Mokala National Park is a reserve established in the Plooysburg area south-west of Kimberley in the Northern Cape, South Africa on 19 June 2007. The size of the park is 26,485 hectares. Mokala is the Setswana name for the magnificent camel thorn, a tree species typical of the arid western interior and common in the area. There is currently 70 km of accessible roads in the national park.
History
The new park effectively replaces the Vaalbos National Park, which was deproclaimed to comply with land claims and diamond prospecting rights. In 1998, SANParks undertook a study of five areas to determine the best replacement locations. A 19 611-hectare tract of land, Wintershoek, was subsequently selected. In 2005, the land was purchased and plans for the re-introduction of game were formed. The first five animals, a group of giraffes, were released into the reserve in June 2006, and a year later it was officially proclaimed. The cultural diversity of the area consist of many San rock engravings and Anglo Boer War battlefields.
Climate
The Northern Cape is a dry region with fluctuating temperatures and differing topographies. The weather is typically that of desert and semi-desert areas. The annual rainfall is never high and is always lower than the rate of evaporation. Summers are hot with temperatures usually between 33 °C and 36 °C. Although not common, summer temperatures in the Northern Cape can exceed 40 °C. During the summer months, the rainy season thunderstorms occurs in the central and eastern areas and is often accompanied by heavy thunderstorms, whereas winter rainfall occur mainly in the western region. During winter, day temperatures are generally mild to warm, but at night it can be cold, often below 0 °C.
Landscape
This region is the transition zone of the savanna biomes; the former being flat and sandy dotted with camel thorns, umbrella thorns, puzzle bushes and haystack-like sociable weaver nests constructed in the larger trees, and the latter characterised by rocky lava outcrops, calcrete and shales. The southern region of the park, closest to the entrance gate, is more plains-like, with isolated camel thorns and tall grasses. The central regions of the park consist of the Karoo-like habitats, with long rows of rocky outcrops interspersed with flat areas of grass and scrub. The base and lower slopes of the outcrops receive extra run-off and are better vegetated.
Wildlife
This park is home to a number of endangered species and the main purpose of the park is to protect these species. Cape buffalo, black rhino and roan antelope are to be found, besides a range of smaller species. There are mosquitoes during summer, but this is a malaria-free zone.
A bird list is available at reception. In summer, the best time to go birding in Mokala National Park is at sunrise, particularly between 07h30 and 09h00. The level of endemism at Mokala is high. The Kalahari sandveld habitats hold more bird species than the rocky areas, especially during times of higher rainfall. The endemic black-chested prinia thrives in the arid conditions of the park. Chestnut-vented warblers are attracted to the lawns surrounding the lodges. A fairly tame pair of Cape buntings frequent Mosu Lodge, using the buildings as an artificial nest structure, while greater striped swallows nest beneath the eaves of the restaurant's thatched roof.
Accommodation can be found at one of three lodges, Mosu, Haak-en-Steek and Lilydale. Mosu Lodge overlooks a waterhole, which is intended to be a gathering place for game and birds. Besides the lodges, visitors can also stay at Stofdam Bird hide, Kameeldoorn Tree House and the rustic Motswedi camping site, utilizing their own camping gear. Sites at Motswedi each offer a private toilet, shower and a built-in breakfast nook overlooking the waterhole. No power points are available here. Two restaurants are situated at Mosu Lodge and Lilydale; meals at both need to be pre-booked at reception and Lilydale only serves breakfast and lunch. Self-catering wilderness camps and luxury private camp sites are planned for the future.
How to get there
The park is at this point not well signposted, but from Kimberley is reached via the Hopetown road, after 57 km right at the Hayfield/Heuningneskloof crossing. From Cape Town's direction, follow the N12 north past Hopetown, and turn left after 65 km at the crossing. After 21 km of gravel road, the gate of Mokala National Park is on the right hand side. Access through the main entrance is arranged by intercom, as the gate is remotely controlled from the main office.
