The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, as its Tswana name suggests, has become a 'place of sanctuary' for an impressive variety of animals.
Personally I think this is one of the gems of South African National Parks. However, I do not think that it is as widely visited as the rest of the National Parks. Why this is the case I do not know. This is a beautiful Reserve.
The Reserve with its lush grasslands, specially during this time of the year, with the Waterberg Mountains standing guard over it, is honestly worth visiting.
Even though most people think there are no lions in the park, a recent count has shown a total of 18 healthy lions. The Reserve is basically divided into two sections and the lions only occurr in the one area. So it is not always easy to see them. However, if you are not only interested in seeing the cats as most people are, this is an ideal place to visit.
We have visited Marakele a few times now and I enjoy it each time. Although we previously stayed at the Tented Camp, this time around we camped at Bontle Camp. The campsite is open and spacious and although it had a reasonable number of guests, there were still open sites available. Each site has a power point, with running water. The ablutions, although not top of the range are adequate and clean. But the best for me regarding the camp is its setting. The camp look out over a grassland, with a waterhole and the magnificent mountains in the background. Here the animals congregate right through the day. You do not even have to leave the camp. Ostriches walk through the campsite pecking away. And where else can you get to see healthy Rhinos 7 metres away from where you are sitting having your sundowners? The camp is not fenced which makes it even better.
Call me a romantic, but this campsite honestly reminded me of a typical "Out of Africa" scene.
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