MAPUNGUBWE
NATIONAL PARK
© SANParks www.sanparks.org
The
major attractions are the great number and variety of archaeological
sites; San art sites; game and Big Five experiences; unusually
large examples of numerous trees including baobabs and climbing
figs; scenery; “moon landscapes” of sandstone formations;
bird life; eco routes and “three country” experiences.
Activities
: guided tours to the archaeological and cultural sites;
visiting the Tree top walk and various game and bird hides;
self guided trails; Eco routes; guided trips to Limited Motorized
Zones; birding trips and night drives.
The park
need to be contacted directly at this stage for guided tours
to the archaeological sites, and can not be booked through SANParks
Head Office.
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.
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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.
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.
Thugulu Lodge
This luxury lodge sleeps 1 x 12 in the guest lodge with 6 x bedrooms, a bath, en-suite swimming pool and an exclusive eco-trail.
Vhembe Wilderness Camp
In the eastern section of Mapungubwe National Park, Vhembe Wilderness Camp has been built on a small ridge within a valley, within walking distance of the Limpopo River and Mapungubwe Hill.
Mazhou Camping Site
The Mazhou Camping Site in Mapungubwe National Park will be opening to the public on the 1st of March 2007. The site, situated close to the Limpopo Forest Tented Camp in the Western Section of the Park caters for 10 caravans or tents, and each camping site is equipped with a powerpoint.
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Climate
The climate is semi-arid with mean annual rainfall ranging from
350 – 400 mm. Rainfall is highly variable and usually
falls during the summer months. Extended periods of below average
rainfall occur. In summer temperatures sometimes rise to 45
°C. The winters are mild, although frost may occur.
Geomorphology
The area is between 300 m and 780 m above sea level. South of
the Limpopo the ground tends to be flat with sandstone and conglomerate
ridges and koppies. Nearer the Limpopo the flats give way to
a more rugged hilly terrain.
Vegetation
The area under consideration includes Acocks (1988) veld type
Mopani-veld (15). It is characterised by a typically short fairly
dense growth of shrubby Colophospermum mopane, generally associated
with a number of other trees and shrubs and a somewhat sparse
and tufted grassveld. The riparian fringe of the Limpopo is
of prime importance from the point of view of conservation.
It is a dense vegetation community with a closed canopy, which
occurs, in the rich alluvial deposits along the river. The most
striking trees in this community include Acacia albida, A. xanthophloea,
Xanthocercis zambesiaca and Ficus sycomorus. Extensive patches
of this vegetation have been cleared for cultivation elsewhere
along the length of the Limpopo River.
Fauna
The region has excellent potential for a “big five”
park. Viable populations of lion, leopard, elephant, cheetah
and spotted hyena still occur in the area. The habitat is suitable
for both white and black rhinoceros. The permanent pools in
the Limpopo offer refuge to crocodile and hippopotamus, as well
as a variety of indigenous fish species. Bird life is widely
recognised to be amongst the best in the country.
A number of well preserved fossils, including flowering plants
as well as whole-bodied insects, were recovered from the fine-grained
mudstones.
The Park can be contacted on:
Tel: 015 534 2014
Fax: 015 534 0102
Email: normanm@sanparks.org
Mapungubwe National Park
SANParks, South Africa
   
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