At the lookouts above the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers is a lovely picnic site with trees to provide shade. A footpath to the south takes you to the Pinnacle deck, which offers a view of a large rocky plain. To the north is a steep footpath to four wooden decks. Each one offers a different view of the confluence of the two rivers that form the border between South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Look for Verreaux’s eagles soaring in thermals.

Bookings
SANParks: 012 428 9111;www.sanparks.org
Mapungubwe reception: 015 534 2014
 

See the Limpopo riverine forest up close from a raised boardwalk.
In summer the fever trees are a good place to look for the rare broad-billed roller. Keep your ears open for its loud, distinctive call.
If you’re lucky, you might see an elephant herd passing underneath the boardwalk, which is about 4 m above the ground and several hundred metres long. It leads to a viewing hide on the river bank, where you’ll be able to spot a variety of birds, including white-fronted bee-eater.
The boardwalk is wheelchair-accessible.

Take the opportunity to explore Mapungubwe with a guide.
Heritage tour: Visit Mapungubwe Hill with a guide on a three-hour tour. (Cost: R115 per person.)
Game drive: Explore the park in an open vehicle by night or day with a guide who knows the area well. (Cost: R140 per person.)
Morning hike: Discover the smaller wonders of the veld with a field guide. (Cost: R245 per person.)

A combination of rocky koppies and riverine forest means that Mapungubwe is a leopard’s paradise.
Scan the koppies and bush by the river paths before sunrise if you want to spot one of these solitary cats.
You’ll see lots of fresh animal spoor if you’re first out of the camp in the morning. Drive slowly and you’ll spot lots of game, and there’s a good chance you’ll encounter the park’s elephants too.

Leokwe, the main camp in the park, has a swimming pool among sandstone rocks. There is a verandah for shade and the wooden deck is the perfect place to get a suntan.
If it’s quiet, dark-capped bulbuls, golden-breasted buntings, violet-eared waxbills and yellow-fronted canaries come and drink nearby. During our stay, we saw an elephant bull grazing a stone’s throw from the pool’s edge. Only visitors who’re staying over­night may use the pool.




(Note: Prices accurate in March 2010)