Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve

Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve covers a large area of savanna, riverine habitat, and rocky hills in the Limpopo Valley. The landscape supports lions, elephants, leopards, and many antelope species that move seasonally according to water and grazing patterns.

The reserve was created in 2002 through a partnership between De Beers and SANParks that merged separate land parcels. This consolidation formed the foundation of the present-day Mapungubwe National Park and established a larger unified conservation area.

The reserve sits next to Mapungubwe World Heritage Site, where visitors encounter ancient African settlements linked to early regional trade. This proximity shows how the area connected people across centuries through commerce and movement.

Visitors can join guided morning or evening excursions to observe wildlife in its natural setting. The best viewing times are during cooler hours when animals are most active.

The reserve has run a successful wild dog research program since 2000 that gathers scientific data on this endangered species. Visitors occasionally join radio tracking sessions to follow the daily movements of these carnivores through the bush.

GPS coordinates: -22.30251,29.20412

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:15