Mokala National Park – Overview

Mokala National Park was established in 2007 on the plains southwest of Kimberley. South Africa’s newest national park, it supports a tremendous variety of antelope and other wildlife, including buffalo and both rhino species. Although little visited and somewhat remote, it’s a convenient and worthwhile stopover along the N12 (a quieter alternative to the N1) between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Best Time To Go

May to September (Best wildlife viewing)

High Season

Never (Might be busier during school holidays)

Size More info

275km² / 106mi²

Altitude More info

1,091-1,291m / 3,579-4,236ft

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Pros & Cons

• Beautiful semi-arid scenery with big camelthorn trees
• Ideal for self-drive safaris
• Guided game drives (including night drives) available
• Several rock engraving sites can be visited with park guides
• Convenient stop between Johannesburg and Cape Town
• Off-the-beaten-track feel
• Self-catering accommodations
• Easy day trip from Kimberley, the provincial capital
• Wildlife is plentiful and mostly very habituated
• Varied birdlife with many Kalahari specials
• No elephants or big cats
• Far away from South Africa’s main tourist attractions
• No shop or restaurant; you need to bring your own food

Wildlife

Mokala came into existence following the closure of the now defunct Vaalbos National Park, from where an amazing 863 animals were translocated. Introduced wildlife includes black rhino, white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and warthog. Mokala shelters 15 antelope species, notably sable antelope, roan antelope, black wildebeest, tsessebe, red hartebeest, eland, gemsbok, greater kudu and springbok. No big cats are present, but smaller predators include black-backed jackal, caracal and yellow mongoose.

Scenery

Mokala protects a compelling area of semi-arid wilderness that is transitional between the Kalahari Desert and the Karoo. However, its red sandy soils and acacia savannah make it look and feel more like the Kalahari. The plains are hemmed in by isolated dolerite hills and dotted with camelthorn trees (called ‘mokala’ in the local Setswana language). The Riet River flows through an impressive gorge on the park’s northern boundary.

Activities

Self-drivers can explore the park on a well-signposted and well-maintained network of wildlife-viewing roads. Most roads are suitable for all vehicles, but some are restricted to 4x4 only. Wildlife is most prolific on the open plains immediately south of the Riet River. Other worthwhile stops include a photographic hide at Stofdam and the museum-like Interpretation Centre. Guided activities include game drives, night drives and visits to ancient rock engraving sites.

Weather & Climate

Mokala has a typical semi-arid climate with relatively little rain and substantial differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. In summer (October to April), it tends to be very hot in the day and pleasant in the evening. In winter (May to September), it is warm by day but often very cold at night. Summer coincides with the Wet season, when you can expect occasional short-lived afternoon storms.

Best Time To Visit

Mokala can be visited throughout the year. Due to the semi-arid conditions, wildlife viewing isn’t much affected by the seasons. However, the days are most pleasant during the dry winter months (May to September), and this period is also slightly better for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. It can be unbearably hot in the middle of the day during the summer months (October to April).

Want To Visit Mokala NP?

• Tour Operators for Mokala