The newest South African National Park, just south of Kimberley, was proclaimed on 19 June 2007. "Mokala" is a Tswana word for the Camel Thorn tree (
acacia erioloba), which is predominant throughout the park. This park replaces the Vaalbos National Park which was de-proclaimed due to a land claim.
Mokala National Park is one of the most easily accessible of the national parks in the Northern Cape being only 80km southwest of Kimberley. Take the N12 freeway from Kimberley to Cape Town and after 57km, on the Heuningneskloof Crossing turn right, then travel 21km along a gravel road to the Park turn-off.
The name Mokala is derived from the Setswana name for a Camel Thorn tree (Acacia erioloba), and this Park is dominated by these beautiful trees that can reach up to 16m tall and have a distinctive wide, spreading crown.
The park, proclaimed as recently as June 2007, is tucked between the hills, Mokala’s landscape varies between koppieveld (hills) and large open plains. The isolated dolerite hills give the place a calming feeling of seclusion and offer a lovely contrast to 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.
The Park is currently 19 611ha in size and the following species occur in the park: Black Rhino, White Rhino, disease-free Buffalo, Tsessebe, Roan Antelope, Mountain Reedbuck, Giraffe, Gemsbok, Eland, Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Black Wildebeest, Kudu, Ostrich, Steenbok, Duiker and Springbok.
The main camp at Mokala National Park is Mosu Lodge. All the buildings are thatched and it has 2 self-catering and 13 non self-catering units, each accommodating two people. It also has a restaurant, bar, poll and conference facilities. A second camp, Mofele Lodge, is the ideal venue for conferences, team building and large groups. It has accommodation and conference facilities for 30 people. Haak & Steek is a small isolated camp with one unit housing up to four people and camping facilities.
