Marloth Park, place in Mpumalanga, South Africa
Marloth Park is a small town in South Africa located next to Kruger National Park and known for free-roaming wildlife moving through the streets and grounds. The settlement sits within the green bushveld of Mpumalanga and is bordered by the Crocodile River, which attracts diverse animal species.
The town was established in the late 1970s as a holiday destination, offering visitors a different way to experience wildlife compared to traditional national park safaris. Since then, it has grown into a popular spot for those seeking nature experiences.
The town is named after Rudolf Marloth, a German botanist who studied plants in the region. The native Aloe Marlothii also carries his name and grows throughout the landscape here.
The town is best explored on foot, particularly during evening walks when animals are more active and temperatures are cooler. Buy special food pellets at local shops to feed animals safely, and always maintain a respectful distance to avoid injuries from startled wildlife.
Unlike typical national park safaris, you can observe wildlife from the Crocodile River on foot without needing a vehicle, offering a more immediate nature experience. The night sky is remarkably clear, making it a perfect spot for stargazing without light pollution.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.