View the Mokala National Park e-brochure - SANParks

where endangered species roamMotswedi16 km gravelroad toLilydaleReception21 km gravelroad to MosuReceptionMokalaThis is South Africa’s newest Park, proclaimed asrecently as June 2007, and is conveniently situatedonly 80km south west of Kimberley.Mokala is a Setswana name for a Camelthorn tree(Kameeldoring) (Acacia erioloba), and this Park is dominatedby magnificent specimens of these picturesquegnarled and twisted trees. They vary from a small spinyshrubs barely 2m high, to a 16m high trees with wide,spreading crowns.Mokala National Park’s 27 500ha landscape variesbetween koppieveld (hills) and large open plains with theisolated dolerite hills giving the place a feeling of calmseclusion that contrasts with the large open sandy plainsin the north and west of the Park. Drainage lines fromthe hills form little tributaries that run into the plains thatdrain into the Riet River on the Park’s northern border.Mokala is an important area for the regeneration ofvaluable species and is home to, amongst other species,national ParkBlack Rhino, White Rhino, Buffalo,Tsessebe, Roan Antelope, SableAntelope, Mountain Reedbuck,Giraffe, Gemsbok, Eland,Zebra, Red Hartebeest,BlueWildebeest, Black Wildebeest,Kudu, Ostrich, Steenbok,Duiker and Springbok.Situated in the transition zone between the Karoo andKalahari biome, Mokala’s thornveld savanna, doleriteoutcrops and riverine vegetation attract a prolific numberof bird species. Some of which include; the blackchestedprinia, blacksmith lapwing, melodious lark,cinnamon-breasted bunting, freckled nightjar, short-toedrock thrush, pygmy falcon and northern black korhaan.64 arid parkswww.aridexperiences.com65mokala

gettingthereThere are twoentrances toMokala, comingfrom Kimberleytowards CapeTown on the N12.The first turofffrom the N12, onthe right, leads toLilydale (37kmsouth of Kimberley)and at the secondturnoff fromthe N12 (at theHeuningneskloof Crossing) you turn right to get to Mosuand the main reception (57km from Kimberley). Withinthe Park, there is an internal gravel road (26km) that linksLilydale to Mosu. Mokala National Park makes an idealtwo or three night stopover when travelling to or fromsome of the more northerly situated Parks. There is also alight aircraft landing strip for those who prefer to fly in.A Welcome break betweenJo’burg and the capeIf you’re driving between the Mother City andGauteng then consider going via Kimberley and catchyour breath at the Mokala National Park. This way younot only avoid the toll roads but also get the chanceto have a holiday en-route.Conference facilitiesMosu, Mofele and Lilydale lodges have superbfacilities for conferences, weddings, team buildingevents or workshops. Each conference room can seat30 delegates in boardroom style or up to 40 to 120delegates in theatre style. There are no breakawayrooms through but both facilities have a big fireplacein each with air-conditioning at Mosu Lodge andMofele Lodge Conference Rooms.mokala66 arid parkswww.aridexperiences.com67

Attractions& ActivitiesAs in all our Parks youcan do your own selfdrivegame viewing butwhy not just sit back andrelax on one of our dayor night open-vehicleguided game drives.Let us take you to see thefascinating rock engraving of the original inhabitants ofthe Park on the San rock art excursion.Apart from the restaurant at Mosu, we also do specialoutdoor catered-for meals that you let you really enjoythe African savannah with delectable food.You can start you morning with a bush breakfast orin the evening you can request a good old traditionalopen fire South African braai (barbecue) where thefare is cooked to perfection under the canopy of a largeCamelthorn tree. As evening slips into night, look up andenjoy the brilliant, shimmering starlight which is so clearthat you feel as if you can reach out and touch the stars.For those staying at Lilydale you have the addedattraction of the Riet River. The river is very popular withfly fishermen (on a catch-and-release basis only) andis a favourable habitat for the large- and small-mouthyellowfish. Inflatable canoes (rubber ducks) can behired for a self-guided 1- or 3- hour trip down the river atvery reasonable rates. We take you and the rubber ducksdown to the river and then fetch you at the end of yourriver adventure.mokala68 arid parkswww.aridexperiences.com69

MosuMokala national ParklodgeNumber of chalets 12 self-catering; 3 non self-cateringMaximum people per chalet 2 peoplePower source Electricity, 220v, 15amp, 24 hoursfacilities No shops or fuel. Kimberley is only 80km awayOther facilities Restaurant, bar, pool and conference facilitiesactivities Catered bush braais, game drives, San rock engravingexcursionsMosu Lodge, with its many thatchedbuildings, radiates with luxuriousbushveld charm. The chalets aresurrounded by typical Karoolikekoppies (hills) studded withCamelthorn trees and are unfenced,leaving the game free to join thebirdlife on your doorstep.All residents have access to astunning pool, a full bar and arestaurant that specialises inexclusive venison dishes.All twelve chalets are self-catering with a microwave, threeplatestove, fridge, crockery and cutlery. Five of the selfcateringchalets are air-conditioned, have an indoor jet master(fireplace) and DSTV Hotel Bouquet. All chalets have anoutside braai place and thatched gazebo.MofeleMokala national ParklodgeNumber of units 1 - nine bedrooms (6-10 bunk beds per room)Maximum people group bookings of up to 60 peoplePower source Electricity, 220v, 15amp, 24 hoursfacilities No shops or fuel. Kimberley is 80km awayOther facilities Conference and catering facilitiesSet amongst extensive rolling lawns, Mofele Lodge has recentlybeen converted to accommodate larger school groups forenvironmental education and is also an ideal venue for a‘bosberaad’, team building session or a large tour group. Cateringfor up to 60 people, Mofele now has nine rooms with variousamounts of double-bunk beds in each.Mofele Lodge hasnine rooms, allwith ceiling fansand a variety ofbunk bedding.mokala70 arid parkswww.aridexperiences.com71

LilydaleMokala national ParklodgeNumber of units 12Maximum people 4x2p; 4x3p; 2x4p; 2x5 peoplePower source Electricity, 220v, 15amp, 24 hourssupplies No shops or fuel. Kimberley is only 80km awayOther facilities Bar, swimming pool and conference facilitiesactivities Inflatable canoe hire and fly fishingAll of the thatched cottages at Lilydale arefreestanding and they have lofty views thatoverlook the Riet River.Canoeing ininflatable rubber ducks andcatch-and-release fly fishing aretwo of the additional attractionsof this rest camp.The venue is also favoured forwedding receptions.MotswediMokala national ParkLuxury CampsiteNumber of sites 6 camping sitesMaximum per camp 6 people in two tents / 2 vehiclesfacilities Each site has its own ablution facilities and kitchenSolar and gas (no conventional plugs)Activities Nearby waterholeThis new luxury campsite, snuggled under thecanopies of Camelthorn trees is the first ofits kind in the Arid Parks. Each site has its veryown kitchen with a refrigerator as well as privateablution facilities, which means no more havingto share with fellow campers!Haak & SteekMokala national Parkfamily cottageNumber of cottages 1 x cottage, 4 peoplePower source Solar and gas (no conventional plugs)Activities / facilities Nearby waterhole, lapaHaak and Steek isa small isolatedcamp overlooking awaterhole 10km fromthe main lodge. Hereyou’ll find a small,very rustic cottagethat can sleep four.mokala72 arid parkswww.aridexperiences.com73