Mokala National Park, the newest park in South Africa, is a place of dramatic beauty, complete peace and tranquility, and a wonderful wildlife haven. Mokala is situated approximately 80km south-southwest of Kimberley, and west of the N12 freeway to Cape Town. Nestled in the hills, Mokala's landscape boasts a variety of koppieveld (hills) and large open plains. A big surprise awaits when you pass through the hills and are confronted by the large open sandy plains towards the north and west of the Park. Drainage lines from the hills form little tributaries that run into the plains and drain into the Riet River.
Mokala is a Setswana name for a Camel Thorn (Kameeldoring). These trees occur in dry woodland and arid, sandy areas and are one of the major tree species of the desert regions of Southern Africa. The Camel Thorn provides the staple food for most of the large animals in the Park. Certain parts of the Camel Thorn have been used for centuries by local tribes for traditional medicines to treat colds, coughs and nosebleeds. Some even use the roasted seeds as a coffee substitute.
The main camp at Mokala National Park is Mosu Lodge. All the buildings are thatched and it has 2 self-catering and 13 non self-catering units, each accommodating two people. It also has a restaurant, bar, poll and conference facilities. A second camp, Mofele Lodge, is the ideal venue for conferences, team building and large groups. It has accommodation and conference facilities for 30 people. Haak & Steek is a small isolated camp with one unit housing up to four people and camping facilities.
Mokala National Park is currently 19611ha in size and has 863 animals that are all originally from old Vaalbos. These species of animals include White and Black Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Eland, Zebra, Blue and Black Wildebeest and Red Hartebeest, Kudu, Steenbok, Springbok, Duiker, Gemsbok, Roan Antelope, Tsessebe, Mountain Reedbuck and Ostrich. There are also seven endemic plant species found at Mokala. |
