Mokala National Park
Why Kimberley Matters
Kimberley is renowned for its diamond heritage, but it also provides the perfect gateway to one of South Africa's newest national parks.
Just an hour's drive from the city, Mokala National Park offers peaceful self-drive safaris, endangered wildlife and spectacular Northern Cape landscapes.
Blue wildebeest cross a red gravel road during a self-drive safari in Mokala National Park, about one hour from Kimberley. (August 2008)
Experience the Wild Northern Cape
Established by SANParks in 2007, Mokala protects one of the country's most threatened ecosystems and provides a safe refuge for many endangered species. Covering more than 26,000 hectares, the park features rolling hills, open grasslands, rocky outcrops, and beautiful camel thorn woodland.
Unlike many game reserves, Mokala is a peaceful destination where visitors can enjoy leisurely game drives while appreciating the spectacular scenery and abundant birdlife.
Wildlife
Mokala is renowned for its conservation programme, particularly for breeding rare antelope species. During a visit you may encounter:
Large mammals
- White Rhino
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
Rare antelope
- Roan Antelope
- Sable Antelope
- Tsessebe
Common plains game
- Blue Wildebeest
- Black Wildebeest
- Red Hartebeest
- Eland
- Gemsbok
- Zebra
- Springbok
- Ostrich
Red hartebeest grazing beneath camel thorn trees on the open grasslands of Mokala National Park.
Smaller mammals, reptiles and more than 300 bird species have also been recorded in the park, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers and photographers. Although Mokala does not have lions, elephants or large predators, this allows visitors to enjoy relaxed self-drive safaris with excellent opportunities to observe wildlife at close range.
Visitor Information
Day visit to Mokala - enter via Lilydale Gate
- Take the N12 from Kimberley to Cape Town.
- Travel for 37km from Kimberley until just past Modderriver and Ritchie.
- Turn right at the Lilydale signboard onto a gravel road.
- Travel 16km until you get to the gate of Lilydale on your right-hand side.
- The main Administration and Reception Building is a further 6km inside the park.
- Allow about a 40-minute drive from Kimberley to the Lilydale Rest Camp reception.
- The distance from Kimberley to Lilydale Gate is 59km.
Visiting:
Day visits - don't normally need to be booked in advance.
Overnight stay: Book in advance with SANParks.
Contact:
Mosu Lodge (Mokala’s Main Camp) 053 204 8000
Lilydale Rest Camp 053 204 8300
Web: Mokala SANParks
Best time to visit: Early morning and late afternoon generally provide the best wildlife viewing, particularly during the warmer months.
Self-drive Safaris
One of Mokala's greatest attractions is exploring the park in your own vehicle. The well-maintained gravel roads suit ordinary passenger cars in normal weather conditions. Beware of road closures after heavy rains.
Several scenic loops let visitors spend anywhere from two hours to a full day exploring. Picnic sites and viewpoints provide ideal places to stop and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Drive slowly and watch for wildlife crossing the road, as every drive can be different.
Activities
Visitors can enjoy:
- Self-drive game viewing
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
- Scenic photography
- Picnic areas
- Scenic drives
- Overnight accommodation within the park (booking required)
- Restaurant and visitor facilities (Mosu Lodge)
An old farm windmill recalls the agricultural history of the land before it became Mokala National Park. Today the park protects one of South Africa's most threatened ecosystems.
Why Visit Mokala?
Unlike many of South Africa's larger national parks, Mokala offers a quieter and more relaxed safari experience. Here, visitors can enjoy unhurried self-drive game viewing, spectacular Northern Cape scenery and excellent wildlife sightings without busy roads or large crowds. The park's focus on conservation, together with its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, makes it one of the Northern Cape's hidden gems.
For guests staying at The Solomon, Mokala is an ideal day trip. After a rewarding day exploring the park, return to Kimberley to relax at The Solomon, then enjoy dinner at one of Kimberley's excellent restaurants.
Continue Exploring Kimberley
After a day exploring Mokala National Park, return to the comfort of The Solomon – Solomon Edwardian Guest House. Located in historic Beaconsfield, minutes from Kimberley's major attractions, The Solomon offers comfortable bed-and-breakfast and self-catering accommodation with free fibre Wi-Fi, secure off-street parking, and air-conditioned rooms—making it the perfect base for exploring Kimberley's rich history and the Northern Cape's remarkable landscapes.