THABAZIMBI – Marakele Predator Park was officially opened to visitors on Saturday 4 December after some delays in obtaining the exhibition certificate.  At the moment they have white and tawny lions to see, and are excited as they will be bringing in other predators at a later stage.

The white lions, originally from Akasia Lodge close to Sentrum, were relocated some time ago to their new home 9km outside Thabazimbi on the way to Marakele National Park which is in the main tourism belt of town. Two beautiful marble lions mark the gate to the Park.

Guided tours are offered where visitors can walk past the secured areas. Two drive-through areas where visitors can actually drive their vehicles inside the secured areas with no fence between them and the lions will be open soon.

Mike and Chrissy Hodge, originally from Britain, started breeding with the white lions some 12 years ago at Akasia Lodge.

The move to Thabazimbi was made to bring these graceful creatures closer to tourist facilities like Marakele National Park. This would give visitors to Marakele the opportunity to see some of the predators that are also found in Marakele but rarely seen.

Emma, their daughter, will be running the park after working for 2 years at the SA Lion Park. Emma will take booking for groups. Schools are invited to contact them in order for the kids to come and get up close with the rare white lion.

The establishment of Marakele Predator Park is a great opportunity and boost for the local and overseas tourist industry in Thabazimbi.

To make a booking you can contact Emma on 0715977752.

Marakele Predator Park was officially opened to the public on Saturday 4 December. At the marble lion statue, marking the entrance to Marakele Predator Park, is the Hodge family, from the left: Tom Mike Chrissy, Emma and ms Desireé van der Walt, DA MP for Limpopo who joined them in this historic event. Mike Hodge with the two latest additions, Leah en Lilly, soon after they joined the pride.