National ParkUNESCO World Heritage
Mapungubwe
Southern Africa (Limpopo)Designated in 1995280 km²
Seat of the first and richest pre-colonial kingdom in southern Africa (11th-13th centuries), with gold objects older than Great Zimbabwe
Area
280 km²
Protection category
IUCN II
Parque nacional —
Designated in
1995
Declared in 1995 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003, Mapungubwe protects the archaeological site of the kingdom of the same name, which flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries as the first and richest documented pre-colonial state in southern Africa, and the direct forerunner of the better-known Great Zimbabwe. Twentieth-century excavations here turned up a golden rhinoceros and other ceremonial objects that reveal a sophisticated trading network reaching as far as China and India, long before any European contact.
Location
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Mapungubwe: 53 documented species
Mammals20Birds19Reptiles10Amphibians
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in South Africa, where Mapungubwe lies.
SavannahDesertMarine / coastal
Experiences in this park
Birdwatching
Wildlife you can see now
What is worth looking out for this month in South Africa?
Now is a good time: Southern right whales at Hermanus (June to November (peak August to October))
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: South Africa
Same country: South Africa
Same country: South Africa
Same country: South Africa
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about this park.
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