I also researched the baobab bar but, tragically, the tree split in half a few years ago and the bar is no more. You’ve convinced me that I should try to visit the cycad reserve next time though – maybe it’s not as bad as people say.

There was a pretty decent road up to the cycad reserve entrance, and it was staffed as it needs guarding, but it’s not a pretty botanical garden, it’s a somewhat unkempt patch of hilltop forest consisting mainly of these amazing prehistoric trees. There’s a farm famous for it’s hollow baobab nearby too, with a bar inside the tree. Wonderful place, Limpopo.
We’re good, come visit us when the cold hits Joburg!

Ahhh, that’s all very interesting. I think they’ve taken down all the fences now and the elephants just go wherever they want. And an aardvark sighting is indeed very rare! I actually looked up the Cycad Reserve before we went up – I’ve always wanted to go – but I read several reviews saying it’s become really neglected and overgrown and hard to find 🙁 I don’t think it would have been possible for us to to go anyway because it poured the whole time we were in the area. But maybe I’ll try one of these days just to see if the reviews are exaggerated. Hope you guys are well! xx

Wow. Sounds intriguing! Need to get back up there soon.

Thanks Paul. Yes I definitely need to get there soon!

You should now visit Thulamela in the northern Kruger Park. This was a key cog in the global Ivory-Gold-Ivory trade network that for a 1000 years was part of the Indian Ocean trading system and fed the main centres of demand in Arabia, Persia and India. In its short life, Mapungubwe was part of this system too – until the Kingdom died mysteriously (and decamped to Great Zimbabwe?)

As a site, Thulamela knocks the spots off Mapungubwe. The Royal Citadel has been partially reconstructed and is interspersed with giant baobabs which overlook the Luvuvhu and Limpopo floodplains. It is SA’s best-kept archaeological secret, continuously occupied for 400+ years since 1250AD and a core part of an astonishing 1000 year history which we are only beginning to uncover now.

Origin Safaris is offering exceptional specials to Thulamela until end April. Have a look and contact me if you are interested.

You’re right, we are very, very lucky! Going to Mapungubwe felt like visiting another planet. Thanks for the reminder.

Yes, that would be a serious journey by car.

I wish! From Cape Town it is too far. I should maybe fly to Jozi. Then get a lift that side.