Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
Location: Limpopo Province, Northern South Africa
Year of Inscription: 2003
Criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(v) to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
Overview: Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape is a national park in South Africa and a World Heritage Site. It is an important archaeological site that contains the ruins of the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe, which flourished from the 11th to the 14th century. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including elephants, giraffes, and various species of birds.
Prominent Features: The most notable features of the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape include:
The Hill of the Jackal: A sandstone hill that served as the site of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe.
The Mapungubwe Museum: A museum located within the park that displays artifacts and other objects related to the history of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe.
The Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre: A visitor center that provides information about the park and its history.
History: The Kingdom of Mapungubwe was a pre-colonial African state that existed from the 11th to the 14th century. The kingdom was located in the region that is now northern South Africa, near the border with Zimbabwe and Botswana. The kingdom was known for its trade in gold and ivory, and its people were skilled in metalworking and pottery. The kingdom declined in the 14th century, and was abandoned by the end of the century. The ruins of the kingdom were rediscovered in the 20th century by archaeologists.
Fun Fact: The Kingdom of Mapungubwe is known for its gold artifacts, including a golden rhinoceros that is considered one of the most important examples of African art from the pre-colonial era.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy game drives to see the park's diverse range of wildlife, explore the ruins of the ancient kingdom, and visit the Mapungubwe Museum and Interpretation Centre.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for adults is 90 South African rand (about 6 USD), and for children is 40 South African rand (about 2.6 USD).
How to Reach It: The Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape is located in northern Limpopo Province, South Africa. The nearest airport is in Polokwane, which is about a 2-hour drive from the park. Visitors can also reach the park by car or bus from Johannesburg, which is about a 6-hour drive away.
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate from Johannesburg to Musina, which is the nearest town to the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape. Some of the popular bus companies include Intercape, Greyhound, and City to City. Once you arrive in Musina, you can take a taxi or hire a car to get to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options within the park, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Mapungubwe Hilltop Camp, the Mazhou Camping Site, and the Mapungubwe Guest House.
Next Stop: ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape
Year of Inscription: 2003
Criteria: (ii) to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(v) to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
Overview: Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape is a national park in South Africa and a World Heritage Site. It is an important archaeological site that contains the ruins of the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe, which flourished from the 11th to the 14th century. The park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, including elephants, giraffes, and various species of birds.
Prominent Features: The most notable features of the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape include:
The Hill of the Jackal: A sandstone hill that served as the site of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe.
The Mapungubwe Museum: A museum located within the park that displays artifacts and other objects related to the history of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe.
The Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre: A visitor center that provides information about the park and its history.
History: The Kingdom of Mapungubwe was a pre-colonial African state that existed from the 11th to the 14th century. The kingdom was located in the region that is now northern South Africa, near the border with Zimbabwe and Botswana. The kingdom was known for its trade in gold and ivory, and its people were skilled in metalworking and pottery. The kingdom declined in the 14th century, and was abandoned by the end of the century. The ruins of the kingdom were rediscovered in the 20th century by archaeologists.
Fun Fact: The Kingdom of Mapungubwe is known for its gold artifacts, including a golden rhinoceros that is considered one of the most important examples of African art from the pre-colonial era.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy game drives to see the park's diverse range of wildlife, explore the ruins of the ancient kingdom, and visit the Mapungubwe Museum and Interpretation Centre.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for adults is 90 South African rand (about 6 USD), and for children is 40 South African rand (about 2.6 USD).
How to Reach It: The Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape is located in northern Limpopo Province, South Africa. The nearest airport is in Polokwane, which is about a 2-hour drive from the park. Visitors can also reach the park by car or bus from Johannesburg, which is about a 6-hour drive away.
By bus: There are several bus companies that operate from Johannesburg to Musina, which is the nearest town to the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape. Some of the popular bus companies include Intercape, Greyhound, and City to City. Once you arrive in Musina, you can take a taxi or hire a car to get to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options within the park, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Mapungubwe Hilltop Camp, the Mazhou Camping Site, and the Mapungubwe Guest House.
Next Stop: ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape