Lenong Viewpoint
Experience breathtaking panoramic views from a challenging, rewarding drive up the mountain in Marakele National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Lenong Viewpoint
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking panoramic views from a challenging, rewarding drive up the mountain in Marakele National Park.
"The view from here is breathtaking. The road to the view point is paved, which is definitely necessary. Worth the drive!"
🚗 Drive Carefully Up
The road is paved but narrow and steep. Take it slow, especially if you meet oncoming traffic or wildlife.
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset offer spectacular light for photos and an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Vistas
Lenong Viewpoint
Breathtaking 360-degree views stretching to the horizon on clear days. A true feast for the eyes!
The Scenic Ascent
Road to Lenong Viewpoint
A paved, albeit challenging, drive up the mountain offering dramatic landscapes and a sense of accomplishment.
Wildlife Encounters
Marakele National Park
Keep an eye out for rhinos and leopards on your way to the viewpoint, adding an exciting element to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Drive is Part of the Adventure
Timing is Everything for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully Up
The road is paved but narrow and steep. Take it slow, especially if you meet oncoming traffic or wildlife.
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset offer spectacular light for photos and an unforgettable experience. 
🛕 Conquer the Climb
It's a challenging drive, but reaching the top and enjoying the views is incredibly rewarding.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife spotting and enjoy the distant landscapes even more.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully Up
The road is paved but narrow and steep. Take it slow, especially if you meet oncoming traffic or wildlife.
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunrise and sunset offer spectacular light for photos and an unforgettable experience.
🛕 Conquer the Climb
It's a challenging drive, but reaching the top and enjoying the views is incredibly rewarding.
🔭 Bring Binoculars
Enhance your wildlife spotting and enjoy the distant landscapes even more.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are incredible, so make sure your camera is ready for stunning shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views from Lenong Viewpoint, calling it a must-visit in Marakele National Park. The paved drive up is considered part of the adventure, though many caution it's challenging due to its narrowness and steepness, especially for larger vehicles. Despite the drive, the incredible scenery and potential for wildlife sightings make it highly recommended.
"Stunning drive up to the towers, and the view from the view point is incredible. Brace yourself for a pretty interesting drive near the top as it's very high and very tight in most places. It is tarred all the way to the top - well worth it to go!"
Grant Bursey
"Wow, amazing views, and you can literally see as far as the horizon on a clear day. But oh boy, the trip to get to the top is not for the faint-hearted. It is a single lane with no space to pull over or pass if you happen to come across another vehicle or have to avoid elephants."
Una Marais
"The view from here is breathtaking. The road to the view point is paved, which is definitely necessary. Worth the drive!"
Vera Ndaba
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lenong Viewpoint is located within Marakele National Park. The drive to the viewpoint is paved but can be challenging, with single-lane sections and steep inclines. It's recommended to use a vehicle suitable for mountain roads.
While the road is paved, it's narrow and steep in places. Larger vehicles like motorhomes might find it challenging, especially when encountering oncoming traffic. It's best suited for standard cars and SUVs.
A 4x4 is generally not required as the road is paved. However, a vehicle with good ground clearance and capable brakes is advisable due to the steepness.
Take your time, drive slowly, and be prepared to stop or reverse if you meet oncoming traffic. Enjoy the scenic drive as part of the experience. +1
There are some pull-off spots, but they can be limited, especially on the steeper sections. Plan your stops strategically.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need to pay the standard entrance fee for Marakele National Park to access Lenong Viewpoint. Check the SANParks website for current fees.
Lenong Viewpoint is accessible during Marakele National Park's operating hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best views.
Park entrance fees are typically paid at the gate. It's advisable to check the SANParks website for any specific booking requirements or recommendations.
Visiting during sunrise or sunset offers spectacular lighting and a magical atmosphere. Clear mornings provide the best visibility for panoramic views.
The viewpoint is generally accessible during park hours. It's recommended to avoid visiting after dark for safety reasons.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Marakele landscape, stretching as far as the horizon on clear days. It's a truly awe-inspiring sight.
The drive up can be intimidating due to steep drop-offs, and the viewpoint itself is at a significant height. It might be challenging for those with a fear of heights.
Basic facilities might be available, but it's advisable to bring your own water and snacks. There are no extensive amenities at the viewpoint itself.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas within national parks. Enjoying a meal with such a view would be a memorable experience.
You might spot rhinos and leopards on the drive up to the viewpoint, as well as various bird species.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for photography, creating stunning golden hour shots.
You can capture sweeping panoramic landscapes, dramatic mountain vistas, and potentially wildlife if you're lucky. The drive itself also offers great photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes. However, a standard zoom lens will also work well for general shots.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially of wildlife.
The main viewpoint offers the most iconic shots. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the vastness of the scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. Consider visiting during daylight hours for safety and to spot any interesting flora or fauna on the way up. 🚗 Adventurous Drivers
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1 Bring your wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and be ready for potential wildlife sightings on your drive up. The rugged beauty of Marakele National Park provides endless opportunities for stunning shots and a deep connection with the natural world. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrilling Drive to the Top
It's crucial to approach this drive with caution and respect. If you encounter oncoming traffic, finding a place to pass or reverse can be difficult.
For those who conquer the drive, the reward is unparalleled. The unique experience of navigating this challenging road, combined with the spectacular views, makes the trip to Lenong Viewpoint a memorable adventure. It's a testament to the raw beauty and ruggedness of Marakele National Park.
Capturing the Breathtaking Scenery
+1 The soft, warm light at these times accentuates the rolling mountains and the expansive landscape, creating dramatic and memorable images. Visiting on a clear morning also provides excellent visibility, allowing you to see for miles and capture the full scope of the scenery. When photographing the landscape, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the sweeping panoramas.
Experiment with different perspectives and angles to convey the immense scale of the view. Don't forget to capture the details of the rugged terrain and the textures of the mountains. The drive itself also offers fantastic photographic opportunities, with winding roads and dramatic inclines providing unique shots. Beyond the landscapes, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. While not guaranteed, sightings of rhinos or leopards on the way up can add an incredible element to your photos.
Remember to be patient and respectful when photographing wildlife. The overall experience at Lenong Viewpoint is about immersing yourself in nature's grandeur, and your photographs will serve as a lasting reminder of this incredible place. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit