Bontle Rest Camp - Marakele National Park

Bontle Rest Camp is a camp near Marakele National Park.

Location
Marakele National Park, North West & Central Bushveld, South Africa, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-24.521717, 27.493315
Elevation
1,020m
Activities
camp

PlnrScore: 35/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

986 species observed within 20 km, 46 mammals, 143 birds.

  • Common Protea (Plantae, 78 observations)
  • Klipspringer (Mammalia, 54 observations)
  • White Rhinoceros (Mammalia, 34 observations)
  • real yellowwood (Plantae, 32 observations)
  • Stamvrug (Plantae, 31 observations)
  • Mocking Cliff-Chat (Aves, 30 observations)
  • Southern Giraffe (Mammalia, 30 observations)
  • African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 29 observations)
  • Willow beechwood (Plantae, 27 observations)
  • Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 26 observations)

Monthly Climate

MonthHighLowRain
Jan29.7C19.2C113.8mm
Feb29.5C19C85.8mm
Mar29.2C18C29.4mm
Apr26.2C15.3C62.8mm
May24.2C12.1C17.2mm
Jun21.4C8.8C7mm
Jul21.8C8.4C3.6mm
Aug25.5C11.2C1mm
Sep30C15.1C3.8mm
Oct31.4C17.3C34.2mm
Nov31.1C19C48.6mm
Dec30.2C19.6C127.5mm

Best Time to Visit Bontle Rest Camp

The best months to visit Bontle Rest Camp are August, September, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 23.55°C, rainfall 127.3mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 64.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 23.24°C, rainfall 89.2mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 65.8%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.62°C, rainfall 33mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 59.9%
  • April: Great, temperature 20.13°C, rainfall 45.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 58.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 17.88°C, rainfall 10.2mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 50.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 14.96°C, rainfall 2.7mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 46.6%
  • July: Great, temperature 15.02°C, rainfall 1.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 41.5%
  • August: Great, temperature 18.12°C, rainfall 0.7mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 39.7%
  • September: Great, temperature 22.06°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 37.4%
  • October: Great, temperature 23.59°C, rainfall 31.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 42.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 23.95°C, rainfall 53.7mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 54.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 23.74°C, rainfall 127.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 63.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see right at Bontle Rest Camp itself, beyond the main Marakele National Park drives?

We love that Bontle offers more than just a base for park excursions. While you're relaxing, keep an eye out for a variety of smaller antelope like impala and springbok grazing nearby. We've also spotted various bird species, including striking hornbills, right around the camp grounds, making even downtime feel rewarding.

Considering Bontle Rest Camp is near Marakele, what's the best way to structure our days for optimal wildlife viewing?

We recommend early morning and late afternoon game drives into Marakele National Park for the best chances of spotting the larger game, especially the park's famous cape vultures and rhinos. Bontle's location is superb for this, allowing you to be at the park gates as they open and return just as the light softens for sensational sunsets.

What are the accommodation options like at Bontle Rest Camp, and which do you prefer?

Bontle offers a range of comfortable chalets and campsites. For a truly immersive experience, we love the self-catering chalets; they feel luxurious and timeless, with all the necessary amenities for a relaxed stay. They provide a perfect blend of rustic charm and essential comforts after a day of exploring.

We're planning a trip in the shoulder season. Is Bontle Rest Camp still a good choice for experiencing the area?

Absolutely. We find the shoulder seasons, like late spring or early autumn, offer a fantastic balance at Bontle. You'll experience fewer crowds in Marakele National Park, and the vegetation is less dense, often making wildlife spotting easier. Plus, the temperatures are generally more pleasant for game drives.

What are the essential amenities or supplies we should bring with us to Bontle Rest Camp, beyond standard safari gear?

While Bontle is well-equipped, we always advise bringing extra drinking water, especially if you plan on extensive self-catering. Don't forget a good supply of insect repellent for evenings, and a reliable flashlight or headlamp is crucial for navigating the camp after dark. We also recommend bringing binoculars for closer wildlife viewing from the camp itself.

Other Safari Lodges in Marakele National Park

Parks in North West & Central Bushveld

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa