Marakele: ADVICE

[surfen1983]

Dear all,

Thank you for your answers!
Helped very well!

But I need your support again

1. do you think end of September is a good time to visit the Park? We would combine the Game Drives with the Cape Region. So I‘m looking for a compromise

2. if End of September is okay, we Plan for 2020 How in advance is a booking for the Tlopi tented Camp possible?
I would like to Book as early as possible

Thank you again

Tobias with Family

[Elsa]

You can only book 11 months in advance so have plenty of time to plan and count down the months Tobias!
Here are the Booking Periods for the current booking times, but will give you an idea of when they will open for your time frame.

[Hippotragus]

Just to add to Elsa's reply. The end of September (20 Sept - 8 Oct) is Government school holidays, so it would be best to book as soon as bookings open.
Those dates are for 2019, but I presume 2020 will be similar.

However, Marakele National Park does not become fully-booked as soon as some of the other national parks (Kruger and Kgalagadi for instance).

[penolva]

Hi can anyone recommend a unit to request at Tlopi rest camp? Just the two of us and never been there before. 3 nights in October. Thanks Pen

[Hux]

Hi Pen, from a "stillness" point of view, the two units near the inflow of the dam could be better. Having said that, on occasion the Ele's come down for a swim (usually around mid-day), then being in the middle is also great. All of the units are well situated though. Great Camp.
Cheers.

[Elsa]

Hi penolva,
Do also have a read through the topic on the Tlopi Camp where there is some good info and advice.
Enjoy your visit.

[Hippotragus]

I would strongly recommend the unit (Lourie??) to the extreme right-hand end of the camp, as you face the water. It is the shallow, inlet, end and many animals come down to drink there.

[arks]

We will try that narrow road although I am a bit nervous about it to be honest

IMO a lot of fuss is made about this road, I found nothing 'scary' or to be nervous about when driving it. Yes, it's narrow, steep and has some tricky turns, but so long as you take it slowly, it's most enjoyable. The views as you ascend and descend are stunning ... and there's quite a different perspective ascending and descending.

Enjoy your trip!

[Hippotragus]

I agree, arks. I drive a very large 4x4 bakkie and the road is OK - as you say, just take it slowly and look out for vehicles coming the other way. There are passing places. It is well-worth the drive for the views on the way up and at the top - an a chance to see the vultures.

[barryels]

Hi everyone,

We are from Europe and have been travelling through Southern Africa for many years, but next May we will be visiting Marakele for the very first time.
I would like to get some advice about staying there, so I hope you can help me out.

We plan for a three night stay in the park, and after that we will be travelling to Kruger for another two weeks.
Is three nights too long, or maybe too short to enjoy the park?
We have been thinking about visiting Pilanesberg as well (never been there) but we prefer to spend more time on a low number of places instead of driving from one camp to another. But if two nights in Marakele is enough, Pilanesberg might be an option.

As so many overseas guests, we always like to see big cats, and as many of them as possible.
So far we have been incredibly lucky with spotting lions, cheetahs and leopards in Kruger and Kgalagadi.
Is the chance to see these beautiful animals in Marakele comparible with the other parks?

Last but not least: how's the temperature (night/day) in the park from mid to end May?
Will a normal sleeping bag be sufficient to survive the nights?

Best regards,
Martin.

I personally would suggest that you stay for three nights in Marakele. This will give you ample time to drive slowly through the park and experience this unique park to the full . It will also give you time to visit the Lenong Lookout point that is beautiful. Here is a LINK to the map to guide you through the park.

Here is also a link to the Index of Marakele topics that will be of help in your planning.

Although there are leopard and lion in the park, you will have to keep your eyes peeled to find them .

The nights during May might be a bit cold (10 - 14 degrees Celsius) and I would suggest to have extra blankets available .

[marelm]

Great!
Thanks for your fast response, appreciate it

[RosemaryH]

Good advice from barryels

Yes, the Marakele: Lions are not seen often, so be sure to let us know if you should see them

[kellyee21]

We saw 2 lions this weekend just outside the Tutong Educational center. Apparently they have been seen quite often in the area lately.

[Waterbuck]

Hi Martin
Thopi tented camp is located in the bottom of a very large valley system, and I have found that if one stands outside at night listening carefully, you may hear the lions from a very long way off if they are in the mood to be doing some singing anywhere in the valley...had a male roaring on his patrol right past the camp on one occasion. The camp is not fenced and although perfectly safe if you respect the rules, I have snapped leopard on a motion sensor camera at night right besides our tent. This is one of my favorite reserves, not least of which because it offers much and is outside of the general tourism rush of Kruger. Please enjoy!

[marelm]

Hi Martin
...had a male roaring on his patrol right past the camp on one occasion...I have snapped leopard on a motion sensor camera at night right besides our tent.

Wow, last year in Kruger we had the extreme luck that a lioness started roaring right next to our car, about a meter from us.
I can tell you that that was an experience I will never forget, it still gives me goosebumps when think back to that.
We could not only hear but also feel the thundering sound, it's amazing that an animal can produce that many decibels.

We hope to see a leopard, but maybe not as close as you witnessed...

Based on all the positive feedback we will book two nights at Tlopi (sadly, our schedule does not allow more nights), and we are really looking forward to visiting this park.