MZANZI TRAVEL - ISSUE 1

Mapungubwe National Park,
Limpopo – World Heritage Site
Mapungubwe lies alongside the Zimababwe and Botswana
borders in the steamy Limpopo River Valley where elephants,
giraffes, leopards and baboons roam between the baobob trees.
As a World Heritage Site, this park has considerable historical
significance, making it well worth the 550km journey north
from Johannesburg. Mapungubwe was the heart of Southern
Africa’s first indigenous kingdom; more than 9000 people lived
here around AD1300 and archaeologists have discovered a
hill-top graveyard, containing treasures including a golden
rhino figurine. You can spot predators like lions, leopards and
hyenas here. The National park is home to 400 species of birds
including Kori Bustard, tropical Boubou and Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Visitors can take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the sandstone
formations here. Elephant, giraffe, white rhino, eland, gemsbok
and numerous other antelope species can be spotted in the
area. Guided tours offered. Best for history.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park,
Northern Cape
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is an amalgamation of the
Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and the
Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The Park stretches
across 3.6 million hectares of land and is home to the striking
desert antelope – the Gemsbok, the black-maned Kalahari
Lions, weaver birds, the pygmy falcon and the meerkat. Red
sand dunes, sparse vegetation and the dry riverbeds of the
Nossob and Auob make spotting wildlife easier and provide
excellent photographic opportunities. Kgalagadi is a haven for
birders, especially those interested in birds of prey. Best for bird
watching.
Addo Elephant National Park,
Eastern Cape
Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation
park situated close to Port Elizabeth and ranks third in size
after Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Stretching from the semi-arid Karoo area in the north around
Darlington Dam, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, through
the Sundays River Valley and south to the coast between
Sundays River mouth and Bushman’s river mouth, Addo covers
about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird
and St Croix Island groups. The Park is home to lions, elephants,
Cape buffalo, endangered black rhino as well as a variety of
antelope species.