Marakele National Park gets a swimming pool.

Thanks to generous sponsorship from Coca Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) for the Powerade Marakele Marathon, the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) commissioned the building of a pool and jungle gym in the Bontle camping ground in the Marakele National Park.

The official handover of the swimming pool to South African National Parks (SANParks) took place after the 2023 Powerade Marakele Marathon on 4 March. Mr James Ngesi, CCBSA Regional GM-Commercial, handed over the new swimming Pool to SANParks’s Koketso Kotsoe, Park Manager of the Marakele National Park.

Kotsoe expressed gratitude on behalf of SANParks and the Marakele National Park to the SANParks Honorary Rangers and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, stating that a swimming pool and jungle gym at Bontle Rest Camp is greatly needed for overnight visitors.

“This will greatly improve our product offering and improve guest experience in the park, especially on those hot, sunny days! We hope to offer longer, more relaxing stays in the park,” Kotsoe said. The pool will be made available to overnight visitors to the park.

The paved and fenced pool area includes a 9-metre swimming pool and a small paddle pool 30 cm deep. Wheelchair access is available to the pool area and benches and monkey-proof bins constructed from recycled plastic have been provided.  The wooden jungle gym includes two elevated ‘forts’, two swings, cargo climbing net, fireman’s pole, rope-pull ramp, and a slide.

The completed facility was greeted with enthusiasm by campers, families and runners who expressed an eagerness to return for a repeat visit.

CCBSA’s committed sponsorship to the Powerade Marakele Marathon over the next four years will see ongoing support, not just for the Marathon, but also for projects prioritised by South African National Parks (SANParks).

As a relatively young park with a Big Five offering, the pool will go a long way to make overnight stays in the Marakele National Park more comfortable for the whole family, especially during the extended hot summer months.