Kruger National Park

Thulamela

Thulamela is a stone walled site, found in the far northern region of the Kruger National Park, that was ‘discovered’ in the 1990s. Following its ‘discovery’, it became vital for the Park Management to be sensitive about this site, knowing the history of forced removals. As a result, the ‘discovery’ of Thulamela marked the beginning of partnership between the park and neighbouring Venda and Tsonga communities. This partnership eventually led to the establishment of the Thulamela Board of Trustee constituted by members drawn from four Chieftainships in areas of Venda (Mutele, Makuya, and Mphaphuli) and Tsonga (Mhinga). The Board of Trustee was tasked to oversee excavations conducted by archaeologists in 1993.

Based on the limited analysis undertaken, Thulamela was built by Iron Age communities who lived in the area between AD 1400 and AD 1700. The site became a major settlement following the decline of Great Zimbabwe. Like Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe before it, Thulamela had well-established trade networks. The site was culturally linked to the Makahane community, with whom SANParks has a great relationship. They conduct rituals at the site with the assistance of SANParks. Thulamela was declared as a National Heritage Site on the 13^th of September 2024 by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), acknowledging its archaeological significance.

GPS Waypoints: 22°25'59.6"S 31°11'51.1"E