Marakele National Park is situated 250km north of Johannesburg in the Waterberg mountains. Marakele means ‘Place of Sanctuary’ and is an appropriate name for this nature reserve, which protects a great diversity of wildlife due to its position on the intermediate region between the dry western and moist eastern regions of South Africa.
Marakele National Park’s geology is one of its finest features, ranging from mountains and grassy hills to deep valleys. The views from the mountaintops (where towers have been erected) are naturally spectacular.
Marakele National Park supports 765 plant species, including rare yellowwood and cedar trees, as well as most of the large mammals, predators and antelope. The park contains the largest colony of Cape Vultures in the world, and its inter-habitat position makes it attractive to bird watchers.