Marakele?

[Jaco Versfeld]

Has anyone been to Marakele lately? Is there still a 4x4 route. I see they advertise the eco route at around R3000 per vehicle - a three day guided trail. Is there an option to do some of the routes unguided?

[OOOOMS]

Yo R3000!!! We were there 2 years ago. You can drive around for at least 2 days without getting board! Want some pics?

[cyborg]

Yo R3000!!! We were there 2 years ago. You can drive around for at least 2 days without getting board! Want some pics?

So is that cheap, or an expensive Yo?
And is that simply the guide? or would it include anything?

[Niel]

Mark, why do you ask a question you already know the answer of

Post them

[OOOOMS]

Oom Niel, I don't even have time to finish my Namibia trip report........and now this...........I will delete my previous post, tx!

'Yo' is expensive.....

[Niel]

Oom Niel, I don't even have time to finish my Namibia trip report........and now this

because you were selling trailers

since that is done there is lots of time to finish the Nam report and pics here and plan the next trip

[Mud Dog]

Yeah, Niel .... if he spent less time nattering over nonsense the Nam report would be in the bag already!

[Tjokkie]

We went there last year June (camping) and was not realy impressed. Here are some of my observations:
1) After specifically enquiring at reserve directly - we had to find out there that it is not in actual fact a big 5 reserve (No buffalo and, only 5 lions in 13000 hectare camp)
2) Whilst having a brekkie in Thaba, we learned from a local doctor in Thaba that the fences with a neighbouring (foreigner owned) farm was dropped and because of superior environmental and game management, most game had migrated there
3) 4X4 Route: we booked a trip on the self-drive route. It was so boring my 9-year old fell asleep and we saw NO game.
3) Camping site is not really that nice - negative: lots of dust, noisy and, one ablution for the entire camp. positive: nice view of watering hole and lots of game frequenting it daily
4) Game viewing: found WOUNDED rhino right next to camp (less than 20m). Tried to contact main gate by installed 'emergency' radio in camp to no avail. Then drove to gate to report it to horde of SLEEPING parksboard personnel
5) We drove to Thabazimbi everytime we needed something fresh (from ice to bread) as the store at the gate was poorly stocked AND extremely expensive.

Personally, I would rather go to Pilanesberg or one of the private reserves in the area.

[OOOOMS]

Hi Jaco, here is what we did:

We decided to travel from Jhb to Marakele sand road. So I planned a route from Hartbeespoort Dam, to Maralele. A full day's drive but something to remember. You get off the main road just after the Harties tunnel.(I can supply details if you require)

The camps sit at Marakele is acceptable, really what you make of it, not to cramped overlooking a nice water hole.
4x4 route.....nope / not really but the we did not intend on finding 4x4 tracks....!
There is a lovely drive up the mountain, which could keep you busy for half a day. Have brunch up there, the view is spectacular.
Will post some pics

Back road via Brits

Campsite

View from the mountain

Would I go again? YES, there are only about 20 campsites, so no over-crowding. Places like Pilansberg have 300+ campsites, and imo stay away if you want peace and quite, this is a nice place!

[Senyetse]

Marekele is not a park to go to if you want to see lots of animals - rather go to Pilanesberg. But it has fantastic landscapes, bird and plant life which in my opinion makes up for it.

For more info on the Eco Trail see http://www.sanparks.org/parks/marakele/ ... _trail.php

[Silver SRX]

Was iemand onglangs by Marakele? Wil graag boek om na die aasvoels te gaan kyk.

[Bulletjie-3]

Was jy al by Rhino and Lion Park - daar is n groot verskeidenheid aasvoels.
Kan nie onthou dat ek al by Marakele gesien het nie.

[Silver SRX]

Hoe is die park in die algemeen?

[Bulletjie-3]

Hy is vir my redelik. Ry gerus op na die berg toe en ervaar daardie uitsig. Was vir my lekker om daar te kamp met die renosters wat deur die kamp loop om water te gaan drink.

[Silver SRX]

Dankie vir die info.