Mokala National Park

Mokala National Park is South Africa's newest national park, established as a conservation area protecting a unique transition zone between the Savanna Biome and the Nama Karoo Biome. Located in the Northern Cape province, the park encompasses 196 square kilometers of sandy plains dotted with impressive dolerite hills and dominated by camel thorn trees. The park was created through an ambitious wildlife translocation project involving 863 animals from the closing of Vaalbos National Park, making it a stronghold for endangered herbivore species. Mokala serves as a breeding ground and reservoir for threatened wildlife, with the goal of building up populations to repopulate other South African national parks and private game reserves. The landscape is characterized by arid, semi-desert conditions with isolated rocky outcrops creating a visually distinctive environment. Wildlife viewing is possible year-round due to semi-arid conditions that minimize seasonal variation. The park offers a range of activities including game drives, night drives, bush braais, guided drives to rock-art engravings, and excellent stargazing opportunities due to fantastically clear night skies. While Mokala lacks the Big Five predators, it hosts black and white rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species including tsessebe, roan, and sable. Small predators such as brown hyena, black-backed jackal, and caracal can also be observed. The park is conveniently located off the N12 freeway southwest of Kimberley, making it an accessible stopover for travelers between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Sandy plains hemmed by isolated dolerite hills, dominated by camel thorn trees in an arid, semi-desert environment representing the interface between Savanna and Nama Karoo biomes.

Park supports local conservation efforts and wildlife management in the Northern Cape region.

Excellent stargazing and night sky photography opportunities with fantastically clear skies. Early morning and late afternoon light ideal for landscape photography of dolerite hills and camel thorn trees. Wildlife photography best during cooler months when animals are more active.