Marakele 4×4 Eco-trail

THABAZIMBI – Explore the Waterberg Mountain’s untrammeled land. The Marakele 4×4 Eco Trail is a 3-day (2 nights) outdoor adventure spanning the wilderness, primitive zone of Marakele National Park which is the core of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. Called the “wilderness experience on wheels”, the Trail follows the management tracks on the eastern boundary of the Marakele National Park on top of the Waterberg Mountains. Experienced, professional guides act as trail leaders and will interpret the various eco-zones the trail crosses, at regular intervals. The trail must be booked exclusively through Hesther van den Berg on 012 426 5117. The current tariff (valid until 31 October 2010) is R2950 per vehicle and excludes conservation fees. The tariff for the trail is for 4 persons or less. If any accommodation is required before or after the trail, please make a separate reservation. Bookings can be made through the SANParks central booking office in Pretoria, reservations@sanparks.org, and Marakele National Park reception at 014 777 6928/9/30/31/ 071 935 7306 or marakele@sanparks.org .

Five four-wheel drive vehicles will be allowed to participate at a time with up to four occupants per vehicle. Each vehicle must be fully equipped with tent, water containers, gas bottles, cooking equipment etc. This is a self-catering activity.

The trail starts at Marakele National Park main entrance gate on Friday or Tuesday at 13:00 and ends at Moralane exit gate on Sunday or Thursday at about 13:00 (two trails per week). Please report promptly at Marakele main entrance gate at 13:00 on the day of departure.

Ensure that your vehicle is ready for the trip, ensure that everyone has signed an indemnity form (which can be collected from the reception), vehicles are filled with fuel and trail-goers are present for a short briefing from the trail leader. Delayed departure’s should be avoided so that more time can be spent enjoying the wilderness.

This is an opportunity not to be missed. Only the privileged tourists on the Eco 4×4 route will experience views like these.