A diverse wilderness where you can admire archeological remnants of a not so distant past, admire elephants en masse - and all in a bizarre landscape of colossal rocky outcrops dotted with sturdy baobabs - Africa's "up-side-down" trees - dissected by meandering rivers and precipitous gorges. Wildebeest, zebra, kudu and impala migrate along historic routes along sections of the Limpopo River, under the ever watchful eye of resident predators. The lodges on the reserve offer a variety of activities - from exciting game viewing in 4-wheel drive vehicles and walking safaris to mountain biking and horse back riding. Historic and archaeological sites abound; notable are the Motloutse Ruins, Pitsani Koppie sites and nearby Mapungubwe. Various research projects are currently active in the area, with a focus on elephants, cheetahs, archaeology and arachnids. 

Seasons: The summer rains fall from Dec-Mar, the calving months. The bush is dense, temperatures soar. In April, days are cooler, and birding is good. May-Aug is the dry season, a great time for game viewing as game congregates around waterholes, and the bush is less dense, facilitating game viewing. 

Wildlife: 366 bird species You should see: African elephant, hippo, lion, spotted hyaena, aardwolf, giraffe, eland, impala, wildebeest, zebra, ostrich, kori bustard, Blue Wildebeest, Common Duiker, klipspringer, steenbok, kudu, gemsbok, waterbuck, Chacma Baboon, Vervet Monkey, bushbaby You may see: cheetah, leopard, bat-eared fox, African Wildcat, antbear, pangolin, Rock Dassie, Scrub Hare, warthog, bushpig, African Civet, genet, mongoose, Cape Clawless Otter, honey badger and striped polecat. 

Precautions: Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.