Mokala National Park
A South African reserve protecting endangered species in arid savanna.
Mokala National Park lies southwest of Kimberley in South Africa’s Northern Cape, established on 19 June 2007. It covers 26,485 hectares. The park’s name comes from the Setswana word for the camel thorn tree, a species common to the arid western interior and widespread in the area. There are 70 kilometers of drivable roads within the park.
The park took the place of Vaalbos National Park, which was deproclaimed due to land claims and diamond prospecting rights. In 1998, SANParks studied five possible replacement sites, eventually choosing a 19,611-hectare property called Wintershoek. The land was bought in 2005, and plans for reintroducing wildlife were drawn up. The first five animals—a group of giraffes—were released in June 2006, and the park was officially proclaimed a year later. The area holds cultural sites such as San rock engravings and battlefields from the Second Boer War, including the nearby Belmont battlefield.
The Northern Cape is dry, with fluctuating temperatures and varied terrain. Weather is typical of desert and semi-desert regions. Annual rainfall ranges from 300 to 500 millimeters, averaging 400 millimeters, and is always lower than evaporation rates. Summers (December to February) are hot, with temperatures usually between 33°C and 36°C, though they can exceed 40°C. Summer thunderstorms occur in central and eastern areas, often heavy, while winter rain falls mainly in the west. Winters (June to August) bring mild to warm days around 22°C, but nights can drop below 0°C.
The park sits in a transition zone between savanna (Kalahari and Nama Karoo) biomes. The savanna is flat and sandy, dotted with camel thorns, umbrella thorns, puzzle bushes, and sociable weaver nests in larger trees. The Karoo side features rocky lava outcrops, calcrete, and shales. The southern region near the entrance gate is more open plains, with isolated camel thorns and tall grasses. Central areas have Karoo-like habitats with long rows of rocky outcrops separated by flat grass and scrub. The bases and lower slopes of outcrops get extra runoff and support denser vegetation.
The park protects endangered species, including Cape buffalo, black rhino, and roan antelope, along with a range of smaller animals. Mosquitoes are present in summer, but the area is malaria-free.
A bird list is available at reception. Summer birding is best at sunrise, especially between 7
- Established
- 19 June 2007
- Location
- Plooysburg area, south-west of Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa
- Size
- 26,485 hectares
- Annual rainfall
- 300–500 mm (average 400 mm)
- Accessible roads
- 70 km
- Malaria-free
- Yes
Quick Facts
- Location
- Northern Cape, South Africa
- Nearest City
- Kimberley
- Area
- 196.11 km2
- Established
- 2007-06-19
- Governing Body
- South African National Parks
- Website
- 1=https: · www.sanparks.org/parks/mokala
- Iucn Category
- II
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The park's name comes from the Setswana word for the camel thorn tree, a species typical of the arid western interior. The landscape includes flat sandy areas with camel thorns and umbrella thorns, as well as rocky lava outcrops, calcrete, and shales. The cultural diversity of the area includes San rock engravings and Second Boer War battlefields, such as the nearby battlefield of Belmont.
Reader's Guide
Mokala National Park is significant as a replacement reserve that protects endangered species including Cape buffalo, black rhino, and roan antelope. Its location in the transition zone between Kalahari and Nama Karoo biomes supports a high level of bird endemism, with species like the black-chested prinia thriving in arid conditions. The park offers accommodation at three lodges—Mosu, Haak-en-Steek, and Lilydale—as well as a bird hide, a tree house, and a camping site. Access is via the N12 from Kimberley or Cape Town, followed by a gravel road. The park is not well signposted, and the gate is remotely controlled via intercom. Its establishment addressed land claims and diamond prospecting rights while creating a new conservation area in the Northern Cape.
Did You Know?
- The park's name means 'camel thorn' in Setswana.
- It was established on 19 June 2007, replacing the deproclaimed Vaalbos National Park.
- The first five animals released were a group of giraffes in June 2006.
- The park is a malaria-free zone.
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