Photo by Kevin MacLaughlin
Marakapula is no ordinary game reserve. It is land that is owned by the local Mashishimale Community, and has been converted from overfarmed cattle grounds into 20 000 hectares of pristine, Big 5 territory. It’s location near the Kruger Park, the Blyde River Canyon, the Panorama Route, and the Olifants River means that guests here have a wide variety of choice when it comes to their days on safari.
To make choices even more tricky, this scenically beautiful and wild reserve offers a number of activities itself. If reclining next to the pool at Makubu Lodge with a good book doesn’t appeal to you, and you’re not a keen bird-watcher, there is more than enough to keep you entertained in between activities.
Morning and evening game drives are conducted in the reserve, navigating through the abundance of trees, driving along numerous rivers and lakes, winding in between boulder koppies, and always stopping for a look at the surroundings with a drink in hand. Guide and tracker follow the footprints to find the big animals, while the general game includes kudu, impala, waterbuck, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, bushbuck, and baboons.
Alternatively, guests can head out on an exciting walking safari with their guide. This is something truly special, and the incident of viewing a potentially dangerous animal on foot is an awe-inspiring experience. Head out either from the lodge directly, or from a location reached by vehicle. Climbing the iconic boulder hills in this region offers magnificent views of the surrounding 20 000 hectare reserve and the town of Phalaborwa beyond.
Back at the lodge, each chalet has an individual wooden deck that extends into the trees and reeds alongside the river. This proximity to the Selati River, and being placed beneath the leafy branches places you right in bird-watching paradise. Bring your binoculars and a bird book and get lost for hours in the melodic chatter of the many bird species in the reserve.
The Selati River is alive with fish! You can hear their splashing break the silence, and if you look fast enough you will see the ripples that remain of their presence. You will be offered fishing rods and you can find a quiet spot in front of the lodge to cast your line, but don’t expect to enjoy the tranquillity for too long because those fish bite quickly and they are not always the ones you want to catch! Silver barbels have spiney barbs that pack a real sting, so best to have a brave fisherman friend to release this little fish for you.
Leave a Comment