Mapungubwe National Park

Description

Mapungubwe National Park is a World Heritage Site in Limpopo that is rich in biodiversity and the beauty of landscapes crawling with wild vegetation. Whether you’re enjoying a tree top walk or relaxing with a sundowner at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers as you watch eagles soaring over the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, you will share unforgettable moments and discover the true meaning of serenity. Venture a little deeper into the local culture and you’ll discover archaeological treasures and an extraordinary history.

Areas of Special Interest

• The Lost City:

  Visit Mapungubwe Hill, where archaeologists excavated the famous golden rhino and other evidence of a wealthy African kingdom that prospered between 1200 and 1270 AD. The area was inhabited by a growing Iron Age community from 900 AD and became rich through trade with distant countries like Egypt, India, and China.

• Wildlife and Mystic Scenery:

  Sandstone formations, mopane woodlands, and unique riverine forest and baobab trees form the astounding scenic backdrop for a rich variety of animal life. Elephant, giraffe, white rhino, eland, gemsbok, numerous antelope species, and predators like lion, leopard, and hyena occur naturally in the area. The park is home to 400 species of bird, including kori bustard, tropical boubou, and Pel’s fishing owl.

• The Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre:

  The centre showcases the amazing landscape of the National Park. The centre won the building of the year competition in 2009 and is home to the famous Golden Rhino.

Activities

• Take the Tree Top Walk on a raised canopy among the riverine forest to a hide overlooking the Limpopo River.
• Picnic at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers where the 3 countries meet.
• Heritage Tours to visit the elite graveyard at the top of Mapungubwe Hill, view a natural amphitheatre, and traverse the territory of the ancestral Mapungubwe people.
• Sunset and night game drives.
• Guided walks.
• Follow the Route of the Lost Kingdom, stretching from the ancient stone wall site of Thulamela in the Kruger National Park, to the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, and onwards to the small town of Alldays.