Marakele National Park, National park in Limpopo, South Africa
Marakele National Park is a large conservation area in the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains where mountainous terrain, savannas, and wetlands meet. The highest points in the park reach above 1,300 meters and provide changing habitats for different wildlife species.
The reserve was established as Kransberg National Park in 1994, but conservation efforts in this region began in 1944 through collaboration between government and non-government organizations. This long history of nature preservation laid the foundation for today's protection program.
The land carries meaning for local communities who maintain traditional practices and share knowledge about the natural resources of the Waterberg Biosphere. You can sense this living connection between people and the landscape as you explore the park.
The reserve is best visited during the dry season when roads are passable and wildlife sightings are more frequent. Visitors should prepare for varying elevations and bring adequate water and proper footwear for hiking.
The area holds the world's largest breeding colony of Cape vultures, with over 800 pairs nesting among steep mountain cliffs. These rare birds have vanished from many regions, making this population especially valuable for global conservation programs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.