Mapungubwe National Park is located on the Limpopo River in the north of South Africa bordering Botswana and Zimbabwe. It is a World Heritage Site declared for its cultural importance. Mapungubwe was a large kingdom and flourishing Iron Age metropolis in the 14th century and predates Great Zimbabwe. It was part of a large trade market with North African and Oriental countries. Many artefacts were found here which include a Gold Rhino and Sceptre.
Mapungubwe National Park is an unusual-looking area with a diversity of fascinating types of vegetation. There are a variety of big game species and some lovely areas that overlook the Limpopo River, a boardwalk that leads to a bird hide over the Limpopo River, and an animal hide closer to the camping area which attracts a lot of game. Guided visits to the cultural site of Mapungubwe Hill can be booked.
Accommodation in Mapungubwe National Park consists of a Rest Camp with beautifully designed thatched chalets, a Tented Camp in a forest near the Limpopo River, a Lodge,Trails Camp and camping area.
The Waterberg is a range of mountains in Limpopo province a few hours north of Johannesburg where many cattle farms switched to wildlife conservation and tourism. Although the mountainous areas don’t provide much nutrition for grazers, the lower lying valleys and plains can sustain healthy populations of wildlife. Through the efforts of people with vision, some large private game reserves have developed into successful tourism enterprises.
Some of the bigger reserves in the Waterberg include Welgevonden, Mabula and Entabeni while some smaller reserves like Lindani, Jembisa, and Jobedi offer good accommodation, activities and wildlife experiences too.
Marakele National Park is located near Thabazimbi on the western edge of the Waterberg. The terrain here includes mountains and plains which allows for a diverse range of wildlife. The mountainous part is spectacular and one can drive to the top of the mountain for views across a large section of the Waterberg.
Accommodation consists of a lovely campsite on the plains, a Tented Camp below the mountains and a Guest Cottage.