This popular park in the Limpopo Province sprawls over some 28,000 hectares and includes the fascinating historic site of Mapungubwe Hill, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe long ago.
These days, it is considered as being one of the most scenic national parks in the country, with woodlands, forest and sandstone outcrops all forming a wonderful setting. It is also famed for being one of the very few places where both Nile crocodiles and meerkats live together naturally.
Mapungubwe National Park is a national park in Limpopo Province, South Africa. It is located by the Kolope River, south of the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers and about 15 kilometres to the NE of the Venetia Diamond Mine.
The National Park borders mapesu private game reserve to the south. It abuts on the border with Botswana and Zimbabwe, and forms part of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area.
It was established in 1995 and covers an area of over 28,000 hectares. The park protects the historical site of Mapungubwe Hill, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe, as well as the wildlife and riverine forests along the Limpopo River.
The Mapungubwe Hill was the site of a community dating back to the Iron Age. Evidences have shown that it was a prosperous community.
Archaeologists also uncovered the famous golden rhino figurine from the site. It is one of the few places in Africa that has both meerkats and Nile crocodiles
Main attractions
- Ruins of ancient citadel
- Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre
- Tree-top walk
- Confluence of Shashe and Limpopo rivers
Activities:
- Sunset and night drives
- Self-drive game viewing
- Heritage tour
- Guided walks
- Bush braai
You can stay in budget accommodation in a camping site or else try out luxury accommodation close to both the Limpopo River and Mapungubwe Hill.
Where to stay
Leokwe Restcamp
Limpopo Forest Tented Restcamp
Tshugulu Lodge
Vhembe Wilderness Trails Camp