Safari dreams: Three national parks you MUST visit in Limpopo
Limpopo has a number of fantastic game reserves and national parks. Here are some you have to check out for a dreamy safari experience…
Mapungubwe National Park
Why you should visit: At the northern tip of Limpopo and South Africa, and bordering Zimbabwe, lies the Mapungubwe National Park. Situated at the meeting point of two mighty rivers, the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, the park is incredibly rich in wildlife. You will find a number of animals here, including elephant, hippopotamus, white rhinoceros, lion, leopard, cheetah, Cape wild dog, hyena, klipspringer and lots more.
It’s also the site of an 11th-century African civilization, South Africa’s first kingdom, once home to some 5 000 people. Stop by the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre near the park’s entrance where you can see relics of how this ancient civilization lived 800 years ago. Artefacts include glass beads, gold necklaces, pots, as well as some remains of the kingdom’s palace.
How much does it cost: Daily Conservation fees to enter the park is R67 per adult and R33 per child (SA citizens).
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Marakele National Park
Why you should visit: Located in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, the Marakele National Park, as its Tswana name suggests, has become a ‘place of sanctuary’ for an impressive variety of wildlife due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa. Here you can enjoy unique bush and mountain pass walks up to incredible views close of a Cape vulture colony. Marakele is also home to most of the large mammals found within the African bush, including elephants, leopards, lions and the like.
How much does it cost: Daily Conservation fees to enter the park is R67 per adult and R33 per child (SA citizens).
Kruger National Park, Limpopo
Why you should visit: One of South Africa’s safari gems also happens to be in the Limpopo province and definitely warrants a visit when in the area. Perched in the heart of the Lowveld region in the Limpopo Province, Kruger National Park offers some of the best wildlife viewing and safari adventures, tough to find anywhere else in the world! Apart from the magnificent wildlife and birdlife to witness at Kruger National Park, visitors can also experience 4×4 adventures, mountain biking and even a few rounds of golf nearby.
How much does it cost: Daily Conservation fees is R122 per adult and R60 per child (SA citizens).