Sections of the catchments of the three biggest rivers in South Africa, the Orange, the Limpopo and the Vaal River, fall within the Marico BR area. Four rivers start within the area – the Molemane River, the Marico River, the Molopo River and the Elands River. The Molemane River feeds into the Klein-Marico River (“Small” Marico River) which later feeds into the Marico River, outside of the Marico BR boundaries. The Marico River, in turn, feeds into the Limpopo River, which serves four countries in total: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. As the Marico River is one of the cleanest and healthiest rivers in South Africa, it is significant in the provision of water to the Limpopo River systems. Furthermore, Botswana receives in accordance with the Tswasa Agreement, water from the Molatedi Dam in the Marico River, approximately 50 km downstream of the proposed Marico BR. Extensive peat wetlands and underground water connections are associated with the Molopo dolomitic eye. The Molopo River provides water to Mahikeng Town and later feeds into the Orange River, although there are only intermittent and sporadic links with the Orange River. The Elands River forms part of the Crocodile West catchment area. As these rivers start in the Marico BR area, the BR has the ability to contribute greatly to the conservation and sustainable management of these river systems. A unique feature found in the tributaries of the Marico River is the Tufa waterfall at Bokkraal. Tufa is a type of limestone rock, which forms due to the precipitation of carbonate minerals from low-temperature freshwater springs, cascades and waterfalls. The Tufa waterfall thus does not erode the rock underneath but rather forms new rock. A seasonal cascade Tufa is in the Kuilfontein area.

Due to the transition between Highveld and Bushveld, the variability of the topography and the uniqueness of the dolomitic aquifers and the river systems, the area has a higher biodiversity than would be expected.  The area is home to several endangered and unique species including the leopard, the brown hyena and the caracal which share the tranquillity of the Marico Bushveld with the world-famous black mamba, a plethora of other reptiles, two near-endemic barb species and over 300 bird species. Add the dolomitic aquifers and the numerous springs and streams with clear, cool water to this and you have an area of unique natural beauty.