Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa

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Top Attractions in Mapungubwe National park

Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa is a World Heritage Site and a great destination for anybody interested in animals and birds, as well as those seeking tranquillity, identity, and an understanding of the park's amazing history. Discover an ancient African kingdom, the first in Southern Africa, which flourished between 1200 and 1290 AD on Mapungubwe Hill. Mapungubwe, home to a strong tribe that thrived on trade with Eastern cultures like China and India, witnessed the birth and fall of this magnificent civilisation about 700 years ago. The renowned golden rhino and other signs of a wealthy African empire were discovered here by archaeologists. Mapungubwe national park in South Africa is situated in Limpopo province in the far north-eastern province of South Africa. The national park is located near the Kolope River and borders Mapesu Private Game Reserve to the south. The park also neighbours Botswana and Zimbabwe; and is also part of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa was established in 1995 and spans over a radius of over 28,000 hectares. The park safeguards the historical site of Mapungubwe Hill, which served as the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, as well as the wildlife and riverine forests that run beside the Limpopo River. The park was previously named Vhembe Dongola National Park and later renamed Mapungubwe national park in 2004 when it was officially opened to the general public. The national park was declared a National Heritage Site in 2001 and later named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. The picturesque environment of Mapungubwe National Park is known for its sandstone formations, woods, riverine forest, and baobab trees

Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa.

Wildlife/fauna

Mapungubwe National Park has 387 bird species, with over 400 species found in the surrounding area. Some of the birds species sighted in the park include Pel’s fishing owl, thick-billed cuckoos, black-faced waxbill, the yellow-billed greenbul, black-backed puff back and the Verreaux’s black eagle to mention but a few. Mapungubwe National Park is home to the majority of Africa's large game species. They travel freely over the Limpopo River when it is not flooded, from Botswana to Zimbabwe and back. Among some of the mammals sighted in the park include; elephants, hippos, impala, klipspringer, duikers, steenbok, red hartebeests, Oryx, and giraffe among others. The national park also has a number of badgers, civets, vervet monkeys, caracal, porcupine, and even reptiles like rock monitor lizards, water monitor lizards, rainbow skink, African pythons, black mambas, snouted cobras and so many more.

Mapungubwe Hill

Mapungubwe Hill was home to a settlement that dates back to the Iron Age. It was a prosperous community, according to the evidence. The renowned golden rhino figure was also discovered at the site by archaeologists. It's one of the few sites in Africa where you may see meerkats and Nile crocodiles at the same time. .

Museum Tour

The Centre, which is located near the Mapungubwe National Park's main gate and is home to the famed Golden Rhino, won the building of the year award in 2009. The Centre offers tours to both day and overnight guests, highlighting the wonderful environment that the National Park has to offer.

Explore the consfulence

Explore the Confluence Enjoy a glimpse of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers confluence, where three nations meet. Heritage Tours You will get the chance to visit the elite gravesite at the top of Mapungubwe Hill, observe a natural amphitheatre and the whole spectrum of the region as part of this tour, and travel the terrain formerly trod upon by the original Mapungubwe People - now patrolled by four of the Big 5.

Nature Nature walks

Morning guided walks, which may accommodate up to eight persons, allow tourists to immerse themselves in the bush and learn about the Park's extensive natural and cultural history. You can also take a guided nature walk among the riverine forest on a raised canopy walk that will take you to a view point overlooking the Limpopo River.

Game drives

The national park offers visitors sunset and night drives which will allow you to look for wildlife outside of the usual gate opening hours .

Climate in the park

The climate is mild to hot, with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius in the summer (November to February). Winter days are pleasant, but nights are cold, with frost on occasion. The annual rainfall averages 450 mm and is evenly distributed throughout the year, with peaks in February/March and October/November.

Getting There

The national park can be accessed from Johannesburg which is approximately a 5½ hours’ drive to the park, covering a distance of about 532km. The park can also be accessed from Pretoria which is about a 9 hour drive. Alternatively, visitors can access Mapungubwe national park by air from Polokwane airport which is about 200 kilometers from the park.

Where to stay

Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa is split into two sections, one eastern and one western, separated by private property that is not part of the park. Bookings at Tshugulu Lodge, Limpopo Forest Tented Camp, Mazhou Camping Site, and Maloutswa Bird Hide necessitate leaving the park and returning to the Western portion, where the campgrounds are located. Visitors can also book accommodation at Vhembe Wilderness Camp and Leokwe camp which are located in the eastern section of the national park.