Mokopane is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country. This popular city in the province of Limpopo is a short distance from Polokwane and is home to one of South Africa's greatest agricultural areas. Maintaining this area is paramount to the conservation of plants and wildlife for future generations to come, as well as being integral to job creation.
The history of the conservation centre
The Mokopane Town Council initially approached the National Zoological Garden with the hopes of beginning a project similar to the famous Lichtenberg Game Breeding Centre. The Mokopane Game Breeding Centre was established in July 1979 and quickly gained popularity as a tourist attraction and recreational spot for locals.
The centre opened its doors to the public in 1981, with businesses in the community benefiting from the foot traffic it brought to the town. As time went on, additional land was added to the centre and it now boasts a total area of 1, 398 hectares!
The year 2007 saw Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre proclaimed as a Makapan Valley World Heritage Site. It now has protected status under the National Environmental Management Act.
What to expect when you visit the centre
Planning to visit the centre is simple. It's a mere 2-hour drive from Pretoria and it's open 7 days a week, inclusive of public holidays. Visiting times are from 9 am-4 pm with a final exit time of 6 pm. You can book a game drive for a maximum of 10 people at a time or a morning feeding trip.
Game drives are focused on observing the majestic animals in their natural habitat. A safe distance is maintained at all times and the tour guides are equipped with valuable information about each species you will encounter.
The morning feedings are a rare chance to catch a glimpse of the animals in their rawest state. If you're squeamish, it's best to look the other way and watch the sunrise as the predators dig in.
Accommodation at Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre
You can enjoy an overnight stay at the centre and awaken to a true bush experience. With the sounds of chirping birds and the rustling of The Big 5 at dawn, your senses will be alight with wonder. The self-catering guest houses are ideal for those looking for a camping experience with creature comforts thrown in. Rooms are air-conditioned and Wi-Fi enabled. Kitchenettes apart from the main kitchen are available for all travellers to use.
Guest houses are maintained daily, so rest assured your dishes will be washed and stored away. No one wants to be scrubbing pots and pans while there are lions to see! Keeping with the tradition every South African loves, there is a braai area outside with a large fireplace for socialising and warming your hands while regaling friends with stories of your day's sightings.
Improve your biodiversity knowledge
Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre implements science with practicality in conserving the park and wildlife that call it home. When you tour the centre it's clear that the use of natural resources is encouraged at every step in life. There are many programmes under the South African National Biodiversity Institute's sector and every visitor is equipped with a better understanding of how conservation works upon leaving the centre.
With this newfound love of nature and wildlife, consider venturing forth onto one of Thabaphaswa's Hiking Trails in Mokopane and connect with your surroundings.
Seeff has a range of properties in Mokopane that are ideal for adventure seekers, animal lovers and Cradle of Humankind explorers. Get in touch with one of our property practitioners today.