Mokala National Park is situated approximately 80 kilometres south-southwest of Kimberley, and is the newest South Africa national park. Gently set amongst imposing hills and sprawling plains, this South Africa national park offers a place of peace, seclusion and complete tranquility.
A big surprise awaits when you pass through the hills and are confronted by the large open sandy plains towards the north and west of the Park. Drainage lines from the hills form little tributaries that run into the plains and drain into the Riet River. Mokala is a Setswana name for a Camel Thorn (Kameeldoring).
The Camel Thorn trees occur in dry woodland and arid, sandy areas and are one of the major tree species of the desert regions of Southern Africa. This immensely important species has a great range over the Northern Cape and varies from a small, spiny shrub barely 2m high, to a tree up to 16m tall with a wide, spreading crown. The Camel Thorn is an incredible resource to both wildlife and humans who survive in often harsh conditions characteristic of this area. Traditionally, the gum and bark have been used by local tribes to treat coughs, colds and nosebleeds. Some even use the roasted seeds as a coffee substitute.
Planned developments of the Park include a day visitor’s area and rustic wilderness self-catering camps. A lot of work has already gone into establishing a good road network and, and ensuring that a high standard is maintained throughout the park.
Wildlife you can expect to see within the Mokala National Park include Black and White Rhino, Tsessebe, Roan Antelope, Mountain Reedbuck, Giraffe, Gemsbok, Eland, Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Kudu, Ostrich, Steenbok, Duiker and Springbok.
