Mapungubwe
A cultural landscape preserving the hilltop capital, settlement terraces, graves, trade evidence, and remains of an early southern African kingdom.
- Country
- South Africa
- Region
- Limpopo
- Civilisation
- Mapungubwe Kingdom
- Period
- 11th–13th centuries CE
- UNESCO
- World Heritage
Through time
The story
Mapungubwe National Park is a national park in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. It forms part of the UNESCO Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape and the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, abutting on the border with Botswana and Zimbabwe. It contains the historical site of Mapungubwe Hill, which was the site of a community dating back to the Iron Age and the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe. Evidence has shown that it was a prosperous community.
Archaeologists also uncovered the famous Golden Rhinoceros of Mapungubwe figurine from the site.
Adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What you will see
- Mapungubwe Hill
- Southern Terrace
- Royal burial area
Before you go
- Check opening hours and ticket rules shortly before your visit — they change seasonally.
- Plan for the heat. Most ancient sites have little shade; go early or late.
- Respect the barriers. Fragile surfaces are protected for the next visitors.
Discoveries from Mapungubwe
No discoveries yet. Be the first to share a photo from here.
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