Mokala National Park

Mokala was proclaimed in 2007 to replace Vaalbos, a park that was handed back under land restitution, and its purpose was practical rather than scenic: somewhere to breed rare antelope safely. About 28,000 hectares of camel thorn savanna and dolerite koppies now hold roan, sable, tsessebe and black rhino as breeding stock, along with buffalo, giraffe and gemsbok. The name is the Setswana word for the camel thorn tree. Because there are no lion or other large predators, the park allows things Kruger cannot - walking on your own on marked trails, cycling, and driving without the same tension - which makes it a good place for people who want bush without a checklist. Kimberley's diamond history is close by, and the park is a natural overnight break on the long N12 drive between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

What you actually see

• The rare antelope - roan, sable and tsessebe kept as breeding stock.
• The camel thorn savanna - the tree that gives the park its Setswana name.
• The predator-free rules - walking and cycling allowed because there are no lion.
• The restitution history - a park created to replace land returned to its claimants.

When to go

April to September. Two days, or one night breaking the N12 drive.

Honest expectations

No big cats, so big-five expectations go unmet. The park is small by Northern Cape standards and roads are gravel. Summer heat is severe. Accommodation is limited and books out over holidays.

Nearby

Kimberley and the Big Hole are north; the N12 runs past the gate.