Directions to Marakele:

We left Pretoria on 11 August 2006 after the children finished school. Most people will take the new Platinum toll road to Rustenburg and then from there the R510 to Thabazimbi. But we always like to take the scenic route. I do not know how far Marakele is from Pretoria if you follow the Rustenburg route, but our way was 230Km.

We took the N1 North to Warmbad. In Warmbad you pass the Warmbad holiday resort and get onto the R516 towards Mabula. You follow that road until you get the Mabula turn off to your right. This is a rather good gravel road. About on or two kilos on this road the road will show that you can turn right to Mabula lodge, but you just follow the road, do not turn off. About 20 Km further you will get a T Junction with a tarred road. Turn right towards Rooiberg.

Follow that road. It is beautiful. The road twists between the Water Mountains. You get to another T junction which will show "Thabazimbi"/"Alma". Turn left towards Thabazimbi. Follow the road until you get to a crossing with a tarred road again. Turn left towards Thabazimbi again. About 2 Km further the Marakele Nature Reserve will be on your right.