Mokala National Park

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This page displays all information relevant to this park/camp, except the following:

• Availability


• Reservations

Introduction

"Where Endangered Species Roam..."

Mokala is SANParks’ newest park. It 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.

The isolated dolerite hills give the place a calming feeling of seclusion. A big surprise awaits you 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 semi-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.

Things to Seek

• Tsessebe
• Roan antelope
• Black Wildebeest
• White Backed Vulture
• Indigenous plant species

Contact the Park

• Tel: (053) 204 0158
• Fax: (053) 204 0176

Accommodation

The park currently offers a range of different accommodation types from luxury bungalows to camping.

Mosu Lodge has 15 units. Accommodation at Mosu Lodge hosts two air-conditioned luxury bungalows; three family bungalows, all air-conditioned; seven self catering two bed en-suite; two non-self catering two bed en-suite with ceiling fans and one universal access non self catering unit with double bed en-suite. All units have quality wooden furniture. A cool sparkling swimming pool for the warmer months, restaurant with bar, lounge and entertainment area with built in fireplace, a state of the art conference facility and guided game drive activities complete an unforgettable experience. Due to the layout of the camp at Mosu Lodge, we regret that guest can’t park their vehicles next to their chalets. The parking is in front of the reception and baggage trollies are provided to load and off load guest luggage.

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

Mofele Lodge/EE Centre (Environmental Education centre) is more rustic and in a farm style setting. This is ideal for big family get togethers, weddings, school groups and reunions. There are 9 en-suite rooms, newly converted to accommodate 60 guests in total. Rooms vary from 3 double bunk beds (accommodating 6 guests per room) to 5 double bunk beds (accommodating 10 guest per room), with ceiling fans. It has a kitchen, dining room, bar, lounge and entertainment area with a built in fireplace for the cooler months. This lodge also has an excellent conference facility that can host up to 60 delegates. A sparkling pool near the outdoor lapa and braai area offers undisturbed workshop or family fun time.

Mosu, Mofele and Lilydale have superb facilities for conferences, weddings, events or workshops. Each conference room has digital projectors, wall mounted screens, white boards and sound systems. There are no breakaway rooms but both Mosu and Mofele facilities have a big fireplace in each lodge with air conditioning.

Haak en Steek Camp with its rustic cottage tucked away in the bush offers unspoilt views over the nearby watering hole. The cottage can accommodate 4 guests and has a gas stove and geyser, outside braai area with lapa and lights that are solar powered. Due to the close proximity of the cottage to the camping site at Haak en Steek this site will shortly be for the exclusive use of the cottage guest that may (for a big family or friends gathering) hire the camping sites as well. All new camping bookings will be done for Motswedi camping site only.

The NEW Motswedi Camping site is a one of a kind camping experience in our beautiful park. Opened on the 15th of September 2011 each camping site boasts its own ablution and cooking facilities, outside braai areas under shaded trees. All camping sites are in a semi circle around the nearby watering hole. For your safety it has an electrified fence surrounding the perimeter. Motswedi camping site has replaced the campsites of Haak en Steek as Haak en Steek will shortly be for the exclusive use of the rustic cottage guests.

• Mosu Lodge
• Mofele Lodge
• Lilydale Rest Camp
• Haak-en-Steek Camp
• Motswedi Camp Site
• Reservations

Mosu Lodge
LB2D - Luxury Executive Suites (2 units) - Self Catering	- Open plan room with double bed, electric blanket and fully equipped kitchen (Microwave, 4 plate stove, fridge/freezer, utensils, cutlery & crockery) - WC, shower, bath, hand basin - Indoor fire place and air conditioner - DSTV - Hotel bouquet - Sleeper couch in the room that can accommodate 2 extra persons - Outdoor braai and grass gazebo
FB2S - Luxury Family Suites (3 units) – Self Catering Max 4 persons	- One bedroom with 2 single beds that can be pushed together to make a double bed - Sleeper couch or removable stackable beds in the open kitchen area (can accommodate 2 additional persons) - Fully equipped open plan kitchen (microwave, 3 plate stove, fridge/freezer, utensils, cutlery & crockery) - WC, shower and hand basin - Indoor fire place and air conditioner - DSTV - Hotel bouquet - Outdoor Braai and grass gazebo
SCB2S - Self catering bungalow (7 units)	- One Bedroom with two single beds - Fully equipped open plan kitchen (Microwave, 3 plate stove, fridge/freezer, utensils, cutlery & crockery) - WC, shower and hand basin - Wall-fitted heater and ceiling fan - Outdoor braai and grass gazebo
LB2S – Semi Lux - Non Self catering units (2 units)	- Only electric kettle, no braai, no fridge - One Bedroom with two single beds - WC and shower, hand basin - Wall-fitted heater and ceiling fan - Outdoor grass gazebo
UA2D – Universal access - Non Self catering unit (1 units)	- Only electric kettle, no braai, no fridge - One Bedroom with double bed - WC and shower, hand basin - Wall-fitted heater and ceiling fan
Mofele Lodge
Semi Luxury Rooms (9 rooms) Non-self Catering	- 9 en-suite rooms, newly converted to accommodate 60 guests in total, - Rooms vary from 3 double bunk beds (accommodating 6 guests per room) to 5 double bunk beds (accommodating 10 guest per room), - Ceiling fans. - WC and shower, hand basin - Use of Kitchen included in Lodge price - It has kitchen, dining, bar, lounge and entertainment areas with a built in fireplace for the cooler months
Lillydale Rest Camp
Self-catering accommodation (12 units - 2-5 bed units are available)	- Self Catering (Outside braai area, microwave, two plate stove, fridge/freezer, utensils, cutlery & crockery) - One Bedroom with two / three / four or five beds (some units have double beds) - WC, shower, bath, hand basin - Air-conditioned
Haak-en-Steek Camp
Rustic Cottage (1 unit)	- Self catering (outside braai facility in lapa, gas stove & oven, gas fridge / freezer, kitchen, utensils, cutlery & crockery) - Two sleeping areas (divided by wall), one double bed in the open kitchen area, - 2 single beds in the room - WC, shower and hand basin - No electricity, no air conditioner
Rustic Camping (5 sites)	- Braai facilities, no electricity, gas geysers, no kitchen or cooking facilities - Communal ablution facilities *** only booked with rustic cottage NOT available on its own.
Motswedi Camp Site
Camping sites (6 sites)	- 6 camping sites - NO Electricity - An electrified fence (knee height), solar powered to keep the buffalo out, surrounds the camping site - Sites are in a half moon around the watering hole - Each camping site has its own: a) Solar geyser for the bathroom with shower and hand basin(lockable door) b) Toilet (lockable door) c) Kitchen with washing up area, built in breakfast/preparation nook, two plate gas burner, gas fridge/ freezer (open to the front of the camping site overlooking watering hole – no doors) d) Demarcated camping area

Reservations

• Tel.: (053) 204 8000
• Fax: (053) 2040 176
• Email: bettie.renoster@sanparks.org or tess.white@sanparks.org
  

Activities & Facilities

The park has a lot of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

A number of activities at Mosu Lodge such as guided morning, day, sunset and night drives are available for guests to partake in. Bush braais (minimum of 5 guests) and breakfasts under a 300 to 400 year old camel thorn tree are a combination of a guided game drive and a bush dining experience. Guided Rock art engraving drives to explore our cultural heritage are also available to our guests.

Other recreation facilities include, swimming pool, cable television in bars, a lounge and fire places.

Mosu Restaurant

This restaurant is situated in the main Mosu Lodge, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mouth-watering meals can be selected from the a-la-carte menu that includes our very famous homemade venison pies (secret recipe), curries, venison fillets, veggie stir- fries and even kiddies meals. All are specially prepared for our guests with true Northern Cape hospitality and friendly service. Special menu requests for functions and events like weddings, gala dinners, buffets or even an intimate candle lit engagement or honeymoon meal can be requested. It is requested that visitors pre book for restaurant meals with reception. Guest who overnight at the Haak en Steek and Motswedi camping sites will need to make arrangements for an inclusive game and dinner reservation if they wish to dine at the Mosu restaurant after 18:00 p.m. A minimum of 4 and maximum of 10 people per special request. Arrangements and bookings are to be done by 12:00 on the day that the dinner will be requested.

Matopi Picnic Area

Matopi picnic area, although not fenced off, will give the day visitor the opportunity to bring along a picnic basket or have a braai, surrounded by the unspoilt natural area, with the comfort of an ablution facility near the braai area.

Kameeldoring Picnic Area

The new day visitors picnic area was opened in December 2012. It is set amongst Kameeldoring trees, with the comfort of ablution facilities near the braai area.

Birders delight is the Stofdam bird hide overlooking Stofdam. Catch the crimson breasted shrike or kingfishers in action.

Flyfishing

Lilydale Rest Camp is situated on the Riet River and is said to have some of the best fly-fishing spots in the area. Catch and release fly fishing offers an exciting experience for visitors. The fishing spots of De Krans and Kleinbek are not accessible by normal sedan vehicle. Only 4x4 or high clearance vehicles can travel on these roads.

Coffee Shop

Lilydale coffee shop offers breakfast and light lunches, accompanied by freshly brewed filter coffee. It is requested that visitors pre book at reception for meals at the restaurant.

Please note that there is no ATM facility available in the park.

 

How to get there

How to get there from Kimberley

Mokala - Lilydale Rest Camp

• Take the N12 route to Cape Town from Kimberley.
• Travel for 37km from Kimberley until just past Moddrriver and Ritchie
• Turn right at the Lilydale signboard onto a gravel road.
• Travel 16km until you get to the gate of Lilydale on your right hand side.
• The main Administration and Reception Building is a further 6km inside the park.
• Allow about 40 minutes’ drive from Kimberley to the Lilydale Rest Camp reception.

Distance from Kimberley to Lilydale Gate is 59km.

Mokala - Mosu Lodge

• Take the N12 route to Cape Town from Kimberley.
  
• Travel for 57km from Kimberley, until just past Wintershoek entrance
  
• (Pass the Lilydale Signboard)
  
• Turn right at Hayfield / Heuningneskloof Crossing, onto a gravel road.
  
• Travel 21km until you get to the gate of Mokala National Park on your right hand side.
  
• The main Administration and Reception Building is a further 6km inside the park.
  
• Allow about 70 minutes’ drive from Kimberley to the main lodge.

Distance from Kimberley to Mokala main Gate is 84km.

How to get there from Hopetown

Mokala - Mosu Lodge

• From Cape Town, follow the N12 north, past Hopetown.
  
• Travel for 65km from Hopetown,
  
• Turn left on the Hayfield / Heuningneskloof Crossing, onto a gravel road
  
• Travel 21km until you reach the gate of Mokala National Park.
  
• The main Administration and Reception Building is a further 6km inside the park.
  

Distance from Hopetown to Mokala is 92km.

Mokala - Lilydale Rest Camp

• From Cape Town, follow the N12 north, past Hopetown.
  
• Pass the Mokala Mosu signboard on the N12 and carry on towards Kimberley.
  
• Travel on the N12 for 20km from the Mokala Mosu sign board
  
• Turn left at the Lilydale signboard, onto the dirt road
  
• The Jacobsdal flyover will be to your right, opposite your turn off to Lilydale to your left
  
• Follow the dirt road for 16 km until you find the Lilydale gate on your right.
  
• The Lilydale reception and lodge is a further 6km inside the park
  
• Optionally you may enter at the Mokala main gate, check in there and drive through the park, towards Lilydale rest camp.

Distance from Hopetown to Lilydale gate is 107km.

GPS Coordinates

Main gate	S 29° 12 46.5	E 24° 19 34.1
Mosu Office	S 29° 10 20.7	E 24° 21 00.5
Mofele	S 29° 10.081	E 24° 22.137
Lilydale Gate	S 29° 04 23.6	E 24° 27 59.3

• Air – closest airport is Kimberly International. There is also a private landing strip in the park.
• Car rental services at airport

Gate Times

Months	Times
16 October - 31 March	06:00 - 19:00
1 April - 30 April	06:30- 18:30
1 May - 31 August	07:00 - 18:00
1 September - 15 October	06:30- 18:00

At gate of entry: All guest need to report to the closest reception from the gate to obtain a gate permit number, before they travel to other camps or drive in the park. Each reception is situated 6km from the gate.

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.

Fuel Stations: Petrol/ Diesel

There is no fuel station or groceries shop in the park. The closest fuel station is at Modderiver.

Contact Information

If you have any enquiries, please contact the park:

• Tel.: (053) 204 0158
• Fax: (053) 204 0176 or
• e-mail: elizabeth.renoster@sanparks.org

Fact Sheet

The journey from Vaalbos National Park to Mokala National Park

• November 1997 and December 1998 reports were received regarding the land claim lodged against Vaalbos National Park by the Sidney on Vaal claimants
  
• July 1998 SANParks decided to investigate five (5) alternative areas to replace Vaalbos, and reports indicated a piece of land in Wintershoek in the Plooyburg area south west of Kimberley as the best option
  
• May 1999 the University of Pretoria also did a similar exercise and their report indicated the same area
  
• November 2002 the land claim was officially gazetted and SANParks accepted the validity of the claim
  
• November 2004 negotiations wit the Wintershoek land owners were officially launched,
  
• November 2005 the Wintershoek land owners accepted the offer to purchase and the plans for the exit strategy and wildlife translocation started
  
• 15 March 2006 Phase I of the animal translocation started and the first 33 animals (19 Zebra; 8 Gemsbok & 6 Red Haartebeest) were translocated to Addo and Tankwa Karoo National Parks
  
• 17 March 2006 the first animals born at the new park (2 giraffe)
  
• 30 May 2006 the submission report for the purchase of the Wintershoek property was approved by the minister of Land Affairs Thoko Didiza
  
• 29 May 2006 SANParks took over management of the Wintershoek property
  
• 15 June 2006 the sale agreement between SANParks and the Wintershoek land owners was signed
  
• 22 June 2006 the first animals (5 giraffe) were offloaded at Wintershoek from Vaalbos
  
• 10 July 2006 announcement for stakeholder participation in the naming of the new park was launched
  
• 26 October 2006 final phase (Phase III) of the translocation saw the last animals from Vaalbos offloaded at iNyathi-AENP (14 Plains Zebra)
  
• Dec 2006 the name “Mokala”- which is a Tswana name for the Camel Thorn tree (Acacia Erioloba) which grows in the area; was accepted by the SANParks board and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism as the official name of the new park
  
• 19 June 2007 the official proclamation, naming and launch of Mokala National Park by Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk

Mokala - Camel Thorn Acacia erioloba (Cameeldoring)

Occurring in dry woodland and arid stony or sandy areas, this is 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 North-East province. It varies from a small, spiny shrub barely 2m high to a tree up to 16m tall with a wide, spreading crown. The seed pods are characteristic in shape and colour. This tree provides valuable shade and an essential micro-habitat, e.g. the home of sociable weavers, in the thirst-lands of the far north.
The Camel Thorn is an incredible resource to both wildlife and humans who survive in often harsh conditions. Traditionally, the gum and bark have been used by local tribes to treat coughs, colds, nosebleeds and even tuberculosis. The roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute.

The Topnaar of Namibia made a powder from the inner bark that was used to perfume the body and the home. Local farmers say the pods are an excellent fodder source and its use as a good firewood is widely renowned.

Source: Van Wyk, B. & Gericke, N., “People’s Plants: a guide to useful plants in Southern Africa”, Briza Publications.
Source: Palgrave, K.C., “Trees of Southern Africa”, Struik Publishers.

Park Map

National Map

Regional Map

National Park Map

Tariffs

• General Tariffs Information
• 2012/2013 Tariffs (word document or pdf document)
• Pensioners' Discount
• Daily Conservation Fee
• Members of SANParks’ loyalty programme WILD do not pay conservation fees provided that proof of Identity and their WILD card are shown on arrival.
• Cost of a Wild Card

Daily Conservation Fees for 1 November 2012 to 31 October 2013
South African Citizens and Residents (with ID):	R24 per adult, per day R12 per child, per day
SADC Nationals (with passport):	R48 per adult, per day R24 per child, per day
Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors):	R96 per adult, per day R48 per child, per day

Vegetation & Geology

Mokala National Park is home to seven indigenous plant species namely:

• Acacia erioloba - Acacia tortilis open Woodland
• Acacia mellifera - Rhigozum obovatum open Shrubland
• Acacia mellifera - Acacia tortilis open Woodland
• Schmidtia pappophroides - Acacia erioloba sparse Woodland
• Acacia mellifera - Acacia erioloba open to closed Woodland
• Eragrostis lehmanniana - Schmidtia pappophroides open Grassland
• Cynodon dactylon - Ziziphus mucronata open Woodland.

The panoramic landscape is underlain by various geological types such as:

• Outcrops of the andesitic lavas of the Ventersdorp Supergroup, which is mostly overlain by calcrete and occurs in isolated patches as rocky hills.
• Dolerite intrusions mostly occurring as dykes found in the rocky hills.
• Outcrops of tillite of the Dwyka formation
• Shale of the Prince Albert Formation (Karoo Sequence)

The largest part of park is mainly underlain by aeolian sand of tertiary to recent age covering the Dwyka tillite. The soil type varies from deep red and yellow sands (Hutton- and Clovelly soil forms) to shallow and stony (Mispah- and Kimberley soil forms); while the pans are very clayey (> 30% clay content) with the dominant soil forms Arcadia and Oakleaf.

In terms of Acocks' classification (1953) the vegetation of the park consists of Kalahari Thornveld Proper (Veld Type 16). According to the new vegetation map by Mucina et al. (2005) two vegetation units occur in the park namely Kimberley Thornveld (Svk4) and Vaalbos Rocky Shrubland (Svk5) of which both are part of the Savanna Biome.

Bordering towards the north is a very important unit called the Northern Upper Karoo (Nku 3) which forms part of the Nama Karoo Biome.

One of conservation objectives of the park is to conserve the interface of two biomes, (Savanna Biome and the Nama-Karoo Biome). Being a national park, it should serve as a permanent reference area for wider exploration surveys in the Northern Cape region.

Mammals

A total of 863 animals were moved from the old Vaalbos to Mokala.

The Park is currently 19611ha in size and the following species occur in the park:

• Black Rhino, White Rhino, Disease-free Buffalo, Tsessebe, Roan Antelope, Mountain Reedbuck, Giraffe, Gemsbok, Eland, Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Kudu, Ostrich, Steenbok, Duiker and Springbok.
• List of Mokala National Park's mammals

People with disabilities

Wheelchair Access

An in-depth accessibility profile for Mokala National Park has been compiled.

Please see additional information on Wheelchair Accessibility.

Conferencing

Introduction

Mokala National Park lies in the heart of one of the safest and least developed parts of our beautiful country, the Northern Cape. This park will become a “must visit” to all nature lovers, outdoor fanatics and everyone else who enjoy fresh air and tranquillity. In contrast to some of the more basic accommodation on offer at most of our national parks, Mokala offers up-market accommodation facilities, state of the art conference venues, first class catering and warm hospitality. Future developments will also include a day visitor’s area and more rustic wilderness self-catering camps.

Conference Facilities

Both the lodges (Mosu & Mofele) have superb facilities for conferences or workshop and teambuilding events. Each conference room can seat 30 delegates in boardroom style or up to 40 delegates in theatre style. There are no breakaway rooms, but both facilities have a big fireplace in each, with air conditioning at Mosu Lodge Conference Room.

Conference E-Brochure

Mokala National Park Conference brochure

Conference Equipment

Tables, Chairs, Flip charts & pens, White board & pens, Overhead Projector, Data Projectors, PA System, Podium, VHS Recorder and TV, CD Player, Mints, Water & Cordials.

Accommodation

• Mosu Lodge
• Lilydale Rest Camp
• Mofele Lodge/EE Centre
• Haak en Steek Camp
• Motswedi Camp Site

Meeting Rooms

Name: Mosu Lodge Conference

• Seating: 30 delegates – U-shape; 40 delegates – Theatre
• Floor Dimensions:
• Length (m): 13.600m
• Width (m): 9.100m
• Height (m): 6.800m (thatch roof)
• Area (m2): 124m2
• Day Venue: Yes (as well as night)
• Number of Bedrooms: 15

Name: Mofele Lodge Conference

• Seating: 30 delegates – U-shape; 40 delegates – Theatre
• Floor Dimensions:
• Length (m): 10.700m
• Width (m): 8.800m
• Height (m): 2.900m
• Area (m2): 94m2
• Day Venue: Yes (as well as night)
• Number of Bedrooms: 9

Recreation/Activities

• Mosu Restaurant
• Matopi Picnic Area
• Kameeldoring Picnic Area
• Birders Delight Bird Hide
• Flyfishing
• Coffee Shop

Location

• Directions from Kimberly
• Directions from Hopetown

Tariffs

Accommodation:

Please see accommodation tariffs

Conference Facilities

The conferencing facilities includes an overhead projector, data projector, white boards, flip charts etc.

Catering

Above tariffs does not include any meals, drinks or beverages. Please request separate quote for all catering.

Contact Information

• Address: Mokala National Park, Kimberley / Modder Rivier / Plooysburg District
  PO Box 281, Modder Rivier, 8700
• Tel: + 27 (0) 53 204 8000 / 1 / 2
• Fax: + 27 (0) 53 204 8003
• E-mail traveltrade@sanparks.org or reservations@sanparks.org