Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site in Southern Africa
Mapungubwe National Park is situated in Musina, north-east of Polokwane (the capital of Limpopo). The park was previously known as Vhembe Dongola National Park. It is found at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers.
Filled with unforgettable moments, sip on a delicious sundowner at the confluence of the legendary Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. Or watch the of eagles, dominating the sky over Botswana and Zimbabwe's. Take a tree top walk or just relax and absorb the surroundings... Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site is affluent in biodiversity, amazing scenic beauty and the cultural importance of the archaeological treasures of Mapungubwe.
Areas of Special Interest
The Lost City: Mapungubwe Hill is the homeland where a far developed African civilisation prospered between 1200 and 1270 AD. Already inhabited by a growing Iron Age community from 900 AD, the area became rich through trade with faraway places like Egypt, India and China. This is also the excavation site of the famous golden rhino and other evidence of a wealthy African kingdom.
Wildlife and Mystic Scenery:The scenic backdrop of this beautiful area is filled with sandstone formations, mopane woodlands and unique riverine forest and baobab trees. The area is also rich in a wide variety of animal life. Elephant, giraffe, white rhino, eland, gemsbok and numerous other antelope species occur naturally in the area. As a visitor you may get the chance to spot predators like lions, leopards and hyenas. 400 Bird species have also nested here, including kori bustard, tropical boubou and pel's fishing owl.
Tourist offerings at the park
The park forms part of a project to develop a major transfrontier conservation area, the Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier, crossing the borders of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, linking the Mapungubwe National Park with Botswana's Tuli Block and Zimbabwe's Tuli Safari area.
Major infrastructure developments have been taking place in the area over the last couple of months, with substantial funding from the department of environmental affairs and tourism. This brought forth the development of a new road network allowing sedan vehicle access to memorable sites in the area, the Leokwe Rest Camp, the Limpopo Forest Tented Camp, and the Vhembe Trails Camp.
Tourist facilities
Leokwe Rest Camp.Leokwe Rest Camp (main camp of he area) is situated in a valley flanked by sandstone ridges. Themed according to the rich history of the area, with the design derived from the typical Venda village. Facilities on offer include:
- A reception complex with swimming pool, kitchen and small convenience store.
- Fourteen two-bed cottages with open-plan kitchens.
- Two four-bed family cottages with open-plan kitchens.
- Two two-bed cottages with shower and toilet for physically disabled persons.
Limpopo Forest Tented Camp. This tented camp, situated within the riverine forest of the Limpopo Riverhas spacious rooms and outdoor areas catering for 16 people, with eight two-bed self-catering units. Also available are seven semi-luxury forest tents each with a two-bed bedroom, kitchen, shower and toilet. Physically disabled people are catered for with one semi-luxury forest tent with two bed-bedroom, kitchen, shower and toilet.
Tshugulu Lodge. A beautiful luxury lodge with the capability to sleep 14 guests, with six bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a swimming pool and an exclusive eco-trail.
Vhembe Trails Camp. The Vhembe Trails Camp is situated on the perimeter of the Mapungubwe Valley, and is based on the successful wilderness trails offered in the Kruger National Park. Come explore the rich archaeology of the area on foot with a guide, and visit the famous Mapungubwe mountain where the golden rhinoceros was found. As a visitoryou will be based at the camp for the duration of the three-day trail. The camp can accommodate eight people - two people per unit, each with its own ablutions.
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