Mokala National Park, SANParks

Mokala National Park, SANParks

Description

"Where Endangered Species Roam..."

Mokala is SANParks newest park, 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.

The isolated dolerite hills give the place a calming feeling of seclusion. 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.  This immensely important species has a great range over the Northern Cape and varies from a small, spiny shrub barely 2m high, to a tree up to 16m tall with a wide, spreading crown. 

The Camel Thorn is an incredible resource to both wildlife and humans who survive in often harsh conditions characteristic of this area.  Traditionally, the gum and bark have been used by local tribes to treat coughs, colds and nosebleeds. Some even use the roasted seeds as a coffee substitute.

Accommodation

The park currently offers three separate lodges. Mosu Lodge host two air-conditioned executive suites and 13 two bed en-suite rooms with ceiling fans, all draped with suede curtains and bedspreads in sand color, crisp white linen and quality wooden furniture. A cool sparkling blue swimming pool for the warmer months, restaurant with bar, lounge and entertainment area with built in fireplace, and a state of the art conference facility completes an unforgettable experience.

Mofele Lodge is more rustic and in a farm style with 9 en-suite rooms, sleeping 30 guests in total, all containing single beds and ceiling fans. It has a restaurant (for groups and special arrangements), bar, lounge and entertainment area with build in fireplace for the cooler months. This lodge also has an excellent conference facility that can host up to 30 delegates.

Lilydale Lodge offers 12 self-catering units overlooking the Riet River. Warm exhilarating summers, cold cozy winters, breathtaking sunsets and glittering diamonds in the sky, are all added by nature to compliment an unforgettable visit.

Mosu, Mofele and Lilydale lodges have superb facilities for conferences, weddings, team building events or workshops. Each conference room can seat 30 delegates in boardroom style or up to 40 to 120 delegates in theatre style. There are no breakaway rooms but both facilities have a big fireplace in each with air conditioning at Mosu Lodge and Mofele Lodge Conference Rooms.

There is a camping area which is 10km from the main lodge.

Mosu Lodge

• Luxury Executive Suites (2 units)
• Self Catering (braai, micro wave, two plate stove, fridge, utensils, cutlery & crockery)
• One Bedroom with double bed with electric blanket
• WC, shower, bath, hand basin
• Fire place and air conditioner

• Semi Luxury Rooms (13 units)
• Non-self Catering (only electric kettle, no braai area, no fridge)
• One Bedroom with two single beds
• WC and shower, hand basin
• Wall-fitted heater and ceiling fan

Mofele Lodge

• Semi Luxury Rooms (9 units)
• Non-self Catering (only electric kettle, no braai area, no fridge)
• One Bedroom with two / three / four or five single beds
• WC and shower, hand basin
• Ceiling fans

Lilydale Rest Camp

• Comfortable self-catering accommodation (12 units - 2-5 bed units are available).
• Main lodge and restaurant available on request.
• Restaurant and conference for group bookings.
• This lodge is +- 70km away from the main section of Mokala National Park.
• Map to Lilydale Rest Camp
• Directions to Lilydale Rest Camp

Haak-en-Steek Camp

• Rustic Cottage (1 unit)
• Self Catering (braai facility in lapa, gas stove & oven, gas fridge / freezer, kitchen, utensils, cutlery & crockery)
• Two sleeping areas (divided by wall), one double bed in open kitchen area, 2 single beds
• WC, shower and hand basin
• No electricity, no air conditioner

Rustic Camping (5 sites)

• Braai facilities in lapa, no electricity, gas geysers, no kitchen or cooking facilities

Vital Information

Climate

The rainfall, mainly during summer, is erratic and can be as high as 700 mm per year (June to May), but also as low as 300 mm per year (June to May). The average annual rainfall for the park is just over 400 mm per annum.

The temperature is less erratic than the rainfall with cold winters (coldest months June - July) as low as -4 °C while the summer (warmest months December - January) is as high as 44 °C. Frost occurs, with the earliest date recorded being 27 April and the latest date 23 September, while its duration can be as long as 107 days.

Fuel Stations: Petrol/ Diesel

Vehicle fuel is available in all parks (or is available on the park periphery):

Contact Details Bontebok National Park +27 (0) 27 341-2366 +27 (0) 27 341-1815 Enquire now View Rates View Directions

Attractions

This is a brand new park with a lot of opportunities for outdoor adventure. A number of activities such as mountain biking, day walks, sunset and night drives and bush braais will soon be offered. The park also plans to take full advantage of perfect night skies and star-gazing as a night time activity will also be offered along with wildlife documentary DVD shows. Rock art painting and engraving excursions, and guided horse trails will also be introduced.

Other recreation facilities include a Snooker / Pool table, swimming pool, cable television in bars, a lounge and fire places,and high and low-rope structure and facilities.

Future developments will also include a day visitor’s area and more rustic wilderness self-catering camps. A lot of work has gone into establishing a good road network and, and ensuring that a high standard is maintained throughout the park.

Lilydale Rest Camp

• You have the opportunity to explore the options of canoeing and fly fishing (catch and release).

Facilities

Directions