Marakele National Park History

Marakele National Park is located in South Africa’s picturesque Limpopo Province. Set in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, its Tswana name means ‘the place of sanctuary. When opened in 1994 it was shortly known as Kransberg National Park. Since its founding days it expanded to 670 km². The area surrounding the Waterberg Mountain Range is an reference point for cultural, archaeological and biological diversity. It is a breathtakingly beautiful area that is well worth a visit for anyone who loves nature, history and cultural experiences. The park boasts more than 300 species of wildlife, as the park is positioned in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa. The park is home to the big five although some animals are spotted rarily in high season. Elephants, lions, white and black rhinos and leopards all live within this park, surrounded by vegetation that has a pre-historic feel to it of which the yellowwood and cedar trees are most prominently on display. The highlights of a visit include sightings of the endangered Cape vultures. An estimated 800 breeding pairs have settled in Marakele and a sighting offers a breath-taking experience of a special kind of bird for the avid bird watcher.The notorious ‘Tuli elephant’ babies that were captured in Botswana and then held in horrible conditions - were released into Marakele National Park in late 2009, after a prolonged legal and media battle. Antelope which are rarely seen in other National Parks can be found in Marakele, including reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, eland and tsessebe, as well as the spiral-horned kudu. Marakele is best known for bird watching, game drives, bush walks and the 4x4 eco trail. A wide variety of activities by more than 69 tour operators make your stay at the Marakele National Park an action filled adventure. Both morning and sunset drives are available. The park has 2 main campsites and also offer accessiblity features for people with disabilities. For more information on Wildlife & Bird Species, please see our Wildlife section.

Cape Vulture

The park hosts one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of this endangered species. While birds may be seen in the air catching thermals anywhere in the park, the drive up to the Sentech Towers is nearest to the colony and close encounters with these enormous birds will leave visitors breathless.

African Elephant

While some elephant had been previously reintroduced into the park, it was the release of the Tuli elephants in 1999 that captured the public’s and media’s imagination.

White & Black Rhinos

Marakele has a high density of both rhino species and most visitors should see these animals, particularly the more gregarious and diurnal white rhinoceros.

Kudu

As browsers these antelope are in their element at Marakele. Look out for the bulls with their magnificent spiral horns.

Other Antelope

The not-so-often-seen-elsewhere antelope species such as reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, eland and tsessebe can be found here.