South Africa Parks
By Philip Briggs
Philip lives in South Africa and is the author many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt and Insight guide to South Africa.
Mapungubwe is not primarily a typical safari destination. Its cultural and historical attractions are what it is known for. It is, however, a place with real wilderness appeal. A drive around the small wildlife viewing circuit will offer good sightings of a variety of species. Elephant, blue wildebeest, Burchell's zebra, blue duiker and warthog are all quite common.
Wildlife Highlights
Klipspringer are particularly at home in the dramatic landscape with rocky outcrops. They can be seen standing in pairs resembling little statues on top of a boulder. Chacma baboon also love to keep guard on top of the sandstone cliffs. Eland and red hartebeest can be found on the grassy plains while greater kudu keep to the thickets.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing in Mapungubwe is better in the drier climate that the months of June through September offer. This is mainly due to the lack of water, which encourages animals to come together at the pools and rivers that haven’t disappeared in the heat, making them easier to see.
