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 Park includes three lodges, Mosu, Mofele and Lilydale. Mosu and Mofele are relatively close to each other and can host 60 guests. Both lodges have restaurant, pub and conference facilities. A new camping area, about 10km from the main lodge, is being established around the waterhole. Lilydale, 70km from the main lodge, is perched above the Riet River and consists of a fully equipped conference centre which can accommodate up to 8 people.
