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Preface
This Guide is one of three that cover the Provincial Game Reserves of the Western part
of North-West Province, South Africa.
The guides are a work in progress and new versions will be made available as and when
the material is ready.
The latest versions of these guides may be found at the following sites:
Botsalano: https://tinyurl.com/Botsalano-Game-Reserve
Mafikeng: https://tinyurl.com/Mafikeng-Game-Reserve
Molopo: https://tinyurl.com/Molopo-Reserve-Visitor-Guide
Version 10.1 saved: 2022-05-30
The cover aerial photograph by Erica Schultze of the fossil Phephane valley looking west
illustrates the influence of wind direction on sand distribution (see text). Ochre-coloured
Kalahari sands are exposed on the northern slope (foreground) and pale rocks of the
Lonely and Eden Formations outcrop on the southern bank in the mid-distance.
Jeff W Morris
jeffwmorris@gmail.com
Abstract
This guide provides an introduction for a serious visitor or tourist to the physical
environment and some biota of the Molopo Game Reserve, North-West Province, South
Africa. The climate, topography, geomorphology and geology are described briefly. The
prehistory of the Molopo River which forms one boundary is presented with a note on
paleoclimate reconstructions. An explanation is proposed for the fossil Phephane River
valley, which flows through the Reserve, being largely devoid of Kalahari sand on the
southern side while a layer of typical ochre sand covers the northern side, spilling into
the valley bottom.
The vegetation and common plants are described with illustrations. Photographs of
common birds are included.
Tourist facilities are enumerated.
Maps of topography, infrastructure, geology and vegetation are included. Lists of birds,
mammals and plants are given in Appendices.
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Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Prehistory of the area ......................................................................................................................... 6
Geology ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Climate change................................................................................................................................ 9
Rivers – prehistoric and present ..................................................................................................... 9
Extra-terrestrial impacts nearby ................................................................................................... 10
Influence of prehistoric wind regime on sand transport .............................................................. 11
Present climate ................................................................................................................................. 12
Topography ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Vegetation......................................................................................................................................... 13
Reconnaisance survey of woody plants ............................................................................................ 14
Phephane scrub (G)....................................................................................................................... 14
Silver clusterleaf savanna (B) ........................................................................................................ 15
Kalahari thorn savanna-woodland (P)........................................................................................... 15
Some common trees ......................................................................................................................... 16
Some common herbs and creepers .................................................................................................. 19
Some exotic plants ............................................................................................................................ 25
Birds and Birding ............................................................................................................................... 26
Hunting and game capture ............................................................................................................... 28
Accommodation ................................................................................................................................ 28
Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................... 29
References ........................................................................................................................................ 30
Appendix 1. Large mammal and ostrich counts................................................................................ 31
Appendix 2. List of bird species from SABAP2 records. .................................................................... 32
Appendix 3. Bird observations from Hudson (2004). ....................................................................... 34
Appendix 4. Lists of common plant species ...................................................................................... 35
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Introduction
The Molopo Game Reserve is located 250km northwest of Vryburg on the border with
Botswana in the far western corner of the North-West Province of South Africa (Map 1).
It is open to the public with one camping area. Mainly because of distance from the
populated areas of South Africa and limited infrastructure, the Reserve does not have a
large visitor influx. The Reserve is 24 000 ha in extent and the very flat topography is
covered with relatively undisturbed, open arid savanna. It offers a unique wilderness
experience to the wildlife enthusiast. Visitors are allowed the freedom not experienced in
many other reserves of being able to leave their vehicles and explore on foot. Night
drives can be arranged. The roads, tracks and infrastructure are shown on Map 2.
The Reserve was established in 1987 and has been restocked with game from other
parks and reserves over the years. Today it has herds of eland, blue wildebeest,
gemsbok, kudu, zebra and springbok, as well as numerous steenbok and duiker. Smaller
numbers of giraffe, impala, ostrich, red hartebeest, warthog and waterbuck occur.
Cheetah, brown hyena, caracal, black-backed jackal, African wildcat, honey badger and
the small spotted genet are also resident in the Reserve, although unlikely to be seen.
Hunting concessions in the winter months unfortunately make the larger animals rather
skittish and difficult to photograph. Many of the game and bird species found in the
Reserve are endemic to the semi-desert regions of South Africa.
The dry Molopo River valley which forms the border between South Africa and Botswana
in this area has a fascinating prehistory which is described in detail. A special feature of
the Reserve is the fossilised Phephane River bed which can be visited and explored. This
tributary of the Molopo, which is many millions of years old, once carried large volumes
of water.
This guide introduces the climate, hydrology, geology, prehistory, vegetation and wildlife
of the Reserve. The accommodation for tourists is also described.
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1
One million years in geological terms is represented by “Ma” meaning “Mega annum”. One billion
years (one thousand million) is abbreviated as “Ga” for “Giga annum” and "Ka" for "Kilo annum".
2 For comparison, the present ice layer in Antarctica averages 2.5 km thick with a maximum of 4.8 km
(NSF, USA).
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Present climate
The climate of the area is generally mild to hot
but winter nights can be extremely cold with
frost. A climate diagram representative of Molopo
Game Reserve is given in Fig. 2 (from Mucina &
Rutherford 2006). The explanation is as follows.
Blue bars show the median monthly precipitation.
Rainfall occurs in summer and autumn, with very
dry winters. February and March are the wettest
months with about 60mm each. The upper and Figure 2. Climate diagram.
lower red lines show the mean daily maximum and
minimum temperature, respectively. MAP: Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP based on an
average of 5 weather stations and observations over more than 34 years in the Reserve
is 344mm); APCV: Annual Precipitation Coefficient of Variation (39 for this data set);
MAT: Mean Annual Temperature; MFD: Mean Frost Days; MAPE: Mean Annual Potential
Evaporation; MASMS: Mean Annual Soil Moisture Stress.
The temperature on a typical summer day can reach 38 0C with night time temperatures
in the low 200C's.
A feature of the area, and of South Africa
as a whole, is the unpredictability of
rainfall. Seasonal rainfall3 from 1988-89
to 2021-22 from Jordaan (2017) and
Wilfred Seitlhamo (pers. comm. 2022) is
shown in Fig. 2. The lowest rainfall is just
over 100mm in two seasons and the
highest is almost 650mm. The average
for these years is 344mm (dotted line).
Topography
The terrain of the Reserve is still Figure 2. Seasonal rainfall.
extremely flat, as it has been through
geological time. The highest point (from 1:50 000 topo sheets) is 1012m near the south-
eastern corner. A spot height near Tourist gate 3, the lowest point, is 984m and a spot
height in the far north of the Reserve is 997m. The greatest difference in altitude is
therefore less than 40m over a distance of more than 30km measured from north to
south in the Reserve. The fall of the Phephane River in the park is about 30m over a
3
Season defined as months July to following June.
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distance of 16km. The fall of the Molopo River where it forms the boundary of the
Reserve is about 0.33m per km (Bootsman 1998), all of which illustrate the flatness of
the countryside. Although it is generally featureless, there are gentle undulations where
shallow-sided sand
mounds have formed.
A contour map of the
Reserve and
surrounding area,
based on the Google
Earth® image, was
made. The narrow
gorge of the Molopo
River and broad,
shallow valley show
up clearly (Map 7).
Note the cut-off
oxbow loop of the
fossil river in the
southwest corner of
the map. The contour
intervals on this map
again illustrate the
flatness of the terrain.
Vegetation
The vegetation is classified as SVk11 Molopo Bushveld by Mucina & Rutherford (2006),
Veld type 16 Kalahari Thornveld and Shrub Bushveld by Acocks (1988) and LR 30
Kalahari Plains Thorn Bushveld by Low & Rebelo (1996). The following description is
based on these authors as well as a regional study by Smit (2000). Plant names follow
NewPOSA (2021) as far as possible. A very useful reference to the flowering plants of
the Kalahari with photographs of all species is to be found in Van Rooyen & Van Rooyen's
book (2019).
Open woodland to a closed shrubland occurs here with the trees Vachellia erioloba,
Boscia albitrunca, Terminalia sericea and Senegalia mellifera subsp. detinens and shrubs
Lycium cinereum, L. hirsutum, Lycium villosum, Searsia burchellii, Grewia flava and
Rhigozum trichotomum well represented. Low shrubs include Vachellia hebeclada subsp.
hebeclada, Aptosimum albomarginatum, A. marlothii, Eriocephalus ericoides, Justicia
divaricata and J. incana.
A geoxylic suffrutex found in the Reserve is Elephantorrhiza elephantina and Momordica
balsamina is a herbaceous climber.
A variety of herbs are found, including Acanthosicyos naudinianus, Acrotome
angustifolia, A. inflata, Dicoma schinzii, Geigeria ornativa, Helichrysum cerastioides,
Hermannia tomentosa, Hermbstaedtia fleckii, H. linearis, Limeum arenicolum, L.
fenestratum, L. viscosum, Lotononis platycarpa, Senna italica subsp. arachoides,
Sericorema remotiflora, Tephrosia purpurea subsp. leptostachya and Tribulus terrestris.
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No samples were taken in the bed of the Molopo River because access is limited by the
international border fence. It is assumed that the vegetation will be similar to that of the
Phephane River valley.
Bed of the Phephane river with Phephane Water point in river bed near Phiri camp
scrub vegetation. site.
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than in Silver clusterleaf savanna. This community also has a well-developed tree layer
which is usually more closed than the Silver clusterleaf community and a denser shrub
layer.
Open phase of Kalahari thorn savanna- Boscia albitrunca, usually one of the
woodland with Vachellia luederitzii var. tallest trees in this community.
luederitzii in the foreground.
Boscia
albitrunca
(Shepherd's
tree;
Motlopi)
This is a
prominent
tree that is easily identified by its whitish-
grey trunk. It occurs in all habitats. It can
also occur as a short shrub when it is
browsed intensively.
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Vachellia erioloba
(Camel thorn;
Kameeldoring;
Mokala)
In this area the Camel thorn is usually
shorter than the Shepherd's tree and
Kalahari thorn. On cursory inspection it can
be confused with Kalahari thorn.
Ziziphus
mucronata
(Buffalo-
thorn;
Blinkblaar-
wag-'n-
bietjie;
Mokgalo)
Buffalo-thorn is often a shrub forming an
impenetrable scrub. It can also occur as a
free-standing tree.
Vachellia haematoxylon (Grey camel
thorn; Vaalkameeldoring; Mokholo)
This tall shrub is easily recognised by the
grey colour of its leaflets. It occurs
scattered throughout the Reserve in all
habitats.
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Senegalia mellifera
subsp. detinens
(Black thorn;
Swarthaak)
Black thorn is
characteristically a
broad-spreading
shrub although there
are large individuals
with a typical tree
shape.
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Commelina livingstonii
Elephantorrhiza elephantina -Eland's bean
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Indigofera flavicans
Ipomoea magnusiana – Pink Ipomoea
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Requienia sphaerosperma
Senna italica – Eland's pea
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P daemia close-up
Pergularia daemia (Trellis vine)
It occurs naturally in central Africa, the
This climber is found in bush clumps. Middle East, India and further east.
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Burchell's Sandgrouse
Fawn-colored Lark
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Fork-tailed Drongo
4
SABAP2 (South African Bird Atlas Project 2) uses a grid-based system based on earth’s
latitudinal and longitudinal lines – each 5-minute x 5-minute area (about 9km north-
south and 7km east-west in South Africa) is called a pentad.
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Black-chested Prinia
Chestnut-vented Warbler
Marico Flycatcher
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Over 120 species of birds have been recorded at Molopo, including breeding pairs of
bateleur, tawny and martial eagles (Barnes 1998 and other sources). White-backed
vultures and lappet faced vultures are also common. Birding 'specials' include Southern
Pied Babbler, Burchell’s Sandgrouse and Monotonous Lark. The reserve forms part of a
one-million-hectare inter-provincial raptor conservancy.
A study of the effects of land-use on avian demography was carried out by Hudson
(2004) in the area. A summary of his observations is given in Appendix 3. It is useful in
that it identifies birds that may only be present during certain seasons.
Accommodation
Phiri Camp is the only camping area in
service in the Reserve. The sites in Phiri are
spread over a wide area for privacy, which
fits in well with the overall wilderness appeal
of the Reserve. This is bush camping at its
very best. There is an ablution block with full
facilities including hot water from Eskom.
Nearly all the trees that may be encountered
in the Reserve occur in the Phiri camping
area. These include Vachellia erioloba, V.
luederitzii var. luederitzii, Terminalia sericea,
Ziziphus mucronata and Boscia albitrunca.
Smaller woody plants include Grewia flava,
Senegalia mellifera subsp. detinens and Klekle research base.
Vachellia hebeclada var. hebeclada.
Klekle research base provides self-catering accommodation for about a dozen people. It
is available for visiting scientists, on request.
All accommodation, entry and camping fees need to be paid by cash or EFT (EFT prior to
arrival and send proof of payment to molopo@nwpb.co.za at least 48 hours before
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arrival). The Reserve is not in a position to accept any form of cheque or card payment
on site.
No fuel is available and there is no convenience shop. Visitors need to bring their own
firewood.
Both day and night drives are permitted pending consultation with the authorities. A
number of artificial waterholes have been constructed where concentrations of game can
be seen. The network of roads through the reserve is suitable for 4×4 vehicles and 4×2's
with diff lock.
Acknowledgements
The manager and staff of the Molopo Game Reserve are thanked for their assistance and
for allowing the author to work in the Reserve. Wilfred Seitlhamo, Regional Ecologist:
Western Region, Biodiversity Conservation Management, North West Parks Board
provided statistical records that were needed.
Assistance and advice were also provided by Braam van Wyk, Noel van Rooyen, Peter
Holmes and Dawid Mouton.
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References
Acocks, JPH 1988. Veld Types of South Africa. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South
Africa 57: 1-146.
Andreoli, M et al. 2008. The Morokweng Impact Crater, South Africa: A Complex,
Multiring Structure with a ~130 km Radius External Ring and Asymmetric Radial Sectors.
Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution IV.
Anhaeusser, CR et al. 2010. A Possible MesoArchaean Impact Structure at Setlagole,
North West Province, South Africa: Aeromagnetic and Field Evidence. SA Journal of
Geology 113.4 pages 413-436.
Barnes, K (ed.) 1998 The important bird areas of southern Africa. BirdLife South Africa,
Johannesburg.
Bootsman, CS 1998. The evolution of the Molopo drainage. PhD thesis, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Cole, MM 1966. South Africa. Methuen & Co, London.
Gabrielli, F 2003. The Geology of the Bray Area. Explanation Sheet 2522. Council for
Geoscience, Pretoria (and accompanying map).
Haddon, IG 2005. The Sub-Kalahari Geology and Tectonic Evolution of the Kalahari
Basin, Southern Africa. PhD thesis, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Hudson, A 2004. Effects of Land-use on Avian Demography in the Kalahari Area of the
North-west Province, South Africa. MSc thesis, North-West University, Potchefstroom.
Jordaan, F 2017. Best practices and innovative approaches to sustainable biodiversity
conservation and management in the semi-arid western rangelands of North West
Province: case study from the Molopo District. Unpublished progress report, Rural,
Environment and Agricultural Development, North West Provincial Government.
King, LC 1963. South African Scenery. A Textbook of Geomorphology. Oliver & Boyd,
Edinburgh & London.
Low, AB & Rebelo, AG 1996. Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.
Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Pretoria.
Malherbe, SJ 1984. The geology of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. Supplement to
Koedoe 33-44.
Mallick, DIJ, Habgood, F & Skinner, AC (1981). A geological interpretation of Landsat
imagery and air photography of Botswana. Overseas Geology and Mineral Resources, 56,
35pp.
McDonald, I et al. 2001. Platinum-group elements in the Morokweng impact structure,
South Africa: Evidence for the impact of a large ordinary chondrite projectile at the
Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 65(2): 299-309.
Meadows, ME 2012. Landscapes and Environmental Change in Holmes, P & Meadows, M,
Southern African Geomorphology. Recent trends and New Directions. SUN MeDIA,
Bloemfontein.
Morris, JW 2021. Mafikeng Game Reserve – A Visitor Guide. Unpublished pdf document.
The link is: https://www.scribd.com/document/522312032/Mafikeng-Visitor-Guide-v9
Mucina, L & Rutherford, MC (eds) 2006 The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and
Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Nash, DJ 1992. The development and environmental significance of the dry valley
systems (mekgacha) in the Kalahari, central southern Africa. PhD thesis, University of
Sheffield.
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Hermannia comosa F
Hermannia tomentosa X
Hermbstaedtia odorata F
Justicia divaricatum F
Justicia incanum F
Limeum arenicolum X
Limeum fenestratum X
Limeum viscosum X
Lotononis platycarpa X
Nerine laticoma F
Pentzia calcarea F
Roepera pubescens F
Salsola rabieana F
Selago paniculata F
Senna italica subsp. arachoides F
Sericorema remotiflora X
Tapinanthus rubromarginatus F
Tephrosia purpurea subsp. leptostachya X
Tribulus terrestris X
Graminoids (G)
Anthephora argentea X
Aristida congesta subsp. congesta G
Aristida meridionalis X
Aristida stipitata subsp. spicata X
Cenchrus ciliaris G
Cynodon dactylon G
Enneapogon cenchroides G
Enneapogon scoparius G
Eragrostis biflora X
Eragrostis echinocloidea G
Eragrostis lehmanniana G
Eragrostis pallens X
Eragrostis porosa G
Eragrostis rigidior G
Eragrostis rotifer G
Eragrostis trichophora G
Megaloprotachne albescens X
Panicum kalaharense X
Pogonarthria squarrosa X
Schmidtia kalahariensis G
Schmidtia pappophoroides G
Setaria verticillata G
Stipagrostis ciliata X
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Stipagrostis obtusa G
Stipagrostis uniplumis G
Tragus racemosus G
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