Maria Moroka Nature Reserve


Maria Moroka National Park is named after Dr Maria Moroka, an anti-Apartheid activist. The national park is near Thaba Nchu in the Mangaung District of the Free State Province, South Africa. The park perimeter surrounds the Montloatse Setlogelo Dam which is a popular angling area. The Thaba Nchu mountain range is to the north of the national park, and is considered the spiritual homeland of the Basotho people.

Climate

The national park comprises grassland vegetation. The area is a summer rainfall region with most rain falling between November and March. The winter season between May and August is clear although temperatures can drop to below freezing at night. Frost are frequent in the winter and snowfall occasionally occurs in the mountainous regions.

Wildlife

The animals found in the reserve include several species of mammals such as Burchell's zebra, black wildebeest, eland, springbok, blesbok, red hartebeest,jackals,vultures and the white rhino. There are also more than 100 different bird species including many water fowl species which frequent the Montloatse Setlogelo Dam. The blue crane also frequents the reserve.

Activities

There is a small 9km hiking trail to the Thaba Nchu mountain. Other activities include braai facilities, picnic areas, wildlife day tours, tennis, mini golf and caberet shows.
You can also go anglingat the Montloatse Setlogelo Dam