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The management of the Marakele National Park in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, says it is strengthening efforts to combat crime, particularly rhino poaching, through increased ranger visibility and tighter access control measures across the park.
These interventions form part of a broader strategy to safeguard wildlife and protect vulnerable species such as rhinos from poaching and other criminal activities within the park.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Limpopo’s Waterberg District, Marakele National Park offers a unique Big Five experience within its nearly 70 000 hectare expanse.
The Park’s Manager, Koketso Kotsoe, says they have more than 400 elephants and a thriving rhino population.
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has officially launched the Rhino Renaissance Programme aimed at combating poaching.
— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 15, 2025
Kotsoe says the park continues to attract visitors while playing a key role in conservation.
“I don’t have the exact number of rhinos, but we have a significant population outside Kruger National Park. When it comes to elephants, we have a total of over 400 within the park. As for lions, we have a healthy population, with about five or six prides, totalling around 35 individuals that can be seen in the park. We also have cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas,” says Kotsoe.
Kotsoe says the park consistently takes measures to protect its animals. He adds that biosecurity controls have been intensified to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease within the park.
WATCH | Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has pledged his support for the fight against rhino poaching in Mpumalanga, following a spike in cases in 2025 compared to 2024, with the province losing 178 rhinos last year, up from 92 in 2024. pic.twitter.com/teIYjXRSiJ
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 28, 2026
“We don’t have any cases reported of the foot and mouth disease. So even around our fencing line on the public roads, we have Rangers that are stationed there to spray cars that are driving alongside our fence so that at least when the spread is curbed, we do this on a regular basis and monitor that all vehicles entering here are sprayed with the disinfecting spray,” adds Kotsoe.
Despite intensified security measures, three rhinos were poached last year.
However, Marakele National Park conservationist Tshifhiwa Mauda says the interventions are proving increasingly effective in preventing poachers from entering the park.
“Yes, we did last year lose some animals, unfortunately. Only three last year. It is not that bad because we’re not like other places. The interventions we have in place seem to be working because people are scared of coming to Marakele to do poaching,” says Mauda.
This park also benefits the community.
Hospitality manager of the Park, Sipho Zulu says, “The restaurant is called Mopaoli restaurant, they also have their own lodge, the relationship is very good. They are new kids on the block and they are collaborating with SANParks and they have things that the park does not have, because the SANParks is recollecting from society. Those are the communities that we are working with. If we have clients who needs food, we refer them to the lodge and they also do the same on their side.”
Zulu adds that while last year’s floods spared the park, they caused severe damage to the surrounding roads.
“People coming in Thabazimbi were affected and some had to turn back and it affected us a little bit because the main roads, R510 and R511, were not crossable for a day or so, but the business was not affected; it was only the roads that were damaged,” says Zulu.
Some of the roads that were damaged by the floods are under repair, and this construction forms part of a national government project to upgrade the R510.
The improvements are expected to enhance access for tourists visiting the area, particularly those travelling to and from Zimbabwe and Botswana, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey.
-Reporting by Nonhlanhla Ntshingila
www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/marakele-national-park-steps-up-anti-poaching-efforts/
