SANParks.org Forums

I've just booked a visit to Mapungubwe in April and would like some advice on which units are best for view and privacy. I have booked 3 nights in the Limpopo Forest camp and 2 nights in a CO2/4P cottage at Leokwe. Any advice on what would be the best for privacy and view will be much appreciated!

Can't wait!

The tents with the higher numbers have a better view than those with lower numbers, which are in thick bush.

Thanks, Imberbe, but since there are no camp maps, I have no idea how many tents there are ... can you enlighten me, please?

There are eight tents if memory serves. (Stayed there three years ago.) And if I remember correctly 7 has about the best view. It is open in front of the tent which makes it possible to see animals moving past. There is an area which at times may hold some water.

We stayed in 1 and though it is not bad, there is a thick bush section in front of those. The middle tents are near the small pool.

Thanks, Imberbe.

Does anyone have any input about prefered CO2/4P cottages at Leokwe?

I have been twice to Leokwe, both times in a one bedroomed cottage capable of sleeping 4. The first time I stayed was with my elderly mother, so we were in a cottage suitable for the disabled. I think it was number 2. The second time I stayed, we stayed in cottage number 6.

I did walk through the camps looking to see if there were any cottages that had no view. As far as I could see, there was only one that seemed to look over another cottage. Sadly, I cannot remember exactly which number it was, but I think that it might have been number 4.

The lower number, number 1 and 2 have the least privacy. This is mainly due to its position close to the pool area. I would definately choose one of the highest numbers which are situated against the cliff area and the futhest away from the common area.

Having said that, Leokwe is a camp that invites solitude. The units are designed to take in the beauty.

The pool area. Lovely first thing in the morning.



The patio from unit 2.



Interior of a one bedroomed cottage.



The bedroom.



This was taken from the pool area. I was hoping that I would have a picture taking in the whole camp. Sadly not. The units I would recommend would be those nesstled against the "cliffs". They would be the higher numbers.

Also there in April, end of April in limpopo forest camp. Whats your dates ?

Thanks, MM, for your excellent advice and all those lovely photos! Much appreciated!

@w1tw0lf: I'm booked for mid-April (11-15), so will miss you.

Arks, W1tWolf, enjoy your stay

it is a place beyond words.

Would loved to have met up with someone from the forums, first visit up there. Any suggestions for a "noob" up there ? Also the start of our honeymoon.

Pleased I have just spotted this thread as I am planning to go up in early June. I don't know the park at all (spend all my time in the KTP) so thanks for all the good advice MM and Imberbe - has anyone been to the Vhembe Wilderness camp? I thought 2 nights there, 2 nights Leokwe and 2 at the Limpopo TC ? Any recommendations for which way round? Thanks so much

Indiajane, you need a high clearance vehicle for Vhembe. Also depending which road you plan to drive to get there (via Alldays or via Musina) you have to report to the reception which is on the eastern side (Leokwe side) and if you drive Alldays you will have to backtrack to get to LFTC if that is your first stay.

Enjoy, it's a lovely place.

Edit: If you go to KTP you will have a high clearance vehicle

Chirinda, thank you - finding my way around this part of the world which we don't know at all ..... so any advice gratefully received. The only booking I could get for the week we can do the trip is (in this order) 2 nights LFTC, 1 night Leokwe (in a CO2/4 - which I understand is one of the lower number units that isn't against the cliff??) and then 3 nights in Vhembe. Yes, you are right, I do have a high clearance vehicle - any spare time and money is spent in the KTP and I have done a couple of trips into Mabuasehube. We are travelling via Pretoria and then Marakele where we hope to spend 2 nights - any advice on best routes appreciated. We are looking so forward to a new experience.

Dear Indiajane
enjoy your trip to Mapungubwe, I will be there in the middle of March to go t o the new interpretative centre.

Don't worry about your view in Leokwe if you don't see the cliffs you will see the bush - I have stayed in number 7 I think (they are in clusters of 3) and woke up in the mornings to elephant scratching in the sand next to the front door as well as huge rocks next to the fireplace area that started moving as soon as I got out - it turned out to be a few Eland that chose to overnight there.

The Vembe road is not that difficult I went there with my Daihatsu Materia - the only problem there is to get your stuff from the car to the tents. I don't travel light and it the walkway to the tents is a bit steep after the 3rd trip up, it is however well worth the effort as the tents overlook the valley, and the little pool on the rocks also have a wonderful view (ideal for a skinny dip .)

Limpopo FC can become icy at night in winter - was there last year towards the end of June and almost froze up during the night - it may be a good idea to take a hot water bottle or a microwaveable beanbag with. It was the one time that I wished I had an electric blanket to sleep on.

Thank you BrendaK - I would love to wake up to an elephant outside my door! Can't wait