SANParks.org Forums

Hi all.......
I will be in Mapungubwe for 7 nights this coming February.

I was thinking to do
3 nights camping at Mazhou
2 nights at the LFC
2 nights at Leokwe

Can anyone tell me if this sounds ok, and if possible which would be the best place to start and finish my stay.
I will be arriving via the Kruger where i will be camping at Tsendze and Punda.

I'm really looking forward to Mapungubwe as it will be my first time there.

Also can anyone recommend any good 4x4 drives in the area.

Many thanks in advance for any help

Best Regards.

Dave.

Hi djhep6,
Welcome to the Forum. I thought answering your question was going to be easy since I've been to Mapungubwe twice but everything has to do with your preferences. So the only way I can answer is to tell you what I enjoyed in this National Park...
I stayed in the Leokwe section of the Park (situated within red boulders) and I thoroughly enjoyed the Tree Top Walk (lush forest) then travelled past the Confluence to do the 4x4 trails with enough wildlife to keep it interesting. Visiting the western section, the Maloutswa Pan Hide should not be missed. With the Hide being close to the water you can spend hours there as there is a constant procession of wildlife coming to drink. I was fortunate enough, both times, to witness the Elephants come to drink and play in the water. Personally, three/four nights would be enough for me. And, of course, the historical part of the visit is very interesting. Both sections had a lot to offer. I'll be waiting for your Trip Report.

Hi Dave and a very warm welcome to you

Mazhou and Limpopo forest camp are very close to each other and cover the same ground in terms of sightings and eco systems. I would possibly stay in the tented camp for three nights and spend more time on the other side of the Park.

The eastern and Western sections are completely divided and it is not so easy to just pop from one side to the other.

The confluence, Mapungubwe hill and Canopy walk are all in the Leokwe section. I would advise spending more time there if possible.

Have you tried to get into Vhembe Bush Camp?
I am not sure what the possibilities are, but I have been to look and it is a place of stunning beauty. If you can get into Vhembe bush camp, I would consider spending at least two nights there.

This is a place of magic, I do hope that you have a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

Thanks so much for the welcome.
Also thankyou for the comments so far. These will definitely help to plan the trip.

MM I tried to find out availability at Vhembe, but the web page won't open for that camp.
Does anyone know if the camp is still open?.
With some luck it is just the internet gremlins at work.

Best Regards.

Dave.

ps.
The following 6 weeks are going to pass v e r r rrrry slowly..........

Oopps.....
Yes Gremlins at work......page now opens

Hi djhep6

As MM pointed out the park is divided into a eastern and western section, and they are an hours drive apart. So do try and stay in both sections.

We camped at Mazhou camp site and totally loved it. It is right on the top of my favourite camping sites in SANParks. But then the tented camp is in much the same setting, so probably just as lovely.

And do book a heritage walk so you can go up the hill. It is so worth it - but book the early one, as the heat of the day makes the climb up the hill tough going

I agree with DinkyBird, the heritage site is a must.

If I were in your shoes:

I would 3 nights in Mazhou, or Limpopo tented camp. There is not much between them in terms of setting. If you are avid campers, staying in Mazhou might free some "pennies" for a few extras. The sunset drive is highly recommended.

2 nights Leokwe
2 nights Vehmbe.

MM.
Thanks for your recommendation.
Actually, i do much prefer camping, so i'm going to book up for

2 nights Tsendze
2 niights Punda
3 nights Mazhou,
2 nights in Leokwe and
2 nights Vehmbe.

Also thanks to the others that have recommeded activities / sight seeing etc.
As i shall be there for the week, i hope to try them all

If anyone can recommend a particularly good cottage or camping spot at any of the locations above, that would be great.
Otherwise i'll do as i usually do and take pot luck (I've yet to be dissapointed).

Best Regards.

Dave.

Dave, I would really love to get feedback on bookings for Vhembe.

I do know that it was considered to be a "trails camp", but that seems to be flexible.



Good luck with a special place