Mokala is SANParks newest park, 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 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 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.

Accommodation
Current facilities include two lodges; a restaurant, conferencing, a camping area which is 10km from the main lodge as well as a private landing strip. At the moment the park is concentrating on conference groups. The park has two lodges with fully equipped kitchens at each lodge. Both lodges can sleep a maximum of 30 people each. Currently the park is very limited in self catering units and this will have to be a priority to enable us to cater for the traditional SANParks guest.

Future developments will also include a day visitor’s area and more rustic wilderness self-catering camps. A lot of work has gone into establishing a good road network and, and ensuring that a high standard is maintained throughout the park.

Mosu Lodge
Luxury Executive Suites (2 units)

• Self Catering (braai, micro wave, two plate stove, fridge, utensils, cutlery & crockery)
• One Bedroom with double bed with electric blanket
• WC, shower, bath, hand basin
• Fire place and air conditioner

Semi Luxury Rooms (13 units)

• Non-self Catering (only electric kettle, no braai area, no fridge)
• One Bedroom with two single beds
• WC and shower, hand basin
• Wall-fitted heater and ceiling fan

Mofele Lodge
Semi Luxury Rooms (9 units)

• Non-self Catering (only electric kettle, no braai area, no fridge)
• One Bedroom with two / three / four or five single beds
• WC and shower, hand basin
• Ceiling fans

Haak-en-Steek Camp
Rustic Cottage (1 unit)

• Self Catering (braai facility in lapa, gas stove & oven, gas fridge / freezer, kitchen, utensils, cutlery & crockery)
• Two sleeping areas (divided by wall), one double bed in open kitchen area, 2 single beds
• WC, shower and hand basin
• No electricity, no air conditioner

Rustic Camping (5 sites)
Braai facilities in lapa, no electricity, gas geysers, no kitchen or cooking facilities

Activities and Attractions
This is a brand new park with a lot of opportunities for outdoor adventure. A number of activities such as mountain biking, day walks, sunset and night drives and bush braais will be on offer. The park also plans to take full advantage of perfect night skies and star-gazing as a night time activity will also be offered along with wildlife documentary DVD shows. Rock art painting and engraving excursions, and guided horse trails will also be introduced.

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 oC while the summer (warmest months December - January) is as high as 44 oC. Frost occurs, with the earliest date recorded being 27 April and the latest date 23 September, while its duration can be as long as 107 days.

Mammals
A total of 863 animals were moved from the old Vaalbos to Mokala. The Park is currently 19,611ha 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.


Rates
All rates are self-catering unless specified otherwise. At the moment the park is concentrating on conference groups.

IMPORTANT: Deposits & payments
For bookings made more than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 4 months of making a booking. For bookings made less than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 10 days of making a booking. For bookings made within 40 days of arrival, immediate and full payment is required within 24 hours upon confirmation of the booking. Final and full payment for all reservations is due 40 days prior to arrival. Rates are to be used as a guide only - full quotes will be provided upon receipt of an enquiry.

When making an enquiry, please supply full detail regarding the number of adults, number of children together with their ages, arrival and departure dates, accommodation type(s) required and number of nights in each rest camp. Also supply alternative dates and rest camps where possible. Children under 2 are free of charge. Bookings open 1 year in advance - it is essential to book as early as possible for busy/peak periods and school holidays.

VALID 01 NOVEMBER 2008– 31 AUGUST 2009

PLEASE NOTE
CAMP & CARAVAN SITE RESERVATIONS CAN ONLY BE MADE DIRECTLY WITH SA NATIONAL PARKS AND NOT THROUGH US.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BOOKING ENQUIRY !