
Many thanks,
Graham

We camped at Marakele October 2009. Only 1 entrance gate, about 10km outside Thabazimbi (just follow signboards). No map really available but one is handed out at gate. Don't think its necessary to book as day visitor. Nice picnic area, just beware of monkeys. Lovely outlook from top our mountain.

Hi graham hamilton,

Warmest welcome to the forum!
......... and same to you angiek, hope you guys have hours of fun here.

Have a look at this page, you'll find some useful info there and here is a basic map.

As angiek has posted, there is only one entrance gate about 10-15km from Thabazimbi. There are signboards, I'm sure you will not miss it.

I don't think it will be necessary to book for a day visit.

Is it worth it?
Here are a few Marakele Trip Reports for you to read. Marakele is not about the big 5 but about spending some quality time with Mother Nature. If you would like to tick the big 5 in one morning, you might feel that it's not worth it. If you enjoy birds, magnificent views, plants, awesome kudu bulls and much, much more this is the place for you!
Enjoy your visit to Marakele, that is a very special little park.

Wow, you guys are terrific.
Thanks so much for that prompt info and map and reports.
Nothing too current??
Anyone seen Lions there please?
Sincerely, and getting excited.
Graham

Welcome Graham!


The birding seems to be good too, how's that?

Hi All
I am new to the forum and this is my first contribution.
We live in Pretoria and are getting friends from Calitzdorp to stay in April.
We are thinking of doing a day trip to Marakele as it sounds great. Is it worth a day trip? where should we concentrate our time to get the best overall experience?
Look forward to any replies/advice

Hi regalrinkals,

Warm welcome to the forum!

Marakele is perfect for a day trip. Firstly a trip up the mountain is a have to do, the view is absolutely awesome! As you go through the tunnel, you enter big 5 territory so be on the lookout. I would suggest you also pay a visit to the bird hide, I'm sure there should be quite a bit of water around. Have lunch at the picnic spot, that is in the lower part of the park and generally has more game than the big 5 side. While you are there, watch out for rhino, they are everywhere.

Have a wonderful trip!