Out of the mist of the mysterious past rises the

Its location puts it at the meeting point of Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The area is intended to become a Transfrontier Park linking Mapungubwe with Botswana's Tuli Block and the Tuli Safari Area of Zimbabwe.

Most of Africa's big game still occurs in the area and the bird, reptile, invertebrate and plant diversity is still rich.  It provides a sanctuary to endangered large mammals, such as the black and white rhinoceros, wild dog, and the continent's flagship species, the African elephant. While the park currently has limited facilities, visitors to the area can make use of privately run facilities.

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.

Visualise a potter, laboriously shaping a bowl by hand.  Imagine the sounds of a goldsmith intently hammering away as ht fashions an intricate piece of jewellery.  From the flat-topped koppie, look down on a landscape dotted with mashatu and boabab trees.  Watch as waterbuck graze in the riverine bush and be amazed by the expressive rock art and the rare Pel's fishing owl.

The Mapungubwe National Park, home to a once flourishing iron age settlement at Mapungubwe and situated at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashi rivers, is still in the process of being developed and, when proclaimed, will form part of the proposed transfrontier park that will also incorporate areas from Zimbabwe and Botswana.

The Golden Rhino

The famous Golden Rhino was a symbol of power of the King of the Mapungubwe people, who inhabited the Limpopo River Valley close to the confluence with the Shashe River around a millennium ago. It was the first southern African kingdom, and derived its power from control of trade with the East Coast and into the Indian Ocean commercial network.

This kingdom was the forerunner of the Zimbabwe civilisation and, at its peak, appears to have had 5000 people living around Mapungubwe Hill, where their "sacred" leader lived in seclusion from his people.

The Golden Rhino lay in the grave from the time when Mapungubwe was abandoned, probably due to climatic changes, around 1300, until it was found again in 1932 and excavated by Pretoria University.

The rhino (presumably a black rhino although the Golden Rhino only has one horn) was probably chosen as a symbol of power because of its ferocious nature. It is still a leadership symbol among the Shona of Zimbabwe, who are descended from the Mapungubwe and Zimbabwe civilisations.

The Golden Rhino and the story of Mapungubwe is a powerful reminder that South Africa's cultural heritage is far richer, and goes back much further, than is generally realised. It is likely to become a symbol of the African Renaissance, of rediscovering the African heritage for the benefit of future generations.

The Golden Rhino is 22 cm long and was made of gold foil tacked on to a wooden core. The same method was used for the Golden Sceptre and the Golden Bowl, which were found in the same grave on Mapungubwe Hill.

(All of these, plus displays of pottery, beads and other aspects of the Mapungubwe Kingdom can be viewed in the Mapungubwe Museum in the Fine Arts Building at Pretoria University, which is open from 10:00 -16:00 Weekdays only, Enquiries Sian Tyley +27 (0)12-420 3146.)

Please be warned that the Mapungubwe National Park falls within a malaria-area and it is advisable to take the necessary precautions.

ACCOMMODATION

Tshugulu Lodge

With immediate effect the public may now make advance bookings for Tshugulu Lodge in Mapungubwe National Park (previously called Mona Lodge and Vhembe-Dongola National Park respectively).

The lodge is booked entirely by a single group (same principle as KNP's Bush Lodges). The road to the lodge as well as most of the other roads in the park are accessible to normal vehicles, although guests staying at Tshugulu also have exclusive use of a 40km eco-trail, which is only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles and vehicles with high ground-clearance.

The lodge provides fourteen beds in seven air-conditioned bedrooms (five in the main building and two bedrooms with their own kitchenette a short distance away - ideal for those guests who form part of the larger group but who would appreciate a little more privacy). Six bedrooms have en-suite bathroom facilities. The main building has a well equipped kitchen, open veranda and an air-conditioned lounge. The lodge also offers a swimming pool as added attraction.

Tshugulu is situated in an area with large and dangerous game and unguided walking is not allowed. Guests with special requests regarding catering or activities (walks, drives or visits to cultural attractions) may contact the park directly on 015-534-0102 to arrange these.

Currently no gate hours are enforced and guests may arrive after hours. Guests can report directly to the lodge for check-in. Until the infrastructure development of the park has been completed, overnight visitors will not be charged daily conservation fees.

Leokwe Rest Camp

Leokwe is the park's main rest camp and is situated in a valley flanked by sandstone ridges. The theme of the camp is based on the rich history of the area and the design is derived from the typical Venda village.

Facilities offered in the rest camp include:

· A reception complex with a swimming pool, kitchen and a small convenience store.

· 14 x 2 bed cottages with open plan kitchens

· 2 x 4 bed family cottages with open plan kitchens.

· 2 x 2 bed cottages with a shower and toilet for the physically disabled persons.

Limpopo Forest Tented Camp

· Situated within the riverine forest of the Limpopo River, this tented camp offers spacious rooms and outdoor areas. It will cater for 16 people and has 8 x 2 bed self catering units available.

· It also has 7 Semi-Luxury Forest tents with 2 bed bedrooms, a kitchen, shower and toilet.

· It has a One Semi-Luxury Forest tent; 2 bed-bedroom, a kitchen and shower and toilet for the physically disabled

Vhembe Wilderness Trails Camp

· Based on the successful wilderness trails offered in the Kruger National Park, the Vhembe Trails Camp is situated on the perimeter of the important Mapungubwe Valley.

· Trailists will have the opportunity to explore the rich archaeology of the area on foot with a guide and will visit the famous Mapungubwe where the Golden Rhinoceros was found. Visitors will be based at the camp for the duration of the three day trail. The camp can accommodate 8 people- 2 persons per unit with own ablutions.

· Trails start Sunday afternoons at 15:00 and end Wednesday mornings at 09:30. Meals are included but guests must provide their own drinks.

· These cabins are only available for normal rental from Wednesday to Saturday nights when the units are not used to provide accommodation to guests on the wilderness trail, currently at a cost of R330 per cabin per night (subject to change).

The entrance to the Mapungubwe National Park is situated on the Musina-Pondrift Road. There is a viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view of the Limpopo-Shashe Rivers confluence; there are tree-top walks that allow visitors access to the Limpopo River and a bird hide at Manoutswa pan. A newly developed road network allows access to sedan vehicle to all the sites mentioned above.

Mapungubwe is developing quickly. Besides the marvellous accommodation the park has to offer, there are plans for expansion, improved roads and a campsite will be available later in 2007. A few of the impressive Khoi/San rock art shelters in the area will be opened for guided tours in the near future as well.

Rates
All rates are self-catering unless specified otherwise.

IMPORTANT: Deposits & payments
For bookings made more than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 4 months of making a booking. For bookings made less than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 10 days of making a booking. For bookings made within 40 days of arrival, immediate and full payment is required within 24 hours upon confirmation of the booking. Final and full payment for all reservations is due 40 days prior to arrival. Rates are to be used as a guide only - full quotes will be provided upon receipt of an enquiry.

When making an enquiry, please supply full detail regarding the number of adults, number of children together with their ages, arrival and departure dates, accommodation type(s) required and number of nights in each rest camp. Also supply alternative dates and rest camps where possible. Children under 2 are free of charge. Bookings open 1 year in advance - it is essential to book as early as possible for busy/peak periods and school holidays.

VALID 01 NOVEMBER 2008 – 31 OCTOBER 2009

PLEASE NOTE
CAMP & CARAVAN SITE RESERVATIONS CAN ONLY BE MADE DIRECTLY WITH SA NATIONAL PARKS AND NOT THROUGH US.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BOOKING ENQUIRY !