Where to stay in Marakele National Park
5 hand-picked glamping camps and lodges in and around the park.
Marakele National Park guide
Overview
Marakele National Park lies in the Waterberg mountains of Limpopo, about three hours north of Johannesburg and Pretoria. It was proclaimed in 1994, and its name means “place of sanctuary” in Setswana. It’s part of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.
The park sits where the dry west and the wetter east of South Africa meet, so its plants and animals come from both. Rugged mountains, deep valleys, grassland and bushveld make for dramatic scenery, especially on the drive up to the Lenong viewpoint.
Marakele is malaria-free and close to Gauteng, so it’s a good choice for a short safari. Its mountains are home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape vultures, which you can see soaring around the cliffs.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
The Big Five
Elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard all live in the park, along with brown hyena and cheetah.
Birds
Hundreds of pairs of Cape vultures nest on the cliffs. Black eagles and many bushveld birds are also found here.
Antelope
Sable, tsessebe, eland, red hartebeest, kudu and mountain reedbuck are among the antelope.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: May to September, in the dry winter, when the bush thins out and game is easier to see.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May – Aug | Cool, dry season | Clear, sunny days and cold nights. The best game viewing. |
| Sep – Oct | Spring | Warmer, with animals at the waterholes. |
| Nov – Apr | Hot, wet season | Green and lush, with storms and newborn animals. |
Drive up to the Lenong viewpoint early in the morning to see the vultures.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| O.R. Tambo International (JNB), Johannesburg | Long-haul arrivals and self-drive | About 3 hours by road. |
By road
From Johannesburg or Pretoria, drive north-west via the N1 and N4, then via Thabazimbi on the R510. The park gate is about 15 km from Thabazimbi.
Entrance & Fees
SANParks charges a daily conservation fee per person. The rates below apply from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.
| Area | International adult / child | SADC adult / child | South African adult / child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marakele | R358 / R179 | R158 / R78 | R76 / R38 |
Children are 2 to 11 years old. Wild Card holders enter free.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the SANParks conservation fees schedule (2026/27).
