Mapungubwe National Park
Limpopo
Mapungubwe National Park, located in Limpopo Province of South Africa, is a remarkable natural and cultural heritage site. It is part of the UNESCO Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, bordering Botswana and Zimbabwe. The park contains Mapungubwe Hill, the capital of the Iron Age Kingdom of Mapungubwe, which was a prosperous community known for its advanced social structure and trade. Archaeological excavations uncovered significant artefacts such as the Golden Rhinoceros figurine, highlighting the area's historical importance. The park's diverse habitats support a rich variety of flora and fauna. It also houses a museum and interpretive centre that displays many of the artefacts discovered in the park and provides information about its history and biodiversity. The museum building itself won the World Architecture Festival's World Building of the Year award in 2009. The park offers visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a significant destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Tip: The best time to visit Mapungubwe National Park is during the dry winter months (May to September) when wildlife viewing is optimal. It is recommended to book accommodation and guided tours in advance due to limited availability. Visitors can benefit from purchasing combined tickets that include access to the museum and guided archaeological tours. The park offers educational programmes and interpretive trails, so consider joining a guided walk to gain deeper insights into the cultural and natural heritage. Bring sun protection and water, as the climate can be hot and dry. Check the official SANParks website for updated opening hours and any visitor advisories.
Interesting facts
- •The Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe, a small figurine found at the site, is one of South Africa's most famous archaeological treasures.
- •The park is part of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, which spans South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
- •The museum building in the park won the World Architecture Festival's World Building of the Year award in 2009.
History
The Mapungubwe area has a deep history extending back 210 million years, with one of the earliest plant-eating dinosaurs known to have lived there.
In 1918, the South African government set aside land in the region as a wildlife preserve, initially called the Dongola Botanical Reserve.
The area expanded through the efforts of botanist Illtyd Buller Pole-Evans and was proposed as a national park in the 1940s, but political opposition delayed its establishment.
In 1967, the Vhembe Nature Reserve was created, and in 1998, the Vhembe-Dongola National Park was proclaimed.
It was renamed Mapungubwe National Park and officially opened in 2004.
The Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape was declared a National Heritage Site in 2001 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, recognizing its archaeological and cultural significance.
Place Guide
Mapungubwe Hill11th-13th century
The archaeological heart of the park, Mapungubwe Hill was the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe during the Iron Age. Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient settlements and learn about the social and political structures of this early African kingdom.
Museum and Interpretive Centre2009
This centre houses many artefacts uncovered in the park, including the Golden Rhinoceros. It provides extensive information on the park's history, archaeology, and biodiversity. The building itself is architecturally significant, having won a prestigious international award.
Contact
Phone: 015 534 7923
