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The name Mapungubwe means “place of the stone of wisdom” and this beautiful Park is located in the northernmost corner of South Africa, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, bordering Botswana and Zimbabwe at the place where three countries meet. Extensive savannah landscapes, mopane woodlands and sandstone formations are dotted with magnificent baobabs and the unique riverine forests and ancient floodplains accommodate a wealth of animal and bird life.
Leokwe Rest Camp is the Main Camp of Mapungubwe and is located in the eastern part of the park, only 11 km from the main entrance to the park.
View LodgeLocated within the riverine forest of the Limpopo River, the birdwatching opportunities in this camp are excellent.
View LodgeThis intimate camp has 10 campsites for caravans or tents and is located in the western section of the Park and close to the point where Zimbabwe and Botswana meet.
View LodgeOnly twelve guests can be accommodated at Tshugulu Lodge, offering luxurious facilities in the guest house and the guest cottage.
View LodgeFour rustic cabins, made out of wood and canvas, with wooden floors and thatched roofs, offer accommodation to 2 persons each.
View LodgeThe historical site of Mapungubwe Hill, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe – a community dating back to the Iron Age – is protected by the Mapungubwe National Park, which was established in 1995. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the remains of the palace sites, the settlement area and the two capital sites are included in the protected park area.
The ancient African Kingdom was established between 1200 and 1290 AD and was home to a powerful, flourishing tribe that traded with eastern cultures like China and India. Archaeologists discovered a wealth of artefacts on top of the oval-shaped sandstone hill, accessible only by two very steep and narrow paths. Even though the site was already discovered in 1932, it was kept hidden from the public until recently.
A golden rhino figurine, a golden sceptre and a bowl was amongst the artefacts found in twenty-three graves discovered on the hilltop and these are proof that the community was prosperous, and the settlement played an important role in the African subcontinent during the 13th century. Climate change and a decrease in rainfall ended this first kingdom and highly complex society in the 14th century.
A Museum and Interpretive Centre houses the artefacts found and also provide insight into the history and social and political structures of the community that made a living here as well as the biology of the wildlife and plants of the area.
The climate at Mapungubwe is semi-arid with an annual rainfall of between 350 to 400mm, which mostly falls in thunderstorms during the summer months. Winters are mild and in summer the temperature can easily rise to 45°C.
A variety of habitat types occur here, which resulted in a high diversity of plant species to be found. Shrubby Mopane trees and sparse and tufted grassveld are interspersed with massive Baobab trees, at least one with a circumference of 31 m. Dense vegetation occurs in the rich alluvial deposits on the banks of the rivers.
The Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area is still in process of development and will conserve nearly 5 000 km or 500 000 hectares or vital southern African Wilderness when it is completed. The Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana and Zimbabwe’s Tuli Circle Safari Area as well as three smaller reserves - the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve, the Vhembe Game Reserve and the Mapesu Private Game Reserve - will be included in this massive reserve, crossing borders and allowing wildlife more freedom of movement.
Most of the large game species can be found at Mapungubwe, where they move between the three countries. Except for the numerous smaller game species and varied reptile fauna, insects and arthropod life is diverse. Well-preserved fossils have been recovered in the mudstones, including flowering plants, insects as well as dinosaur footprints and fossilised termite mounds.
The park is relatively unexplored regarding its birdlife and all sorts of species can still be recorded in Mapungubwe. The Limpopo Tree-top Boardwalk and hide provides the ideal facility for spectacular birdwatching.
Due to the conditions of the roads in Mapungubwe National Park, no caravans are allowed in the eastern section of the park. The Mazhou camping site in the western section does accommodate caravans. There are no fuel stations in the park and guests must fill up either at Musina (70 km) or Alldays (65 km). Day visitors are allowed, but because there are dangerous animals in the park, no open vehicles with people on the back can be allowed.
The main attraction at Mapungubwe, apart from the wonderful wildlife viewing, is the historical site of Mapungubwe Hill, which was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe. Join the Heritage Tour and visit the Museum to learn more about the prosperous community and historical artefacts on display. Remnants from the era of the dinosaurs as well as the lifestyle of early hunter-gatherers and the richness of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe and earlier, is a sight to behold.
View the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, at the point where South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe meet and explore the whole area with its scenic landscape, sandstone formations, woodlands, riverine forest and magnificent Baobab trees.