Our Mokala National Park
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The Mokala National Park is situated in the heart of the Karoo not far from Kimberley, better known for the diamonds that are mined here.

Click here to go directly to our Mokala Photo Gallery...

This huge tract of land in the Karoo offers some of the most beautiful semi desert landscapes you can dream of.

This is a fairly new South African National Park which replaces the original Vaalbos National Park which was also located in this vicinity.

After the Vaalbos National Park was closed the wildlife was relocated to the new Mokala National Park.

This is a great game reserve that is really worthwhile visiting. Personally, I loved the wide open expanses, the incredible display of stars and the Milky Way at night. I also really enjoyed the rustic camping at the Haak-en-Steek rest camp. It is good to get back to basics every now and then.

The Game Viewing is great...

... with two of the big five namely Buffalo, Rhino (Both black and White) resident in Mokala National Park. Some of the other game you can expect to see just to name a few are...

Roan Antelope
Gemsbok
Zebra
Baboon
Jackal
Blue Wildebeest
Eland
Tsessebe
Red Hartebeest
Giraffe
Black Wildebeest
Kudu
Springbok
Duiker
Steenbok
Ostrich
Mountain Reedbuck

There are a number of outdoor activities planned for this park such as mountain biking, day walks, bush braais, sunset and night drives;

Please click on any of the Images in the Gallery below to view a Bigger Version...

	Our campsite at the Haak-en-Steek rest camp The camp is not fenced so game can move freely through the camping grounds. The camping grounds are level and there are some trees to provide shade.
	This was the view from our campsite. As this is typical camping in the bush, the veld starts right on the doorstep of your tent. At sundown you can view game right from your campsite as they come to drink at the water hole.
	The Haak-en-Steek rest camp overlooks this small dam where the animals come to drink. Rhinos and Buffalo come here to drink so be careful, especially after dark since there are no fences between you and the wildlife.
	There are basic ablutions consisting of showers with hot water and flushing toilets. Hot water is always a great luxury in a rustic campsite such as this.
	There is no electricity available so you need to bring your own gas lamps or battery powered lights. If you want to keep food and drinks cold, make sure you have a gas or battery powered fridge / freezer. <Camping Checklists> There are braai stands at each camping site.
	Early morning and ready to start exploring! We camped here towards the end of June in heart of the South African winter Even though the sun was up it the temperature was still -1C and the grass was covered with frost. Crisp, clear but chilly!
	The roads are all gravel roads and tracks. They were not in a bad condition at the time. However, it was evident that a lot of grading, filling and repairs went into the roads since the rainy season. It is evident that a 4X4 would have been neccesary during the wet season.
	Typical Karoo landscape. Wide flat expanse well covered in grass thanks to the good rains earlier in the year.
	A sand track disapearing in the distance towards a few low hills. These flatlands are in the Lilydale section of Mokala national Park.
	The Riet River forms the Northern Boundary of the Park It is a perfect spot for a picnic.
	We spotted these buffalo late in the afternoon on our way to the Haak-and-Steek campsite.
	Gemsbok! These beautiful animals are found in most of the arid parks in Southern Africa. In the back ground is one of the houses at Lilydale. Luxury accommodation in the heart of the Mokala National Park.
	A couple of magnificent Kudu Bulls.
	Sable Antelope is another example of wide variety of wildlife found at Mokala...
	...we were lucky enough to encounter a herd of these animals with a number youngsters included.
	Zebras...
	Roughly in the middle of The Mokala national Park is a Bird Hide overlooking this lovely dam.
	Towards late afternoon the reflections in the water provides you with some stunning photo oppurtunities....
	...and I simply cannot resist reflections in the water!
	Although the reflections are simply stunning do not forget to bring a pair of binoculars and your Bird Guide Book. You can spend many hours bird watching while the reflections lengthen on the water. Game also frequent the area and will come for a drink among the trees on the far bank.
	It just gets better and better as the afternoon goes by...
	...upside down or reflections in the water?
	Last one...believe me, I still have a hundred on my camera!
	Sunset over Mokala... As the sun sets the temperature immediately drops below freezing. As cold as it can get in winter... ...it gets as hot in summer so do take note of the season and prepare your trip accordingly.