Marakele National Park

Marakele covers about 67,000 hectares of the Waterberg, and its landscape is different from the flat bushveld people expect - sandstone mountains rising over a thousand metres above the plain, with grassland and yellowwood on top and thornveld below. The park's signature is the drive up to Lenong viewpoint on a steep tarred road that ends at around 2,000 metres beside one of the largest colonies of Cape vultures anywhere, often given as some 800 breeding pairs on the cliffs. Birds circle at eye level and below you, which is a rare perspective. The park holds elephant, rhino, buffalo and lion, and the name means place of sanctuary. It is malaria-free. Two sections are joined by a road through a corridor, and internal tracks vary from tar to routes that need 4x4. Summer thunderstorms build over the mountain most afternoons.

What you actually see

• The vulture colony - around 800 breeding pairs of Cape vultures on cliffs at 2,000 metres.
• The Lenong road - a steep tar climb ending at eye level with circling birds.
• The Waterberg landscape - sandstone mountains rather than flat bushveld.
• The malaria-free big game - elephant, rhino, buffalo and lion without prophylaxis.

When to go

May to September. Two days. Vultures are most active on thermals from mid-morning.

Honest expectations

The Lenong road is steep with sharp drops and no barrier in places; caravans are not allowed. Some internal loops genuinely need 4x4. Game density is lower than Kruger and sightings take patience. Afternoon storms in summer close the mountain road.

Nearby

Thabazimbi is the nearest town; the wider Waterberg reserves surround the park.