Out of the mist of the mysterious past rises the Mapungubwe National Park giving tangible proof by way of the rich fossil deposits, Bushman rock art and gold artefacts, of ancient civilisations that once flourished here.
The Mapungubwe National Park borders on the Limpopo river and offers spectacular views of the river and South Africa's neighbours, Botswana and Zimbabwe, at the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo rivers.
It is situated 60 km west Musina and 230 km north west of Polokwane, the capital town of Limpopo Province.
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape The park comprises the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site.
The Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape contains evidence for an important interchange of human values that led to far-reaching cultural and social changes in southern Africa between AD 900 and 1300.
The remains in the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape are a remarkably complete testimony to the growth and subsequent decline of the Mapungubwe state, which at its height was the largest kingdom in the African sub-continent.
Declared a National Heritage Site in December 2001, the park was listed as a World Heritage Site in July 2003. The Mapungubwe National Park covers an area that is well over 28 000 hectares.
The name Mapungubwe means a place of the stone of wisdom.
Until its demise at the end of the 13 th century AD, Mapungubwe was the most important inland settlement in the sub-continent and extended over an area of about 30 000 sq kilometres on either side of Limpopo and Shashe Rivers.
The highlight of the park is the Mapungubwe Archaeological Site. This location was a precursor to Great Zimbabwe and Thulamela. It was also the location where the Gold Rhino and many other artefacts were uncovered.
The Golden Rhino plus displays of pottery, beads and other aspects of the Mapungubwe Kingdom can be viewed in the Mapungubwe Museum in the Fine Arts Building at Pretoria University.
Most of Africa’s big game still occurs in the area and the bird, reptile, invertebrate and plant diversity is rich.
There is a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view of the Limpopo-Shashe Rivers confluence; there are tree-top walks that allow visitors access to the Limpopo River and a bird hide at Manoutswa pan.
Accommodation Leokwe Camp This is Mapungubwe’s main camp, located in the eastern section of the Park in the spectacular sandstone hills.
Close to the camp guests can enjoy the Treetop Hide and the Confluence View Site & Picnic Area.
The camp itself has a swimming pool and sundeck, as well as a central braai area.
The following accommodation is available at Leokwe: Cottages (14) One bedroom with 2 single beds, plus a double sleeper couch, equipped kitchen, bathroom (w/c and shower) and airconditioning & ceiling fans installed in all units.
Each unit has a large lapa with braai facilities
Family Cottages (2) 2 Bedrooms, each with 2 single beds, equipped kitchen, bathroom (w/c and shower) and air-conditioning & ceiling fans installed in units. Each unit has a large lapa with braai facilities.
Additional children (on mattresses) are not allowed at Leokwe.
Limpopo Forest Tented Camp This camp, situated in the Limpopo riverine forest which offers excellent birding, is located in the western section of the Park. The camp is close to the Maloutswa Pan hide and accessible with normal sedan vehicles.
Accommodation is in the form of Forest Tents with 2 single beds, Barbeque Facilities, Ceiling Fan, Wc and shower and Kitchen.
Please note There are no restaurant, shop, filling station or phones at Mapungubwe. The units are self catering and fully equipped. Take all food, drinks and firewood, sunscreen, hat, binoculars, field guides, liquids for drinking.
Fill up your fuel tank at Alldays/ Musina. Gate hours: 06:00 to 18:00
Conservation Fees Please note rates do not include daily conservation levies. Please see details of Conservation Fees
Activities The Lost City:
Visit Mapungubwe Hill, where a far developed African civilisation prospered between 1200 and 1270 AD. The area was already inhabited by a growing Iron Age community from 900 AD and became rich through trade with faraway places like Egypt, India and China.
This is the place where archeologists excavated the famous golden rhino and other evidence of a wealthy African kingdom.
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 and numerous other antelope species occur naturally in the area.
Lucky visitors might spot predators like lions, leopards and hyenas. Birders can tick off 400 species, including kori bustard, tropical boubou and pel’s fishing owl.
Joining Nations:
The Iron Age civilization of Mapungubwe was not limited by the Limpopo river and animals have always been able to wander around in the area of present-day South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
How to get thereSee Map The entrance to the Mapungubwe National Park is situated on the Musina-Pondrift Road - R572 - about 68km from Mussina and 23km from Pontdrift.
All Mapungubwe’s camps are accessible by normal sedan vehicles, as are many of the roads inside the Park.
There are also a number of eco-trails for which a 4x4 is required.
The closest shops and fuel supplies to Mapungubwe are in Alldays and Musina, both about 70 km’s from the Park.
Gate opening and closing times
From 06:00 to 18:00
Check-in / check-out
Check-in is from 12:00 to 18:00 and check-out is before 10:00.
Health & Climate Please be warned that the Mapungubwe National Park falls within a malaria area and it is advisable to take the necessary precautions.
