News

The Northern Region Parks of South African National Parks (SANParks) is ready to welcome all people who will be visiting any of the parks in the region over the festive season. This diverse and unique region with three different National parks located in Limpopo and the Free State has been working very hard to ensure that all who intend visiting get a memorable stay in any of the Parks.

In the far north of the Limpopo Province lies the renowned Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site, which is the ideal location for those interested in the park's wildlife and birds, to those in search of serenity, identity and the extraordinary history of the heritage site. Mapungubwe Hill, where the first African kingdom in southern Africa existed, is found in this very park. Activities in this Park include game drives, a visit to the hill and world-class Interpretive Centre where the golden rhino is housed. The confluence where three countries and two rivers collide is always worth visiting whenever one is in the Park.

Still in the Province of Limpopo, just less than three hours” drive from Pretoria and only 12km out of the town of Thabazimbi lies Marakele National Park. This park as its Tswana name suggests has become a 'place of sanctuary' for an impressive variety of wildlife due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa. This Park, which stretches over 60 000 ha offers visitors the prospects of spotting all of Africa”s big five and specialises in the morning and sunset drives/walks.

The jewel of the Free State, Golden Gate Highlands National Park is situated in the eastern Free State and always gives guests something to gaze at due to its mountainous surroundings.. Staff at the Golden Gate hotel is always ready to serve with pride and ensure that the guests leave with smiles. This Grassland Park offers guests fun activities such as horse riding, hiking and a visit to the Basotho Cultural Village, amongst others.

According to Mr Lombard Shirindzi, Regional Manager of these three Parks “The region is more than ready and we look forward to give world-class experience to all who will be visiting us” He further added that “Visitors must work with us by adhering to the Park rules such as speed limits and all that is written in their permits for great experience of both the guests and us as the host”.

Accommodation is available at all of these parks and can be booked by contacting the Central Reservations at (012)428-9111 e-mail [email protected] or book online on www.sanparks.org. Day visitors please contact parks: Golden Gate (058) 255-1000, Marakele (014)777-6929/30 and Mapungubwe (015)534-7925.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Northern Region Communications
Tel: 012 426 5304

Enquiries

Divhani Maremba
SANParks Regional Communications Manager: Northern Region
Tel: 012 426-5304 cell: 074 588 5789
E-mail:[email protected]