family life
L&L | AUGUST 2019 | 852 Mokala
National Park
The park is situated approximately
80km south-west of Kimberley
and is known as the park where
endangered species roam. While
species such as roan, sable and
tsessebe can be seen in other
parks, Mokala has high densities
of them. But, the park is also
famous for its camel thorn trees.
Specimens range from small shrubs
barely 2m high to magnificent
trees with large spreading crowns.
These make brilliant silhouettes
at sunset. Mokala offers guided
game drives, excursions to rock
engraving sites and bush braais
or breakfast under a 400-year-
old camel thorn tree. Bookings
must be made in advance.
The Lilydale side of the park is
home to the Riet River. There are
spots set aside for flyfishing, so
there’s plenty to keep Dad busy.
Take the family for a meal at
the Mosu Restaurant − the meals
are delicious and the nearby
waterhole attracts plenty of game.
STAY: Mosu Rest Camp has
many options available, ranging
from units for couples to family
chalets. If you haven’t got kids
yet, the Kameeldoring Treetop
Chalet is a romantic choice.
3 Dronfield Nature Reserve
Don’t expect a grand entrance gate or a reception building. This private
nature reserve belongs to the De Beers Group and entrance is by appointment
only. You announce your arrival at the gate via the handheld radio, enter
and head to your unit. Someone will check up on the family after arrival and
the team is extremely helpful, but you’re generally on your own to enjoy your
natural surroundings. The reserve is home to giraffe, springbok, red hartebeest,
gemsbok and blue wildebeest. High-value game like sable, roan and buffalo
live in breeding camps. Dronfield is also home to a massive population of
white-backed vultures, and carcasses are placed at the vulture hide to feed
these critically endangered birds. Kamfers Dam is across the road from the
entrance gate and home to a large population of breeding lesser flamingos.
STAY: The reserve has six fully-equipped chalets set among the camel thorn trees.»