Located at the confluence between three countries - South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, and two large rivers - the Shashe and Limpopo, Mapungubwe National Park is worth a visit for many reasons; its gorgeous scenery, mysterious past, and incredible variety of large game and other wildlife.

A UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, the name Mapungubwe is of unclear origins, as is the specific ownership of its cultural sites. Several stone structures were built by earlier inhabitants and these have weathered beautifully over time.

In terms of wildlife, Mapungubwe is home to many of the world’s most threatened mammals, including the black rhinoceros and wild dog. Lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and elephant also inhabit the park, along with a wide array of antelope and other prey animals; eland, kudu, wildebeest, bushbuck, red hartebeest, oryx, zebra, giraffe and bush pig.

The scenery is also superb; baobab trees, riverine forest and sandstone formations abound. Activities include heritage tours, tree top walks and guided game drives, day and night. The Mapungubwe Museum and Interpretive Centre was voted World Building of the Year in 2009 at the World Architecture Festival Awards and houses some a great variety of displays.