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All-In-One

Marakele National Park

General Information

Overnight Visitors:

1. No driving at night is allowed in the Park.
2. No collection of firewood.
3. You will be warned at reception about roads that are inaccessible in the Park. Should you drive on these roads and get stuck you will be charged for recovery expenses of a minimum of R50, 00.
4. Fines will be given if you drive off the roads.
5. Your vehicle can be searched at exit points.
6. Be aware of BABOONS and VERVET MONKEYS. Keep your tents closed when driving around and lock food in the tent’s cupboard. You may even turn the fridge slightly so that the door does not open easily. Don’t let anything lie around.
7. Please do not feed the animals. Vervet Monkeys will soon become habituated to this and create serious problems in the future.
8. You are not allowed to get out of your vehicle, except at places indicated to you on the map, by the receptionist.
9. No pets are allowed in the Park.
10. A general speed limit of 30 km/h must be maintained within the Park’s boundaries.
11. Firearms must be declared at reception.
12. You have to vacate the tent at 09:00 on the day of departure.
13. The key for the gates must be returned to reception on the day of departure. Alternatively you can leave the key at the points indicated to you by the receptionist.
14. Please keep your entrance permit with you while driving in the Park.
15. No fishing is allowed in the dam.

If you have a problem with the interpretation of the rules, please enquire at reception.

Climate

Summers are hot but the area does not suffer from the stifling humidity so typical of the eastern Lowveld. The park is situated in the summer rainfall region and rainfall occurs in the form of heavy thunderstorms or soft rain. Winter is moderate with frost occurring in the low-lying regions only. Mornings and nights can be cold, but day temperatures are pleasant. Rainfall between 500 – 700 mm per annum.

Day Visitors

Entrance from 07:30 to 16:00. No need to book in advance. Currently there is no limit on number of people per day. 4x4 routes as well as routes for sedan vehicles are open to day visitors.

1. No visitors are allowed at the back of open vehicles.
2. Your vehicle can be searched at exit points.
3. No collecting of firewood.
4. Day visitors have certain areas and roads where they can drive. You will be informed at reception about the roads that are inaccessible. Should you drive on roads that are inaccessible and get stuck, you will be charged for recovery expenses of a minimum of R50, 00.
5. Fines can be given should you drive off the roads.
6. People are not allowed to get out of their vehicles, except at places shown on the map by the receptionist.
7. No pets are allowed in the park
8. Firearms must be declared at reception
9. A general speed limit of 30 km/h must be maintained within the park’s boundaries.
10. Office hours are from 07:30 in the morning until 16:00 in the afternoon.
11. The gates close at 18:00 in summertime and at 17:00 in winter. If you are still inside the Park after the gates have closed you can be given a fine.
12. Tour operators must be licensed with FGASA and SATOUR to operate in National Parks. A proper game-drive vehicle will be required.
13. Tour operators will pay a set entrance price – check details with park. Tour operators must be registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and be in possession of a valid Deat membership card as proof.

*Should you be uncertain as to the interpretation of a rule, please enquire at reception.

Take Note

• Pets are not permitted in a national park
• Firearms must be declared at the entrance gate.
• No open vehicles are allowed. Passengers on the back of an open vehicle are also not allowed.
• Medical, pharmaceutical, vehicle repair, fuel, post office and police at Thabazimbi.

Handy Hints

• Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen lotion. Also remember to take along medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites.
• Cool clothing for summer and warm for winter - the region is subject to sudden changes in weather, particularly in the mountains.
• Remember charcoal or wood, as this is not available in the park.
• Visitors should also remember to take a torch along, as the camp has no illumination between units at night.
• The safari camp has not been fenced and therefore visitors to Marakele are warned to stay within the confines of the tent and deck area. Walking outside the confines of the camp will put you at risk of dangerous game and negatively affect the experience of other visitors.

Office Hours

07:30 to 17:00 - 1 May to 31 August
07:30 to 18:00 - 1 September to 30 April

Contact Information

For enquiries e-mail Marakele National Park or phone us on the following numbers:

Park Tel: +27 (0)14 777 1745
Fax: +27 (0)14 777 1866

GPS Coordinates

S 24º31.860' and E 027º29.896'

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