Magical Mapungubwe

[wildtuinman]

I very recently returned from Mapungubwe. I kind of lost count on how many times I've been there, 10 times or perhaps even a bit more.

Since 2016, I've been guiding on birding weekends organized by the HR Waterberg region and I can tell you with a straight face that it is one of the top birding destinations in the whole of South Africa.

Over the number of trips I have made to Mapungubwe, I personally have recorded 314 bird species. Taking into considetation that I have just surpassed 400 species for Kruger which is mammoth in comparison as far as size is concerned, the birdlife for Mapungubwe speaks for itself. The group tally of guests joining us on these excursions is sitting at 365 species.

Mapungubwe is also massively underrated in terms of big game viewing. Elephants are aplenty and this year, mid Feb, we encountered a herd of several 100 near the Samaria turn-off on the Den Staat road. Eland, Gemsbok, Kudu, Giraffe, Zebra are all common amongst others.

Mazhou camp night sounds does not only often include the roaring of lions and the sawing of leopards, but it is one of the best places for Owls of which I have recorded African Barred Owlet, African Scops-Owl, Western Barn Owl, Southern White-faced Scops-Owl, Spotted Eagle Owl, Verreaux's Eagle Owl, African Wood Owl and Pearl-spotted Owlet. One night produced a record 8 species!

Mazhou camp is a very special place. We even had a leopard in the camp 2 out of the 3 nights during our last trip.

Much have been said about Maloutswa hide and the river drive in other posts and trip reports, so I won't elaborate much on it. But the big kead wood forest is a must see!

I want to highlight 2 things about the western part of the Park. Due to the elephant destruction, many beautiful trees have been lost. There is currently a project on the go to plant new trees in the area of the boom gate and I really hope it succeeds.

Another thing that I want to place emphasis on is the poaching problem in Mapungubwe. It is unfortunately not a good situation. As much as Park management tries to curb it, the more challenges they face. I have been fortunate to undertake many guided walks along the Limpopo river in the western section over the years and each time we end up removing many snares and even encountered snared animals.

It has escalated unfortunately this time around. Lions are being poisoned and Aardvark has in essence been poached out of existence in the area. During our walk on Saturday we encountered a dead lion in the river bed close to the tented camp. We also encountered a bush slaughter house with meat hanging from branches and a dead impala ready for butchering. A dead warthog laced with poison. Horrific stuff. It was reported to authorities and the necessary investigation was done.

I'm just relieved that we stumbled upon it when we did, else the 4 breeding pairs of critically endangered White-backed Vultures in that area would be no more today.

What I am asking is that Mapungubwe seriously needs our help. Please visit this magical place. Please join HR events such as the birding weekends. I promise you, you will have the time of your live! These HR initiatives provides critical funding to curb poaching and the Waterberg region HR are doing an amazing job!

If you need any information with regards to these and other initiatives, please get in touch with me.

[wildtuinman]

Western Section

[wildtuinman]

More scenery

[wildtuinman]

Tons have been written about the eastern section, but I just want to add a few things in any case.

The Ngoro plains is a definite must visit!
The confluence lookout is breath-taking!
Leokwe camp and swimming pool is a piece of paradise!
The cows are a problem! Again, your visiting the Park and participating in HR events will assist greatly in eradicating this issue too.

In terms of scenery, there is no place in SA like Mapungubwe's eastern section and it is loaded with special birds.

[wildtuinman]

Eastern section scenery

[wildtuinman]

Scenery

[MATTHYS]

Thanks for a comprehensive Mapungubwe report and for the stunning photos, Wildtuinman.

[FinMari]

I appreciate very much all the info you gave us wildtuinman

Amazing photos

Thank you

[Meandering Mouse]

WTM, how wonderful to see you.

I agree 100% magical Mapungubwe.

I have visited both the eastern and western sides over the years. I have not yet camped. I will one day.

We stayed at Vhembe and Tshugulu Lodge over the festive season. It is time to go again.

[RichardJ]

WTM thanks for that feed back. A reminder that we should get back for a 2nd visit.

As you mentioned that is an impressive bird species list for the small park.

Perhaps you can post the advert for future events on the Forum.

@Albert over the years has posted the Boland HR Tankwa birding weekend advert. Finally this year I got to attend.

[colbol]

Many thanks Wildtuinman for sharing your photos and experiences

Mazhaou camp is rather unique , 8 owl species

Cheers colbol

[wildtuinman]

Hello everyone, good to see you too MM.

Glad the post sparked some interesting. I added the next HR event PDF in this post.

[Elsa]

Thanks for highlighting a beautiful park and for sharing your lovely pics wildtuinman.