Mokala Road Trip

The Mokala Road Trip is a great way to explore the beauty of the Republic of South Africa. Starting in the city of Calvinia, the route takes you through the towns of Carnarvon and Douglas, before ending in the stunning Mokala National Park. The journey is a total of 622km and it is recommended to take two days to complete. The best time of year to drive this route is during the Southern Hemisphere summer, as the weather is usually warm and sunny, making it ideal for enjoying the incredible nature along the route. Although the road conditions can be quite poor in some areas, with a little caution, this road trip can be managed by any driver. With its moderate budget and stunning scenery, the Mokala Road Trip is a great way to experience the best of South Africa.

Calvinia is a small town in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, which is an ideal starting point for the Mokala Road Trip. It is a great place to explore the beauty of the Karoo Desert and the surrounding area. The town of Calvinia is a great place to begin the Mokala Road Trip, as it is filled with interesting sights and activities. The town’s main attraction is the Calvinia Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the town’s history, including pieces from the original Dutch settlers. For those flying into South Africa, the closest international airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT). From there, car rentals are available to get to Calvinia and begin the Mokala Road Trip. Calvinia is also home to the world’s largest sheep shearing competition, which takes place every year in October. This event attracts competitors from all over the world and is a great event to check out. The nearby town of Nieuwoudtville also has a few attractions worth visiting. This includes a botanical garden, which is home to over 2,000 species of plants. The town also has a small church, which dates back to the 1800s. The Mokala Road Trip is a great way to explore the beauty of the Karoo Desert and the surrounding area. Calvinia is the perfect starting point for the trip. There are plenty of interesting sights and activities to enjoy while in Calvinia and the nearby towns.

Embark on a thrilling journey from Calvinia, Republic of South Africa, to Carnarvon! This 244 km drive, estimated to take fewer than 3 hours, is part of a larger tour of the area, allowing you to explore the most interesting places in both locations. In Calvinia, you can visit the Calvinia Museum, a great place to learn about the area’s history and culture. After that, you can go to the Hantam National Botanical Garden, where you can admire the beauty of nature and take some amazing pictures. As you make your way to Carnarvon, you can stop at the Tankwa Karoo National Park, a great place to observe the local wildlife and take a break from the road. Once you get to Carnarvon, you can visit the Carnarvon Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and stories that tell the history of the area. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

Start your road trip adventure in Carnarvon, Republic of South Africa, and take a 289km journey to Douglas. Along the way, you'll pass through the town of Prieska, where you can explore the fascinating history of the area. The drive should take no more than 7 hours, so you can make the most of your time and take in the beautiful scenery along the way. Be sure to keep an eye out for any gas stations you may need to refuel, as they may be few and far between. As you drive, take in the breathtaking views and make sure to take plenty of pictures to remember your journey. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Douglas, where you can find even more attractions and activities to explore. For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Embark on an exciting road trip from Douglas to Mokala National Park! This 89 km journey will take you less than 4 hours to complete and you'll be treated to some of the most picturesque views in the Republic of South Africa. It's recommended that you have a 4WD to tackle some of the terrain, and be mindful there may be a lack of gas stations along the way. You'll be able to take in the sights of the rolling hills and wildlife that inhabit the area, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled! Your first stop should be the historic town of Douglas, where you can explore the ruins of the old fort and take in the stunning views of the town from the hilltop. Then, you can head to the nearby town of Boshof, where you can visit the Dutch Reformed Church and learn more about the history of the area. Next, you'll be heading to the Mokala National Park. This park is home to a variety of wildlife such as antelope, cheetahs, and wildebeest, and you'll be able to take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Once you reach the park, you can take a guided game drive, or explore the park on foot. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

The Mokala National Park in the Northern Cape of South Africa is the perfect ending point of a road trip. Located in the heart of the arid Kalahari, the park is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike. The landscape of the park is a mix of grasslands, bushveld, and Kalahari dunes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from game viewing to birdwatching, from guided walks to camping. The park is home to a variety of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, and the landscape is dotted with ancient baobab trees. The park is also home to the largest concentration of gemsbok antelope in the world. Other animals to spot include the African wildcat, brown hyena, and springbok. Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of species, including the endangered Cape vultures and the rare secretary bird. For those wishing to explore the park, there are a variety of trails and roads to take. The Mokala Road Trip is an ideal way to experience the park, as it follows the game-viewing roads and offers a chance to view the wildlife without getting out of the car. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Kimberley Airport (KIM). From there, it is a short drive to the park. Mokala National Park is the perfect end to a road trip. With its unique scenery and abundant wildlife, it's a great destination for nature lovers. Whether you're exploring on foot or from the car, Mokala National Park has something for everyone.

Before you set off

Embark on the Mokala Road Trip for an unforgettable journey through South Africa's enchanting landscapes, commencing from the historic town of Calvinia and concluding amidst the natural wonders of Mokala National Park. Spanning 622 kilometers, it is recommended to allocate at least two days for this excursion to truly immerse yourself in the route's diverse beauty and attractions.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Calvinia: Start your Trip in this charismatic town, where you can explore the Hantam House Museum and the Calvinia Museum to get a feel for the local history and heritage.
• Carnarvon: Discover the blend of old and new in this small town, where traditional Karoo architecture meets innovative projects like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope.
• Douglas: This idyllic riverside stopover on the banks of the Orange River offers watersports and fishing, making it an ideal spot for leisure and rejuvenation.
• Mokala National Park: The highlight of the journey, this park is a sanctuary for conservation, boasting unique species like the roan and sable antelopes, and offering varied terrains from rocky outcrops to lush acacia woodlands.

Best Time to Go:

The prime time to embark on this Road Trip is during the Southern Hemisphere's spring (September to November) or early fall (March to May), when the weather is mild and the park's wildlife is most active, providing an optimal wildlife viewing experience.

Potential Risks:

Navigating this route may present challenges, such as uneven Road surfaces and remote stretches without services. Ensuring your vehicle is in good condition and carrying emergency supplies will help mitigate these risks.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The area is steeped in paleontological history, with fossils dating back to prehistoric times found throughout the Karoo region.
• Calvinia hosts an annual flower show, usually in August, showcasing the region's vibrant wildflowers that bloom after the winter rains.
• Mokala National Park is the youngest national park in South Africa, established in 2007, and it's part of the country's efforts to expand its protected natural areas.
• In Carnarvon, you can learn about the MeerKAT radio telescope array, which is a precursor to the SKA project, set to be the world's largest radio telescope upon completion.

A good choice for:

The Mokala Road Trip is more than merely a drive; it's an adventure that weaves through South Africa's rich tapestry of flora and fauna, historical towns, and cultural heritage. It promises a fulfilling and memorable experience for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike.