South Africa

Mapungubwe National Park

On the border with Botswana and Zimbabwe, history and nature come together. Here you look out over the place where the Sashe and Limpopo meet, while elephants move through the same landscape.

Discover everything about this location.

Where landscape and history come together.

Mapungubwe National Park tells a story that goes back centuries. Between 1000 and 1300 the city of Mapungubwe stood here, the centre of a pre-Shona kingdom. Its people lived from agriculture and cattle farming.

After 1300 the city fell into decline and disappeared from view. In 1932 a local resident reported the existence of the ancient city. Since then excavations have taken place that keep revealing more about the lives of the people who once lived here.

But Mapungubwe is not only about history. The park lies against Botswana and Zimbabwe. The Sashe and Limpopo also meet here. A landscape in which archaeology, rivers and wildlife come surprisingly close together.

From ancient city to elephant track.

Nature gives Mapungubwe a second story. Elephants are regularly seen here and a few rhinos also live in the park. Lions and leopards occur as well.

On a game drive you set the pace yourself. After that the day can end more simply. The sun goes down, the braai is lit and from the campsite you look back on a place where much more comes together than wildlife alone.

Mazhou Campsite lies in Mapungubwe National Park on the Limpopo River.

Plenty of reasons to keep looking a little longer.

  • Take in the history of the ancient city of Mapungubwe.
  • Between 1000 and 1300 the city was the centre of a pre-Shona kingdom.
  • See the landscape around the confluence of the Sashe and Limpopo.
  • Head out on your own game drive through the park.
  • Look out for elephants and the rhinos that occur here.
  • Lions and leopards also live in the area.
  • End the day with sunset and a braai at the campsite.

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.