Marakele: ADVICE

[inyanga 1]

Hello
Just wanted to ask if anyone knows if there is much water at Marakele at the Tlopi tented sites, in August.
thanks

hi,

the Tlopi tented camp is on the side of a pretty large lake, which has a natural rock dam keeping the water in.

this picture shows the water there on 30th August 2017


our travel tale covering that visit is here
https://www.sanparks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=101340

[doug1957]

Is it possible for Internationals to buy a Wild Card at the Marakele Gate?

[Crested Val]

Yes you can buy a Wild Card either at the gate or in the camp.

Enjoy your trip.

[Helsinki]

Hi Forumites,

in approx. 3 weeks we are coming to SA again and we'll start our yearly (sometimes more often... ) bush-tour.

We are starting in Joburg to Marakele for some nights, then heading over to Mapungubwe and ending up finally with 2 weeks in Kruger.
We are now wondering , where is the best place to shop all food we need?
Normally we start our Tour in Kruger and prefer Malalane Superspar

We are - of course- interested in good meat (game welcome...) and veggies etc. and we are equipped with a big cooler box

Is there any shopping opportunity en route to Marakele which we should take therefore?

Any advice is welcome!

Greetings from Germany,

Birthe

[George_Brits]

Hi Helsinki

Wow you must be super excited already, Im also as excited as you, as I will be visiting Mapungubwe in 2 weeks time and there after head to the KNP too.

I suggest that you dont purchase all your groceries at once, but for the first leg of your trip purchase it en-route to Marakele, depending on the road you are going to drive to Mapungubwe, there is a beautiful mall in Lephalale where you will be able to stock up.

Then I assume you are entering the KNP via Pafuri gate? If so then you can stop in Musina at the Superspar in the main road of the town.

I hope you have a super trip with beautiful memories!

[arks]

To add to what George has suggested, altho it's some time since I visited Marakele, there is (or was) a good supermarket - I think it's a Pick 'n Pay? - in Thabazimbi, just a few kilometers before your reach the park entrance. That's if you're taking the R516 to the R510. I am not familiar with the mall at Lephalale. However, if you're passing thru Alldays, you can get excellent meat at a shop at the petrol station that is on the R572, just off the R521.

As for shopping in Mussina, I FAR preferred the Shoprite, which is in a mall on your left as you enter Mussina from the west. I found it better than either of the town's two Spars. As well, if you need to top up petrol, so far as I know the only petrol station on the main route thru Mussina is the Shell at the eastern end of the town.

Also, if you plan to enter at Pafuri gate, there is (or was) a detour at Masisi along the R525 (around a washed out bridge) that is (or was) not at all well marked when you're approaching from the west. If you can't find it, just ask and you'll be directed to the entrance gate for the detour.

Enjoy your trip! Mapungubwe is one of my favourite SANParks

[Helsinki]

Thanks to both of you.
Yes, the Spar in Thabazimbi I already know... I think we will stock up there or at any possibility we have en route from JNB- whatever looks good.

I'm also looking forward to Mapungubwe, Arks. I really love that park and especially Leokwe Camp...

[BirgitJo]

Hallo Helsinki,

if you take the N4 and leave it at Brits on the R511 there is a mall just at the beginning of Brits on your left hand site.
If I remember correct there is a Pick n Pay and a Checkers.

I wish you a fantastic trip with a lots of good sightings.

Birgit

[surfen1983]

Dear All,
we are think about over a trip to South Africa agian.
We are travel with 2 Kids, Klara 5 and Valentin 4 years young.
We would likte to go on a game drive and looking for a malaria free zone.

So we found Marakele

We plan to book the tens in the Park.
Is there any restrictions about Kids?
Is 5 and 4 Years old enaugh?

Thank you for your support!

Tobias

[Elsa]

Warm welcome to the forum Tobias!
I can only find this old post that states:

Unfortunately no children under the age of 6 may go on guided game drives and no children under the age of 12 may go on guided walks.''

I haven't been to Marakela myself so maybe someone who has currently can let you know if this is still the situation.

But other than that it will be fine for kids to visit.

[isinkwe]

But a Self driving Game Drive is possible?Tobias

Yes , you can self drive with children of any age

[Hippotragus]

surfen 1983 - you will love Marakele. The scenery is magnificent - it is a the end of the Waterberg range of mountains, with spectacular views. Make sure you drive up the narrow road to the communication towers - great views and a good chance to see the vulture colony.

Your children will be fine, but the camps are unfenced so you will have to watch them carefully and not let them run too far from you at any time. They will enjoy game drives in your vehicle.