The Haak-en-Steek Rest Camp brings camping back to its original intention...
...camping in the wild of Southern Africa in a tent with a simple campfire for heat and comfort at night watching a star studded sky swimming along the milky way...
...getting drowsy after a day filled with game viewing, bird watching and simply losing all track of the outside world in the wide open spaces of the Karoo ...
...camaraderie around the campfire and planning the next great day in the Mokala National Park.
Haak-en-Steek Rest Camp is situated in the heart of the Mokala National Park that was previously known as the Vaalbos National Park.
Sable Antelope - Mokala National Park
The Haak-en-Steek campsite is on the banks of a small water hole which is frequented by a variety of wildlife.
This includes big game such as Rhinos and Buffalo...
...and the campsite is not fenced.
So, be aware, enjoy the privilege of camping in this pristine wilderness and do not encroach on the personal space of these animals...
...lets face it, you don't enjoy it either when people are in your face when all you want at the end of a hard day is to to enjoy a quiet drink and supper.
Enough of the philosophising!!
In my opinion this is a great camping and safari destination. It certainly gets a thumbs up in my little black book of off the beaten track campsites in South Africa.
Camping at
Haak-en-Steek Campsite
Mokala National Park
Facilities: This is a rustic campsite set in the heart of the Mokala National Park. The facilities are basic but clean. This is wilderness camping with just enough amenities to get by.
If roughing it a bit is not your pot of tea then rather consider the more luxurious accommodation at Mosu Lodge, Mofele Lodge or the Lilydale Rest Camp. Further information is available on the SANparks Official Website
At the Haak-en-Steek Campsite you will find:
Reflections on the water...
late afternoon, Mokala NP
Why should one camp at the Haak-en-Steek RestCamp? This could be a difficult question but then again, maybe it is not so difficult to answer.
I love camping at off the beaten track destinations. Mokala National Park fits this description perfectly. It is off the beaten track away from the crowds that you get at the big resorts.
Being away from the crowds you find that you have space for yourself, your companions and simply enjoying some of the best scenery and wildlife that you can find on a Southern African Safari.
It is rustic, so you have to work a bit at getting your camp set up and being self sufficient in supplying whatever comforts you enjoy...
Somewhere in Mokala national Park...
Nearby Attractions: The great open expanses of the Karoo, Game farms and off course the big hole of Kimberley.
This historic diamond mine is where the first diamonds in South Africa was found.
Once one of the richest cities in South Africa, Kimberley has a rich source of history, including some colourful and flamboyant characters such as Barney Barnato and Cecil John Rhodes whom formed much of the history and future of Southern Africa.
Directions of Route: The directions provided in the table below is from the airport in Kimberley, the nearest city to Mokala National Park.
The road conditions from Kimberley to the turn-off at point 7 below after 58 km is good. You travel on tarmac up to this point.
The next stage is a good gravel road up to the gate at Mokala National Park. It is somewhat corrugated in places but nothing to worry about.
Once inside Mokala the road becomes more of a dirt track the further you go. Judging to the ruts in places it could become a serious challenge in the rainy season so bear this in mind with your choice of vehicle when visiting this park. You might just need a 4 X 4 after heavy rains.
Directions to Mokala National
Park from the Kimberley Airport Directions and GPS points by courtesy of Garmin |
||||||
Directions: | Distance: | Leg Length: | Leg Time: |
Total Time: | Position: | |
1 | Kimberley Airport | 0 m | 00:00:00 | S28 47.537 E24 46.323 |
||
2 | Get on Road and drive northwest | 9 m | 9 m | 00:00:00 | 00:00:00 | S28 47.540 E24 46.318 |
3 | Turn left onto Oliver Road (N8) | 996 m | 987 m | 00:01:03 | 00:01:03 | S28 47.035 E24 46.391 |
4 | Bear left onto Slipway | 3.2 km | 2.2 km | 00:01:41 | 00:02:44 | S28 46.058 E24 45.872 |
5 | Turn left onto Macdougall Street | 3.2 km | 52 m | 00:00:03 | 00:02:47 | S28 46.034 E24 45.858 |
6 | Turn left onto Memorial Road (N12 | 4.2 km | 941 m | 00:01:00 | 00:03:47 | S28 45.923 E24 45.317 |
7 | Turn right onto Road | 58.0 km | 53.9 km | 53.9 km | 00:38:07 | S29 12.067 E24 32.148 |
8 | Turn right onto Unpaved Road | 79.1 km | 21.1 km | 00:31:47 | 01:09:54 | S29 12.787 E24 19.573 |
9 | Turn left onto Unpaved Road | 82.0 km | 2.9 km | 00:08:31 | 01:18:25 | S29 11.364 E24 20.154 |
10 | Mokala National Park | 87.4 km | 5.4 km | 00:12:22 | 01:30:47 | S29 10.086 E24 19.178 |
You can contact Mokala National Park reservations by using the contact numbers below or you can book online at the South African National Parks official website.
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